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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Schedule 13D

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.)*

OWOSSO CORPORATION
(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(Title of Class of Securities)

691217 10 3
(CUSIP Number)

Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.
23 Inverness Way East, Suite 150
Englewood, CO 80112-5711
(303) 799-8520
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

February 10, 2004
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g), check the following box. o

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

This Document contains 10 Pages.


CUSIP No. 691217 10 3   SCHEDULE 13D   Page 2 of 10 Pages

1   NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS/I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)
Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.

2   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP   (a)  o
                (b)  o

3   SEC USE ONLY

           

4   SOURCE OF FUNDS
N/A

5   CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)
                o

6   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Colorado


Number of
Shares

 

7

 

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

 
Beneficially  
Owned by
Each
  8   SHARED VOTING POWER
3,690,798
   
Reporting  
Person
With
  9   SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

   
       
        10   SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

   

11   AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
3,690,798

12   CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES    
                o

13   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
63.4%

14   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
CO


CUSIP No. 691217 10 3   SCHEDULE 13D   Page 3 of 10 Pages

1   NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS/I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)
Richard Smith

2   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP   (a)  o
                (b)  o

3   SEC USE ONLY

           

4   SOURCE OF FUNDS
N/A

5   CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)
                o

6   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
U.S.


Number of
Shares

 

7

 

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

 
Beneficially  
Owned by
Each
  8   SHARED VOTING POWER
3,690,798
   
Reporting  
Person
With
  9   SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

   
       
        10   SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

   

11   AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
3,690,798

12   CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES    
                o

13   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
63.4%

14   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
IN


CUSIP No. 691217 10 3   SCHEDULE 13D   Page 4 of 10 Pages

1   NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS/I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)
Richard Warzala

2   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP   (a)  o
                (b)  o

3   SEC USE ONLY

           

4   SOURCE OF FUNDS
N/A

5   CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)
                o

6   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
U.S.


Number of
Shares

 

7

 

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

 
Beneficially  
Owned by
Each
  8   SHARED VOTING POWER
3,690,798
   
Reporting  
Person
With
  9   SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

   
       
        10   SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

   

11   AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
3,690,798

12   CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES    
                o

13   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
63.4%

14   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
IN


SCHEDULE 13D


Item 1. Security and Issuer.

        This Statement relates to the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Owosso Common Stock"), of Owosso Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation ("Owosso"). The address of the Issuer's principal executive offices is 22543 Fisher Road, Watertown, NY 13601.


Item 2. Identity and Background.

        (a)   This statement is filed by Allied Motion Technologies, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Allied"), Richard Smith and Richard Warzala (the "Reporting Persons").

        (b)   The address of the principal business office for the Reporting Persons is 23 Inverness Way East, Suite 150, Englewood, CO 80112-5711.

        (c)   The principal business of Allied is the design and manufacturing of motor and servo motion products primarily for the Commercial Motor, Industrial Motion Control, and Aerospace and Defense markets. Richard Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of Allied and Richard Warzala is the President of Allied.

        (d)   During the last five years none of the Reporting Persons has been convicted in a criminal proceeding (other than routine traffic violations).

        (e)   During the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons has been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body or the subject of any judgments, decrees or final orders from the regulatory bodies.

        Annex A attached to this Schedule 13D contains the following information concerning each director and executive officer of Allied: (a) the name and residence or business address; (b) the principal occupation or employment and (c) the name, principal business and address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted. Annex A is incorporated herein by reference. To the knowledge of Allied, each of the persons named on Annex A is a United States citizen. During the last five years, to the knowledge of Allied, none of Allied's directors or executive officers, (a) has been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (b) has been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.


Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

        No shares of Owosso Common Stock will be purchased pursuant to the Voting Agreements. The Reporting Person's may be deemed to have obtained beneficial ownership of Owosso Common Stock pursuant to the Voting Agreements described below based on the Reporting Persons' voting power with respect to the covered shares. To the Reporting Persons' knowledge, no other person listed in Annex A has an ownership interest in Owosso.

        On February 10, 2004, Allied entered into a separate voting agreement (each, a "Voting Agreement" and collectively, the "Voting Agreements") with each of, (a) George Lemmon Jr., (b) The John F. Northway, Sr. Trust, (c) Lowell Huntsinger, (d) John Reese, and (e) Randall James (collectively, the "Shareholders"). The Shareholders entered into the Voting Agreements as an inducement for Allied to enter into the Merger Agreement discussed in Item 4 and in consideration thereof. Allied has not paid additional consideration to the Shareholders or Owosso in connection with the execution and delivery of the Voting Agreements.

Page 5 of 10 pages




Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.

        On February 10, 2004, Allied entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") by and among Allied, AMOT, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allied ("Merger Sub"), and Owosso. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, subject to certain conditions, Owosso will be merged with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allied (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Owosso Common Stock will be automatically converted into the right to receive 0.068 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of common stock, no par value per share, of Allied ("Allied Common Stock") (such fraction of a share, together with any cash in lieu of fractional shares to be paid, collectively are referred to as the "Common Stock Merger Consideration"). Each issued and outstanding share of Owosso class A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Owosso Preferred Stock"), will be automatically converted into the right to receive: (A) cash in the amount of $.9333 per share; (B) 0.127 shares (the "Preferred Exchange Ratio") of Allied Common Stock; and (C) a warrant to purchase 0.28 shares of Allied Common Stock (the "Preferred Merger Consideration" and, together with the Common Stock Merger Consideration and the Additional Preferred Merger Consideration, the "Merger Consideration")

        Allied entered into the Voting Agreements in connection with the Merger Agreement. Pursuant to the Voting Agreements, each of the Shareholders has agreed to be present and vote, and has granted to Richard Smith and Richard Warzala, as officers of Allied, an irrevocable proxy to vote all of the Owosso Common Stock and Owosso Preferred Stock beneficially owned by such Shareholder, together with any shares of Owosso Common Stock and Owosso Preferred Stock acquired after the date of the Voting Agreements, whether upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise (collectively, the "Voting Shares") at any meeting of the shareholders of Owosso, however called, or any adjournment or postponement thereof: (a) in favor of the Merger; (b) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of Owosso under the Merger Agreement; and (c) against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger.

        In addition to the other covenants and agreements of the Shareholders provided for in the respective Voting Agreements, from the date of execution of the respective Voting Agreement until the first to occur of the Effective Time or the termination of the respective Voting Agreement, each of the Shareholders has agreed, generally, not to (i) transfer, or consent to any transfer of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) enter into any contract, option or other agreement or understanding with respect to any transfer of any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (iii) grant any proxy, power-of-attorney or other authorization in or with respect to the Shares; (iv) deposit any Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement or arrangement with respect to the Shares; or (v) take any other action that would in any way restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of his obligations under the respective Voting Agreement or the transactions contemplated by the respective Voting Agreement or the Merger Agreement or which would make any representation or warranty of Shareholder in the Voting Agreement untrue or incorrect.

        The foregoing summary of the Merger Agreement and the Voting Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to such agreements, which are filed as exhibits hereto and are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety.

        The purpose of the Merger is for Allied to acquire control of Owosso. Upon consummation of the Merger, Owosso will be merged with Merger Sub and will become a controlled subsidiary of Allied, the shares of Owosso Common Stock will cease to be freely traded or listed, Owosso Common Stock will be de-registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Page 6 of 10 pages



        Except as set forth above, none of the Reporting Persons has any present plans or proposals which relate to or would result in any of the actions described in subparagraphs (a) through (j) of the instructions to Item 4 of Schedule 13D.


Item 5. Interest in Securities of Issuer.

        The information contained in Item 3 and Item 4 and Rows (11) through (13) of the cover pages of this Statement on Schedule 13D are incorporated herein by reference.

        (a)-(b) Prior to February 10, 2004, none of the Reporting Persons were the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of any shares of Owosso Common Stock. Upon execution of the Voting Agreements, the Reporting Persons may be deemed to have acquired sole or shared voting power (for the sole purposes described in the Voting Agreements) with respect to, and to that extent only, beneficial ownership of, shares of Owosso Common Stock beneficially owned by each of the Shareholders. Based on representations made by the Shareholders in their respective Voting Agreements, the Shareholders subject to the Voting Agreements beneficially own, and therefore the Reporting Persons may be deemed to beneficially own, 3,690,798 shares of Owosso Common Stock constituting approximately 63.4% of the total issued and outstanding shares of Owosso Common Stock (based on 5,824,306 shares, the number of shares outstanding, as represented by Owosso in the Merger Agreement). The Reporting Persons disclaim beneficial ownership of any shares of Owosso Common Stock.

        Except as disclosed in this Item 5, the Reporting Person nor, to the best of its knowledge, any of the directors or executive officers of Allied, beneficially owns any shares of Owosso Common Stock.

        (c)   Neither the Reporting Persons nor, to the knowledge of Allied, any person named in Annex A, has effected any transaction in Owosso Common Stock during the past 60 days.

        (d)   To the Reporting Persons' knowledge, each Shareholder has the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the shares of Owosso Common Stock owned by such Shareholder and reported by this statement.

        (e)   Not applicable.

        References to, and descriptions of, the Merger Agreement and the Voting Agreements as set forth above in this Item 5 are qualified in their entirety by reference to such agreements, which are filed as exhibits hereto and are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety.


Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer

        Other than as described in Items 3, 4 and 5 and the agreements incorporated herein by reference and set forth as exhibits hereto, to the knowledge of the Reporting Persons, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships (legal or otherwise) among the persons named in Item 2 and between such persons and any person with respect to any securities of Owosso, including but not limited to transfer or voting of any of the securities, finder's fees, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of profits, division of profits or loss, or the giving or withholding of proxies.

Page 7 of 10 pages



Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits

Page 8 of 10 pages



SIGNATURE

        After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

DATED: February 20, 2004


 

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RICHARD SMITH      
    Name:   Richard Smith
    Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

 

/s/  
RICHARD SMITH      
Richard Smith

 

 

/s/  
RICHARD WARZALA      
Richard Warzala

Page 9 of 10 pages



ANNEX A TO SCHEDULE 13D

        Set forth below is the name, business address, principal occupation or employment and principal business in which such employment is conducted of each director, executive officer and controlling person of Allied. The name of each person who is a director of Allied is marked with an asterisk. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each person listed below is 23 Inverness Way East, Suite 150, Englewood, CO 80112-5711.

Name

  Principal Occupation or Employment
  Principal Business in which such Employment is Conducted
Eugene E. Prince*   Retired   N/A

Delwin D. Hock*

 

Retired

 

N/A

Graydon D. Hubbard*

 

Retired

 

N/A

George J. Pilmans*

 

Retired

 

N/A

Richard D. Smith*

 

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Allied

Richard S. Warzala

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

Allied

Page 10 of 10 pages




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ANNEX A TO SCHEDULE 13D

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Exhibit 99.1

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

by and among

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,

AMOT, INC.

and

OWOSSO CORPORATION

Dated as of February 10, 2004



TABLE OF CONTENTS


TABLE OF DEFINITIONS
 
ARTICLE I THE MERGER
    Section 1.1   The Merger
    Section 1.2   Closing; Effective Time
    Section 1.3   Effects of Merger
    Section 1.4   Tax Consequence
 
ARTICLE II DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND CHARTER DOCUMENTS
    Section 2.1   Directors
    Section 2.2   Officers
    Section 2.3   Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Surviving Corporation
 
ARTICLE III TREATMENT OF SECURITIES
    Section 3.1   Effect of the Merger on Capital Stock
    Section 3.2   Additional Preferred Merger Consideration
    Section 3.3   Exchange of Certificates
    Section 3.4   Company Options; Stock Plans
 
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
    Section 4.1   Corporate Organization
    Section 4.2   Capitalization
    Section 4.3   Authority; No Violation
    Section 4.4   Consents and Approvals
    Section 4.5   SEC Reports; Financial Statements
    Section 4.6   Broker's Fees
    Section 4.7   Absence of Certain Changes or Events
    Section 4.8   Legal Proceedings
    Section 4.9   Taxes and Tax Returns
    Section 4.10   Certain Other Tax Matters
    Section 4.11   Employees; Benefit Plans
    Section 4.12   Securities Laws Matters
    Section 4.13   Compliance with Applicable Law, Permits and Licenses
    Section 4.14   Intellectual Property; Proprietary Rights; Employee Restrictions; Assets
    Section 4.15   Certain Contracts; Leases
    Section 4.16   Indebtedness; Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
    Section 4.17   Insurance
    Section 4.18   Environmental Liability
    Section 4.19   State Takeover Law
    Section 4.20   Form S-4 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
    Section 4.21   Transactions with Affiliates
    Section 4.22   Labor Relations; Collective Bargaining Agreements
    Section 4.23   Dividends
    Section 4.24   Product Labeling, Product Liability and Product Warranty
     

i


 
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
    Section 5.1   Corporate Organization
    Section 5.2   Capitalization
    Section 5.3   Authority; No Violation
    Section 5.4   Consents and Approvals
    Section 5.5   SEC Reports; Financial Statements
    Section 5.6   Broker's Fees
    Section 5.7   Absence of Certain Changes or Events
    Section 5.8   Legal Proceedings
    Section 5.9   Taxes and Tax Returns
    Section 5.10   Certain Tax Matters
    Section 5.11   Employees; Benefit Plans
    Section 5.12   Securities Laws Matters
    Section 5.13   Compliance with Applicable Law, Permits and Licenses
    Section 5.14   Intellectual Property; Proprietary Rights; Employee Restrictions; Assets
    Section 5.15   Certain Contracts; Leases
    Section 5.16   Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
    Section 5.17   Insurance
    Section 5.18   Environmental Liability
    Section 5.19   Form S-4 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
    Section 5.20   Transactions with Affiliates
    Section 5.21   Labor Relations; Collective Bargaining Agreements
    Section 5.22   Dividends
    Section 5.23   Product Labeling, Product Liability and Product Warranty
    Section 5.24   Conduct of Business
 
ARTICLE VI CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
    Section 6.1   Conduct of Businesses Prior to the Merger Closing
    Section 6.2   Company Forbearances
    Section 6.3   Parent Obligations
    Section 6.4   Certain Tax Matters
    Section 6.5   Other Matters
 
ARTICLE VII ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
    Section 7.1   Filings Under Securities Laws
    Section 7.2   Access to Information
    Section 7.3   Acquisition Transactions
    Section 7.4   Shareholders' Approval
    Section 7.5   Legal Conditions to the Merger
    Section 7.6   Affiliates
    Section 7.7   Stock Exchange Quotation or Listing
    Section 7.8   Additional Agreements
    Section 7.9   Advise of Changes
    Section 7.10   Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance
    Section 7.11   Taxable Stock Purchase
    Section 7.12   Employee Matters
    Section 7.13   Registration Statement
    Section 7.14   Company Industrial Revenue Bonds
    Section 7.15   Subordinated Debt Settlement
     

ii


 
ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS
    Section 8.1   Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger
    Section 8.2   Conditions to Obligations of the Company
    Section 8.3   Conditions to Obligations of Parent
 
ARTICLE IX TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
    Section 9.1   Termination
    Section 9.2   Effect of Termination
    Section 9.3   Amendment
    Section 9.4   Extension; Waiver
 
ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS
    Section 10.1   Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements
    Section 10.2   Expenses
    Section 10.3   Notices
    Section 10.4   Interpretation
    Section 10.5   Counterparts
    Section 10.6   Entire Agreement
    Section 10.7   Governing Law
    Section 10.8   Publicity; Announcements
    Section 10.9   Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries
    Section 10.10   Specific Enforcement
    Section 10.11   Disclosure of Tax Treatment/Structure

iii



TABLE OF DEFINITIONS

Definition

  Section Defined
Acquisition Proposal   7.3(b)
Acquisition Transaction   7.3(a)
Additional Preferred Merger Consideration   3.2(a)
Agreement   1st paragraph
Articles of Merger   1.2
Assumed Employees   7.12(b)
Business Day   1.2
Cash Payment   3.4(a)
CERCLA   4.18
Certificates   3.3(b)
Claims   4.18
Closing   1.2
Closing Date   1.2
Code   Recitals
Common Exchange Ratio   3.1(b)(i)
Common Merger Consideration   3.1(b)(i)
Company   1st paragraph
Company Audited Balance Sheets   4.5(b)
Company Audited Financial Statements   4.5(b)
Company Benefit Plan   4.11(a)
Company Board Approval   4.3(a)
Company Board Recommendation   7.3(c)
Company Charter   4.1(a)
Company Common Stock   3.1(b)(i)
Company Contract   4.15(a)
Company Disclosure Schedule   Article 4 preamble
Company ERISA Affiliate   4.11(a)
Company Insurance Policies   4.17
Company Intellectual Property   4.14(a)
Company Leased Real Property   4.15(c)
Company Leases   4.15(c)
Company Licensed Intellectual Property   4.14(a)
Company Options   3.4
Company Owned Intellectual Property   4.14(a)
Company Permits   4.13(b)
Company Permitted Encumbrances   4.14(e)
Company Preferred Stock   3.1(b)(ii)
Company Reports   4.5(a)
Company Securities   3.3(b)
Company Shareholder Approval   4.3(a)
Confidentiality Agreement   7.2(c)
D&O Insurance Policy   7.10(a)
Effective Time   1.2
ERISA   4.11(c)
Excess Parent Common Stock   3.3(d)
Exchange Act   4.5(a)
Exchange Agent   3.3(a)
     

a


Existing Products   3.2(a)
GAAP   3.2(a)
Governmental Entity   4.4
Gross Revenues   3.2(a)
Indemnified Parties   7.10(b)
Independent Accountant   3.2(c)
Industrial Revenue Bonds   7.14
Intellectual Property   4.14(a)
"knowledge"   4.8
Liability Notice of Disagreement   8.3(f)
Liens   4.2(b)
Material Adverse Effect   4.1(a)
Merger   Recitals
Merger Consideration   3.1(b)(ii)
Merger Sub   1st paragraph
Multiemployer Plan   4.11(c) & 5.11(c)
Multiple Employer Plan   4.11(c) & 5.11(c)
Net Liabilities   8.3(f)
Non-Competition Agreements   Recitals
Notice of Disagreement   3.2(c)
Parent   1st paragraph
Parent Audited Balance Sheets   5.5(b)
Parent Audited Financial Statements   5.5(b)
Parent Benefit Plan   5.11(a)
Parent Common Stock   3.1(b)(i)
Parent Contract   5.15(a)
Parent Disclosure Schedule   Article 5 preamble
Parent ERISA Affiliate   5.11(a)
Parent Insurance Policies   5.17
Parent Intellectual Property   5.14(a)
Parent Leased Real Property   5.15(c)
Parent Leases   5.15(c)
Parent Licensed Intellectual Property   5.14(a)
Parent Owned Intellectual Property   5.14(a)
Parent Permits   5.13(b)
Parent Permitted Encumbrances   5.14(e)
Parent Preferred Stock   5.2(a)
Parent Reports   5.5(a)
Parent Significant Subsidiaries   5.1
Parties   1st paragraph
PBCL   1.1
Preferred Exchange Ratio   3.1(b)(ii)
Preferred Merger Consideration   3.1(b)(ii)
Preferred Representative   3.2(c)
Preferred Shareholders   3.2(a)
Proxy Statement/Prospectus   7.1
Registration Statement   5.4
Released Person   8.3(n)
Releasing Person   8.3(n)
Report   3.2(c)
     

b


Requisite Regulatory Approval   8.1(c)
Reserved Shares   5.2(a)
S1   1.4
S2   1.4
S3   1.4
Response Actions   4.18
SEC   4.4
Securities Act   4.5(a)
Shareholder Meeting   7.4
Shareholder Proposal   7.4
Special Committee   7.3(b)
Statement of Liabilities   8.3(f)
Stature   3.2(a)
Stature Balance Sheets   4.5(b)
Stature Products   3.2(a)
Stock Plans   3.4(a)
Subordinated Debt   4.16
Subordinated Notes   3.2(a)
Subordination Agreement   3.2(a)
Subsidiary   4.1(a)
Superior Proposal   7.3(b)
Surviving Corporation   Recitals
Tax/Taxes   4.9(c)
Tax Return   4.9(c)
Termination Date   9.1(c)
Third Party Intellectual Property   4.14(a)
Voting Agreements   Recitals
Warrant/Warrants   3.1(b)(ii)

c


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

        THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of February 10, 2004 (the "Agreement"), is by and among Allied Motion Technologies, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Parent"), AMOT, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and Owosso Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company") (collectively, the "Parties").

RECITALS

        WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of each of the Parties have, by unanimous vote, approved and declared advisable this Agreement, pursuant to which the Company shall merge with Merger Sub (the "Merger"), with Merger Sub being the surviving corporation in the Merger (the "Surviving Corporation"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions, and with the effects, set forth in this Agreement;

        WHEREAS, as a condition to, and simultaneously with, the execution of this Agreement, certain shareholders of the Company listed on Exhibit A are entering into agreements in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Voting Agreements") with Parent, pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote in favor of approval of this Agreement;

        WHEREAS, as a condition to the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, certain shareholders of the Company listed on Exhibit B are entering into non-competition agreements with Parent in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Non-Competition Agreements");

        WHEREAS, as a condition to the Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, prior to the Merger, the Company shall merge with its wholly owned subsidiary, Stature (as defined below in Section 3.2(a)), with the Company being the surviving corporation;

        WHEREAS, the Parties intend that the Merger shall constitute a taxable sale of assets and liquidation of the Company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); and

        WHEREAS, the Parties desire to make certain representations, warranties and agreements in connection with the Merger and other transactions contemplated hereby and also to prescribe certain conditions to the Merger and other transactions contemplated hereby.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:


ARTICLE I
THE MERGER

        Section 1.1    The Merger.     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law (the "PBCL"), at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with the Company in accordance with the applicable provisions of the PBCL. Following the Effective Time, the Merger Sub shall continue as the Surviving Corporation and shall be a direct or indirect, wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent and the Merger Sub shall succeed to all of the rights and obligations of the Company, and the separate corporate existence of the Company shall cease, all as specified in the PBCL.


        Section 1.2
    Closing; Effective Time.     The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP, Twelve Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14202 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the third Business Day immediately following the date on which the last of the conditions set forth in Article VIII hereof is satisfied or waived (other than conditions that by their nature cannot be satisfied until the Closing Date, but subject to satisfaction or waiver of such conditions), or at such other time and date and place as Parent and the Company shall mutually agree

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(the "Closing Date"). The term "Effective Time" shall mean the time and date of the filing by the Company of properly executed articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger") with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in accordance with the PBCL, or at such later time as agreed to by the Parties and set forth in the Articles of Merger. The term "Business Day" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the commercial banks in the State of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed.


        Section 1.3
    Effects of Merger.     The Merger will have the effects set forth in the applicable provisions of the PBCL and this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, except as otherwise provided herein, all of the property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the Company shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.


