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Exhibit 10.2    
  

        AMENDMENT
NUMBER NINE, dated as of September 13, 2002 (this "Amendment"), to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of
November 27, 1998, as previously amended, modified and supplemented and as last amended by Amendment Number Eight, dated as of July 29, 2002 (the "Credit
Agreement"), among SUPERIOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS INC. (formerly known as Superior/Essex Corp.), a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), ESSEX GROUP INC., a Michigan corporation ("Essex" and, together with the Company, the
"Borrowers"), each of the Guarantors party thereto (the "Guarantors") (which Guarantors include Superior
TeleCom Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Parent")), the lending institutions from time to time party thereto (each a
"Lender" and, collectively, the "Lenders"), DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS (f/k/a Bankers Trust
Company), as Administrative Agent, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., as Documentation Agent, and FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as Syndication Agent (the "Agents").
Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement. 

        WHEREAS,
pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have agreed to make, and have made, certain loans and other extensions of credit to the Borrowers; 

        WHEREAS,
the Borrower and the Parent intend to consummate a sale transaction (the "2002 Asset Sale") pursuant to which (i) a
newly-formed, directly or indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Alpine or another entity (the "Buyer") will acquire substantially all of the assets of
the Parent, the Borrower and Essex relating to their electrical wire business, which is principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of building and industrial wire products, and (ii) the
Buyer (or a subsidiary or affiliate thereof) will acquire (a) all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of DNE Systems Inc., a Delaware corporation, from the Parent and
(b) all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Texas SUT Inc., a Texas corporation, and Superior Cables Holding (1997) Ltd., an Israel corporation, from the
Borrower; 

        WHEREAS,
the Borrower intends to make certain prepayments of Term Loans and Revolving Loans from the proceeds of the 2002 Asset Sale, as well as from the proceeds of certain tax refunds
expected to be generated thereby; 

        WHEREAS,
the Borrowers have requested that the Agents and the Lenders amend certain sections of the Credit Agreement to, among other things, (i) approve the consummation of the
2002 Asset Sale,
(ii) amend the timing of certain scheduled term loan repayments and (iii) modify certain financial covenants contained therein; 

        WHEREAS,
the Agents and the Required Lenders have considered and agreed to the Borrowers' requests, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment; and 

        WHEREAS,
the consent of the Required Lenders of each Tranche of Term Loans and the Revolving Loans is necessary to effect this Amendment; 

        NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby
agree as follows: 

SECTION ONE—AMENDMENTS  

        1.1    Amendments to Section 10 (Definitions) of the Credit Agreement    

        (a)  Section 10
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new definitions to such section in appropriate alphabetical order: 

        "'Acceptable
Floating Rate Facility Amendment' shall mean a duly executed amendment to the Floating Rate Facility setting forth the agreement between the Borrowers and each Lender (as
that term is defined in the Floating Rate Facility) and any other holders of notes issued under the Floating Rate Facility to the effect that no cash interest and no cash fees shall be payable under
the Floating Rate Facility under any circumstances at any time prior to February 28, 2004." 

 

        "'Additional
Amendment Fee' shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Amendment Number Nine. 

        "'Amendment
Number Eight' shall mean Amendment Number Eight, dated as of July 29, 2002, to this Agreement." 

        "'Amendment
Number Nine' shall mean Amendment Number Nine, dated as of September 13, 2002, to this Agreement." 

        "'Amendment
Number Nine Effective Date' shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Amendment Number Nine." 

        "'Cash
Amendment Fee' shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Amendment Number Nine." 

        "'Elbaum'
shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Section 7.22." 

        "'Elbaum
Agreement' shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Section 7.22." 

        "'Electrical
Acquisition Sub' shall mean (i) the directly or indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Alpine formed for the purpose of acquiring the Electrical Business pursuant to
the Electrical Sale or (ii) any other entity which acquires the Electrical Business pursuant to the Electrical Sale." 

        "'Electrical
Business' shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the definition of 'Electrical Sale'." 

        "'Electrical
Sale' shall mean the sale by the Parent, the Borrower and Essex (the "Electrical Sellers") to Electrical Acquisition Sub, as part of the 2002 Asset Sale, of substantially
all of the assets and liabilities of the Electrical Sellers relating to their electrical wire business, which is principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of building and industrial wire
products, including the Electrical Sellers' copper continuous casting operations principally conducted in Columbia City, Indiana (such assets, collectively, the "Electrical Business"), including,
without limitation, the related facilities, inventories, buildings, furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements, equipment, contract rights, accounts receivable, technology, intellectual property,
product registrations, trademarks, permits, licenses and authorizations, but excluding therefrom those assets that are customarily excluded from transactions similar in nature to the such sale and as
may be specified in the definitive purchase agreement governing such sale." 

        "'Electrical
Sellers' shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the definition of 'Electrical Sale'." 

        "'GE
Capital' shall mean General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation." 

        "'GE
Commitment Letter' shall mean the draft Commitment Letter, dated September 13, 2002, from GE Capital to the Borrower, attached hereto as Exhibit P." 

        "'Israel
Sale' shall mean the sale by the Borrower to the Purchaser (or an affiliate thereof), as part of the 2002 Asset Sale, of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock of Texas SUT Inc., a Texas corporation, and Superior Cables Holding (1997) Ltd., an Israel corporation." 

        "'Non-LIFO
Revolving Loans' shall mean any Revolving Loans that are not Excess Revolving Loans." 

        "'Purchaser'
shall collectively mean (i) any subsidiaries of Alpine formed for the purpose of consummating the 2002 Asset Sale or (ii) any other entity or entities
consummating the 2002 Asset Sale." 

        "'Revolving
Loan Tax Refund Prepayment Amount' shall mean the amount of the prepayment set forth in Section 4.02(o) which is applied to repay Non-LIFO Revolving Loans;  provided that 

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until any such prepayment is actually made pursuant to Section 4.02(o), the Revolving Loan Tax Refund Prepayment Amount shall be zero." 

        "'2002
Asset Sale' shall mean the collective transaction consisting of the Electrical Sale, the DNE Asset Sale and the Israel Sale." 

        (b)  Section 10
of the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by deleting the definitions of the following terms and inserting in lieu thereof the following new
definitions: 

        "'Applicable
Base Rate Margin' shall mean 5.00%." 

        "'Applicable
Euro Rate Margin' shall mean 5.50%." 

        "'DNE
Asset Sale' shall mean the sale by the Parent to the Purchaser (or an affiliate thereof), as part of the 2002 Asset Sale, of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock of DNE Systems." 

        "'Excess
Revolving Loans' shall mean the dollar amount (if any) of Total Revolving Outstandings in excess of an amount equal to the difference between (i) $167,527,100 and
(ii) the sum of (a) the Revolving Loan Tax Refund Prepayment Amount and (b) the amount of any prepayment of Non-LIFO Revolving Loans made pursuant to
Section 4.02(p)." 

        "'Revolving
Loan Maturity Date' shall mean May 27, 2004." 

        "'Total
Revolving Loan Commitment' shall mean the sum of the then Revolving Loan Commitments of each Lender, it being understood that (i) the Total Revolving Loan Commitment as of
the Amendment Number Nine Effective Date shall be $214,000,000, and (ii) the Total Revolving Loan Commitment shall be reduced, (a) upon any prepayment of Non-LIFO Revolving
Loans pursuant to Section 4.02(o), by the Revolving Loan Tax Refund Prepayment Amount, and (b) upon any prepayment of Non-LIFO Revolving Loans pursuant to
Section 4.02(p), by the amount of such prepayment." 

        "'Tranche
B Term Loan Maturity Date' shall mean May 27, 2004." 

        (c)  Section 10
of the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by inserting the following proviso immediately prior to the period at the end of the definition of
"Receivables Financing Agreement": 

";
provided that the term "Receivables Financing Agreement" shall include any funding agreement (or other similar instrument) and any related sales or
servicing agreements entered into pursuant to, and on terms no less favorable to the Parent and its Subsidiaries than those set forth in, the GE Commitment Letter." 

        (d)  Section 10
of the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by deleting the last sentence of the definition of "Consolidated Interest Expense" and inserting in
lieu thereof the following sentence: 

"With
respect to periods ending on or prior to December 31, 2003 (where covenant compliance is being determined as of December 31, 2003 or earlier), Consolidated Interest Expense shall
not include
(x) non-cash interest on the Floating Rate Facility or (y) non-cash interest accrued by the Parent on the Trust Preferred Securities." 