        Section 1.4
    Tax Consequence.     It is intended that the Merger constitute a taxable sale of assets and liquidation of the Company under the Code, and the Parties hereto agree to treat the Merger consistently with this intention for all purposes at all times prior to and following the Closing, unless required to do otherwise by law. Prior to the Effective Time, the following will occur: Parent will create a wholly-owned subsidiary ("S1") which will create two wholly-owned subsidiaries ("S2" and "S3"); Parent will contribute the stock of Merger Sub to S1; and Parent will cause S1 to contribute 50% of the stock of Merger Sub to each of S2 and S3.


ARTICLE II
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND CHARTER DOCUMENTS

        Section 2.1    Directors.     The directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall become the directors of the Surviving Corporation, which individuals shall serve as directors of the Surviving Corporation until the earlier of their resignation or removal or their otherwise ceasing to be directors or until their respective successors are duly appointed or elected in accordance with applicable law.


        Section 2.2
    Officers.     The officers of the Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation as of the Effective Time and shall serve until their resignation or removal or their otherwise ceasing to be officers or until their respective successors are duly appointed or elected in accordance with applicable law.


        Section 2.3
    Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Surviving Corporation.     At the Effective Time: (i) the Articles of Incorporation of the Merger Sub in effect immediately before the Effective Time shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation, and (ii) the Bylaws of Merger Sub in effect immediately before the Effective Time shall become the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until altered, amended or repealed as provided under the PBCL or in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation (which Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws shall include provisions consistent with the requirements of Section 7.10(b) of this Agreement).


ARTICLE III
TREATMENT OF SECURITIES

        Section 3.1    Effect of the Merger on Capital Stock.     At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any holder of any capital stock of the Company or Merger Sub:

        (a)   Cancellation of Certain Company Securities. Each share, if any, of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock that is held in the treasury of the Company and all shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock, if any, that are owned by Parent or Merger Sub

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immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist, and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto.

        (b)   Conversion of Company Securities. By virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any holder thereof:

        (c)   Certain Adjustments. If between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock, Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock shall be changed into a different number of shares by reason of any stock split, combination of shares, or any dividend payable in stock shall be declared thereon with a record date within such period, the Common Exchange Ratio and the Preferred Exchange Ratio shall be appropriately adjusted to provide the holders of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock the same economic effect contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event.

        (d)   Appraisal Rights. Notwithstanding Sections 3.1(b)(i), shares of Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and held by a holder who has not voted in favor of the Merger Agreement or consented thereto in writing and who has demanded appraisal for such shares of Company Common Stock in accordance with the PBCL shall not be converted into the Common Merger Consideration unless such holder fails to perfect or withdraws or otherwise loses his right to appraisal. If after the Effective Time such holder fails to perfect or withdraws or loses his right to appraisal, such shares of Company Common Stock shall be treated as if they had been converted as of the Effective Time into the Common Merger Consideration, as applicable. The Company shall give

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Parent prompt notice of any demands received by the Company for appraisal of shares of Company Common Stock and Parent shall have the right to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. The Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of Parent, make any payment with respect to, or settle or offer to settle, any such demands. Payments to holders of Company Common Stock under this Section 3.1(d) shall be made by the Company out of its own funds.


        Section 3.2
    Additional Preferred Merger Consideration.     

        (a)   Amount of Additional Preferred Merger Consideration. In the event that the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Stature Electric Inc. ("Stature"), or any division or business which succeeds to the business operations of Stature, achieves Gross Revenues (as hereinafter defined) of at least eighteen million three hundred seventy thousand dollars ($18,370,000) during the calendar year ending December 31, 2004, the Parent shall issue subordinated promissory notes substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the "Subordinated Notes") to holders of Company Preferred Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time (the "Preferred Shareholders"), prorated by such Preferred Shareholders' Company Preferred Stock ownership as follows (the "Additional Preferred Merger Consideration") and each Preferred Shareholder shall execute a subordination agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (each a "Subordination Agreement"): (i) if Gross Revenues for such period are less than eighteen million three hundred seventy thousand dollars ($18,370,000), then no Subordinated Notes will be issued; (ii) if Gross Revenues are equal to or greater than nineteen million six hundred thousand dollars ($19,600,000) then Subordinated Notes for a total principal amount of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) will be issued; (iii) if Gross Revenues are greater than eighteen million three hundred and seventy thousand dollars ($18,370,000) but less than nineteen million six hundred thousand dollars ($19,600,000), then the total principal amount of the Subordinated Notes will equal the product of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the difference between the actual amount of the Gross Revenues minus eighteen million three hundred and seventy thousand dollars ($18,370,000) and the denominator of which is one million two hundred and thirty thousand dollars ($1,230,000). "Gross Revenues" shall mean all revenues of Stature for calendar year 2004 calculated: (A) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), applied on a consistent basis and in accordance with past practice; (B) in a manner consistent with Stature's previous calculation of such revenues for its three previous fiscal years; and (C) based on all sales of Stature Products by Stature, Parent or any affiliate of Parent to third parties not affiliated with the Parent. "Stature Products" shall mean all motors and related products in the existing product lines of Stature at the Effective Time (the "Existing Products"), all motors and related products which constitute improvements or modifications to the Existing Products, and any motors or related products which are based on or derived from the proprietary technology of Stature at the Effective Time, and shall include any transaction involving the sale or licensing of any such proprietary technology.

For purposes of clarification and the elimination of ambiguity, the following sets forth the calculation of Additional Merger Consideration under this Section 3.2(a) based on Gross Revenues of $19,000,000. The calculation of Additional Merger Consideration based on Gross Revenues of $19,000,000 would be governed by clause (iii) of foregoing paragraph. Consequently, Additional Merger Consideration based on Gross Revenues of $19,000,000 would be equal to $256,098, calculated pursuant to the following formula:

$500,000 × [($19,000,000*—$18,370,000)/$1,230,000] = $256,098

*represents actual amount of Gross Revenues

        (b)   Issuance of Subordinated Notes. Any Subordinated Notes to be issued pursuant to Section 3.2(a) above shall be issued promptly after the final Gross Revenues are determined in accordance with Section 3.2(c); provided, however, that such Subordinated Notes shall be effective as of

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January 1, 2005 such that interest on the principal amounts thereof shall accrue commencing on January 1, 2005. At such time, Parent shall issue to each Preferred Shareholder a Subordinated Note in the principal amount obtained by multiplying the Additional Preferred Merger Consideration by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of Company Preferred Stock owned by such Preferred Shareholder at the Effective Time and the denominator of which is 1,071,428.

        (c)   Calculation of Stature Gross Revenues. No later than February 28, 2005, the Surviving Corporation shall prepare a statement of Stature's Gross Revenues (the "Report") and deliver such report to the Preferred Shareholders at the last address provided to Parent by each Preferred Shareholder (in a notice to Parent delivered in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.3 below). In the event that any of the Preferred Shareholders dispute the amount of Stature's Gross Revenues set forth in the Report, within thirty (30) days following delivery of the Report: (i) the Preferred Shareholders shall appoint a single Preferred Shareholder with legal authority to represent all the Preferred Shareholders in such dispute (the "Preferred Representative"); and (ii) the Preferred Representative shall give written notice of the nature of such dispute to Parent, which notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the specific objection ("Notice of Disagreement"). Calculation of Gross Revenues set forth in the Report shall become final and binding upon the Parties if the Surviving Corporation does not receive the Notice of Disagreement from the Preferred Representative prior to the expiration of such thirty (30) day period. During such thirty (30) day period the Preferred Shareholders shall be given reasonable access during normal business hours to relevant records of the Surviving Corporation (and Parent and its affiliates, if applicable) relating to, and the procedures carried out by the Surviving Corporation in connection with the Surviving Corporation's preparation of the Report and the determination of Stature's Gross Revenues set forth in the Report. Parent and the Preferred Representative shall use good faith efforts to resolve, in writing, the disputed amounts identified in the Notice of Disagreement within fifteen (15) calendar days after the Surviving Corporation's receipt thereof. If such dispute has not been resolved by the parties within the fifteen (15) day period, the disputed amounts, and the final amount of the Gross Revenues shall be recalculated by an independent accounting firm mutually agreed upon by Parent and the Preferred Representative, or in the event that the Parties are unable to agree, the Buffalo, New York office of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, LLP (the "Independent Accountant"). The Independent Accountant shall make a ratable allocation of its charges for such work as a part of its determination, based on the proportion by which the amount in dispute was determined in favor of Parent or the Preferred Shareholders respectively, and the Independent Accountant's charges shall be payable by such parties based on such determination. In such event, the amount of Gross Revenues as calculated by the Independent Accountant shall be final and binding on the parties.


        Section 3.3
    Exchange of Certificates for Merger Consideration.     

        (a)   Deposit with Exchange Agent. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit or cause to be deposited with a bank or trust company selected by Parent that is reasonably acceptable to the Company (the "Exchange Agent"), pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Parent and the Company, certificates representing the shares of Parent Common Stock, the Warrants and the cash that constitute the Merger Consideration.

        (b)   Exchange and Payment Procedures. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of a certificate or certificates (collectively, the "Certificates") that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock (collectively, "Company Securities") whose shares were converted into the right to receive the applicable Preferred Merger Consideration or Common Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 3.1(b): (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the certificates shall pass, only upon actual delivery of the certificates to the Exchange Agent (and which shall be in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the Company); and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the

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Certificates in exchange for Preferred Merger Consideration or Common Merger Consideration, as applicable, and any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock. Following the Merger, (i) each former holder of Company Common Stock shall be entitled to receive: (a) a book-entry statement reflecting ownership of (or, if requested, a certificate representing) that number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock into which the shares of Company Common Stock held by such holder (after taking into account all shares of Company Common Stock then held by such holder) were converted in accordance with Section 3.1(b); and (ii) cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock which such holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.3(d); and (ii) each former holder of Company Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive: (a) a book-entry statement reflecting ownership of (or, if requested, a certificate representing) that number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock into which the shares of Company Preferred Stock held by such holder (after taking into account all shares of Company Preferred Stock then held by such holder) were converted in accordance with Section 3.1(b); (ii) cash and Warrants as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(ii); and (iii) cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock which such holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.3(d). In the event that the Merger Consideration is to be delivered to any person who is not the person in whose name the Certificate surrendered in exchange therefor is registered in the transfer records of the Company, the Merger Consideration may be delivered to a transferee if the Certificate is presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and by evidence satisfactory to the Exchange Agent that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 3.3, each Certificate (other than a certificate representing shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock (i) to be cancelled in accordance with Section 3.1(a), or (ii) with respect to which appraisal rights have been exercised pursuant to Section 3.1(e)) shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender the applicable Merger Consideration contemplated by this Section 3.3. No interest will be paid or will accrue on any cash payable to holders of Certificates pursuant to provisions of this Article III.

        (c)   Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares. No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to Parent Common Stock represented thereby until the holder of record of such Certificate shall surrender such Certificate. Subject to the effect of unclaimed property, escheat and other applicable laws, following surrender of any such Certificate, there shall be paid to the record holder of the certificates representing whole shares of Parent Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without interest: (i) at the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock; and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment date subsequent to surrender payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock.

        (d)   No Fractional Securities. In lieu of any fractional securities, each holder of Company Securities who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock upon surrender of Certificates for exchange pursuant to this Article III will be paid an amount in cash (without interest) equal to such holder's respective proportionate interest in the net proceeds from the sale or sales in the open market by the Exchange Agent, on behalf of all such holders, of the aggregate fractional shares of Parent Common Stock issued pursuant to this Article III. As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall determine the excess of: (i) the number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock delivered to the Exchange Agent by Parent over (ii) the aggregate number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock to be distributed to former holders of Company Securities (such excess being collectively called the "Excess Parent Common Stock"). The Exchange Agent, as agent for the former holders of Company Securities, shall sell the Excess Parent Common Stock at the prevailing prices on NASDAQ (or on the principal exchange on which the

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Parent Common Stock is then traded or quoted). The sales of the Excess Parent Common Stock by the Exchange Agent shall be executed on NASDAQ (or such other exchange) through one or more member firms of NASDAQ (or such other exchange) and shall be executed in round lots to the extent practicable. Parent shall pay all commissions, transfer taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs, including the expenses and compensation of the Exchange Agent, incurred in connection with such sales of Excess Parent Common Stock. Until the net proceeds of such sales have been distributed to the former holders of Company Securities that were converted into the right to receive Parent Common Stock, the Exchange Agent will hold such proceeds in trust for such former holders. As soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash to be paid to former holders of Company Securities in lieu of any fractional interests in shares of Parent Common Stock, the Exchange Agent shall make available in accordance with this Agreement such amounts to such former holders.

        (e)   Closing of Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed, and thereafter, there shall be no further registration of transfers of shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock then outstanding on the records of the Company. Certificates presented to the Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time shall be cancelled and represent the right to receive the Common Merger Consideration or Preferred Merger Consideration, as applicable, as provided in Section 3.1 and in this Section 3.3.

        (f)    Termination of Exchange Agent. All funds or securities held by the Exchange Agent for payment to the holders of unsurrendered Certificates and unclaimed on the first anniversary of the Effective Time shall be returned to Parent, after which time any holder of unsurrendered Certificates shall look as a general creditor only to Parent for payment the applicable Merger Consideration to which such holder may be due, subject to applicable law.

        (g)   Escheat. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, neither Parent nor the Surviving Corporation shall be liable to any person for any funds or securities delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.

        (h)   Lost Certificates. In the event any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if reasonably required by Parent, the posting by such person of a bond in such amount as Parent may determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate the applicable Merger Consideration deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.

        (i)    Withholding Rights. Each of the Exchange Agent, the Surviving Corporation and Parent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Certificates which, prior to the Effective Time, represented shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock, such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law, and shall pay all amounts so deducted and withheld for the account of, or for the benefit of, the applicable holder on or prior to the date such amounts are required to be paid to the applicable Tax authority or Governmental Entity. To the extent that amounts are so withheld or deducted and paid, such withheld or deducted amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock, as the case may be, in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the Exchange Agent, the Surviving Corporation or Parent, as the case may be.

        (j)    No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock. All Preferred Merger Consideration and Common Merger Consideration paid upon the conversion of shares of Company Preferred Stock and Company Common Stock, respectively, in accordance with the

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terms of Articles I, II and III (including any cash paid pursuant to Section 3.3(d)) shall be deemed to have been issued or paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of Company Preferred Stock or Company Common Stock, as the case may be. From and after the Effective Time, the Certificates evidencing shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock shall no longer represent ownership or equity interests in the Company, but rather the right to receive the applicable Merger Consideration (or, appraisal rights if such are perfected and not withdrawn as provided in Section 3.1(e) (relating to appraisal rights)) as set forth above in this Agreement.


        Section 3.4
    Company Options; Stock Plans.     

        (a)   Prior to the Effective Time, the Company's Board of Directors (or, if appropriate, any committee thereof) shall adopt appropriate resolutions and take all other actions necessary to provide for the cancellation, effective at the Effective Time, of all the outstanding stock options or similar rights (the "Company Options") heretofore granted under any stock option or similar plan of the Company (the "Stock Plans") without any payment therefore except as otherwise provided in this Section 3.4. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall accelerate the vesting of all Company Options which are listed on Schedule 3.4 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and each then vested Company Option shall no longer be exercisable but shall entitle each holder thereof, in cancellation and settlement therefore, to a payment in cash by the Company (subject to any applicable withholding taxes), at the Effective Time, equal to the product of: (i) the total number of Company Common Shares subject to such vested Company Option; and (ii) the excess, if any, of $.30 over the exercise price per Company Common Share subject to such vested Company Option (such amounts payable hereunder being referred to as the "Cash Payment"). All other Stock Plans and any other plan, program or arrangement providing for the issuance or grant of any other interest in respect of the capital stock of the Company or any subsidiary shall terminate as of the Effective Time. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary consents to ensure that after the Effective Time, holders of Company Options will have no rights other than the rights of the holders of vested Company Options to receive the Cash Payment in cancellation and settlement thereof.

        (b)   As soon as practicable following the Effective Time (and in any event not later than ten Business Days following the Effective Time), Parent shall file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor form, or if Form S-8 is not available, other appropriate forms), if required, with respect to the Company's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, and shall maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement or registrations statements (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long as plan participation interests in the Company's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan are required to be registered.


ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

        Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Company to Parent prior to the execution of this Agreement (the "Company Disclosure Schedule"), which shall identify exceptions by specific section references, the Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as follows:


        Section 4.1
    Corporate Organization.     

        (a)   The Company is duly organized and validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Company has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. As used

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in this Agreement, the term "Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to Parent or the Company, or their Subsidiaries, as the case may be, any change or effect that is or would reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to: (i) the business, operations, results of operations or financial condition of such Party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; or (ii) the ability of such Party to timely consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include the impact of any change or effect relating to or arising from the execution, announcement, or consummation of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including any impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers or employees. As used in this Agreement, the word "Subsidiary" or "Subsidiaries" when used with respect to any entity, means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, which is consolidated with such entity for financial reporting purposes. The Company has previously made available to Parent true and complete copies of: (i) the Articles of Incorporation of the Company (the "Company Charter") and the Bylaws of the Company, each as in effect as of the date of this Agreement; and (ii) the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and any committee thereof in respect of meetings of the Board of Directors and such committees held since October 28, 2001 through the date hereof, other than meetings of the Board of Directors for which minutes have not heretofore been prepared (the proceedings of which have been described in all material respects to counsel for Parent) or the subject of which was this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

        (b)   Each Company Subsidiary: (i) is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; (ii) is duly qualified to do business and, where such status is recognized, in good standing in all jurisdictions (whether federal, state, local or foreign) where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company; and (iii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted.


        Section 4.2
    Capitalization.     

        (a)   The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of: (i) 15,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of which, 5,874,345 shares are issued, 50,039 such shares are held in the Company's treasury, and 5,824,306 are outstanding; and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of Company Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, of which, 1,071,428 shares are issued and outstanding and no such shares are held in the Company's treasury. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock were reserved for issuance. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company does not have and is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, preemptive rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of Company Securities or any other equity securities of the Company or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of Company Securities. Schedule 4.2(a) contains a list of all option holders of the Company, the number of shares subject to each option, the exercise price of each option and the expiration date of each option.

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        (b)   Schedule 4.2(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, for each Subsidiary of the Company, the name and state of incorporation of such Subsidiary, and the number and type(s) of its outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of each of the Company's Subsidiaries, free and clear of any liens, pledges, charges, encumbrances and security interests whatsoever ("Liens"), and all of such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. None of the Company's Subsidiaries has or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary. Except for interests in its Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns directly or indirectly any equity interest in any firm, corporation, partnership or other entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or has any obligation or has made any commitment to acquire any such interest or to make any investment. No Company Subsidiary owns any capital stock of the Company.


        Section 4.3
    Authority; No Violation.     

        (a)   The Company has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject to obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, have been duly and validly authorized and this Agreement has been duly and validly adopted by the Company's Board of Directors. Except for: (i) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pursuant to the PBCL; and (ii) the affirmative votes of both (a) the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock outstanding on the record date of such vote, voting together as a single class; and (b) the holders of a majority of the shares of the Company Preferred Stock outstanding on the record date of such vote (the "Company Shareholder Approval"), no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to approve this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company's Board of Directors, by unanimous vote thereof: (i) has adopted this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and declared this Agreement advisable (the "Company Board Approval"); (ii) has directed that this Agreement and the Merger be submitted to the shareholders of the Company for approval at the Shareholder Meeting; and (iii) subject to Sections 7.3 and 7.4, recommends that shareholders of the Company approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other Parties) constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms (except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies).

        (b)   Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, nor the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, nor compliance by the Company with any of the terms or provisions hereof, will: (i) violate any provision of the Company Charter or the Bylaws of the Company, or violate or conflict with any agreement or instrument pursuant to which any shares of capital stock of the Company, or securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of capital stock of the Company, have been issued; or (ii) subject to the making of the filings and obtaining the approvals referred to in Section 4.4 and the effectiveness of such filings and/or receipt of the consents and approvals in connection therewith: (A) violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction applicable to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets; or (B) violate, conflict with, result in a

10



breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, or require any increased payment under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or by which they or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound or affected, except (in the case of clause (ii) above) for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, cancellations, accelerations, Liens or payments which, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.


        Section 4.4
    Consents and Approvals.     Except for: (a) the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of: (i) the Proxy Statement/Prospectus; and (ii) such reports under the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (b) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pursuant to the PBCL; (c) the filings with any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority or instrumentality (each a "Governmental Entity") as required under applicable law in each case as set forth in Schedule 4.4 of the Company Disclosure Schedule; (d) the Company Shareholder Approval; (e) such filings, consents and approvals required by applicable law with respect to any Company Permit; and (f) such other filings, the failure of which to make would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity or third party are necessary in connection with: (A) the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement; and (B) the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby.


        Section 4.5
    SEC Reports; Financial Statements.     

        (a)   The Company has made available to Parent an accurate and complete copy of each: (i) report, schedule, final registration statement, prospectus and definitive proxy statement filed by the Company with the SEC on or after October 29, 2001 and prior to the date hereof pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") (the "Company Reports"), which are all the forms, reports and documents required to be filed by the Company with the SEC since such date, provided that, if the Company amends any of the Company Reports, the fact of the filing of such amendment shall not, in and of itself, be deemed to mean or imply that any representation or warranty in this Agreement was not true when made or became untrue thereafter; and (ii) communication mailed by the Company to its shareholders since October 29, 2001 and prior to the date hereof. As of their respective dates, the Company Reports and communications: (A) complied in all material respects with requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the published rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable thereto; and (B) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except that information as of a later date (but before the date hereof) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date.

        (b)   The Company has previously made available to Parent copies of: (i) the consolidated balance sheets (the "Company Audited Balance Sheets") of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of October 28, 2001, October 27, 2002 and October 26, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 28, 2001, October 27, 2002 and October 26, 2003, as reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended October 28, 2001, October 27, 2002 and October 26, 2003 filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act; and (ii) the unaudited balance sheets of Stature as of October 28, 2001, October 27,

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2002 and October 26, 2003 (the "Stature Balance Sheets"), and the related statements of operations and cash flows of Stature for the fiscal years then ended (such financial statements included in such Annual Report, together with the Company Audited Balance Sheets and the Stature Balance Sheets, are collectively referred to herein as the "Company Audited Financial Statements"), in each case, accompanied by the audit report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent public accountants with respect to the Company. The Company Audited Financial Statements (including the related notes, where applicable): (i) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and, in the case of the Company Audited Financial Statements, changes in shareholders' equity (deficit), of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the periods indicated (subject, in the case of the unaudited financial statements, to normal audit adjustments which are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material); (ii) have been prepared consistent with the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries and consistent with the Company's accounting policies and procedures; (iii) comply as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto; and (iv) have been prepared in all material respects in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. The books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries have been, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP (to the extent applicable) and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions.


        Section 4.6
    Broker's Fees.     Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary nor any of their respective officers or directors has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any broker's fees, commissions or finder's fees payable on behalf of the Company in connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.


        Section 4.7
    Absence of Certain Changes or Events.     

        (a)   Since October 26, 2003, no event or events have occurred which have had or would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

        (b)   Since October 26, 2003 through the date hereof, other than the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries have carried on their respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary course consistent with past practice.