        (e)  Section 10
of the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by making the following changes to the definition of "Net Cash Proceeds": (a) deleting the
word "and" at the end of clause (b) of such definition and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase ",", (b) deleting the period at the end of clause (c) of such definition and
inserting in lieu thereof the phrase ", and", and (c) adding the following new clause (d) immediately following clause (c) of such definition: 

"(d)
in the case of the 2002 Asset Sale, Cash Amendment Fees." 

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        (f)    Section 10
of the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by inserting the following proviso immediately prior to the period at the end of the definition of
"Required Lenders": 

";
provided that for purposes of any decision of the Lenders with respect to any amendment or modification of the prepayment provisions set forth in
Section 4.02(o), the phrase "a majority" in this definition shall be replaced with the phrase "662/3%". 

        1.2    Amendments to Section 3 (Fees; Commitments) of the Credit Agreement    

        It
is hereby agreed that Section Four of Amendment Number Six and Waiver, dated as of November 30, 2001, to the Credit Agreement shall no longer be of any force or effect, but
that in lieu thereof there shall be added to the Credit Agreement the following new Section 3.04: 

        "3.04.    Excess Revolving Loans.    Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, repayment
of Excess Revolving Loans shall be paid in full before payment is made on any other Revolving Loans or on any Tranche of Term Loans with respect to the receipt of proceeds upon liquidation of any
Collateral in bankruptcy or any distributions from a bankruptcy plan or other insolvency proceeding." 

        1.3.    Amendments to Section 4 (Payments) of the Credit Agreement.    

        (a)  Section 4.02(b)
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following: 

        "(b)
In addition to any other mandatory repayments or commitment reductions pursuant to this Section 4.02, on each date set forth below, the Borrowers shall be required to repay
that principal amount of Tranche A Term Loans, to the extent then outstanding, set forth opposite such date (each such repayment, as the same may be reduced as provided in Sections 4.01 and 4.02(i), a
"Tranche A Term Loan Scheduled Repayment," and each such date, a "Tranche A Term Loan Scheduled Repayment
Date"): 

	Tranche A Term Loan

Scheduled Repayment Date
	 	Amount

	July 31, 2003	 	$	1,150,000.00
	August 29, 2003	 	 	1,150,000.00
	September 30, 2003	 	 	4,600,000.00
	October 31, 2003	 	 	2,300,000.00
	November 28, 2003	 	 	2,300,000.00
	December 31, 2003	 	 	4,600,000.00
	January 15, 2004	 	 	23,000,000.00
	May 27, 2004	 	 	267,718,640.94

All
Tranche A Term Loans will be repaid on the Tranche A Term Loan Maturity Date." 

        (b)  Section 4.02(c)
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following: 

        "(c)
In addition to any other mandatory repayments or commitment reductions pursuant to this Section 4.02, on each date set forth below, the Borrowers shall be required to repay
that principal
amount of Tranche B Term Loans, to the extent then outstanding, set forth opposite such date (each such repayment, as the same may be reduced as provided in Sections 4.01 and 4.02(i), a 

4

 

"Tranche B Term Loan Scheduled Repayment," and each such date, a "Tranche B Term Loan Scheduled Repayment
Date"): 

	Tranche B Term Loan

Scheduled Repayment Date
	 	Amount

	July 31, 2003	 	$	1,350,000.00
	August 29, 2003	 	 	1,350,000.00
	September 30, 2003	 	 	5,400,000.00
	October 31, 2003	 	 	2,700,000.00
	November 28, 2003	 	 	2,700,000.00
	December 31, 2003	 	 	5,400,000.00
	

January 15, 2004	
 	
 	

27,000,000.00
	May 27, 2004	 	 	343,887,652.32

All
Tranche B Term Loans will be repaid on the Tranche B Term Loan Maturity Date." 

        (c)  Section 4.02(d)
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following: 

        "(d)
In addition to any other mandatory repayments or commitment reductions pursuant to this Section 4.02, on each date on or after the Amendment No. 6 Effective Date on
which either of the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries receives Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale or Sales (other than a sale of Margin Stock prior to consummation of the Merger), an
amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds shall be applied as a mandatory repayment of principal of outstanding Loans in accordance with the requirements of Sections 4.02(i),
(j) and (n)." 