        (c)   Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has, since October 26, 2003 through the date hereof: (i) except in the ordinary course of business or as required by applicable law or an agreement which has been disclosed prior to the date hereof in the Company Reports and a copy provided by the Company to Parent: (A) increased the wages, salaries, compensation, pension, or other fringe benefits or perquisites payable to any executive officer, employee, or director from the amount thereof in effect as of October 26, 2003; or (B) granted any severance or termination pay, entered into any contract to make or grant any severance or termination pay, or paid any bonuses or commissions (other than bonuses for fiscal year 2003, including, without limitation, those bonuses identified in the minutes of the Company's Compensation Committee dated December 18, 2003, which are to be paid to employees of the Company other than George Lemmon Jr., whose bonus and severance will be provided for in the agreement referred to in Section 8.3(m) below, and customary commissions for fiscal year 2003) or (ii) suffered any material strike, work stoppage, slowdown, or other labor disturbance.

        (d)   Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.7(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, since October 26, 2003 through the date hereof, the Company has not granted any stock options with respect to Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock to any director, officer, employee, or independent contractor of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

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        (e)   Since October 26, 2003 through the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action described in Section 6.2 that if taken after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time would violate such provision.


        Section 4.8
    Legal Proceedings.     Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations: (i) of any nature against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (ii) as of the date hereof, challenging the validity or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the "knowledge" of any person that is not an individual means, with respect to any matter, in question, the actual knowledge of such person's executive officers and other officers having primary responsibility for such matter in each case, based upon reasonable inquiry consistent with such person's title and responsibilities.


        Section 4.9
    Taxes and Tax Returns.     

        (a)   Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.9 of the Company Disclosure Schedule: (i) each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has duly and timely filed and will duly and timely file all Tax Returns required to be filed by it and has duly paid or made adequate provision for the payment of all Taxes and other governmental charges which have been incurred (including, without limitation, if and to the extent applicable, those due in respect of its properties, income, business, capital stock, deposits, franchises, licenses, sales and payrolls), and all such Tax Returns are accurate and complete in all material respects; and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any material Tax Return. There are no disputes pending related to, or claims asserted for, Taxes or assessments upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for which the Company does not have adequate reserves. Proper and accurate amounts have been withheld by the Company and its Subsidiaries from their employees for all prior periods in compliance with the tax withholding provisions of applicable federal, state and local laws. There are no liens for Taxes upon any property or assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries except liens for current Taxes not yet due. There are no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of limitation applicable to any Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any period. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has filed a consent to the application of Section 341(f) of the Code. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a "distributing corporation" or a "controlled corporation" in a distribution intended to qualify under Section 355(a) of the Code. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any Tax sharing, allocation or indemnification agreement or arrangement. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return (other than the affiliated group of which the Company is the common parent) or has any liability for the Taxes of any person (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation §1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law).

        (b)   Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or plan that has resulted or would result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment of any amount that will not be fully deductible as a result of Section 162(m) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law).

        (c)   As used in this Agreement, the term "Tax" or "Taxes" means all federal, state, local and foreign income, excise, gross receipts, gross income, ad valorem, profits, gains, property, capital, sales, transfer, use, payroll, employment, severance, withholding, duties, intangibles, franchise, backup withholding and other taxes, charges, levies or like assessments together with all penalties and additions to tax and interest thereon, and the term "Tax Return" means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, information return or statement relating to Taxes.

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        Section 4.10
    Certain Other Tax Matters.     Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any action, has failed to take any action or knows of any fact, agreement, plan or other circumstance, in each case that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a taxable sale of assets and liquidation of the Company under the Code.


        Section 4.11
    Employees; Benefit Plans.     

        (a)   Set forth on Schedule 4.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule is a true and complete list of each Company Benefit Plan but excluding government-sponsored programs. For purposes of this Agreement, "Company Benefit Plan" means any employee benefit plan, program, policy, practices, agreement or other arrangement providing benefits to any current or former employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company or any Company ERISA Affiliate or any beneficiary or dependent thereof that is sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Company ERISA Affiliate or to which the Company or any Company ERISA Affiliate contributes or is obligated to contribute, whether or not written, including without limitation any employee welfare benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA, any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (whether or not such plan is subject to ERISA) and any bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, vacation, stock purchase, stock option, severance, employment, change of control or fringe benefit plan, program, policy, practices, agreement or other arrangement, but excluding any government-sponsored programs (e.g., social security or national health coverage). A "Company ERISA Affiliate" is any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, which together with the Company would be deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA.

        (b)   The Company has heretofore made available to Parent true and complete copies of each of the Company Benefit Plans (including a written description of any unwritten Company Benefit Plan) and: (i) the actuarial report for such Company Benefit Plan (if applicable) for each of the last two years; (ii) the most recent determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (if applicable) for such Company Benefit Plan; (iii) the summary plan description for such Company Benefit Plan (if any); and (iv) the Form 5500 for such Company Benefit Plan (if applicable) for each of the last three years. Except as specifically provided in the foregoing documents made available to Parent or as required by this Agreement, there are no amendments to any Company Benefit Plan that have been adopted or approved nor has the Company or any Company ERISA Affiliate undertaken to make any such amendments or to adopt or approve any new Company Benefit Plan, other than such amendments as may be required by changes in applicable law.

        (c)   With respect to the Company Benefit Plans: (i) each of the Company Benefit Plans has been operated and administered in all material respects in compliance with applicable laws, including, but not limited to, ERISA and the Code; (ii) each Company Benefit Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms; (iii) each of the Company Benefit Plans intended to be "qualified" within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (except for such Company Benefit Plans that: (A) have not yet received a determination letter but for which the remedial amendment period for submitting a determination letter has not yet expired; or (B) are maintained under a prototype plan (or similar form or pattern plan) for which the Internal Revenue Service has issued a favorable opinion letter (or similar approval letter) that, in the Company's reasonable judgment, adequately addresses such plan's qualified status), and there are no existing circumstances nor any events that have occurred that would be reasonably expected to affect adversely the qualified status of any such Company Benefit Plan; (iv) except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no Company Benefit Plan is subject to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 or 4971 of the Code; (v) no Company Benefit Plan provides benefits coverage, including, without limitation, death or medical benefits (whether or not insured), with respect to current or former employees or directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries beyond the last day of the month in which their retirement or other termination of service occurred,

14



other than coverage mandated by applicable law and other than any post-termination exercise periods for stock options; (vi) except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no material liability under Title IV of ERISA or Part 6 of Title I of ERISA has been incurred by the Company or any Company ERISA Affiliate that has not been satisfied in full, and no condition exists that presents a material risk to the Company or any Company ERISA Affiliate of incurring a material liability thereunder; (vii) no Company Benefit Plan is a "multiemployer pension plan" (as such term is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) (a "Multiemployer Plan") or a plan that has two or more contributing sponsors at least two of whom are not under common control (a "Multiple Employer Plan"), within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA and none of the Company and its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has, at any time during the last six years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan; (viii) except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, all contributions or other amounts payable by the Company or any Company ERISA Affiliate with respect to each Company Benefit Plan and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Company Benefit Plan for any period through the date hereof have been timely made or paid in full or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the date hereof, have been fully reflected on the Company's financial statements; (ix) none of the Company, any Company ERISA Affiliate or, to the Company's knowledge, any other person, including any fiduciary, has engaged in a transaction in connection with which the Company, any Company ERISA Affiliate or any Company Benefit Plan will be subject to either a material civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 409 or 502(i) of ERISA or a material Tax imposed pursuant to Section 4975 or 4976 of the Code; (x) to the knowledge of the Company there are no pending, threatened or anticipated claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on behalf of or against any of the Company Benefit Plans or any trusts related thereto; and (xi) each individual who renders services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who is classified by the Company or such Subsidiary, as applicable, as having the status of an independent contractor or other non-employee status for any purpose (including for purposes of taxation and tax reporting and under Company Benefit Plans) is properly so characterized.

        (d)   Schedule 4.11(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth: (i) an accurate and complete description of each provision of any Company Benefit Plan under which the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby could (either alone or in conjunction with any other event) result in, cause the accelerated vesting, funding or delivery of, or increase the amount or value of, any payment or benefit to any employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or could limit the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to amend, merge, terminate or receive a reversion of assets from any Company Benefit Plan or related trust; and (ii) to the Company's knowledge a good faith estimate of the maximum amount of the "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code that could become payable by the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        (e)   Except to the extent required by any Company Benefit Plan or by operation of the provisions of any individual employment or change in control agreement previously disclosed to Parent and set forth in Schedule 4.11(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, as of the date hereof, neither the Company nor the Company's Board of Directors has taken any action to accelerate the vesting of any stock options or other equity-based compensation awards in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.


        Section 4.12
    Securities Laws Matters.     

        (a)   With respect to each Annual Report on Form 10-K and each Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q included in the Company Reports filed since August 29, 2002, the financial statements and other financial information included in such reports fairly present (within the meaning of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

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        (b)   The Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer have disclosed, based on their most recent evaluation, to the Company's auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors of the Company: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in rule 13(a)-15(f) under the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

        (c)   The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act); such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated Subsidiaries, is made known to the Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within those entities, particularly during the periods in which the periodic reports required under the Exchange Act are being prepared; and, to the Company's knowledge, such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting the Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer to material information required to be included in the Company's periodic reports required under the Exchange Act.


        Section 4.13
    Compliance with Applicable Law, Permits and Licenses.     

        (a)   Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries: (i) is in any material respect in conflict with, or in default or violation in any material respect of; or (ii) has been charged by any Governmental Entity with any unresolved violation of: any material law, rule, regulation, order, directive, injunction, judgment or decree applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective owned or leased properties is bound or affected.

        (b)   The Company, its Subsidiaries and their respective employees hold all material permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders, registrations and approvals of all Governmental Entities which are required for the operation of the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries (the "Company Permits"). Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is, and for the past five years has been, in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the Company Permits, all of the Company Permits are in full force and effect and no suspension, revocation or material modification of any of them is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, do reasonable grounds exist for any such action.


        Section 4.14
    Intellectual Property; Proprietary Rights; Employee Restrictions; Assets.     

        (a)   All material: (i) copyrights, including copyright registrations and copyright applications; (ii) trademarks, including trademark registrations and applications for registration; (iii) patents and patent applications; (iv) service marks, including service mark registrations and applications for registration; (v) trade names; (vi) Internet domain names; (vii) databases; (viii) computer programs, including source code, object code, algorithms, structure, display screens, layouts, development tools, instructions, templates, and computer software user interfaces; (ix) know-how; (x) trade secrets; (xi) customer lists; (xii) proprietary technology; (xiii) processes and formulae; (xiv) marketing materials; (xv) inventions; (xvi) trade dress; (xvii) logos; and (xviii) designs (collectively "Intellectual Property") used by the Company or its Subsidiaries in their respective businesses (collectively, "Company Intellectual Property") are owned by the Company or such Subsidiaries by operation of law, or have been validly assigned to the Company or such Subsidiaries ("Company Owned Intellectual Property") or the Company or its Subsidiaries otherwise have the right to use such Intellectual Property in their business as currently conducted ("Company Licensed Intellectual Property"). The Company Intellectual Property is sufficient in all material respects to carry on the business of the Company as presently conducted. The Company or one of its Subsidiaries has exclusive ownership of all Company Owned Intellectual Property used by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or is entitled to use all Company

16



Licensed Intellectual Property, in the Company's business as presently conducted, subject, in the case of Company Licensed Intellectual Property, to the terms of the license agreements covering such Company Licensed Intellectual Property a summary of which is set forth in Schedule 4.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. The Company and its Subsidiaries, and to the knowledge of the Company, the other parties thereto are not in material breach of any of the license agreements covering the Company Licensed Intellectual Property. The present business activities or products of the Company do not infringe on any Intellectual Property of others ("Third Party Intellectual Property").

        (b)   To its knowledge, the Company has not received any notice or other claim from any third party asserting that any of the Company's present activities or products infringe or may infringe any Third Party Intellectual Property of such third party.

        (c)   Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company: (i) the Company has the right to use all trade secrets, customer lists, hardware designs, programming processes, software and other information material to its business as presently conducted; (ii) the Company has taken all reasonable measures in accordance with customary industry practice to protect and preserve the security and confidentiality of its trade secrets and other confidential information; (iii) to the knowledge of the Company, all trade secrets and other confidential information of the Company that are material to its business are not part of the public domain or knowledge, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, have they been misappropriated by any person having an obligation to maintain such trade secrets or other confidential information in confidence for the Company; and (iv) to the knowledge of the Company, no employee or consultant of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has used any trade secrets or other confidential information of any other person in the course of their work for the Company or such Subsidiary.

        (d)   To the knowledge of the Company, no university or government agency (whether federal or state) has any claim of right to or ownership in the Company Owned Intellectual Property. The Company is not aware of any material infringement, dilution or misappropriation by others of the Company Owned Intellectual Property, or any material violation of the confidentiality of any of its proprietary information. To the Company's knowledge, the Company is not making unlawful use of any confidential information or trade secrets of any past or present employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

        (e)   Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has good, valid and marketable title to, or good, valid and marketable leasehold interests in, all its properties and other assets (other than Company Intellectual Property, which is addressed in Section 4.14 (a) through (d)) as are necessary in the conduct of, or material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted, except for defects in title, easements, restrictive covenants and similar encumbrances that, either individually or in the aggregate, do not interfere in any material respect, with the Company's conduct of its business or affect in any material respect the value of such property or other assets (the "Company Permitted Encumbrances"). Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.14(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule or the Company Permitted Encumbrances, all such properties and other assets, other than properties or other assets in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has a leasehold interest, are owned by the Company or a Subsidiary free and clear of all Liens.

        (f)    (i) Each lease of real or personal property which is material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party is valid and binding on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect, (ii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have in all material respects performed all material obligations required to be performed by it to date under each such lease, and (iii) no event or condition exists which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default under any such lease.

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        Section 4.15
    Certain Contracts; Leases.     

        (a)   Except as set forth on Schedule 4.15 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral): (i) which is a "material contract" (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the SEC) to be performed after the date of this Agreement that has not been filed or incorporated by reference in the Company Reports; (ii) which materially restricts the conduct of any line of business by the Company or upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will restrict the conduct of any line of business by Parent, or Parent's Subsidiaries or the ability of Parent or any of Parent's Subsidiaries to engage in any line of business; (iii) which upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will subject any of the Company or any of its affiliates to any exclusivity arrangements with or to a labor union or guild (including any collective bargaining agreement); or (iv) (other than any plan or agreement covered by Section 4.11 hereof) any of the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any shareholder approval or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding of the type described in this Section 4.15(a), together with any material license or contract relating to Company Intellectual Property, whether or not set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, is referred to herein as a "Company Contract," and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or has received notice of, any material violation of the above by any of the other parties thereto. The Company has heretofore made available to Parent a true and complete copy of each Company Contract.

        (b)   (i) Each Company Contract is valid and binding on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect; (ii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has in all material respects performed all material obligations required to be performed by it to date under each Company Contract; and (iii) to the knowledge of the Company, no event or condition exists which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default under any such Company Contract.

        (c)   Schedule 4.15(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list and description of all real property leased, subleased or otherwise occupied by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the "Company Leased Real Property"). Except as set forth on Schedule 4.15(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company and its Subsidiaries do not own any real property. All of the leases or subleases of the Company Leased Real Property (the "Company Leases") are valid, binding and in full force and effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries have not subjected any Lease to any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, sublease, assignment, license, or other agreement granting to any third party any material interest in such Lease or any right to the use or occupancy of any Company Leased Real Property. The Company or a Subsidiary, as lessee under each Lease, is now in possession of all of the applicable Company Leased Real Property except for the sublease to Communications Media Incorporated dated June 1, 2000.

        (d)   The Merger will not cause an event of default under any of the Company Leases or, in the alternative, the Company will obtain the consent and waiver of the landlord under any applicable Company Leases relative to the Merger. In any event, the Company shall obtain an estoppel certificate from each landlord under the Company Leases, in form reasonably acceptable to each Party: (i) confirming the material terms of the Company Leases; and (ii) stating that no event or condition exists which constitutes, or after notice or lapse of time or both would constitute, a material default under any Company Leases or as a result of the Merger.


        Section 4.16
    Indebtedness; Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.     Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, all liabilities of the Company are current. Except for: (a) those

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liabilities that are disclosed in the footnotes to or reserved against on the Company Audited Financial Statements (and only to the extent of such disclosure or reserve); (b) liabilities incurred pursuant to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or for fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; and (c) liabilities or obligations not required by GAAP to be disclosed or provided for in the Company Audited Financial Statements and that were incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice which have not had or would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any indebtedness, obligation, or liability of any nature whatsoever (whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, determined, determinable, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due whether relating to operations of, or property currently or previously owned by, the Company or any of its present or past Subsidiaries). Schedule 4.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth all indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including all subordinated debt of the Company (the "Subordinated Debt") and all debt owing to the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency (the "JCIDA Debt"), and accurately discloses for each such indebtedness the payee, the original amount of the loan, the current unpaid balance of the loan, the interest rate and the maturity date.


        Section 4.17
    Insurance.     The Company has made available to Parent a copy of all material insurance policies and all material self insurance programs and arrangements relating to the business, assets and operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries (the "Company Insurance Policies"). Each of such Company Insurance Policies is in full force and effect as of the date of this Agreement. From October 28, 2001 through the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice or other communication regarding any actual or possible: (a) cancellation of any Company Insurance Policy that has not been renewed in the ordinary course without any lapse in coverage; (b) invalidation of any Company Insurance Policy; (c) refusal of any coverage or rejection of any material claim under any Insurance Policy; or (d) material adjustment in the amount of the premiums payable with respect to any Company Insurance Policy.


        Section 4.18
    Environmental Liability.     There are no legal, judicial, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings, claims, actions, causes of action, private environmental investigations or remediation activities or governmental investigations or remediation activities (collectively "Claims" or "Response Actions") of any nature seeking to impose, or that reasonably could result in the imposition of, on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, of any liability or obligation arising under common law or under any local, state or federal environmental statute, regulation or ordinance including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA"), pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which liability or obligation could reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. To the knowledge of the Company there is no reasonable basis for any such Claim or Response Action that could reasonably be expected to impose any liability or obligation that will have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any agreement, order, judgment, decree, directive, injunction, letter or memorandum by or with any court, governmental authority, regulatory agency, Governmental Entity or third party imposing any liability or obligation with respect to the foregoing that will have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.


        Section 4.19
    State Takeover Law.     The Company has taken all appropriate actions so that the provisions contained in Chapter 25 of the PBCL will not apply with respect to or as a result of the execution or performance of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the execution and performance of the Voting Agreements.

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        Section 4.20
    Form S-4 Proxy Statement/Prospectus.     None of the information to be supplied by Company or its Subsidiaries for inclusion in the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will, at the time of the filing of the Form S-4 and the mailing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, and at the time of the Shareholder Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will comply, as of the date of filing, in the case of the Form S-4, and the date of mailing, in the case of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as to form in all material respects with all applicable laws, including the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except that no representation is made by Company with respect to information supplied by Parent for inclusion therein.


        Section 4.21
    Transactions with Affiliates.     Except as set forth in Schedule 4.21 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no transactions, agreements, arrangements or understandings between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any affiliate (including any officer or director) thereof, but not including any wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company, on the other hand.


        Section 4.22
    Labor Relations; Collective Bargaining Agreements.     Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed by Company or its Subsidiaries, and no collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract is being negotiated by Company or any of its Subsidiaries. No labor organization or group of employees of Company or any of its Subsidiaries has made a pending demand for recognition or certification, and there are no representation or certification proceedings or petitions seeking a representation proceeding presently pending or threatened to be brought or filed, with the National Labor Relations Board or any other labor relations tribunal or authority. There are no labor disputes, strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages against Company or any of its Subsidiaries pending or threatened against Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Since October 29, 2000, no unfair labor practice or labor charge or complaint has been made or is outstanding with respect to Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all provisions of applicable law pertaining to the employment of employees, including such laws relating to labor relations, equal employment, fair employment practices, immigration, workers' compensation, terms and conditions of employment, employee classification, wages, hours or work, equal opportunity and occupational health and safety.


        Section 4.23
    Dividends.     Since October 26, 2003, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have declared or paid any dividends or other distributions upon any of its capital stock or returned any capital to the shareholders of the Company or paid or made any distribution of property or cash to the shareholders of the Company.


        Section 4.24
    Product Labeling, Product Liability and Product Warranty.     The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to product labeling, product safety and public health and safety. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.24 of the Company Disclosure Schedule or in connection with routine warranty claims, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of any claim that any product now or heretofore offered for sale or sold by the Company or distributed by the Company in connection with product sales is injurious to the health and safety of any person or is not in conformity with its specifications or not suitable for any purpose or application for which it is offered for sale, sold or distributed. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has ever been ordered by a government agency to recall a product, and to the Company's knowledge, there are no circumstances that could give rise to such a product recall. To the Company's knowledge, there are no circumstances that could cause the Company to experience costs for warranty claims in the future that are materially higher than the costs historically experienced by the Company.

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ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB

        Except as disclosed in the Parent Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Parent to the Company prior to the execution of this Agreement (the "Parent Disclosure Schedule"), which shall identify exceptions by specific section references, the Parent and Merger Sub hereby represent and warrant to the Company as follows:


        Section 5.1
    Corporate Organization.     Each of Parent, Merger Sub and Parent's "Significant Subsidiaries" (as defined in Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC) (the "Parent Significant Subsidiaries") is duly organized and validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation. Each of Parent, Merger Sub and the Parent Significant Subsidiaries has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. The Parent has previously made available to the Company true and complete copies of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Parent and Merger Sub, each in effect as of the date of this Agreement.


        Section 5.2
    Capitalization.     

        (a)   The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of 50,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock, no par value per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1 per share ("Parent Preferred Stock"). As of December 31, 2003, 5,021,221 shares of Parent Common Stock are issued and outstanding and no shares of Parent Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, in each case, not subject to any preemptive rights. No shares of Parent Common Stock and no shares of Parent Preferred Stock are held in treasury by Parent or by Subsidiaries of Parent. Except in connection with this Agreement and except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule: (i) there are no options, warrants, rights, puts, calls, commitments or other contracts, arrangements or understandings issued by or binding upon Parent requiring or providing for; and (ii) there are no outstanding debt or equity securities of Parent which upon the conversion, exchange or exercise thereof would require or provide for the issuance by Parent of any new or additional shares of Parent Common Stock or Parent Preferred Stock (or any other securities of Parent) which, with or without notice, lapse of time and/or payment of monies, are or would be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Parent Common Stock or Parent Preferred Stock (or any other securities of Parent). Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, since December 31, 2002 through the date hereof, Parent has not issued any shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of its capital stock, other than pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options granted prior to such date and the vesting of restricted stock units. The authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 200 shares of Common Stock of Merger Sub, of which, as of the date hereof, 100 shares are issued and outstanding and are owned beneficially and of record by Parent or a wholly owned indirect or direct subsidiary of Parent. Parent has reserved for issuance the total number of shares of Parent Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants to be issued pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(ii) (the "Reserved Shares"). The Reserved Shares, the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued as Common Merger Consideration or Preferred Merger Consideration hereunder, and the Warrants to be issued pursuant to Section 3.1(b)(ii) have been duly authorized and validly reserved and all such shares shall, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable, and not subject to any preemptive rights, free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges or other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever (except for any such rights, securities interests, liens, claims, pledges or other encumbrances arising from any action taken by a shareholder of the Company and except for any encumbrances imposed by federal, state or foreign securities laws) and with no personal liability

21



attaching to the ownership thereof. Neither Parent nor any of its controlled affiliates owns, in the aggregate, in excess of 0.1% of the total voting power of the outstanding Company Securities (other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Voting Agreements).

        (b)   Each Parent Subsidiary: (i) is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; (ii) is duly qualified to do business and, where such status is recognized, in good standing in all jurisdictions (whether federal, state, local or foreign) where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent; and (iii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted.


        Section 5.3
    Authority; No Violation.     

        (a)   Each of Parent and Merger Sub has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub and the consummation by them of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, have been duly and validly authorized. This Agreement has, by unanimous vote, been duly and validly approved and declared advisable by the Board of Directors of each of Parent and Merger Sub. No other corporate proceedings on the part of Parent and Merger Sub, other than the approval by Parent as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub of this Agreement (which shall be obtained prior to the Effective Time), are necessary to approve this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and Merger Sub and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company) constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and Merger Sub, enforceable against each in accordance with its terms (except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies).

        (b)   Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of Parent and Merger Sub, nor the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by Parent or Merger Sub with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement will: (i) violate any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Parent, or the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Merger Sub; or (ii) subject to the making of the filings referred to in Section 5.5 of this Agreement and the effectiveness of such filings and/or receipt of the consents and approvals in connection therewith: (A) violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction applicable to Parent or Merger Sub; or (B) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under, or require any increased payment under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or by which they or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound or affected, except (in the case of clause (ii) above) for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, cancellations, accelerations, liens or payments which, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.


        Section 5.4
    Consents and Approvals.     Except for (a) the filing with the SEC of: (i) the Proxy Statement/Prospectus; (ii) a Registration Statement of Parent on Form S-4 with respect to shares of Parent Common Stock and Warrants which may be issued to shareholders of the Company in the Merger (together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the "Registration Statement"); and (iii) such reports under the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and

22


the Voting Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; (b) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of various states in connection with the issuance of the shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement; (c) the filing of applications for the authorization of quotation on NASDAQ or such other national exchange on which the Parent Common Stock is quoted or listed at the Effective Time of the Parent Common Stock issuable under this Agreement and such other filings as may be required under the rules and regulations of NASDAQ or other exchange; (d) the approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the requisite vote of the shareholders of the Company; (e) the filings with any Governmental Entity as required under applicable law in each case as expressly set forth in Schedule 5.4 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule; (f) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pursuant to the PBCL; (g) consents and approvals previously obtained; (h) such filings, consents and approvals required by applicable law with respect to any Company Permits or Parent Permits; and (i) such other filings the failure of which to make would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity or third party are necessary in connection with: (A) the execution and delivery by Parent or Merger Sub of this Agreement; and (B) the consummation by Parent or Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby.


        Section 5.5
    SEC Reports; Financial Statements.     

        (a)   Parent has made available to the Company an accurate and complete copy of each: (i) report, schedule, final registration statement, prospectus and definitive proxy statement filed by Parent with the SEC on or after June 30, 2002 and prior to the date hereof pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (the "Parent Reports"), which are all the forms, reports and documents required to be filed by Parent with the SEC since such date, provided that, if Parent amends any of the Parent Reports, the fact of the filing of such amendment shall not, in and of itself, be deemed to mean or imply that any representation or warranty in this Agreement was not true when made or became untrue thereafter; and (ii) communication mailed by Parent to its shareholders since June 30, 2002 and prior to the date hereof. As of their respective dates, the Parent Reports and communications: (A) complied in all material respects with requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the published rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable thereto; and (B) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except that information as of a later date (but before the date hereof) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date.

        (b)   Parent has previously made available to the Company copies of: (i) the consolidated balance sheets (the "Parent Audited Balance Sheets") of Parent and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, and the transitional period ended December 31, 2002 as reported in Parent's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 and Parent's Report on Form 10-KT for the transitional period ended December 31, 2002 filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act (such financial statements included in such Annual Report, together with the Parent Audited Balance Sheets, the "Parent Audited Financial Statements"), in each case, accompanied by the audit report of KPMG LLP, independent public accountants with respect to Parent. The Parent Audited Financial Statements (including the related notes, where applicable): (i) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and, in the case of the Parent Audited Financial Statements, changes in shareholders' equity, of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the periods indicated (subject, in the case of the unaudited financial statements, to normal audit adjustments which are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material); (ii) have been prepared consistent with the books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries and consistent with

23



Parent's accounting policies and procedures; (iii) comply as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto; and (iv) have been prepared in all material respects in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. The books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries have been, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP (to the extent applicable) and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions.

        (c)   With respect to each Annual Report on Form 10-K, each Report on Form 10-KT and each Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q included in the Parent Reports filed since August 29, 2002 and prior to the date hereof, the financial statements and other financial information included in such reports fairly present (within the meaning of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Parent.


        Section 5.6
    Broker's Fees.     Except for the agreement between Parent and Blitzer, Ricketson and Fine Co., neither Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary nor any of their respective officers or directors has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any broker's fees, commissions or finder's fees payable on behalf of Parent in connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.


        Section 5.7
    Absence of Certain Changes or Events.     

        (a)   Since December 31, 2002, no event or events have occurred which have had or would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.

        (b)   Since December 31, 2002 through the date hereof, except as disclosed in the Parent Reports, Parent and its Subsidiaries have carried on their respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary course consistent with past practice.

        (c)   Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has, since December 31, 2002 through the date hereof: (i) except in the ordinary course of business or as required by applicable law or an agreement which has been disclosed prior to the date hereof in the Parent Reports and a copy provided by Parent to the Company: (A) increased the wages, salaries, compensation, pension, or other fringe benefits or perquisites payable to any executive officer, employee, or director from the amount thereof in effect as of December 31, 2002; or (B) granted any severance or termination pay, entered into any contract to make or grant any severance or termination pay, or paid any bonuses or commissions (other than customary bonuses for fiscal year 2003 and customary commissions for fiscal year 2003) or (ii) suffered any material strike, work stoppage, slowdown, or other labor disturbance.

        (d)   Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.7(d) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, since December 31, 2002 through the date hereof, Parent has not granted any stock options or warrants with respect to Parent Common Stock or Parent Preferred Stock to any director, officer, employee, or independent contractor of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.


        Section 5.8
    Legal Proceedings.     Except as set forth on Schedule 5.8 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to Parent's knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations: (i) of any nature against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries; or (ii) as of the date hereof, challenging the validity or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.


        Section 5.9
    Taxes and Tax Returns.     

        (a)   Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.9 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule: (i) each of Parent and its Subsidiaries has duly and timely filed and will duly and timely file all Tax Returns required to be filed by it and has duly paid or made adequate provision for the payment of all Taxes and other

24



governmental charges which have been incurred (including, without limitation, if and to the extent applicable, those due in respect of its properties, income, business, capital stock, deposits, franchises, licenses, sales and payrolls), and all such Tax Returns are accurate and complete in all material respects; and (ii) neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any material Tax Return. There are no disputes pending related to, or claims asserted for, Taxes or assessments upon Parent or any of its Subsidiaries for which Parent does not have adequate reserves. Proper and accurate amounts have been withheld by Parent and its Subsidiaries from their employees for all prior periods in compliance with the tax withholding provisions of applicable federal, state and local laws. There are no liens for Taxes upon any property or assets of Parent or its Subsidiaries except liens for current Taxes not yet due. There are no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of limitation applicable to any Taxes of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries for any period. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has filed a consent to the application of Section 341(f) of the Code. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a "distributing corporation" or a "controlled corporation" in a distribution intended to qualify under Section 355(a) of the Code. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any Tax sharing, allocation or indemnification agreement or arrangement. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return (other than the affiliated group of which Parent is the common parent) or has any liability for the Taxes of any person (other than Parent or its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation §1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law).

        (b)   Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or plan that has resulted or would result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment of any amount that will not be fully deductible as a result of Section 162(m) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law).


        Section 5.10
    Certain Tax Matters.     Parent has not taken or agreed to take any action, has not failed to take any action and does not know of any fact, agreement, plan or other circumstance, in each case that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a taxable sale of assets and liquidation of the Company under the Code.


        Section 5.11
    Employees; Benefit Plans.     

        (a)   Set forth on Schedule 5.11(a) of Parent Disclosure Schedule is a true and complete list of each Parent Benefit Plan but excluding government-sponsored programs. For purposes of this Agreement, "Parent Benefit Plan" means any employee benefit plan, program, policy, practices, agreement or other arrangement providing benefits to any current or former employee, officer, director or consultant of Parent or any Parent ERISA Affiliate or any beneficiary or dependent thereof that is sponsored or maintained by Parent or any Parent ERISA Affiliate or to which Parent or any Parent ERISA Affiliate contributes or is obligated to contribute, whether or not written, including without limitation any employee welfare benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA, any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (whether or not such plan is subject to ERISA) and any bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, vacation, stock purchase, stock option, severance, employment, change of control or fringe benefit plan, program, policy, practices, agreement or other arrangement, but excluding any government-sponsored programs (e.g., social security or national health coverage). A "Parent ERISA Affiliate" is any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, which together with the Parent would be deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA.

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        (b)   Parent has heretofore made available to the Company true and complete copies of each Parent Benefit Plan (including a written description of any unwritten Parent Benefit Plan) and: (i) the actuarial report for such Parent Benefit Plan (if applicable) for each of the last three years; (ii) the most recent determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (if applicable) for such Parent Benefit Plan; (iii) the summary plan description for such Parent Benefit Plan (if any); and (iv) the Form 5500 for such Parent Benefit Plan (if applicable) for each of the last two years. Except as specifically provided in the foregoing documents made available to the Company or as required by this Agreement, there are no amendments to any Parent Benefit Plan that have been adopted or approved nor has Parent or any Parent ERISA Affiliate undertaken to make any such amendments or to adopt or approve any new Parent Benefit Plan, other than such amendments as may be required by changes in applicable law.

        (c)   With respect to Parent Benefit Plans: (i) each of the Parent Benefit Plans has been operated and administered in all material respects in compliance with applicable laws, including, but not limited to, ERISA and the Code; (ii) each Parent Benefit Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms; (iii) each of the Parent Benefit Plans intended to be "qualified" within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (except for such Parent Benefit Plans that: (A) have not yet received a determination letter but for which the remedial amendment period for submitting a determination letter has not yet expired; or (B) are maintained under a prototype plan (or similar form or pattern plan) for which the Internal Revenue Service has issued a favorable opinion letter (or similar approval letter) that, in Parent's reasonable judgment, adequately addresses such plan's qualified status), and there are no existing circumstances nor any events that have occurred that would be reasonably expected to affect adversely the qualified status of any such Parent Benefit Plan; (iv) except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, no Parent Benefit Plan is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 or 4971 of the Code; (v) except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, no Parent Benefit Plan provides benefits coverage, including, without limitation, death or medical benefits (whether or not insured), with respect to current or former employees or directors of Parent or its Subsidiaries beyond the last day of the month in which their retirement or other termination of service occurred, other than coverage mandated by applicable law and other than any post-termination exercise periods for stock options; (vi) except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, no material liability under Title IV of ERISA or Part 6 of Title I of ERISA has been incurred by Parent, or any Parent ERISA Affiliate that has not been satisfied in full, and no condition exists that presents a material risk to Parent or any Parent ERISA Affiliate of incurring a material liability thereunder; (vii) except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, no Parent Benefit Plan is a "multiemployer pension plan" (as such term is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) (a "Multiemployer Plan") or a plan that has two or more contributing sponsors at least two of whom are not under common control (a "Multiple Employer Plan"), within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA and none of the Parent and its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has, at any time during the last six years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan; (viii) except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(c) of Parent Disclosure Schedule, all contributions or other amounts payable by Parent or any Parent ERISA Affiliate with respect to each Parent Benefit Plan and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Parent Benefit Plan for any period through the date hereof have been timely made or paid in full or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the date hereof, have been fully reflected on Parent's financial statements; (ix) none of Parent, any Parent ERISA Affiliate or, to Parent's knowledge, any other person, including any fiduciary, has engaged in a transaction in connection with which Parent, any Parent ERISA Affiliate or any Parent Benefit Plan will be subject to either a material civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 409 or 502(i) of ERISA or a material Tax imposed pursuant to Section 4975 or 4976 of the Code; (x) to the knowledge of Parent there are no pending, threatened or

26



anticipated claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on behalf of or against any of Parent Benefit Plans or any trusts related thereto; and (xi) each individual who renders services to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries who is classified by Parent or such Subsidiary, as applicable, as having the status of an independent contractor or other non-employee status for any purpose (including for purposes of taxation and tax reporting and under Parent Benefit Plans) is properly so characterized.

        (d)   Schedule 5.11(d) of Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth: (i) an accurate and complete description of each provision of any Parent Benefit Plan under which the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby could (either alone or in conjunction with any other event) result in, cause the accelerated vesting, funding or delivery of, or increase the amount or value of, any payment or benefit to any employee, officer or director of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or could limit the right of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to amend, merge, terminate or receive a reversion of assets from any Parent Benefit Plan or related trust; and (ii) to Parent's knowledge a good faith estimate of the maximum amount of the "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code that could become payable by Parent and its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        (e)   Except to the extent required by any Parent Benefit Plan or by operation of the provisions of any individual employment or change in control agreement previously disclosed to Parent and set forth in Schedule 5.11(e) of Parent Disclosure Schedule, as of the date hereof, neither Parent nor Parent's Board of Directors has taken any action to accelerate the vesting of any stock options or other equity-based compensation awards in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.


        Section 5.12
    Securities Laws Matters.     

        (a)   Parent's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer have disclosed, based on their most recent evaluation, to Parent's auditors: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect Parent's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Parent's internal control over financial reporting.

        (b)   Parent has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act); such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to Parent, including its consolidated Subsidiaries, is made known to Parent's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within those entities, particularly during the periods in which the periodic reports required under the Exchange Act are being prepared; and, to Parent's knowledge, such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting Parent's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer to material information required to be included in Parent's periodic reports required under the Exchange Act.


        Section 5.13
    Compliance with Applicable Law, Permits and Licenses.     

        (a)   Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries: (i) is in any material respect in conflict with, or in default or violation in any material respect of; or (ii) has been charged by any Governmental Entity with any unresolved violation of: any material law, rule, regulation, order, directive, injunction, judgment or decree applicable to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or by which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective owned or leased properties is bound or affected.

        (b)   Parent, its Subsidiaries and their respective employees hold all material permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders, registrations and approvals of all Governmental Entities which are

27



required for the operation of the businesses of Parent and its Subsidiaries (the "Parent Permits"). Each of Parent and its Subsidiaries is, and for the past five years has been, in compliance in all material respects with the terms of Parent Permits, all of the Parent Permits are in full force and effect and no suspension, revocation or material modification of any of them is pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened, nor, to the knowledge of Parent, do reasonable grounds exist for any such action.


        Section 5.14
    Intellectual Property; Proprietary Rights; Employee Restrictions; Assets.     

        (a)   All Intellectual Property used by Parent or its Subsidiaries in their respective businesses (collectively, "Parent Intellectual Property") are owned by Parent or such Subsidiaries by operation of law, or have been validly assigned to Parent or such Subsidiaries ("Parent Owned Intellectual Property") or Parent or its Subsidiaries otherwise have the right to use such Intellectual Property in their business as currently conducted ("Parent Licensed Intellectual Property"). Parent Intellectual Property is sufficient in all material respects to carry on the business of Parent as presently conducted. Parent or one of its Subsidiaries has exclusive ownership of all Parent Owned Intellectual Property used by Parent or its Subsidiaries, or is entitled to use all Parent Licensed Intellectual Property, in Parent's business as presently conducted, subject, in the case of Parent Licensed Intellectual Property, to the terms of the license agreements covering such Parent Licensed Intellectual Property. Parent and its Subsidiaries, and to the knowledge of Parent, the other parties thereto are not in material breach of any of the license agreements covering the Parent Licensed Intellectual Property. The present business activities or products of Parent do not infringe on any Third Party Intellectual Property.

        (b)   To its knowledge, Parent has not received any notice or other claim from any third party asserting that any of Parent's present activities or products infringe or may infringe any Third Party Intellectual Property of such third party.

        (c)   Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent: (i) Parent has the right to use all trade secrets, customer lists, hardware designs, programming processes, software and other information material to its business as presently conducted; (ii) Parent has taken all reasonable measures in accordance with customary industry practice to protect and preserve the security and confidentiality of its trade secrets and other confidential information; (iii) to the knowledge of Parent, all trade secrets and other confidential information of Parent that are material to its business are not part of the public domain or knowledge, nor, to the knowledge of Parent, have they been misappropriated by any person having an obligation to maintain such trade secrets or other confidential information in confidence for Parent; and (iv) to the knowledge of Parent, no employee or consultant of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has used any trade secrets or other confidential information of any other person in the course of their work for Parent or such Subsidiary.

        (d)   To the knowledge of Parent, no university or government agency (whether federal or state) has any claim of right to or ownership in the Parent Owned Intellectual Property. Parent is not aware of any material infringement, dilution or misappropriation by others of the Parent Owned Intellectual Property, or any material violation of the confidentiality of any of its proprietary information. To Parent's knowledge, Parent is not making unlawful use of any confidential information or trade secrets of any past or present employees of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.

        (e)   Each of Parent and its Subsidiaries has good, valid and marketable title to, or good, valid and marketable leasehold interests in, all its properties and other assets (other than Parent Intellectual Property, which is addressed in Section 5.14 (a) through (d)) as are necessary in the conduct of, or material to the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted, except for defects in title, easements, restrictive covenants and similar encumbrances that, either individually or in the aggregate, do not interfere in any material respect, with Parent's conduct of its business or affect in any material respect the value of such property or other assets (the "Parent Permitted Encumbrances"). Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.14(e) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule or for Parent Permitted Encumbrances,

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all such properties and other assets, other than properties or other assets in which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has a leasehold interest, are owned by Parent or a Subsidiary free and clear of all Liens.

        (f)    (i) Each lease of real or personal property which is material to the conduct of the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries and to which Parent or its Subsidiaries is a party is valid and binding on Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect, (ii) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have in all material respects performed all material obligations required to be performed by it to date under each such lease, and (iii) no event or condition exists which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default under any such lease.


        Section 5.15
    Certain Contracts; Leases.     

        (a)   Except as set forth on Schedule 5.15 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral): (i) which is a "material contract" (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the SEC) to be performed after the date of this Agreement that has not been filed or incorporated by reference in the Parent Reports; (ii) which materially restricts the conduct of any line of business by Parent or upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will restrict the conduct of any line of business by Parent, or Parent's Subsidiaries or the ability of Parent or any of Parent's Subsidiaries to engage in any line of business; (iii) which upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will subject Parent or any of its affiliates to any exclusivity arrangements with or to a labor union or guild (including any collective bargaining agreement); or (iv) (other than any plan or agreement covered by Section 5.11 hereof) any of the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any shareholder approval or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding of the type described in this Section 5.15(a), together with any material license or contract relating to Parent Intellectual Property, whether or not set forth in the Parent Disclosure Schedule, is referred to herein as a "Parent Contract," and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or has received notice of, any material violation of the above by any of the other parties thereto. Parent has heretofore made available to the Company a true and complete copy of each Parent Contract.

        (b)   (i) Each Parent Contract is valid and binding on Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect; (ii) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries has in all material respects performed all material obligations required to be performed by it to date under each Parent Contract; and (iii) to the knowledge of the Parent, no event or condition exists which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default under any such Parent Contract.

        (c)   Schedule 5.15(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list and description of all real property leased, subleased or otherwise occupied by Parent or its Subsidiaries (the "Parent Leased Real Property"). Except as set forth on Schedule 5.15(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, Parent and its Subsidiaries do not own any real property. All of the leases or subleases of the Parent Leased Real Property (the "Parent Leases") are valid, binding and in full force and effect. Parent and its Subsidiaries have not subjected any Parent Lease to any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, sublease, assignment, license, or other agreement granting to any third party any material interest in such Parent Lease or any right to the use or occupancy of any Parent Leased Real Property. Parent or a Subsidiary, as lessee under each Parent Lease, is now in possession of all of the applicable Parent Leased Real Property.


        Section 5.16
    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.     Except as set forth in Schedule 5.16 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, all liabilities of Parent are current. Except for: (a) those liabilities that are disclosed in the footnotes to or reserved against on the Parent Audited Financial Statements (and only

29


to the extent of such disclosure or reserve); (b) liabilities incurred pursuant to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or for fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; and (c) liabilities or obligations not required by GAAP to be disclosed or provided for in the Parent Audited Financial Statements and that were incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice which have not had or would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any indebtedness, obligation or liability of any nature whatsoever (whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, determined, determinable, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due whether relating to operations of, or property currently or previously owned by, Parent or any of its present or past Subsidiaries). Schedule 5.16 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth all indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its subsidiaries and accurately discloses for each such indebtedness the payee, the original amount of the loan, the current balance of the loan, the interest rate and the maturity date.


        Section 5.17
    Insurance.     Parent has made available to the Company a copy of all material insurance policies and all material self insurance programs and arrangements relating to the business, assets and operations of Parent and its Subsidiaries (the "Parent Insurance Policies"). Each of such Parent Insurance Policies is in full force and effect as of the date of this Agreement. From June 30, 2001 through the date hereof, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice or other communication regarding any actual or possible: (a) cancellation of any Parent Insurance Policy that has not been renewed in the ordinary course without any lapse in coverage; (b) invalidation of any Parent Insurance Policy; (c) refusal of any coverage or rejection of any material claim under any Parent Insurance Policy; or (d) material adjustment in the amount of the premiums payable with respect to any Parent Insurance Policy.


        Section 5.18
    Environmental Liability.     There are no Claims or Response Actions of any nature seeking to impose, or that reasonably could result in the imposition of, on Parent or any of its Subsidiaries any liability or obligation arising under common law or under any local, state or federal environmental statute, regulation or ordinance including, without limitation, CERCLA, pending or, to Parent's knowledge, threatened against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, which liability or obligation could reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. To the knowledge of Parent there is no reasonable basis for any such Claim or Response Action that could reasonably be expected to impose any liability or obligation that will have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any agreement, order, judgment, decree, directive, injunction, letter or memorandum by or with any court, governmental authority, regulatory agency, Governmental Entity or third party imposing any liability or obligation with respect to the foregoing that will have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.