        (d)  Section 4.02(f)
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the word "In" immediately at the beginning of such section and replacing it with the
following: 

        "Other
than in connection with the 2002 Asset Sale, and in". 

        (e)  (i) Section 4.02(i) of
the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the word "Each" immediately at the beginning of such section and replacing
it with the following: 

        "Other
than in connection with the 2002 Asset Sale, each". 

        (ii)    Section 4.02(i) of
the Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by inserting the phrase "(other than amounts applied pursuant to Section 4.02(n),
(o) or (p))" immediately following the phrase "Section 4" in the second sentence of such section. 

        (f)    Section 4.02(l)
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following: 

        "(l)
Intentionally omitted." 

        (g)  Section 4.02
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new Sections 4.02(n), 4.02(o), 4.02(p) and 4.02(q) immediately following
Section 4.02(m) at the end thereof: 

        "(n)
Upon the consummation of the 2002 Asset Sale, the Borrowers will (i) first, prepay Revolving Loans using the first $12,000,000
of Net Cash Proceeds from the 2002 Asset Sale (provided that such prepayment shall not permanently reduce the Total Revolving Loan Commitments) and
(ii) second, prepay Term Loans using the Net Cash Proceeds from the 2002 Asset Sale remaining after the prepayment described in clause (i)
of this Section 4.02(n). The amount required to be prepaid in respect of Term Loans pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 4.02(n) shall be applied pro
rata to each Tranche of Term Loans, with each Tranche of Term Loans to be allocated that percentage of the amount to be applied as is equal to a fraction 

5

 

(expressed as a percentage), the numerator of which is equal to the then-outstanding principal amount of such Tranche of Term Loans and the denominator of which is equal to the
then-outstanding principal amount of all Term Loans. 

        (o)  Promptly
upon receipt of its tax refund for the 2002 tax year, the Company shall prepay the Tranche A Term Loans, the Tranche B Term Loans and the Non-LIFO
Revolving Loans on a pro rata basis, with each such Tranche of Loans to be allocated that percentage of the amount to be prepaid as is equal to a
fraction (expressed as a percentage), the numerator of which is equal to the then-outstanding principal amount of such Tranche of Loans and the denominator of which is equal to the sum of
(x) the then-outstanding principal amount of all Term Loans and (y) the then-outstanding principal amount of Non-LIFO Revolving Loans. Any prepayment
of Non-LIFO Revolving Loans pursuant to this Section 4.02(o) shall constitute a permanent reduction in the Total Revolving Loan Commitments. 

        (p)  Unless
an Acceptable Floating Rate Facility Amendment shall have been entered into (with a copy of such Acceptable Floating Rate Facility Amendment having been delivered
to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders) prior to such date, on January 15, 2003, the Borrowers shall prepay Tranche A Term Loans, Tranche B Term Loans and
Non-LIFO Revolving Loans in the aggregate amount of $50,000,000, with each Tranche of Loans to be allocated that percentage of the amount to be prepaid as is equal to a fraction (expressed
as a percentage) the numerator of which is equal to the then-outstanding principal amount of such Tranche of Loans and the denominator of which is equal to the sum of (x) the
then-outstanding principal amount of all Term Loans and (y) the then-outstanding principal amount of Non-LIFO Revolving Loans. Any prepayment of
Non-LIFO Revolving Loans pursuant to this Section 4.02(p) shall constitute a permanent reduction in the Total Revolving Loan Commitments. 

        (q)  Any
amount required to be applied to any Tranche of Term Loans pursuant to Section 4.02(n), (o) or (p) shall be applied to reduce the Scheduled
Repayments of the respective Tranche due after January 15, 2004 (but not to reduce any Scheduled Repayment due on or prior to January 15, 2004), such reduction to be made  pro rata based upon
the then remaining principal amount of each such Scheduled Repayment, in each case reducing the Loans incurred by each of the
Company and Essex pro rata, and, if no Term Loans remain outstanding, all such amounts shall be applied to repay outstanding borrowings under the
Revolving Loans." 