        Section 5.19
    Form S-4 Proxy Statement/Prospectus.     None of the information to be supplied by Parent or its Subsidiaries for inclusion in the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will, at the time of the filing of the Form S-4 and the mailing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will comply, as of the date of filing, in the case of the Form S-4, and the date of mailing, in the case of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as to form in all material respects with all applicable laws, including the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except that no representation is made by Parent with respect to information supplied by the Company for inclusion therein.

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        Section 5.20
    Transactions with Affiliates.     Except as set forth in Schedule 5.20 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, there are no transactions, agreements, arrangements or understandings between Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any affiliate (including any officer or director) thereof, but not including any wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent, on the other hand.


        Section 5.21
    Labor Relations; Collective Bargaining Agreements.     Except as set forth on Schedule 5.21 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed by Parent or its Subsidiaries, and no collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract is being negotiated by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. No labor organization or group of employees of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has made a pending demand for recognition or certification, and there are no representation or certification proceedings or petitions seeking a representation proceeding presently pending or threatened to be brought or filed, with the National Labor Relations Board or any other labor relations tribunal or authority. There are no labor disputes, strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries pending or threatened against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. Since June 30, 2000 no unfair labor practice or labor charge or complaint has been made or is outstanding with respect to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. Parent and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all provisions of applicable law pertaining to the employment of employees, including such laws relating to labor relations, equal employment, fair employment practices, immigration, workers' compensation, terms and conditions of employment, employee classification, wages, hours or work, equal opportunity and occupational health and safety.


        Section 5.22
    Dividends.     Since December 31 2002, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries have declared or paid any dividends or other distributions upon any of its capital stock or returned any capital to the shareholders of Parent or paid or made any distribution of property or cash to the shareholders of Parent.


        Section 5.23
    Product Labeling, Product Liability and Product Warranty.     Parent and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to product labeling, product safety and public health and safety. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.23 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule or in connection with routine warranty claims, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of any claim that any product now or heretofore offered for sale or sold by Parent or distributed by Parent in connection with product sales is injurious to the health and safety of any person or is not in conformity with its specifications or not suitable for any purpose or application for which it is offered for sale, sold or distributed. Neither Parent nor its Subsidiaries has ever been ordered by a government agency to recall a product, and to Parent's knowledge, there are no circumstances that could give rise to such a product recall. To Parent's knowledge, there are no circumstances that could cause Parent to experience costs for warranty claims in the future that are materially higher than the costs historically experienced by Parent.


        Section 5.24
    Conduct of Business.     Merger Sub is a corporation formed solely for the purpose of consummating the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and has not engaged in any business activity except as contemplated by this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.


ARTICLE VI
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER

        Section 6.1    Conduct of Businesses Prior to the Merger Closing.     Commencing upon execution of this Agreement and continuing through to the Closing, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to: (i) conduct its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices; (ii) use its best efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization and business relationships and to retain the services of its key officers and key employees; and (iii) use its good faith best efforts to limit the Company's legal expenses to be incurred

31


in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) (plus disbursements), and it shall promptly notify Parent in the event that it anticipates that such legal expenses will exceed such amount.


        Section 6.2
    Company Forbearances.     Commencing upon execution of this Agreement and continuing through to the Closing, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of Parent (which consent or refusal shall not be unreasonably delayed or withheld):

        (a)   incur any indebtedness for borrowed money, assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other individual, corporation or other entity, or make any loan or advance, provided, however, that the Company shall be entitled to draw against its operating line of credit in a manner consistent with past practice;

        (b)   (i) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any capital stock;

        (c)   sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its lines of business, material properties or assets to any individual, corporation or other entity, other than to a wholly owned Subsidiary, or cancel, release or assign any indebtedness to any such person or any claims held by any such person, except pursuant to contracts or agreements in force at the date hereof;

        (d)   except pursuant to contracts or agreements in force at the date of this Agreement and made available to Parent prior to the date of this Agreement, make any material investment or acquisition, whether by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers, or purchase of any property or assets of any other individual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or any wholly owned Subsidiary thereof;

        (e)   except for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, terminate, or amend or waive any material provision of, any Company Contract, as the case may be, or make any material change in any instrument or agreement governing the terms of any lease or contract other than normal renewals of contracts and leases without material adverse changes of terms, or its securities;

        (f)    Except to the extent required by law or an existing agreement, increase in any manner the compensation or benefits of any of its employees, directors, consultants, independent contractors or service providers, pay any pension, severance or retirement benefits not required by any existing plan or agreement to any such employees, directors, consultants, independent contractors or service providers or enter into, amend, alter, adopt, implement or otherwise commit itself to any compensation or benefit plan, program, policy, arrangement or agreement including without limitation any pension,

32



retirement, profit-sharing, bonus or other employee benefit or welfare benefit plan, policy, arrangement or agreement or employment or consulting agreement with or for the benefit of any employee, director, consultant, independent contractor or service provider or accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any stock options or other stock-based compensation or cause the funding of any rabbi trust or similar arrangement;

        (g)   settle any material claim, action or proceeding;

        (h)   amend its Articles of Incorporation or its Bylaws or enter into any agreement with its shareholders in their capacity as such;

        (i)    other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) sell or enter into any material license agreement with respect to any Company Intellectual Property used by it in its business with any person or entity or buy or enter into any material license agreement with respect to Third Party Intellectual Property of any person or entity; (ii) sell or transfer to any person or entity any material rights to any Company Intellectual Property used by it in its business; or (iii) enter into or materially amend any Company Contract, as the case may be, pursuant to which any other party is granted marketing or distribution rights of any type or scope with respect to any material products of its or any of its Subsidiaries;

        (j)    enter into any "non-compete" or similar agreement that would materially restrict the businesses of the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiaries following the Effective Time or that would in any way restrict the businesses of Parent and its Subsidiaries (excluding the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries);

        (k)   adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of such entity;

        (l)    implement or adopt any change in its accounting principles, practices or methods, other than as consistent with or as may be required by law, GAAP or regulatory guidelines;

        (m)  settle or compromise any material liability for Taxes, file any material Tax Return (including any amended Tax Return), make any material Tax election or change any method of accounting for Tax purposes;

        (n)   enter into any new, or amend or otherwise alter any current, Company Affiliate Transaction;

        (o)   agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of its board of directors in support of, any of the actions prohibited by this Section 6.2; or

        (p)   Permit the Company's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to purchase or otherwise acquire additional shares of Company Common Stock.


        Section 6.3
    Parent Obligations.     During the period from the date hereof to the Effective Time: (a) Parent shall not without the prior written consent of the Company, adopt any amendments to its Articles of Incorporation which would materially adversely affect the terms and provisions of the Parent Common Stock or the rights of the holders of such shares; (b) without the Company's consent, neither Parent nor any of its affiliates shall, directly or indirectly, except pursuant to this Agreement or the Voting Agreements, purchase or otherwise acquire any Company Securities or otherwise intentionally vote or acquire the right to vote Company Securities; and (c) Parent shall cause Merger Sub to perform its obligations hereunder.


        Section 6.4
    Certain Tax Matters.     Commencing upon execution of this Agreement and continuing through to the Closing, each Party hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will not knowingly take any action, cause any action to be taken, fail to take any commercially reasonable action or cause any commercially reasonable action to fail to be taken, which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a taxable sale of assets and liquidation of the Company under the Code.

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        Section 6.5
    Other Matters.     Commencing upon the execution of this Agreement and continuing through the Closing, neither the Company nor Parent shall, and each of them shall cause its respective Subsidiaries not to, take any action that is intended or would reasonably be expected to result in: (a) any of its representations and warranties (or, in the case of Parent, the representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub) set forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect at any time prior to the Effective Time; (b) any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VIII not being satisfied; or (c) a violation of any provision of this Agreement.


ARTICLE VII
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

        Section 7.1    Filings Under Securities Laws.     As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC the Registration Statement, which will contain: (i) the prospectus of Parent relating to the shares of Parent Common Stock and the Warrants to be issued in connection with the Merger (the "Prospectus"); and (ii) the proxy statement of the Company relating to the Shareholder Meeting (the "Proxy Statement" and, together with the Prospectus, the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus"). Each of the Company and Parent shall use their reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing, and the Company shall thereafter mail or deliver the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to its shareholders. Parent and the Company will promptly notify each other of the receipt of comments from the SEC and of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement or for additional information, and will promptly supply each other with copies of all correspondence between the parties and the SEC with respect thereto. If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, any event should occur relating to or affecting the Company, Parent or Merger Sub, or to their respective Subsidiaries, officers or directors, which event should be described in an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement, the parties promptly will inform each other and cooperate in preparing, filing and having declared effective or clearing with the SEC and, if required by applicable federal or state securities laws, distributing to the Company's shareholders such amendment or supplement. Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary state securities law or "Blue Sky" permits and approvals required to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the Company shall cooperate with Parent and furnish all information concerning the Company and the holders of the Company Securities as may be reasonably requested by Parent in connection with any such action.


        Section 7.2
    Access to Information.     

        (a)   Upon reasonable notice and subject to applicable laws relating to the exchange of information, each of the Parties shall, and shall cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel and other representatives of the other Parties, access, during normal business hours during the period prior to the Effective Time, to all its properties, books, contracts, commitments and records. Access shall be reasonably related to the purposes of verifying the representations and warranties of the other and preparing for the Merger and the other matters contemplated by this Agreement. During such period, each of the Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, make available to the other Parties: (i) a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed or received by it during such period pursuant to the requirements of federal securities laws (other than reports or documents which such party is not permitted to disclose under applicable law); and (ii) all other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as such party may reasonably request. No Party shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate the rights of its customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of the institution in possession or control of such information or contravene any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree, fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The Parties will make appropriate

34



substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.

        (b)   Each of the Parties shall hold all information furnished by or on behalf of any other Party or any of such Party's Subsidiaries or representatives pursuant to Section 7.2(a) in confidence except to the extent that failure to disclose would constitute a violation of law and, in that case, the Party required to disclose such information will, to the extent practicable, provide prior notice of its intent to disclose such information to the other Party. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the execution, delivery and performance by Parent and its affiliates of this Agreement, the Voting Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not be deemed a breach of Parent's obligations under this Section 7.2(b).

        (c)   Each of the Parties shall hold all information furnished by or on behalf of any other Party or any of such Party's Subsidiaries or representatives pursuant to Section 7.2(a) or 7.2(b) in confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance with, the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement between Parent and the Company, dated as of November 26, 2002 (the "Confidentiality Agreement") except to the extent that failure to disclose would constitute a violation of law and, in that case, the Party required to disclose such information will, to the extent practicable, provide prior notice of its intent to disclose such information to the other Party. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the execution, delivery and performance by Parent and its Affiliates of this Agreement, the Voting Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall not be deemed a breach of Parent's obligations under the Confidentiality Agreement.

        (d)   No investigation by any of the Parties or their respective representatives shall affect the representations and warranties of the other set forth herein.


        Section 7.3
    Acquisition Transactions.     

        (a)   Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company shall cease immediately and cause to be terminated any and all existing discussions or negotiations with any parties (other than Parent) conducted heretofore with respect to any offer or other proposal to acquire any of the business, properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries or any capital stock of the Company or its Subsidiaries, in each case whether by merger, purchase of assets, tender offer or otherwise, whether for cash, securities or any other consideration or combination thereof (any such transactions being referred to herein as an "Acquisition Transaction") and promptly request that all confidential information with respect to any proposed Acquisition Transaction furnished by or on behalf of the Company be returned and the Company shall use its best efforts to cause any officer, director or employee of the Company, or any attorney, accountant, investment banker, financial advisor or other agent retained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, not to initiate, solicit, negotiate, knowingly encourage or provide non-public or confidential information to facilitate any Acquisition Transaction or any proposal with respect to any Acquisition Transaction.

        (b)   After the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) initiate, solicit, negotiate, knowingly encourage, provide confidential information to facilitate, or enter into any agreement with respect to, any bona fide written proposal or offer (an "Acquisition Proposal") to engage in an Acquisition Transaction; or (ii) enter into any agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal (other than this Agreement and any confidentiality and "standstill" agreement required pursuant to subsection (C) of the proviso of this Section 7.3(b)) or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring it to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that if, at any time prior to the Effective Time, the Company receives a written Acquisition Proposal that was not solicited after the date hereof or that did not otherwise result from a breach of this Section 7.3 and that the Company's Board of Directors or the Special Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the

35



"Special Committee") determine in good faith, after consultation with their legal and financial advisors, is a Superior Proposal (as defined below), the Company may, in response to such Acquisition Proposal and subject to the Company's compliance with this Section 7.3(b), (x) furnish information with respect to the Company to the person making such Acquisition Proposal, provided that the Company contemporaneously furnishes a copy of any information supplied to the person making the Acquisition Proposal to Parent to the extent it has not done so previously, and (y) participate in discussions and negotiations with respect to such Acquisition Proposal if, and only to the extent that (A) the Company's Board of Directors and the Special Committee, after consultation with and taking into consideration the advice of their legal advisors, determine in good faith that such action is required for the Company's Board of Directors or the Special Committee to comply with its fiduciary duties to the Company, (B) prior to furnishing such information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with, such person, the Company provides written notice to Parent to the effect that it is furnishing information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with, such person, and (C) prior to furnishing such information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with, such Person, the Company receives from such person an executed confidentiality and "standstill" agreement on terms substantially similar to those in the confidentiality and standstill agreement between the Company and Parent. The term "Superior Proposal" means an Acquisition Proposal which was not solicited or encouraged, directly or indirectly, after the date hereof by the Company, any of the Company's representatives or any other affiliate and which, in the good faith determination of the Company's Board of Directors or the Special Committee, taking into consideration, to the extent deemed appropriate by the Company's Board of Directors or the Special Committee, such interests and factors that may be considered in making such a determination under the PBCL, and the advice from a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation, (A) if accepted, is highly likely to be consummated, (B) if consummated, would result in a transaction that is more favorable to the Company than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (C) which financing, to the extent required, is then committed or which if not committed is capable of being obtained by such Person. The Company shall notify the Parent in writing of its receipt of any Acquisition Proposal (which notice shall include a copy of such Acquisition Proposal).

        (c)   Neither the Company nor the Company's Board of Directors or any committee thereof (including the Special Committee) shall, or shall authorize or permit any of its representatives to, (A) withhold, withdraw, modify, change or fail to make, or propose publicly to withhold, withdraw, modify, change or fail to make, in a manner adverse to Parent, the recommendation of the Company's Board of Directors and the Special Committee that the Company Shareholders approve and adopt this Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (the "Company Board Recommendation"), (B) approve, endorse, or recommend, or propose publicly to approve, endorse, or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal (other than the Merger), (C) cause the Company to enter into any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement related to any Acquisition Proposal (other than the Merger) or (D) release or permit the release of any person from, or waive or permit the waiver of any provision of, any confidentiality, "standstill" or similar agreement under which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has any rights, or fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to enforce or cause to be enforced such agreement at the request of Parent. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the Company or Parent, as the case may be, from making disclosure (and such disclosure in and of itself shall not be deemed to be a change in the Recommendations) of the fact that an Acquisition Proposal has been proposed, the identity of the person making such proposal or the material terms of such proposal to the extent, and only to the extent that, based on the advice of the Company's legal advisors, such disclosure is required by law. Further, notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that an Acquisition Proposal is made and the Company's Board of Directors or Special Committee determines in good faith, after consultation with their legal and financial advisors, that such Acquisition Proposal is a Superior Proposal after the Company has complied with its obligations pursuant to this Section 7.3, the Company's Board of

36



Directors or the Special Committee may (if and only to the extent that the Company's Board of Directors or the Special Committee, after consultation with and taking into consideration the advice of its legal advisors, determines in good faith that such action is required for the Company's Board of Directors or the Special Committee to comply with its fiduciary duties to the Company) take any of the actions specified in clauses (A), (B) or (D) of this Section 7.3(c), no earlier than five Business Days following Parent's receipt from the Company of notice pursuant to Section 7.3(b) in connection with an Acquisition Proposal and engages in good faith negotiations with Parent in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.3(e).

        (d)   The Company shall promptly provide to Parent any information regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries provided after the date hereof to any corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group making an Acquisition Proposal, unless such information has been previously provided to Parent.

        (e)   In the event that the Company's Board of Directors or Special Committee determines that an Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal, the Company shall give Parent written notice of such determination and provide Parent with the terms of such Superior Proposal. For a period of not less than five Business Days after Parent's receipt from the Company of notice described in the preceding sentence, the Company shall, if requested by Parent, negotiate in good faith with Parent to revise this Agreement in an effort to make the Acquisition Proposal that constituted a Superior Proposal no longer constitute a Superior Proposal.


        Section 7.4
    Shareholders' Approval.     Subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.4, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause a special meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholder Meeting") to be held as soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof for the purpose of obtaining the Company Shareholder Approval (the "Shareholder Proposal"). The Company's Board of Directors shall use its best efforts to obtain from the shareholders of the Company the votes required by the PBCL and/or the Company Charter in favor of the approval of this Agreement and any other matters required thereby to be approved and shall recommend to the shareholders of the Company that they so vote at the Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof; provided that the Company's Board of Directors shall not be required to use such best efforts to obtain the vote in favor of the approval of this Agreement and such other matters or to make or continue to make such recommendation if such Board of Directors, after having received and considered the advice of, and after consultation with, its independent, outside legal counsel, has determined that the making of such reasonable best efforts to obtain the vote in favor of the approval of this Agreement and such other matters or making or continuing to make such recommendation would cause the members of the Company's Board of Directors to breach their fiduciary duties under applicable laws. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, unless this Agreement is earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, the Company shall be required to submit the Shareholder Proposal for approval by its shareholders at the Shareholder Meeting, whether with or without the recommendation of the Company's Board of Directors.


        Section 7.5
    Legal Conditions to the Merger.     

        (a)   Each of Parent and the Company shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, use their reasonable best efforts: (i) to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings, to obtain as promptly as practicable all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Entities which are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to comply with the terms and conditions of all such permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all such Governmental Entities; (ii) to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to comply promptly with all legal requirements that may be imposed on such party or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Merger and, subject to the conditions set forth in Article VIII, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (iii) to obtain (and to cooperate with the other party

37



to obtain) any consent, authorization, order or approval of, or any exemption by, any Governmental Entity and any other third party that is required to be obtained by Parent or the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

        (b)   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in paragraph (a) above or any other provision of this Agreement: (i) the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Parent, agree to divest any assets or businesses of the Company or any of its affiliates or to in any way limit the ownership or operation of any business of the Company or its affiliates; and (ii) neither Parent nor the Company shall be required to: (A) divest or encumber any assets or corporations of Parent or the Company, respectively, or any of their respective affiliates (provided that in connection with the obtaining of the approval of any Governmental Entity of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, agree to divest, encumber, and to divest or encumber, any of its or their assets or corporations at the request of Parent and provided that such divestiture is conditioned upon consummation of the Merger); or (B) enter into any agreements that in any way limit the ownership or operation of any business of Parent or the Company, respectively, or any of their respective affiliates.

        (c)   Parent and the Company shall have the right to review in advance, and, to the extent practicable, each will consult the other on, in each case subject to applicable laws relating to the exchange of information, all the information relating to Parent or the Company, as the case may be, and any of their respective Subsidiaries, which appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, provided that Parent or the Company can restrict access by the other Party to such documents that discuss the pricing or dollar value of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In exercising the foregoing right, each of the Parties shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable. The Parties agree that they will consult with each other with respect to the obtaining of all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Entities necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each party will keep the other apprised of the status of matters relating to completion of the transactions contemplated herein.

        (d)   The Parent and the Company shall, upon request, furnish the other Parties with all information concerning themselves, their Subsidiaries and their Subsidiaries' affiliates, directors, officers and shareholders and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Registration Statement or any other statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of Parent or the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries to any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

        (e)   The Company and Parent shall, and Parent shall cause Merger Sub to, promptly advise the other Parties upon receiving any communication from any Governmental Entity whose consent or approval is required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that causes such Party to believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that any Requisite Regulatory Approval will not be obtained or that the receipt of any such approval will be materially delayed.


        Section 7.6
    Affiliates.     The Company shall use its best efforts to cause each person, listed on Exhibit E hereto to deliver to Parent, as soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement, and in any event prior to the Effective Time, a written agreement, in the form of Exhibit E hereto, as applicable, providing that such person will not sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of Parent Common Stock to be received by such "affiliate" in the Merger, other than as contemplated in such written agreement. Other than those persons listed on Exhibit E, there are no "affiliates" (for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act) of the Company.

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        Section 7.7
    Stock Exchange Quotation or Listing.     Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger to be authorized for quotation on NASDAQ or such other national exchange on which the Parent Common Stock may then be quoted or listed prior to the Effective Time.


        Section 7.8
    Additional Agreements.     In case at any time after the Effective Time any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers and directors of each party to this Agreement and their respective Subsidiaries shall take all such necessary action as may be reasonably requested by Parent.


        Section 7.9
    Advise of Changes.     Parent and the Company shall each promptly advise the other Party of any change or event having a Material Adverse Effect on it, and Parent and the Company shall each promptly advise the other of any change or event that it believes is or constitutes or is reasonably likely to be or constitute a material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained herein.


        Section 7.10
    Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance.     

        (a)   Parent shall cause to be maintained in effect for a period of not less than one year and not more than three years from the Effective Time a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy, with policy limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) and not more than three million dollars ($3,000,000), covering the directors and officer of the Company (the "D&O Insurance Policy"). The D&O Insurance Policy will be underwritten by a reputable insurance company. The provisions of the immediately preceding sentence shall be deemed to have been satisfied if, with the prior written consent of the Company, a prepaid policy has been obtained prior to the Effective Time for purposes of this Section 7.10(a), which policy provides the Company's directors and officers with coverage in the amount of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) and not more than three million dollars ($3,000,000) for an aggregate period of not less than one year and not more than three years with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the Effective Time, including, without limitation, in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If such policy has been obtained prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall, and shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, maintain such policy in full force and effect, and continue to honor the obligations thereunder. The obligations under this Section 7.10(a) shall not be terminated or modified in such a manner as to adversely affect any indemnitee to whom this Section 7.10(a) applies without the consent of such affected indemnitee (it being expressly agreed that the indemnitees to whom this Section 7.10(a) applies shall be third party beneficiaries of this Section 7.10(a)).

        (b)   From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will, and Parent will cause the Surviving Corporation to, indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of the Company or of any of its Subsidiaries, determined as of the Effective Time (the "Indemnified Parties"), against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to matters relating to their duties or actions in their capacity as such (or in such capacity in another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of the Company) and existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including those matters relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent permitted to be so indemnified by the Surviving Corporation or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, under applicable law. The Surviving Corporation shall, and Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, assume all rights of the Indemnified Parties to indemnification and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time as provided in the respective Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws (or comparable organizational documents) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (true and complete copies of

39



which have been filed as exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 26, 2003, in the case of the Company, and otherwise have been made available to Parent prior to the date hereof) as now in effect, and any indemnification agreements or arrangements of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries provided to Parent prior to the date hereof shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms, and Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation to comply with its obligations thereunder. Such rights shall not be amended, or otherwise modified in any manner that would adversely affect the rights of the Indemnified Parties, unless such modification is required by law. The right to indemnification conferred by this Section 7.10 shall include the right to be advanced and paid by the Surviving Corporation the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided that such Indemnified Party provides an undertaking reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Surviving Corporation to repay such advanced expenses to the extent required by law or the terms of the applicable indemnification provision.

        (c)   From and after the Effective Time until the second anniversary thereof, Parent shall cause: (i) the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation to contain provisions no less favorable to the Indemnified Parties with respect to indemnification and to limitation of certain liabilities of directors and officers than are set forth as of the date of this Agreement in the Company Charter and Bylaws of the Company; and (ii) the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws (or similar organizational documents) of each Subsidiary of the Surviving Corporation to contain the current provisions regarding indemnification of directors and officers which provisions in each case shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified in a manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of the Indemnified Parties.

        (d)   In the event that Parent or the Surviving Corporation or the respective successors or assigns of each: (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger; or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then, and in each such case, Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall ensure that proper provision shall be made so that such successors and assigns of Parent or the Surviving Corporation or the respective successors or assigns of each, as the use may be, shall assume all of the obligations thereof set forth in this Section 7.10.

        (e)   Nothing in this Agreement is intended to, shall be construed to or shall release, waive or impair any rights to directors' and officers' insurance claims under any policy that is or has been in existence with respect to the Company or any of its officers, directors or employees, it being understood and agreed that the indemnification provided for in this Section 7.10 is not prior to or in substitution for any such claims under such policies.

        (f)    The provisions of this Section 7.10 are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party, his or her heirs and his or her representatives; and (ii) are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that any such person may have by contract or otherwise. The obligations of Parent and the Surviving Corporation under this Section 7.10 shall not be terminated or modified in such a manner as to adversely affect any Indemnified Party to whom this Section 7.10 applies without the consent of the affected Indemnified Party (it being expressly agreed that the Indemnified Parties to whom this Section 7.10 applies shall be third party beneficiaries of this Section 7.10). For the avoidance of doubt, any failure by the Surviving Corporation to pay any amounts under this Section 7.10 for any reason whatsoever (including that such entity has ceased to exist) shall entitle the Indemnified Parties to fulfillment by Parent of such obligations of the Surviving Corporation.


        Section 7.11
    Taxable Stock Purchase.     Following the Effective Time, neither the Company, the Surviving Corporation, Parent nor any of their affiliates shall knowingly take any action, cause any action to be taken, fail to take any commercially reasonable action or cause any commercially

40


reasonable action to fail to be taken, which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a taxable sale of assets and liquidation of the Company under the Code


        Section 7.12
    Employee Matters.     

        (a)   Parent will cause the Surviving Corporation to honor the obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Effective Time under the provisions of all employment, bonus, consulting, termination, severance, change in control and indemnification agreements, all of which are set forth on Schedule 7.12 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, between and among the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any current or former officer, director, consultant or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, provided that this provision shall not prevent the Surviving Corporation from amending, suspending or terminating any such agreements to the extent permitted by the respective terms of such agreement.

        (b)   Parent and the Surviving Corporation will cause their respective employee benefit and compensation plans (including, without limitation, pension, profit-sharing, retirement, savings, 401(k), vacation, paid time-off, employee, retiree health and other employee financial welfare or other benefit plans) covering any of the employees of the Company who are employed by the Surviving Corporation as of the Effective Time (the "Assumed Employees") on or after the Effective Time to count service that has been recognized by the Company and its affiliates, without duplication of benefits, for purposes of eligibility to participate and vesting, but not benefit accrual, to the same extent such service was recognized under any similar Company Benefit Plans, provided that the foregoing shall not apply for newly established plans for which prior service is not taken into account. Parent and the Surviving Corporation will also cause all (i) waiting periods; and (ii) pre-existing conditions and proof of insurability provisions, for all conditions that all Assumed Employees and their covered dependents have as of the Effective Time, under each plan that would otherwise be applicable to newly hired employees to be waived with respect to Assumed Employees to the same extent waived to the extent waivable or satisfied under the Company Benefit Plans for the year in which the Merger occurs.

        (c)   Parent and the Surviving Corporation will give Assumed Employees credit, for purposes of Parent's and the Surviving Corporation's vacation and/or other paid leave benefit programs, for such employees' accrued and unpaid vacation and/or paid leave balance as of the Effective Time; provided, however, that Assumed Employees will not be provided with duplicative service credit for vacation or other paid leave programs.


        Section 7.13
    Registration Statement.     

        (a)   If at any time prior to the date of the Shareholder Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, any event with respect to the Company, its officers and directors or any of its Subsidiaries shall occur which is required to be described in an amendment of, or a supplement to the Registration Statement, the Company shall notify Parent thereof by reference to this Section 7.13(a) and such event shall be so described. Any such amendment or supplement shall be filed as promptly as practicable with the SEC and, as and to the extent required by law, disseminated to the shareholders of the Company, and such amendment or supplement shall comply in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

        (b)   If at any time prior to the date of the Shareholder Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, any event with respect to Parent, its officers and directors or any of its Subsidiaries shall occur which is required to be described in an amendment of, or a supplement to the Registration Statement, Parent shall notify the Company thereof by reference to this Section 7.13(b) and such event shall be so described. Any such amendment or supplement shall be filed as promptly as practicable with the SEC and, as and to the extent required by law, disseminated to the shareholders of the Company, and such

41



amendment or supplement shall comply in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.


        Section 7.14
    Company Industrial Revenue Bonds.     The Company shall use its best efforts to assist Parent in making arrangements pursuant to which the Company's Industrial Revenue Bonds, all of which are set forth on Schedule 7.14 of the Company Disclosure Schedule (the "Industrial Revenue Bonds") shall remain outstanding after consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder. The Company shall cooperate with Parent, meet with the lenders of the funds provided by the Industrial Revenue Bonds and allow Parent access to the Company's books and records for the purpose of enabling Parent to make arrangements to keep the Industrial Revenue Bonds in place.


        Section 7.15
    Subordinated Debt Settlement.     The Company shall use its best efforts to reach a settlement with the holders of the Subordinated Debt which complies with the provisions of Section 8.3(d).


ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS

        Section 8.1    Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger.     The respective obligations of the Parties to effect the Merger shall be subject to the following conditions:

        (a)   Shareholder Approval. The Company Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

        (b)   Stock Exchange Listings. The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger or upon exercise of the Warrants described in Section 3.1(b)(ii) shall have been authorized for quotation on NASDAQ or such other national exchange on which the Parent Common Stock may be quoted or listed as of the Closing Date.

        (c)   Other Approvals. All notifications, consents, authorizations and approvals required to be made with or obtained from any Governmental Entity prior to the Effective Time (including without limitation, with respect to any Company Permit (without giving effect to the word "material" in the definition thereof)): (A) under applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws relating to the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries; or (B) the failure of which to make or obtain would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or Parent, shall have been made or obtained for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (all such approvals and the expiration of all such waiting periods being referred to herein as the "Requisite Regulatory Approval"); provided that the foregoing clause shall apply to the obligations of the Company to consummate the Merger only to the extent that the failure to make or obtain such notification, consent, authorization or approval would make consummation of the Merger an illegal act by the Company.

        (d)   Effectiveness of Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been filed and shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC.

        (e)   No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect. No statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Entity which prohibits, materially restricts or makes illegal consummation of the Merger, and no Governmental Entity shall have instituted any proceeding or be threatening to institute any proceeding seeking such an order, injunction or decree.

        (f)    Articles of Merger. The Articles of Merger shall have been filed with and approved by the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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        Section 8.2
    Conditions to Obligations of the Company.     The obligations of the Company to effect the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by the Company, at or prior to the Effective Time, of the following conditions:

        (a)   Representations and Warranties. (i) The representations and warranties of the Parent and Merger Sub set forth in Article V of this Agreement that are qualified as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect shall have been true and correct as of the date of the Agreement or shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Time with the same force and effect as if made as of such date, or (ii) any representation or warranty of the Parent and Merger Sub set forth in the Agreement that is not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Agreement or shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Time with the same force and effect as if made as of such date, except for those representations and warranties which address matters only as of a particular date (which representations shall have been true and correct as of such particular date) (it being understood that, for purposes of determining the accuracy of such representations and warranties, any update of or modification to the Parent Disclosure Schedule in accordance with Section 7.9 hereof made or purported to have been made after the date of the Agreement shall be disregarded). The Company shall have received certificates signed on behalf of the Parent and the Merger Sub by a duly authorized officer to such effect.

        (b)   Performance of Obligations. Parent and Merger Sub shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by each of them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and the Company shall have received certificates signed on behalf of Parent by an appropriate executive officer to such effect.


        Section 8.3
    Conditions to Obligations of Parent.     The obligations of Parent to effect the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Parent, at or prior to the Effective Time, of the following conditions:

        (a)   Representations and Warranties and Covenants. The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Article IV of this Agreement that are qualified as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect shall have been true and correct as of the date of the Agreement or shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Time with the same force and effect as if made as of such date; or (b) any representation or warranty of the Company set forth in the Agreement that is not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Agreement or shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Time with the same force and effect as if made as of such date, except for those representations and warranties which address matters only as of a particular date (which representations shall have been true and correct as of such particular date) (it being understood that, for purposes of determining the accuracy of such representations and warranties, any update of or modification to the Company Disclosure Schedule in accordance with Section 7.9 hereof made or purported to have been made after the date of the Agreement shall be disregarded), and the Parent and Merger Sub shall have received certificates signed on behalf of the Company by a duly authorized officer to such effect; and (ii) the covenants contained in Article VI hereof shall have been performed and complied with, as the case may be and Parent and Merger Sub shall have received a certificate to that effect signed on behalf of the Company by a duly authorized officer.

        (b)   Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and Parent shall have received certificates signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer to such effect.

        (c)   Restrictions on Transfer. Parent and the individuals set forth on Exhibit F attached hereto shall have executed and delivered an agreement, in a form substantially similar to the form set forth on Exhibit F whereby such individuals agree not to transfer the Parent Common Stock issued in

43



accordance with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, subject to customary transfer exceptions, for the period of time set forth opposite their names on Exhibit F.

        (d)   Subordinated Debt Settlement and Repayment. All of the Company's Subordinated Debt, all of which is set forth on Schedule 4.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be paid off at approximately 40% of the total current principal amount outstanding (a total payment of $1,058,429 to be divided among all subordinated debt holders as set forth on Schedule 4.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule) as full and final payment for all outstanding obligations owed to them as of the Closing Date and Parent shall have received all subordinated notes from each party, marked cancelled.

        (e)   Industrial Revenue Bonds. Parent shall have made arrangements to keep in place the Industrial Revenue Bonds of the Company or, in the alternative, shall have paid off the full principal and accrued interest owing thereon at Closing, without prepayment penalty.

        (f)    Net Liabilities. The sum of (x) the Net Liabilities, plus (y) (i) the amount of the principal and interest of the Company's Industrial Revenue Bonds outstanding on the Closing Date, (ii) the cash paid at Closing to the Preferred Shareholders and (iii) the amount necessary to payoff in full all amounts owing in connection with the Senior Debt (as set forth in Section 8.3(h) below), the Subordinated Debt and the JCIDA Debt, will not exceed eleven million six hundred thousand dollars ($11,600,000). The "Net Liabilities" means the difference between (x) the "Liabilities" (as defined below) and (y) the liquidation value of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than Stature). For purposes of this Section 8.3(f), all references to the Company shall mean the Company prior to the merger identified in the fourth whereas clause of this Agreement, so that neither the assets, liabilities or obligations of Stature (other than, if any, Stature's liabilities under the JCIDA Debt, the Subordinated Debt and the Senior Debt) shall be included as, respectively, assets, liabilities or obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries. "Liabilities" means as of the Closing Date: (a) the sum of (i) all incurred or accrued liabilities and obligations, both recorded and unrecorded, of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than Stature) and shall include any remaining obligations pursuant to any office or equipment leases and any obligations under any change of control, employee stay bonus or severance agreements and any other obligations or liabilities that arise in connection with the Merger transaction, and (ii) all of those incurred or accrued liabilities and obligations, both recorded and unrecorded, of the Parent and its Subsidiaries which arise in connection with the Merger transaction and which would not have been incurred or accrued by Parent and its Subsidiaries (other than Stature) if Parent had acquired the stock of Stature instead of participating in the Merger (e.g., costs incurred or accrued in connection with obtaining the D&O Insurance Policy and costs incurred in connection with the bonuses awarded by the Company's Compensation Committee on December 18, 2003), except that no liability or obligation identified under clause (i) above shall constitute a liability or obligation under this clause (ii); but (b) shall not include (i) legal fees and legal expenses incurred by the Company in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any tax liability of the Company relating to the repayment of the Subordinated Debt or JCIDA Debt as required hereby or any tax liabilities of the Company, Parent or the Subsidiaries of either the Company or Parent which are imposed or otherwise payable by reason of the consummation of either the merger identified in the fourth whereas clause of this Agreement or the Merger, or both, (iii) the following fees and expenses incurred by the Parent—professional fees and expenses (including legal and accounting), bank fees and expenses incurred in connection with the financing of the Merger transaction, consultants' fees and expenses (including environmental), and appraisal fees and expenses, and (iv) any liability in regard of any non-competition agreement with Michael Koepke. All determinations of liabilities and obligations shall be made in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied.

        Five days prior to the date scheduled as the Closing Date, the Company will deliver to the Parent a statement of Net Liabilities (the "Statement of Liabilities"). In the event that Parent disputes the inclusion or exclusion of an item or the proper amount of an item in the Statement of Liabilities,

44



Parent shall, within five (5) days following delivery of the Statement of Liabilities, give the Company written notice of the nature of such dispute, which notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the specific objection ("Liability Notice of Disagreement"). The Statement of Liabilities shall become final and binding upon the Parties if the Company does not receive the Liability Notice of Disagreement from the Parent prior to the expiration of such five (5) day period. During such five (5) day period the Parent shall be given reasonable access during normal business hours to relevant records of the Company relating to, and the procedures carried out by the Company in connection with the Company's preparation of the Statement of Liability. Parent and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve, in writing, the disputed amounts identified in the Liability Notice of Disagreement within five (5) days after the Company's receipt thereof. If such dispute has not been resolved by the parties within the five (5) day period, the disputed amounts, and the final amount of the Net Liabilities shall be determined by the Independent Accountant. For purposes of this Section 8.3(f), the Parties shall bear the costs of the Independent Accountant equally.

        (g)   Non-Competition Agreement. Lowell Huntsinger, Randall James and Morris Felt shall have each executed and delivered a Non-Competition Agreement with Parent and its affiliates substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.

        (h)   Repayment of Senior Debt. Parent shall have repaid all senior debt of the Company under credit facilities, all of which are set forth on Schedule 8.3(h) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.

        (i)    Landlord Consents, Waivers and Estoppel Certificates. The landlord consents and waivers, if necessary, and landlord estoppel certificates described in Section 4.15(d) shall have been obtained.

        (j)    Sale of Texas Property. Prior to the Closing the Company shall have sold its Texas property located at FM 1252 West, Kilgore, Texas 75662, on an as-is basis, for a purchase price of not less than three hundred and eleven thousand dollars ($311,000).

        (k)   JCIDA Debt Settlement and Repayment. All of the JCIDA Debt, all of which is set forth on Schedule 4.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, shall be paid off at approximately 60% of the total current principal amount outstanding as full and final payment for all outstanding obligations owed to them as of the Closing Date and Parent shall have received all subordinated notes from each party, marked cancelled.

        (l)    Merger of Stature. Prior to the Closing Stature shall have been merged with and into the Company.

        (m)  Revision of Executive Salary Continuation Agreement. The Company and George Lemmon Jr. shall have amended the Owosso Corporation Executive Salary Continuation Agreement, in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Parent, to revise (i) the dates on which Mr. Lemmon is entitled to payments under such agreement and (ii) the manner in which Mr. Lemmon is to receive fringe benefits.

        (n)   Release. The Company shall cause each of Morris Felt, Lowell Huntsinger, George Lemmon, The John F. Northway, Sr. Trust, Randall James, John Reese and Lemmon Drop Enterprises (each, a "Releasing Person") to execute a release, in a form reasonably satisfactory to Parent, whereby the Releasing Person irrevocably releases and forever discharges the Parent and the Company and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, participants, directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants and attorneys (each, a "Released Person") of and from all damages, losses, claims, demands, liabilities, obligations, actions and causes of action whatsoever which such Releasing Person or any of its affiliates may now have or claim to have against the Parent or the Company or any other Released Person on account of or in any way related to the Releasing Person's purchase or ownership of shares of the Company, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated otherwise evidenced thereby, whether presently known or unknown and of every nature and extent whatsoever.

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ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

        Section 9.1    Termination.     This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Merger by the shareholders of the Company:

        (a)   by mutual consent of Parent and the Company in a written instrument;

        (b)   by either Parent or the Company if any Governmental Entity that must grant a Requisite Regulatory Approval has denied approval of the Merger and such denial has become final and nonappealable or any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued a final nonappealable order permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

        (c)   by Parent or the Company if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before July 1, 2004 (the "Termination Date"), unless the failure of the Effective Time to occur by such date shall be due to the failure of the Party seeking to terminate this Agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such Party set forth herein; provided, however, that if on such date each of the conditions set forth in Article VIII other than those set forth in Section 8.1(a) (Shareholder Approvals), Section 8.1(c) (Other Approvals) or Section 8.1(e) (No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality) has been fulfilled or is capable of being fulfilled, then such date shall be automatically extended for thirty (30) days

        (d)   (i) by the Company (provided that the Company is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein) if there shall have been a breach by Parent or Merger Sub of any of its covenants or agreements or any of its representations or warranties set forth in this Agreement, which breach, either individually or in the aggregate, would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of the conditions set forth in Section 8.2(a) (Representations and Warranties) or 8.2(b) (Performance of Obligations) of this Agreement, and which is not cured as promptly as practicable and in any case within thirty (30) days following written notice by the Company to Parent or by its nature or timing cannot be cured prior to the Closing Date; or (ii) by Parent (provided that neither Parent nor Merger Sub is then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein) if: (A) there shall have been a breach by the Company of any of its covenants or agreements or any of its representations or warranties set forth in this Agreement, which breach, in any such case, either individually or in the aggregate, would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of the conditions set forth in Section 8.3(a) (Representations and Warranties) or 8.3(b) (Performance of Obligations) of this Agreement; or (B) there shall have been a material breach (including any transfer or other disposition of any Company Securities in violation thereof) by any party to a Voting Agreement (other than Parent) of any of its respective covenants or agreements or any of its respective representations or warranties set forth in such Voting Agreement, and which, in the case of either of clause (A) or (B), is not cured as promptly as practicable and in any case within thirty (30) days following written notice by Parent to the Company or by its nature or timing cannot be cured prior to the Closing Date;

        (e)   by the Company if the Company has proposed to enter into an agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal or has approved or recommended a Superior Proposal in accordance with Section 7.3, provided that the Company has complied with all of the provisions Section 7.3, including the notice provisions therein, and that simultaneously with terminating this Agreement the Company makes all payments required to be made to Parent pursuant to Section 9.2(b);

        (f)    by Parent, if the Board of Directors of the Company shall have failed to recommend, or shall have withdrawn, or modified or amended in any respect materially adverse to Parent, its approval or

46



recommendation of this Agreement or shall have resolved to do any of the foregoing, or shall have recommended another Acquisition Proposal or if the Board of Directors of the Company shall have resolved to accept a Superior Proposal or shall have failed to publicly affirm its approval or recommendation of this Agreement within 10 days of Parent's request made after any Acquisition Proposal shall have been disclosed to the Company's shareholders generally; or

        (g)   by Parent or the Company, if the shareholders of the Company fail to approve this Agreement upon a vote held at a duly held meeting of shareholders called for such purpose (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), but subject, in the case of termination by the Company, to its obligation to make the payment required by Section 9.2(b), if applicable.


        Section 9.2
    Effect of Termination.     

        (a)   In the event of termination of this Agreement by Parent or the Company as provided in Section 9.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, and none of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the officers or directors of any of them shall have any liability of any nature whatsoever hereunder, or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, except that: (i) Sections 7.2(c), 10.2, 10.7, 10.8 and this Section 9.2 shall survive any termination of this Agreement; and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no party shall be relieved or released from any liabilities or damages arising out of its willful breach of any provision of this Agreement or out of intentional misconduct or fraud.

        (b)   The Company agrees to pay to Parent a fee equal to $500,000, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if:


        Section 9.3
    Amendment.     Subject to compliance with applicable law, this Agreement may be amended by the Parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, at any time before or after approval of the matters presented at the Shareholder Meeting by the shareholders of the Company; provided, however, that after adoption of this Agreement by the Company's shareholders, no amendment shall be made which by law requires further approval of the shareholders of the Company without the further approval of such shareholders. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by Parent and the Company.


        Section 9.4
    Extension; Waiver.     At any time prior to the Effective Time, the Parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective Board of Directors, may, to the extent legally allowed: (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other Parties;

47


(b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto; and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein; provided, however, that after any approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company, there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders, any extension or waiver of this Agreement or any portion thereof which reduces the amount or changes the form of the consideration to be delivered to the holders of Company Securities hereunder, other than as contemplated by this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such party, but such extension or waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance with an obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.


ARTICLE X
GENERAL PROVISIONS

        Section 10.1    Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.     None of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Closing except for those covenants and agreements contained herein which by their terms apply in whole or in part after the Closing.


        Section 10.2
    Expenses.     Except as set forth in Section 9.2, all costs and expenses (including without limitation professional fees and transfer taxes) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expense; provided, however, that the costs and expenses of printing and mailing the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the Merger, shall be borne equally by Parent and the Company.


        Section 10.3
    Notices.     All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given: (a) when received by facsimile or similar device if subsequently confirmed by a writing sent within twenty-four (24) hours after the giving of such notice; (b) upon receipt if delivered personally; or (c) on the date of receipt, if sent by FedEx or other national overnight delivery service; and in any case, addressed as follows:

        (a)   if to the Company, to:

        with a copy to:

48


        and

        (b)   if to Parent or Merger Sub, to:

        with a copy to:


        Section 10.4
    Interpretation.     When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to a Section of or Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents, table of definitions and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation."


        Section 10.5
    Counterparts.     This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.


        Section 10.6
    Entire Agreement.     This Agreement (including the documents and the instruments referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.


        Section 10.7
    Governing Law.     

        (a)   This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law principles.

        (b)   Each Party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any state court of the State of New York, or any federal court sitting in Erie County, New York in any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action may be heard and determined in such New York state or federal court. Each Party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. The Parties further agree, to the extent permitted by law, that final and unappealable judgment against any of them in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on the judgment, a certified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such judgment.

        (c)   To the extent that any Party has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment,

49



attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each Party hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations with respect to this Agreement.

        (d)   Each Party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each Party certifies that it has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications set forth above in this Section 10.7.