        1.4    Amendments to Section 7 (Affirmative Covenants) of the Credit Agreement.    

        (a)  Section 7
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new Sections 7.22, 7.23, 7.24, 7.25 and 7.26 immediately following Section 7.21
at the end thereof: 

        "Section 7.22.    Chief Executive Officer.    Simultaneously with the effectiveness of Amendment Number Nine,
the Parent and the Borrower will enter into an agreement (the "Elbaum Agreement"), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit Q, with Steven S.
Elbaum ("Elbaum"), terminating the Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2001, among the Parent, the
Company and Elbaum. Upon the closing of the 2002 Asset Sale, the Parent and the Company shall commence a search through a nationally recognized recruitment firm to locate and employ a successor Chief
Executive Officer on or before January 31, 2003 (or such later date as may be approved by a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders, but in no event later than February 28,
2003). The
Parent and the Company will keep the Administrative Agent and the Steering Committee of the Lenders reasonably informed as to the progress of the search. Any proposed successor Chief Executive Officer
(and any further successor thereto) will be reasonably acceptable to a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders and will not be an Affiliate of Alpine or the Borrower prior to being employed
by the Parent as Chief Executive Officer. 

6

 

        Section 7.23.    Tax Refunds for the 2002 Tax Year.    The Parent and the Company will file the Returns for the
2002 tax year as promptly as practicable, and in no event later than April 30, 2003. The Parent and the Company agree to cooperate with the Administrative Agent to arrange to have all tax
refunds for the 2002 tax year paid as directed by the Administrative Agent to an account established with the Administrative Agent in the name of the Borrower. The Parent and the Company will furnish
to the Administrative Agent, promptly after the filing thereof, copies of each of the Returns for the 2002 tax year. 

        Section 7.24.    Repayment, Refinancing or Other Settlement Plan.    The Parent and the Company will deliver to
the Lenders, no later than January 25, 2003, a preliminary business plan for their remaining businesses for the period through December 31, 2004, together with a plan for the repayment,
refinancing or other settlement of their debt obligations. The Parent and the Borrower will deliver a final, detailed version of such plan no later than March 31, 2003. 

        Section 7.25.    Electrical Acquisition Sub Warrant.    Simultaneously with the consummation of the 2002 Asset
Sale, the Borrower will take (or cause any of its Affiliates to take, as applicable) all necessary action, including entering into the appropriate security documents and filing the appropriate
financing statements under the provisions of the UCC or applicable non-U.S., domestic or local laws, rules or regulations in each of the offices where such filing is necessary or
appropriate, to grant the Collateral Agent a perfected Lien in any warrants or other equity interests in Electrical Acquisition Sub acquired by the Borrower (or any of its Affiliates) as consideration
for the 2002 Asset Sale pursuant to and to the full extent required by the Security Documents and this Agreement. Such actions shall include, but shall not be limited to, (i) delivery to the
Collateral Agent of any stock certificates or warrants received by the Borrower as consideration for the 2002 Asset Sale, accompanied by appropriate stock powers or warrant powers, as applicable, duly
executed in blank, or other instruments of transfer satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, and (ii) if necessary, the procurement of an appropriate control agreement from Electrical Acquisition
Sub, including an express acknowledgement of the Lien of the Collateral Agent. All actions taken by the parties in connection with the pledge of such Collateral, including, without limitation,
reasonable costs of counsel for the Collateral Agent, shall be for the account of the Borrower, which shall pay all sums due on demand. 

        Section 7.26    Payment of Lender Fees Relating to Amendment Number Nine.    (a) The Borrower shall pay
the Cash Amendment Fee upon the earlier of (i) the consummation of the 2002 Asset Sale or (ii) October 31, 2002 (or such later date that has been approved by a majority of the
Steering Committee of the Lenders in accordance with the proviso to Section 8.02(u)). 

        (b)  The
Borrower shall pay the Additional Amendment Fee on April 30, 2003." 

        1.5    Amendment to Section 8.02 (Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Purchase of Assets, etc.) of the Credit
Agreement    

        Section 8.02
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (a) deleting the word "and" at the end of clause (s) of such section, (b) deleting the period at the
end of clause (t) of such section and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase "; and", and (c) adding the following new clause (u) immediately following clause (t) of such
section: 

        "(u)
The Borrower may consummate the 2002 Asset Sale on terms no less favorable to the Borrower and the Parent and their respective Subsidiaries than those set forth on Exhibit R;  provided that
(i) the Borrower shall have executed definitive documentation with respect to the 2002 Asset Sale on or prior to October 31,
2002 and (ii) such 2002 Asset Sale is consummated on or prior to November 30, 2002; provided, further, that such November 30, 2002
deadline may be extended until a date no later than December 31, 2002 if (A) such extension is approved by a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders and (B) the Borrower
has entered into a 

7

 

receivables financing transaction on terms (including as to the tenor thereof) no less favorable to the Borrower and the Parent and their respective Subsidiaries than those set forth in the GE
Commitment Letter." 