        Section 10.8
    Publicity; Announcements.     The initial press release concerning the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby will be a joint release. Except as otherwise required by applicable law or the rules of NASDAQ, none of the Parties hereto shall, or shall permit any of its Subsidiaries to, issue or cause the publication of any press release or other public announcement with respect to, or otherwise make any public statement concerning, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the consent of the other Parties, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld (provided that the consent of Parent shall be deemed to be the consent of Merger Sub). Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, without the prior consent of Parent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld) issue or cause the publication of any press release or other public announcement with respect to any material developments in the business strategy of the Company and its Subsidiaries, except for any such press release or public announcement required by applicable law or the rules of NASDAQ (in which case the Company shall, to the extent practicable, consult with Parent prior to making such release or announcement).


        Section 10.9
    Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries.     Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations shall be assigned by any of the Parties (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other Parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.10, this Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein) is not intended to confer upon any person other than the Parties any rights or remedies hereunder.


        Section 10.10
    Specific Enforcement.     The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached in any material respect. It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement. A Party is entitled to seek injunctive relief to prevent any breach and to enforce terms or provisions if such breach would serve as a basis of terminating this Agreement by such Party. The rights provided by this section are in addition to any other remedy to which the Parties are entitled at law or in equity including an action seeking damages.


        Section 10.11
    Disclosure of Tax Treatment/Structure.     Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, at the earliest of the date of the first public announcement of the discussions relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, the date of the public announcement of the transactions contemplated hereby or the date of the execution of this Agreement, each party to the transactions (and each employee, representative, agent and advisor of each such party) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitations of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions and all materials of any kind (including opinions and other tax analysis) that are provided to the party relating to such tax treatment and tax structure; provided, however, that the tax treatment and tax structure shall be kept confidential to the extent necessary to comply with any applicable securities laws. In addition, no party shall be subject to any restriction concerning its consulting with its tax advisor regarding the tax treatment or tax structure of the transactions at any time.

(Signature page follows)

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.


 

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RICHARD D. SMITH      
    Name:   Richard D. Smith
    Title:   CEO

 

 

OWOSSO CORPORATION

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
GEORGE LEMMON JR.      
    Name:   George Lemmon Jr.
    Title:   President & CEO

 

 

AMOT, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RICHARD D. SMITH      
    Name:   Richard D. Smith
    Title:   President

(Signature page to Agreement and Plan of Merger)

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Exhibit 99.2


VOTING AGREEMENT AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY

        VOTING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of February 10, 2004, by and between Allied Motion Technologies, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Parent"), and George B. Lemmon, Jr. ("Shareholder").

        WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Parent, AMOT, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub") and Owosso Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which each share of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock will cease to be existing and outstanding and shall be automatically converted into the right to receive the Common Merger Consideration or the Preferred Merger Consideration, as applicable, and the Merger Sub will be merged with the Company, with the Merger Sub being the surviving entity. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

        WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Shareholder owns 2,455,015 shares of Company Common Stock (the "Shares") (for purposes of this Agreement the "Shares" shall also include any shares of the Company acquired by Shareholder after the date of this Agreement but prior to the Effective Time, whether upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise); and

        WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, Parent and the Merger Sub have required that Shareholder agree, and Shareholder hereby agrees, to take the actions set forth herein;

        WHEREAS, the Shareholder has agreed to enter into this Agreement strictly in his capacity as owner of the Shares and not in any other capacity, including, without limitation, as a director or officer of the Company.

        NOW, THEREFORE, to induce Parent and Merger Sub to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration given to each party hereto, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

        1.     Agreement to Vote.

        1.1   Voting. Shareholder hereby agrees that during the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called, Shareholder shall: (a) vote the Shares in favor of the Merger; (b) vote the Shares against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) vote the Shares against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. In the event that any corporate action consistent with this Agreement is taken by the shareholders of the company by written consent (including any action to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated



thereby), each Shareholder hereby waives any right to receive notice of the taking of such corporate action without a meeting pursuant to Section 1766 of the PBCL or otherwise.

        1.2   Grant of Irrevocable Proxy; Appointment of Proxy.

        (i)    During the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Shareholder hereby irrevocably grants to, and appoints, Richard Smith and Richard Warzala, or either of them, in their respective capacities as officers of Parent, and any individual who shall hereafter succeed to any such office of Parent, and each of them individually, Shareholder's proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of Shareholder, to vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called: (a) in favor of the Merger; (b) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement.

        (ii)   Shareholder represents that any proxies heretofore given in respect of the Shares are not irrevocable, and that any such proxies are hereby revoked.

        (iii)  Shareholder hereby affirms that the proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement terminates in accordance with its terms. Shareholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Shareholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement. Shareholder hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 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 Shareholder under this Agreement. Shareholder hereby further affirms that the irrevocable proxy is coupled with an interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Shareholder hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Such irrevocable proxy is executed and intended to be irrevocable.

        (iv)  The vote of the proxyholder shall control in any conflict between the vote by the proxyholder of such Shareholder's Shares and a vote by such Shareholder of such Shareholder's Shares.

        1.3   No Inconsistent Arrangements. Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees that, except as contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement, he shall not: (i) except to Parent or the Merger Sub, transfer (which term shall include, without limitation, any sale, gift, pledge or other disposition), or consent to any transfer of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) enter into any contract, option or other agreement or understanding with respect to any transfer of any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (iii) grant any proxy, power-of-attorney or other authorization, other than pursuant to Section 1.2 of this Agreement, in or with respect to the Shares; (iv) deposit any Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement or arrangement with respect to the Shares; or (v) take any other action that would in any way restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of his obligations hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Merger Agreement or which would make any representation or warranty of Shareholder hereunder untrue or incorrect.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent or prohibit: (i) bona fide gifts by the Shareholder; (ii) transfers by the Shareholder to his or her family members; or (iii) transfers by the Shareholder to its affiliates (as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), provided that in the case of each of (i), (ii) and (iii), the transferee agrees in writing to the terms of this Agreement.

        1.4   No Solicitation. Except as provided below, Shareholder hereby agrees that he shall not, and shall not permit or authorize any of his affiliates, representatives or agents to, directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit, explore, participate in or initiate discussions or negotiations with, or provide or disclose any information to, any corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group (other than Parent, the Merger Sub or any of their affiliates or representatives) concerning any Acquisition Transaction or Acquisition Proposal or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Shareholder will immediately cease any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. From and after the execution of this Agreement, Shareholder shall immediately advise Parent in writing of the receipt, directly or indirectly, of any inquiries, discussions, negotiations or proposals relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub, identify the offeror and furnish to Parent a copy of any such proposal or inquiry, if it is in writing, or a written summary of any oral proposal or inquiry relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. Shareholder shall promptly advise Parent in writing of any development relating to such proposal, including the results of any discussions or negotiations with respect thereto. Any action taken by the Company or any member of the Board of Directors of the Company including, if applicable, Shareholder and any representative of Shareholder acting in accordance with the proviso to Section 7.3(b) of the Merger Agreement shall be deemed not to violate this Section 1.4.

        1.5   Reasonable Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Shareholder hereby agrees to use all reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. Shareholder shall promptly consult with Parent and provide Parent any necessary information and material with respect to all filings made by Shareholder with any entity in connection with this Agreement and the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

        1.6   Waiver of Appraisal Rights. Shareholder hereby irrevocably waives any rights of appraisal of the fair value of such Shareholder's Shares, rights to dissent from the Merger or other similar rights that such Shareholder may have pursuant to the PBCL or otherwise.

        2.     Expiration. This Agreement and the parties' obligations hereunder shall terminate on the earliest of: (i) the Effective Time; or (ii) the 90th day after the termination of the Merger Agreement, provided, however, that this Agreement shall be terminated immediately in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to the clause (i) of Section 9.1(d) or Section 9.1(e) thereof.

        3.     Representation and Warranties. Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

        (a)   Title. Shareholder has good and valid title to the Shares, free and clear of any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance or claim of whatever nature.

        (b)   Ownership of Shares. The Shares are owned of record and, except as set forth on Schedule 3(b) attached hereto, beneficially by Shareholder and, on the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of the Shares owned of record or beneficially by Shareholder. Shareholder has sole voting power and sole

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power of disposition with respect to all of the Shares, with no restrictions, subject to applicable federal securities laws, on Shareholder's rights of disposition pertaining thereto.

        (c)   Power; Binding Agreement. Shareholder has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Shareholder will not violate any other agreement to which Shareholder is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Shareholder, enforceable against Shareholder in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

        (d)   No Conflicts. Other than in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the Exchange Act, no authorization, consent or approval of, or filing with, any court or any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by Shareholder of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not constitute a breach, violation or default (or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, encumbrance, pledge, charge or claim upon any of the Shares of Shareholder under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument to which Shareholder is a party or by which his properties or assets are bound.

        (e)   No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Shareholder in his capacity as a shareholder of the Company.

        4.     Further Assurances. From time to time, at the Parent's request and without further consideration, Shareholder shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by Section 1 of this Agreement.

        5.     Miscellaneous.

        5.1   Capacity of Shareholder. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Shareholder from acting in such Shareholder's capacity as an officer or director of the Company, to the extent applicable, it being understood that this Agreement shall apply to the Shareholder solely in his capacity as a Shareholder of the Company.

        5.2   Survival. The representations and warranties made herein shall terminate upon Shareholder's sale of the Shares to the Merger Sub pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

        5.3   Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement: (i) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; and (ii) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, provided that Parent may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, but no such assignment shall relieve Parent of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such obligations, and Shareholder may assign this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 1.3 of this Agreement.

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        5.4   Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties hereto.

        5.5   Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery, telecopier, any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid, addressed as follows (or at such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing in accordance with the provisions of this Section):

        If to Shareholder:

        If to Parent:

        copy to:

        All such notices and communications (and deliveries) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; on the next business day, if timely delivered to a courier guaranteeing overnight delivery; and five days after being deposited in the mail, if sent first class or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid.

        5.6   Governing Law.

        (a)   This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to any applicable conflicts of laws principles.

        (b)   Each party to this Agreement irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Pennsylvania state court or any federal court sitting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action may be heard and determined in such Pennsylvania state or federal court. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to maintenance of such action or proceeding. The parties further agree, to the extent permitted by law, that filing an unappealable judgment against any of them in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on

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the judgment, a certified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such judgment.

        (c)   To the extent that any party has or hereafter may apply any immunity from jurisdiction from any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each party irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligation with respect to this Agreement.

        (d)   Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party certifies that it has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications set forth above in this Section 5.5.

        5.7   Specific Performance. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement will cause the other to sustain damages for which it would not have an adequate remedy at law, and therefore each of Parent and Shareholder agrees that in the event of any such breach the other shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.

        5.8   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

        5.9   Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

        5.10 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been contained herein.

(Signature page follows)

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent and Shareholder have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


 

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RICHARD D. SMITH      
Richard D. Smith
Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SHAREHOLDER

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
GEORGE B. LEMMON, JR.      
George B. Lemmon, Jr.

(Signature page to Voting Agreement)

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Exhibit 99.3


VOTING AGREEMENT AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY

        VOTING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of February 10, 2004, by and between Allied Motion Technologies, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Parent"), and The John F. Northway, Sr. Trust ("Shareholder").

        WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Parent, AMOT, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub") and Owosso Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which each share of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock will cease to be existing and outstanding and shall be automatically converted into the right to receive the Common Merger Consideration or the Preferred Merger Consideration, as applicable, and the Merger Sub will be merged with the Company, with the Merger Sub being the surviving entity. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

        WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Shareholder owns 687,949 shares of Company Common Stock (the "Shares") (for purposes of this Agreement the "Shares" shall also include any shares of the Company acquired by Shareholder after the date of this Agreement but prior to the Effective Time, whether upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise); and

        WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, Parent and the Merger Sub have required that Shareholder agree, and Shareholder hereby agrees, to take the actions set forth herein;

        WHEREAS, the Shareholder has agreed to enter into this Agreement strictly in his capacity as owner of the Shares and not in any other capacity, including, without limitation, as a director or officer of the Company.

        NOW, THEREFORE, to induce Parent and Merger Sub to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration given to each party hereto, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

        1.     Agreement to Vote.

        1.1   Voting. Shareholder hereby agrees that during the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called, Shareholder shall: (a) vote the Shares in favor of the Merger; (b) vote the Shares against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) vote the Shares against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. In the event that any corporate action consistent with this Agreement is taken by the shareholders of the company by written consent (including any action to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated



thereby), each Shareholder hereby waives any right to receive notice of the taking of such corporate action without a meeting pursuant to Section 1766 of the PBCL or otherwise.

        1.2   Grant of Irrevocable Proxy; Appointment of Proxy.

        (i)    During the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Shareholder hereby irrevocably grants to, and appoints, Richard Smith and Richard Warzala, or either of them, in their respective capacities as officers of Parent, and any individual who shall hereafter succeed to any such office of Parent, and each of them individually, Shareholder's proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of Shareholder, to vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called: (a) in favor of the Merger; (b) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement.

        (ii)   Shareholder represents that any proxies heretofore given in respect of the Shares are not irrevocable, and that any such proxies are hereby revoked.

        (iii)  Shareholder hereby affirms that the proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement terminates in accordance with its terms. Shareholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Shareholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement. Shareholder hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 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 Shareholder under this Agreement. Shareholder hereby further affirms that the irrevocable proxy is coupled with an interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Shareholder hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Such irrevocable proxy is executed and intended to be irrevocable.

        (iv)  The vote of the proxyholder shall control in any conflict between the vote by the proxyholder of such Shareholder's Shares and a vote by such Shareholder of such Shareholder's Shares.

        1.3   No Inconsistent Arrangements. Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees that, except as contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement, he shall not: (i) except to Parent or the Merger Sub, transfer (which term shall include, without limitation, any sale, gift, pledge or other disposition), or consent to any transfer of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) enter into any contract, option or other agreement or understanding with respect to any transfer of any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (iii) grant any proxy, power-of-attorney or other authorization, other than pursuant to Section 1.2 of this Agreement, in or with respect to the Shares; (iv) deposit any Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement or arrangement with respect to the Shares; or (v) take any other action that would in any way restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of his obligations hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Merger Agreement or which would make any representation or warranty of Shareholder hereunder untrue or incorrect.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent or prohibit: (i) bona fide gifts by the Shareholder; (ii) transfers by the Shareholder to his or her family members; or (iii) transfers by the Shareholder to its affiliates (as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), provided that in the case of each of (i), (ii) and (iii), the transferee agrees in writing to the terms of this Agreement.

        1.4   No Solicitation. Except as provided below, Shareholder hereby agrees that he shall not, and shall not permit or authorize any of his affiliates, representatives or agents to, directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit, explore, participate in or initiate discussions or negotiations with, or provide or disclose any information to, any corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group (other than Parent, the Merger Sub or any of their affiliates or representatives) concerning any Acquisition Transaction or Acquisition Proposal or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Shareholder will immediately cease any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. From and after the execution of this Agreement, Shareholder shall immediately advise Parent in writing of the receipt, directly or indirectly, of any inquiries, discussions, negotiations or proposals relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub, identify the offeror and furnish to Parent a copy of any such proposal or inquiry, if it is in writing, or a written summary of any oral proposal or inquiry relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. Shareholder shall promptly advise Parent in writing of any development relating to such proposal, including the results of any discussions or negotiations with respect thereto. Any action taken by the Company or any member of the Board of Directors of the Company including, if applicable, Shareholder and any representative of Shareholder acting in accordance with the proviso to Section 7.3(b) of the Merger Agreement shall be deemed not to violate this Section 1.4.

        1.5   Reasonable Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Shareholder hereby agrees to use all reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. Shareholder shall promptly consult with Parent and provide Parent any necessary information and material with respect to all filings made by Shareholder with any entity in connection with this Agreement and the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

        1.6   Waiver of Appraisal Rights. Shareholder hereby irrevocably waives any rights of appraisal of the fair value of such Shareholder's Shares, rights to dissent from the Merger or other similar rights that such Shareholder may have pursuant to the PBCL or otherwise.

        2.     Expiration. This Agreement and the parties' obligations hereunder shall terminate on the earliest of: (i) the Effective Time; or (ii) the 90th day after the termination of the Merger Agreement, provided, however, that this Agreement shall be terminated immediately in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to the clause (i) of Section 9.1(d) or Section 9.1(e) thereof.

        3.     Representation and Warranties. Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

        (a)   Title. Shareholder has good and valid title to the Shares, free and clear of any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance or claim of whatever nature.

        (b)   Ownership of Shares. The Shares are owned of record and, except as set forth on Schedule 3(b) attached hereto, beneficially by Shareholder and, on the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of the Shares owned of record or beneficially by Shareholder. Shareholder has sole voting power and sole

3



power of disposition with respect to all of the Shares, with no restrictions, subject to applicable federal securities laws, on Shareholder's rights of disposition pertaining thereto.

        (c)   Power; Binding Agreement. Shareholder has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Shareholder will not violate any other agreement to which Shareholder is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Shareholder, enforceable against Shareholder in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

        (d)   No Conflicts. Other than in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the Exchange Act, no authorization, consent or approval of, or filing with, any court or any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by Shareholder of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not constitute a breach, violation or default (or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, encumbrance, pledge, charge or claim upon any of the Shares of Shareholder under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument to which Shareholder is a party or by which his properties or assets are bound.

        (e)   No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Shareholder in his capacity as a shareholder of the Company.

        4.     Further Assurances. From time to time, at the Parent's request and without further consideration, Shareholder shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by Section 1 of this Agreement.

        5.     Miscellaneous.

        5.1   Capacity of Shareholder. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Shareholder from acting in such Shareholder's capacity as an officer or director of the Company, to the extent applicable, it being understood that this Agreement shall apply to the Shareholder solely in his capacity as a Shareholder of the Company.

        5.2   Survival. The representations and warranties made herein shall terminate upon Shareholder's sale of the Shares to the Merger Sub pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

        5.3   Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement: (i) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; and (ii) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, provided that Parent may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, but no such assignment shall relieve Parent of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such obligations, and Shareholder may assign this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 1.3 of this Agreement.

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        5.4   Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties hereto.

        5.5   Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery, telecopier, any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid, addressed as follows (or at such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing in accordance with the provisions of this Section):

        If to Shareholder:

        If to Parent:

        copy to:

        All such notices and communications (and deliveries) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; on the next business day, if timely delivered to a courier guaranteeing overnight delivery; and five days after being deposited in the mail, if sent first class or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid.

        5.6   Governing Law.

        (a)   This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to any applicable conflicts of laws principles.

        (b)   Each party to this Agreement irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Pennsylvania state court or any federal court sitting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action may be heard and determined in such Pennsylvania state or federal court. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to maintenance of such action or proceeding. The parties further agree, to the extent permitted by law, that filing an unappealable judgment against any of them in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on

5



the judgment, a certified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such judgment.

        (c)   To the extent that any party has or hereafter may apply any immunity from jurisdiction from any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each party irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligation with respect to this Agreement.

        (d)   Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party certifies that it has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications set forth above in this Section 5.5.

        5.7   Specific Performance. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement will cause the other to sustain damages for which it would not have an adequate remedy at law, and therefore each of Parent and Shareholder agrees that in the event of any such breach the other shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.

        5.8   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

        5.9   Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

        5.10 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been contained herein.

(Signature page follows)

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent and Shareholder have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


 

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RICHARD D. SMITH      
Richard D. Smith
Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SHAREHOLDER

 

 

/s/  
WILLIAM D. REPPER      
Senior Vice President and Trust Officer, First National Health Management (Co-Trustee)

(Signature page to Voting Agreement)

7




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Exhibit 99.4


VOTING AGREEMENT AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY

        VOTING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of February 10, 2004, by and between Allied Motion Technologies, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Parent"), and Lowell P. Huntsinger ("Shareholder").

        WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Parent, AMOT, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub") and Owosso Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which each share of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock will cease to be existing and outstanding and shall be automatically converted into the right to receive the Common Merger Consideration or the Preferred Merger Consideration, as applicable, and the Merger Sub will be merged with the Company, with the Merger Sub being the surviving entity. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

        WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Shareholder owns 7,142 shares of Company Common Stock and 518,453 shares of Company Preferred Stock (the "Shares") (for purposes of this Agreement the "Shares" shall also include any shares of the Company acquired by Shareholder after the date of this Agreement but prior to the Effective Time, whether upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise); and

        WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, Parent and the Merger Sub have required that Shareholder agree, and Shareholder hereby agrees, to take the actions set forth herein;

        WHEREAS, the Shareholder has agreed to enter into this Agreement strictly in his capacity as owner of the Shares and not in any other capacity, including, without limitation, as a director or officer of the Company.

        NOW, THEREFORE, to induce Parent and Merger Sub to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration given to each party hereto, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

        1.     Agreement to Vote.

        1.1   Voting. Shareholder hereby agrees that during the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called, Shareholder shall: (a) vote the Shares in favor of the Merger; (b) vote the Shares against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) vote the Shares against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. In the event that any corporate action consistent with this Agreement is taken by the shareholders of the company by written consent (including any action to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated



thereby), each Shareholder hereby waives any right to receive notice of the taking of such corporate action without a meeting pursuant to Section 1766 of the PBCL or otherwise.

        1.2   Grant of Irrevocable Proxy; Appointment of Proxy.

        (i)    During the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Shareholder hereby irrevocably grants to, and appoints, Richard Smith and Richard Warzala, or either of them, in their respective capacities as officers of Parent, and any individual who shall hereafter succeed to any such office of Parent, and each of them individually, Shareholder's proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of Shareholder, to vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called: (a) in favor of the Merger; (b) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement.

        (ii)   Shareholder represents that any proxies heretofore given in respect of the Shares are not irrevocable, and that any such proxies are hereby revoked.

        (iii)  Shareholder hereby affirms that the proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement terminates in accordance with its terms. Shareholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Shareholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement. Shareholder hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 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 Shareholder under this Agreement. Shareholder hereby further affirms that the irrevocable proxy is coupled with an interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Shareholder hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Such irrevocable proxy is executed and intended to be irrevocable.

        (iv)  The vote of the proxyholder shall control in any conflict between the vote by the proxyholder of such Shareholder's Shares and a vote by such Shareholder of such Shareholder's Shares.

        1.3   No Inconsistent Arrangements. Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees that, except as contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement, he shall not: (i) except to Parent or the Merger Sub, transfer (which term shall include, without limitation, any sale, gift, pledge or other disposition), or consent to any transfer of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) enter into any contract, option or other agreement or understanding with respect to any transfer of any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (iii) grant any proxy, power-of-attorney or other authorization, other than pursuant to Section 1.2 of this Agreement, in or with respect to the Shares; (iv) deposit any Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement or arrangement with respect to the Shares; or (v) take any other action that would in any way restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of his obligations hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Merger Agreement or which would make any representation or warranty of Shareholder hereunder untrue or incorrect.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent or prohibit: (i) bona fide gifts by the Shareholder; (ii) transfers by the Shareholder to his or her family members; or (iii) transfers by the Shareholder to its affiliates (as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), provided that in the case of each of (i), (ii) and (iii), the transferee agrees in writing to the terms of this Agreement.