        1.7    Amendment to Section 8.05 (Advances, Investments and Loans) of the Credit Agreement    

        Section 8.05
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (a) deleting the word "and" at the end of clause (p) of such section, (b) deleting the period at the
end of clause (q) of such section and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase "; and", and (c) adding the following new clause (r) immediately following clause (q) of such
section: 

        "(r)
Investments in stock or warrants of Electrical Acquisition Sub acquired as partial consideration for the 2002 Asset Sale (including any Investment acquired as the result of the
exercise of warrants acquired in accordance with this Section 8.05(r))." 

        1.8    Amendment to Section 8.07 (Transactions with Affiliates) of the Credit Agreement    

        Section 8.07
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (a) deleting the word "and" at the end of clause (vii) of the proviso contained in such section,
(b) deleting the period at the end of clause (viii) of the proviso contained in such section and inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon, and (c) adding the following language
immediately following clause (viii) of the proviso of such section: 

        "(ix) the
2002 Asset Sale, on the terms permitted pursuant to Section 8.02(u); (x) the Elbaum Agreement; and (xi) the Company may enter into an expense
reimbursement arrangement with Alpine that (A) provides that in the event that the Company enters into definitive documentation relating to the 2002 Asset Sale with a party other than Alpine or
its affiliates, the Company shall reimburse Alpine for its actual, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the sale process, not to exceed $1,500,000, or
(B) is otherwise on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders." 

        1.9    Amendment to Section 8.08 (Capital Expenditures) of the Credit Agreement    

        Section 8.08(a)
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following: 

        "(a)
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any Capital Expenditures during any twelve-month period set forth below in excess of the amount set forth
below with respect to such period: 

	Period Ending:
 
	 	Maximum Capital

Expenditure

Amount:
	 
	12/31/2002	 	 	N/A	 
	12/31/2003	 	 	N/A	 
	12/31/2004	 	$	50,000,000	 
	12/31/2005	 	$	50,000,000	"

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        1.10    Amendment to Section 8.09 (Minimum Consolidated EBITDA) of the Credit Agreement    

        Section 8.09
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following: 

        "8.09.    Minimum Consolidated EBITDA.    (a) The Company will not permit Consolidated EBITDA during any Test
Period set forth below to be less than the amount set forth below with respect to such Test period: 

	Test Period Ending:
 
	 	Consolidated EBITDA:

	09/30/2002	 	 	N/A
	12/31/2002	 	 	N/A
	03/31/2003	 	 	N/A
	06/30/2003	 	 	N/A
	09/30/2003	 	 	N/A
	12/31/2003	 	 	N/A
	03/31/2004 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter	 	$	380,000,000"

        1.11    Amendment to Section 8.10 (Interest Coverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio) of the Credit
Agreement    

        Section 8.10
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following: 

        "8.10.    Interest Coverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.    The Company will not permit either
(x) the Interest Coverage Ratio or (y) the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to the sum of (1) Consolidated Interest Expense and (2) Capital Expenditures (such ratio, the "Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio") for any Test Period set forth below to be equal to or less than the ratio set forth below with respect to such Test Period: 

	Test Period Ending:
 
	 	Fixed Charge Coverage

Ratio
	 	Interest Coverage Ratio

	09/30/2002	 	N/A	 	N/A
	12/31/2002	 	N/A	 	N/A
	03/31/2003	 	N/A	 	N/A
	06/30/2003	 	N/A	 	N/A
	09/30/2003	 	N/A	 	N/A
	12/31/2003	 	N/A	 	N/A
	03/31/04 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter	 	N/A	 	3.50x"

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        1.12    Amendment to Section 8.11 (Leverage Ratio) of the Credit Agreement.    

        Section 8.11
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing with the following: 

        "8.11.    Leverage Ratio.    The Company will not permit the Pro Forma Leverage Ratio at any time during the Test
Period set forth below to be equal to or more than the ratio set forth below with respect to such Test Period: 

	Test Period Ending:
 
	 	Leverage

Ratio:

	09/30/2002	 	N/A
	12/31/2002	 	N/A
	03/31/2003	 	N/A
	06/30/2003	 	N/A
	09/30/2003	 	N/A
	12/31/2003	 	N/A
	03/31/2004 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter	 	2.75x"

        1.13    Amendment to Section 8.11A (Monthly Covenants) of the Credit Agreement.    

        Section 8.11A
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the text thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following: 

        "8.11A.    Monthly Covenants.    

        (a)    Minimum Consolidated EBITDA.    The Company will not permit Consolidated EBITDA during any trailing
twelve-month period ending on the dates set forth below to be less than the amount set forth below with respect to such trailing twelve-month period: 

	Trailing Twelve

Months Ended:
	 	Minimum Consolidated EBITDA:

	09/30/2002	 	$	71,220,000
	10/31/2002	 	$	70,755,000
	11/30/2002	 	$	72,697,000
	12/31/2002	 	$	75,023,000
	01/31/2003	 	$	74,748,000
	02/28/2003	 	$	74,106,000
	03/31/2003	 	$	74,916,000
	04/30/2003	 	$	73,891,000
	05/31/2003	 	$	74,571,000
	06/30/2003	 	$	78,329,000
	07/31/2003	 	$	82,476,000
	08/31/2003	 	$	87,096,000
	09/30/2003	 	$	91,626,000
	10/31/2003	 	$	94,908,000
	11/30/2003	 	$	98,788,000
	12/31/2003	 	$	102,939,000

10

  

        (b)    Interest Coverage Ratio.    The Company will not permit the Interest Coverage Ratio during any trailing
twelve-month period ending on the dates set forth below to be less than the ratio set forth below with respect to such trailing twelve-month period: 

	Trailing Twelve Months

Ended:
	 	Interest Coverage Ratio:

	06/30/2003	 	1.07x
	07/31/2003	 	1.13x
	08/31/2003	 	1.20x
	09/30/2003	 	1.27x
	10/31/2003	 	1.32x
	11/30/2003	 	1.38x
	12/31/2003	 	1.44x

        (c)    Capital Expenditures.    The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any Capital
Expenditures during any trailing three-month period ending on the dates set forth below in excess of the amount set forth below with respect to such trailing three-month period: 

	Trailing Three

Months Ended:
	 	Maximum Capital

Expenditure Amount:

	09/30/2002	 	$	6,000,000
	10/31/2002	 	$	5,600,000
	11/30/2002	 	$	5,000,000
	12/31/2002	 	$	4,600,000
	01/31/2003	 	$	4,600,000
	02/28/2003	 	$	4,600,000
	03/31/2003	 	$	4,600,000
	04/30/2003	 	$	4,600,000
	05/31/2003	 	$	4,600,000
	06/30/2003	 	$	4,600,000
	07/31/2003	 	$	4,900,000
	08/31/2003	 	$	5,200,000
	09/30/2003	 	$	5,400,000
	10/31/2003	 	$	5,400,000
	11/30/2003	 	$	5,400,000
	12/31/2003	 	$	5,400,000

        (d)    Reports.    The monthly reports, quarterly reports and annual reports required to be delivered pursuant to
Section 7.01(a), (b) and (c) of this Credit Agreement shall each include an Officer's Certificate certifying compliance with the monthly covenants contained in this
Section 8.11A. 

        (e)    Addbacks to Consolidated EBITDA.    In calculating Consolidated EBITDA for the purposes of determining
compliance during fiscal 2002 and 2003 with the covenants set forth in this Section 8.11A, there shall be excluded from Consolidated EBITDA: 

        (i)    Any
non-cash charges (pertaining to the impairment of goodwill) incurred as a result of the application of FASB 142; 

        (ii)  up
to $17,500,000 (in the aggregate for all applicable test periods) of cash charges incurred and all non-cash charges in connection with the closure of the
Rockford, Elizabethtown 

11

 

and Winnipeg facilities, the closure of the Electrical Canada warehouse and the downsizing of the magnet wire U.K. facility; 

        (iii)
Any non-cash charges and cash charges up to $10,000,000 (in the aggregate for all applicable test periods) to be incurred in connection with the closure of additional
facilities to be identified by the Company, if approved by a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders; 