        1.4   No Solicitation. Except as provided below, Shareholder hereby agrees that he shall not, and shall not permit or authorize any of his affiliates, representatives or agents to, directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit, explore, participate in or initiate discussions or negotiations with, or provide or disclose any information to, any corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group (other than Parent, the Merger Sub or any of their affiliates or representatives) concerning any Acquisition Transaction or Acquisition Proposal or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Shareholder will immediately cease any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. From and after the execution of this Agreement, Shareholder shall immediately advise Parent in writing of the receipt, directly or indirectly, of any inquiries, discussions, negotiations or proposals relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub, identify the offeror and furnish to Parent a copy of any such proposal or inquiry, if it is in writing, or a written summary of any oral proposal or inquiry relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. Shareholder shall promptly advise Parent in writing of any development relating to such proposal, including the results of any discussions or negotiations with respect thereto. Any action taken by the Company or any member of the Board of Directors of the Company including, if applicable, Shareholder and any representative of Shareholder acting in accordance with the proviso to Section 7.3(b) of the Merger Agreement shall be deemed not to violate this Section 1.4.

        1.5   Reasonable Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Shareholder hereby agrees to use all reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. Shareholder shall promptly consult with Parent and provide Parent any necessary information and material with respect to all filings made by Shareholder with any entity in connection with this Agreement and the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

        1.6   Waiver of Appraisal Rights. Shareholder hereby irrevocably waives any rights of appraisal of the fair value of such Shareholder's Shares, rights to dissent from the Merger or other similar rights that such Shareholder may have pursuant to the PBCL or otherwise.

        2.     Expiration. This Agreement and the parties' obligations hereunder shall terminate on the earliest of: (i) the Effective Time; or (ii) the 90th day after the termination of the Merger Agreement, provided, however, that this Agreement shall be terminated immediately in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to the clause (i) of Section 9.1(d) or Section 9.1(e) thereof.

        3.     Representation and Warranties. Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

        (a)   Title. Shareholder has good and valid title to the Shares, free and clear of any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance or claim of whatever nature.

        (b)   Ownership of Shares. The Shares are owned of record and, except as set forth on Schedule 3(b) attached hereto, beneficially by Shareholder and, on the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of the Shares owned of record or beneficially by Shareholder. Shareholder has sole voting power and sole

3



power of disposition with respect to all of the Shares, with no restrictions, subject to applicable federal securities laws, on Shareholder's rights of disposition pertaining thereto.

        (c)   Power; Binding Agreement. Shareholder has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Shareholder will not violate any other agreement to which Shareholder is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Shareholder, enforceable against Shareholder in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

        (d)   No Conflicts. Other than in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the Exchange Act, no authorization, consent or approval of, or filing with, any court or any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by Shareholder of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not constitute a breach, violation or default (or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, encumbrance, pledge, charge or claim upon any of the Shares of Shareholder under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument to which Shareholder is a party or by which his properties or assets are bound.

        (e)   No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Shareholder in his capacity as a shareholder of the Company.

        4.     Further Assurances. From time to time, at the Parent's request and without further consideration, Shareholder shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by Section 1 of this Agreement.

        5.     Miscellaneous.

        5.1   Capacity of Shareholder. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Shareholder from acting in such Shareholder's capacity as an officer or director of the Company, to the extent applicable, it being understood that this Agreement shall apply to the Shareholder solely in his capacity as a Shareholder of the Company.

        5.2   Survival. The representations and warranties made herein shall terminate upon Shareholder's sale of the Shares to the Merger Sub pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

        5.3   Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement: (i) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; and (ii) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, provided that Parent may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, but no such assignment shall relieve Parent of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such obligations, and Shareholder may assign this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 1.3 of this Agreement.

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        5.4   Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties hereto.

        5.5   Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery, telecopier, any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid, addressed as follows (or at such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing in accordance with the provisions of this Section):

        If to Shareholder:

        If to Parent:

        copy to:

        All such notices and communications (and deliveries) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; on the next business day, if timely delivered to a courier guaranteeing overnight delivery; and five days after being deposited in the mail, if sent first class or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid.

        5.6   Governing Law.

        (a)   This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to any applicable conflicts of laws principles.

        (b)   Each party to this Agreement irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Pennsylvania state court or any federal court sitting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action may be heard and determined in such Pennsylvania state or federal court. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to maintenance of such action or proceeding. The parties further agree, to the extent permitted by law, that filing an unappealable judgment against any of them in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on

5



the judgment, a certified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such judgment.

        (c)   To the extent that any party has or hereafter may apply any immunity from jurisdiction from any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each party irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligation with respect to this Agreement.

        (d)   Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party certifies that it has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications set forth above in this Section 5.5.

        5.7   Specific Performance. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement will cause the other to sustain damages for which it would not have an adequate remedy at law, and therefore each of Parent and Shareholder agrees that in the event of any such breach the other shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.

        5.8   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

        5.9   Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

        5.10 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been contained herein.

(Signature page follows)

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent and Shareholder have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


 

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RICHARD D. SMITH      
Richard D. Smith
Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SHAREHOLDER

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
LOWELL P. HUNTSINGER      
Lowell P. Huntsinger

(Signature page to Voting Agreement)

7




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Exhibit 99.5


VOTING AGREEMENT AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY

        VOTING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of February 10, 2004, by and between Allied Motion Technologies, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Parent"), and John R. Reese ("Shareholder").

        WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Parent, AMOT, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub") and Owosso Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which each share of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock will cease to be existing and outstanding and shall be automatically converted into the right to receive the Common Merger Consideration or the Preferred Merger Consideration, as applicable, and the Merger Sub will be merged with the Company, with the Merger Sub being the surviving entity. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

        WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Shareholder owns 524,602 shares of Company Common Stock (the "Shares") (for purposes of this Agreement the "Shares" shall also include any shares of the Company acquired by Shareholder after the date of this Agreement but prior to the Effective Time, whether upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise); and

        WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, Parent and the Merger Sub have required that Shareholder agree, and Shareholder hereby agrees, to take the actions set forth herein;

        WHEREAS, the Shareholder has agreed to enter into this Agreement strictly in his capacity as owner of the Shares and not in any other capacity, including, without limitation, as a director or officer of the Company.

        NOW, THEREFORE, to induce Parent and Merger Sub to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration given to each party hereto, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

        1.     Agreement to Vote.

        1.1   Voting. Shareholder hereby agrees that during the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called, Shareholder shall: (a) vote the Shares in favor of the Merger; (b) vote the Shares against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) vote the Shares against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. In the event that any corporate action consistent with this Agreement is taken by the shareholders of the company by written consent (including any action to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated



thereby), each Shareholder hereby waives any right to receive notice of the taking of such corporate action without a meeting pursuant to Section 1766 of the PBCL or otherwise.

        1.2   Grant of Irrevocable Proxy; Appointment of Proxy.

        (i)    During the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Shareholder hereby irrevocably grants to, and appoints, Richard Smith and Richard Warzala, or either of them, in their respective capacities as officers of Parent, and any individual who shall hereafter succeed to any such office of Parent, and each of them individually, Shareholder's proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of Shareholder, to vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called: (a) in favor of the Merger; (b) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement.

        (ii)   Shareholder represents that any proxies heretofore given in respect of the Shares are not irrevocable, and that any such proxies are hereby revoked.

        (iii)  Shareholder hereby affirms that the proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement terminates in accordance with its terms. Shareholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Shareholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement. Shareholder hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 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 Shareholder under this Agreement. Shareholder hereby further affirms that the irrevocable proxy is coupled with an interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Shareholder hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Such irrevocable proxy is executed and intended to be irrevocable.

        (iv)  The vote of the proxyholder shall control in any conflict between the vote by the proxyholder of such Shareholder's Shares and a vote by such Shareholder of such Shareholder's Shares.

        1.3   No Inconsistent Arrangements. Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees that, except as contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement, he shall not: (i) except to Parent or the Merger Sub, transfer (which term shall include, without limitation, any sale, gift, pledge or other disposition), or consent to any transfer of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) enter into any contract, option or other agreement or understanding with respect to any transfer of any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (iii) grant any proxy, power-of-attorney or other authorization, other than pursuant to Section 1.2 of this Agreement, in or with respect to the Shares; (iv) deposit any Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement or arrangement with respect to the Shares; or (v) take any other action that would in any way restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of his obligations hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Merger Agreement or which would make any representation or warranty of Shareholder hereunder untrue or incorrect.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent or prohibit: (i) bona fide gifts by the Shareholder; (ii) transfers by the Shareholder to his or her family members; or (iii) transfers by the Shareholder to its affiliates (as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), provided that in the case of each of (i), (ii) and (iii), the transferee agrees in writing to the terms of this Agreement.

        1.4   No Solicitation. Except as provided below, Shareholder hereby agrees that he shall not, and shall not permit or authorize any of his affiliates, representatives or agents to, directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit, explore, participate in or initiate discussions or negotiations with, or provide or disclose any information to, any corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group (other than Parent, the Merger Sub or any of their affiliates or representatives) concerning any Acquisition Transaction or Acquisition Proposal or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Shareholder will immediately cease any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. From and after the execution of this Agreement, Shareholder shall immediately advise Parent in writing of the receipt, directly or indirectly, of any inquiries, discussions, negotiations or proposals relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub, identify the offeror and furnish to Parent a copy of any such proposal or inquiry, if it is in writing, or a written summary of any oral proposal or inquiry relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. Shareholder shall promptly advise Parent in writing of any development relating to such proposal, including the results of any discussions or negotiations with respect thereto. Any action taken by the Company or any member of the Board of Directors of the Company including, if applicable, Shareholder and any representative of Shareholder acting in accordance with the proviso to Section 7.3(b) of the Merger Agreement shall be deemed not to violate this Section 1.4.

        1.5   Reasonable Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Shareholder hereby agrees to use all reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. Shareholder shall promptly consult with Parent and provide Parent any necessary information and material with respect to all filings made by Shareholder with any entity in connection with this Agreement and the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

        1.6   Waiver of Appraisal Rights. Shareholder hereby irrevocably waives any rights of appraisal of the fair value of such Shareholder's Shares, rights to dissent from the Merger or other similar rights that such Shareholder may have pursuant to the PBCL or otherwise.

        2.     Expiration. This Agreement and the parties' obligations hereunder shall terminate on the earliest of: (i) the Effective Time; or (ii) the 90th day after the termination of the Merger Agreement, provided, however, that this Agreement shall be terminated immediately in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to the clause (i) of Section 9.1(d) or Section 9.1(e) thereof.

        3.     Representation and Warranties. Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

        (a)   Title. Shareholder has good and valid title to the Shares, free and clear of any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance or claim of whatever nature.

        (b)   Ownership of Shares. The Shares are owned of record and, except as set forth on Schedule 3(b) attached hereto, beneficially by Shareholder and, on the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of the Shares owned of record or beneficially by Shareholder. Shareholder has sole voting power and sole

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power of disposition with respect to all of the Shares, with no restrictions, subject to applicable federal securities laws, on Shareholder's rights of disposition pertaining thereto.

        (c)   Power; Binding Agreement. Shareholder has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Shareholder will not violate any other agreement to which Shareholder is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Shareholder, enforceable against Shareholder in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

        (d)   No Conflicts. Other than in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the Exchange Act, no authorization, consent or approval of, or filing with, any court or any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by Shareholder of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not constitute a breach, violation or default (or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, encumbrance, pledge, charge or claim upon any of the Shares of Shareholder under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument to which Shareholder is a party or by which his properties or assets are bound.

        (e)   No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Shareholder in his capacity as a shareholder of the Company.

        4.     Further Assurances. From time to time, at the Parent's request and without further consideration, Shareholder shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by Section 1 of this Agreement.

        5.     Miscellaneous.

        5.1   Capacity of Shareholder. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Shareholder from acting in such Shareholder's capacity as an officer or director of the Company, to the extent applicable, it being understood that this Agreement shall apply to the Shareholder solely in his capacity as a Shareholder of the Company.

        5.2   Survival. The representations and warranties made herein shall terminate upon Shareholder's sale of the Shares to the Merger Sub pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

        5.3   Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement: (i) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; and (ii) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, provided that Parent may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, but no such assignment shall relieve Parent of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such obligations, and Shareholder may assign this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 1.3 of this Agreement.

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        5.4   Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties hereto.

        5.5   Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery, telecopier, any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid, addressed as follows (or at such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing in accordance with the provisions of this Section):

        If to Shareholder:

        If to Parent:

        copy to:

        All such notices and communications (and deliveries) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; on the next business day, if timely delivered to a courier guaranteeing overnight delivery; and five days after being deposited in the mail, if sent first class or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid.

        5.6   Governing Law.

        (a)   This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to any applicable conflicts of laws principles.

        (b)   Each party to this Agreement irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Pennsylvania state court or any federal court sitting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action may be heard and determined in such Pennsylvania state or federal court. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to maintenance of such action or proceeding. The parties further agree, to the extent permitted by law, that filing an unappealable judgment against any of them in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on

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the judgment, a certified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such judgment.

        (c)   To the extent that any party has or hereafter may apply any immunity from jurisdiction from any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each party irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligation with respect to this Agreement.

        (d)   Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party certifies that it has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications set forth above in this Section 5.5.

        5.7   Specific Performance. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement will cause the other to sustain damages for which it would not have an adequate remedy at law, and therefore each of Parent and Shareholder agrees that in the event of any such breach the other shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.

        5.8   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

        5.9   Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

        5.10 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been contained herein.

(Signature page follows)

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent and Shareholder have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


 

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RICHARD D. SMITH      
Richard D. Smith
Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SHAREHOLDER

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
JOHN R. REESE      
John R. Reese

(Signature page to Voting Agreement)

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Exhibit 99.6


VOTING AGREEMENT AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY

        VOTING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of February 10, 2004, by and between Allied Motion Technologies, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Parent"), and Randall V. James ("Shareholder").

        WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Parent, AMOT, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub") and Owosso Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which each share of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock will cease to be existing and outstanding and shall be automatically converted into the right to receive the Common Merger Consideration or the Preferred Merger Consideration, as applicable, and the Merger Sub will be merged with the Company, with the Merger Sub being the surviving entity. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

        WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Shareholder owns 16,090 shares of Company Common Stock and 293,779 shares of Company Preferred Stock (the "Shares") (for purposes of this Agreement the "Shares" shall also include any shares of the Company acquired by Shareholder after the date of this Agreement but prior to the Effective Time, whether upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise); and

        WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, Parent and the Merger Sub have required that Shareholder agree, and Shareholder hereby agrees, to take the actions set forth herein;

        WHEREAS, the Shareholder has agreed to enter into this Agreement strictly in his capacity as owner of the Shares and not in any other capacity, including, without limitation, as a director or officer of the Company.

        NOW, THEREFORE, to induce Parent and Merger Sub to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration given to each party hereto, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

        1.     Agreement to Vote.

        1.1   Voting. Shareholder hereby agrees that during the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called, Shareholder shall: (a) vote the Shares in favor of the Merger; (b) vote the Shares against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) vote the Shares against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. In the event that any corporate action consistent with this Agreement is taken by the shareholders of the company by written consent (including any action to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated



thereby), each Shareholder hereby waives any right to receive notice of the taking of such corporate action without a meeting pursuant to Section 1766 of the PBCL or otherwise.

        1.2   Grant of Irrevocable Proxy; Appointment of Proxy.

        (i)    During the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Shareholder hereby irrevocably grants to, and appoints, Richard Smith and Richard Warzala, or either of them, in their respective capacities as officers of Parent, and any individual who shall hereafter succeed to any such office of Parent, and each of them individually, Shareholder's proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of Shareholder, to vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares at any meeting of the Shareholders, however called: (a) in favor of the Merger; (b) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Merger Agreement; and (c) against any action or agreement (other than the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby) that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or attempt to discourage the Merger, including, but not limited to: (i) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization or liquidation of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any change in the management or board of directors of the Company, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parent and the Merger Sub; (iv) any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company; or (v) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business or (vi) any other action which is intended, or could be reasonably expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or adversely effect the merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement.

        (ii)   Shareholder represents that any proxies heretofore given in respect of the Shares are not irrevocable, and that any such proxies are hereby revoked.

        (iii)  Shareholder hereby affirms that the proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement terminates in accordance with its terms. Shareholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Shareholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement. Shareholder hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 1.2 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 Shareholder under this Agreement. Shareholder hereby further affirms that the irrevocable proxy is coupled with an interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Shareholder hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Such irrevocable proxy is executed and intended to be irrevocable.

        (iv)  The vote of the proxyholder shall control in any conflict between the vote by the proxyholder of such Shareholder's Shares and a vote by such Shareholder of such Shareholder's Shares.

        1.3   No Inconsistent Arrangements. Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees that, except as contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement, he shall not: (i) except to Parent or the Merger Sub, transfer (which term shall include, without limitation, any sale, gift, pledge or other disposition), or consent to any transfer of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) enter into any contract, option or other agreement or understanding with respect to any transfer of any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (iii) grant any proxy, power-of-attorney or other authorization, other than pursuant to Section 1.2 of this Agreement, in or with respect to the Shares; (iv) deposit any Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement or arrangement with respect to the Shares; or (v) take any other action that would in any way restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of his obligations hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Merger Agreement or which would make any representation or warranty of Shareholder hereunder untrue or incorrect.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent or prohibit: (i) bona fide gifts by the Shareholder; (ii) transfers by the Shareholder to his or her family members; or (iii) transfers by the Shareholder to its affiliates (as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), provided that in the case of each of (i), (ii) and (iii), the transferee agrees in writing to the terms of this Agreement.

        1.4   No Solicitation. Except as provided below, Shareholder hereby agrees that he shall not, and shall not permit or authorize any of his affiliates, representatives or agents to, directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit, explore, participate in or initiate discussions or negotiations with, or provide or disclose any information to, any corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group (other than Parent, the Merger Sub or any of their affiliates or representatives) concerning any Acquisition Transaction or Acquisition Proposal or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Shareholder will immediately cease any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. From and after the execution of this Agreement, Shareholder shall immediately advise Parent in writing of the receipt, directly or indirectly, of any inquiries, discussions, negotiations or proposals relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub, identify the offeror and furnish to Parent a copy of any such proposal or inquiry, if it is in writing, or a written summary of any oral proposal or inquiry relating to an acquisition transaction with a party other than Parent or Merger Sub. Shareholder shall promptly advise Parent in writing of any development relating to such proposal, including the results of any discussions or negotiations with respect thereto. Any action taken by the Company or any member of the Board of Directors of the Company including, if applicable, Shareholder and any representative of Shareholder acting in accordance with the proviso to Section 7.3(b) of the Merger Agreement shall be deemed not to violate this Section 1.4.

        1.5   Reasonable Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Shareholder hereby agrees to use all reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. Shareholder shall promptly consult with Parent and provide Parent any necessary information and material with respect to all filings made by Shareholder with any entity in connection with this Agreement and the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

        1.6   Waiver of Appraisal Rights. Shareholder hereby irrevocably waives any rights of appraisal of the fair value of such Shareholder's Shares, rights to dissent from the Merger or other similar rights that such Shareholder may have pursuant to the PBCL or otherwise.

        2.     Expiration. This Agreement and the parties' obligations hereunder shall terminate on the earliest of: (i) the Effective Time; or (ii) the 90th day after the termination of the Merger Agreement, provided, however, that this Agreement shall be terminated immediately in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to the clause (i) of Section 9.1(d) or Section 9.1(e) thereof.

        3.     Representation and Warranties. Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

        (a)   Title. Shareholder has good and valid title to the Shares, free and clear of any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance or claim of whatever nature.

        (b)   Ownership of Shares. The Shares are owned of record and, except as set forth on Schedule 3(b) attached hereto, beneficially by Shareholder and, on the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of the Shares owned of record or beneficially by Shareholder. Shareholder has sole voting power and sole

3



power of disposition with respect to all of the Shares, with no restrictions, subject to applicable federal securities laws, on Shareholder's rights of disposition pertaining thereto.

        (c)   Power; Binding Agreement. Shareholder has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Shareholder will not violate any other agreement to which Shareholder is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Shareholder, enforceable against Shareholder in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

        (d)   No Conflicts. Other than in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the Exchange Act, no authorization, consent or approval of, or filing with, any court or any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by Shareholder of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not constitute a breach, violation or default (or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, encumbrance, pledge, charge or claim upon any of the Shares of Shareholder under, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument to which Shareholder is a party or by which his properties or assets are bound.

        (e)   No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Shareholder in his capacity as a shareholder of the Company.

        4.     Further Assurances. From time to time, at the Parent's request and without further consideration, Shareholder shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by Section 1 of this Agreement.

        5.     Miscellaneous.

        5.1   Capacity of Shareholder. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Shareholder from acting in such Shareholder's capacity as an officer or director of the Company, to the extent applicable, it being understood that this Agreement shall apply to the Shareholder solely in his capacity as a Shareholder of the Company.

        5.2   Survival. The representations and warranties made herein shall terminate upon Shareholder's sale of the Shares to the Merger Sub pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

        5.3   Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement: (i) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; and (ii) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, provided that Parent may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, but no such assignment shall relieve Parent of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such obligations, and Shareholder may assign this Agreement in accordance with the last sentence of Section 1.3 of this Agreement.

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        5.4   Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties hereto.

        5.5   Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery, telecopier, any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid, addressed as follows (or at such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing in accordance with the provisions of this Section):

        If to Shareholder:

        If to Parent:

        copy to:

        All such notices and communications (and deliveries) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; on the next business day, if timely delivered to a courier guaranteeing overnight delivery; and five days after being deposited in the mail, if sent first class or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid.

        5.6   Governing Law.

        (a)   This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to any applicable conflicts of laws principles.

        (b)   Each party to this Agreement irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Pennsylvania state court or any federal court sitting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action may be heard and determined in such Pennsylvania state or federal court. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to maintenance of such action or proceeding. The parties further agree, to the extent permitted by law, that filing an unappealable judgment against any of them in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on

5



the judgment, a certified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such judgment.

        (c)   To the extent that any party has or hereafter may apply any immunity from jurisdiction from any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each party irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligation with respect to this Agreement.

        (d)   Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party certifies that it has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications set forth above in this Section 5.5.

        5.7   Specific Performance. Each of Parent and Shareholder recognizes and acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement will cause the other to sustain damages for which it would not have an adequate remedy at law, and therefore each of Parent and Shareholder agrees that in the event of any such breach the other shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.

        5.8   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

        5.9   Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

        5.10 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been contained herein.

(Signature page follows)

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent and Shareholder have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


 

 

ALLIED MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RICHARD D. SMITH      
Richard D. Smith
Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

SHAREHOLDER

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
RANDALL V. JAMES      
Randall V. James

(Signature page to Voting Agreement)

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