        (iv)  Policano &
Manzo advisory fees; 

        (v)    Legal
fees incurred in connection with Amendment Number Eight and Amendment Number Nine; 

        (vi)  Rothschild Inc.
advisory fees; 

        (vii)
Costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) of advisors to the Borrower and the Parent (including advisors to the independent members of the Board of Directors of the
Parent) associated with the 2002 Asset Sale; 

        (viii)
Other expenses associated with the 2002 Asset Sale, not to exceed $500,000; 

        (ix)  Expenses
(including any sign-on bonus but excluding regular salary) associated with recruiting and/or hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer in accordance
with Section 7.22; 

        (x)    Certain
severance expenses, not to exceed $1,000,000; and 

        (xi)  Any
amendment fees or write-off of prior deferred financing fees. 

        1.14    Amendment to Section 8.17 (Limitation of Activities of Parent) of the Credit Agreement.    

        Section 8.17
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting the following proviso immediately prior to the period at the end of such section: 

        ";
provided that the Parent may participate in the 2002 Asset Sale on the terms permitted pursuant to Section 8.02(u)." 

        1.15    Amendment to Section 9 (Events of Default) of the Credit Agreement    

        Section 9.03
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase "Section 8 or Section 7.15" contained therein and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase
"Section 7.18, 7.19, 7.20, 7.21, 7.22, 7.23, 7.24, 7.25 or 7.26 or Section 8". 

        1.16    Amendment to Section 12 (Miscellaneous) of the Credit Agreement    

        Section 12.01
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph immediately at the end thereof: 

        "In
addition, the Borrowers, jointly and severally, agree to pay up to $15,000 of reasonable out-of-pocket expenditures of each member of the Steering Committee
of the Lenders (excluding the Administrative Agent, whose out-of-pocket expenses are addressed in the first paragraph of this Section 12.01) incurred in connection with
the negotiation, preparation and execution of Amendment Number Eight and Amendment Number Nine." 

        1.17    Additional Exhibits to the Credit Agreement    

        Annex
I to this Amendment Number Nine is hereby added to the Credit Agreement as Exhibit P thereto. Annex II to this Amendment Number Nine is hereby added to the Credit
Agreement as Exhibit Q thereto. Annex III to this Amendment Number Nine is hereby added to the Credit Agreement as Exhibit R thereto. 

12

 

        1.18    Reduction in Revolving Loan Commitments    

        It
is hereby understood and agreed that as of the Amendment Number Nine Effective Date, the Revolving Loan Commitment of each Revolving Loan Lender shall be reduced on a  pro rata basis to reflect the
reduction in the Total Revolving Loan Commitment from $225,000,000 to $214,000,000 in accordance with the proviso to
Section 3.02(a) of the Credit Agreement. 

SECTION TWO—CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS  

        (a)  This
Amendment shall become effective on the date (the "Amendment Number Nine Effective Date") on which the
Administrative Agent shall have received: 

        (i)    counterparts
of this Amendment executed by each Borrower, each Guarantor and the Required Lenders of each Tranche of Term Loans and the Revolving Loans; 

        (ii)  payment
in full of all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of Simpson
Thacher & Bartlett and Policano & Manzo) pursuant to the Credit Agreement (which costs and expenses shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds and distributed by the
Administrative Agent to the parties entitled thereto); 

        (iii)
an Officer's Certificate from the Borrowers certifying that no Default or Event of Default has occurred or is continuing (after giving effect to this Amendment) and, in the view of
the Steering Committee of the Lenders, no material adverse fact or circumstance or development has become known or been disclosed; 

        (iv)  evidence
satisfactory to it that the Borrower and General Electric Capital Corporation have executed (or are executing simultaneously with the effectiveness of this
Amendment) the GE Commitment Letter (as defined in Section 1.1 of this Amendment), which GE Commitment Letter shall be effective through at least October 31, 2002; and 

        (v)  evidence
satisfactory to it that Steven S. Elbaum, the Company and the Parent have executed (or are executing simultaneously with the effectiveness of this Amendment)
the Elbaum Agreement (as defined in Section 1.4(a) of this Amendment). 

        (b)  The
effectiveness of this Amendment (other than Section Four) is further conditioned upon the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Section Four
hereof. 

SECTION THREE—AMENDMENT FEES  

        (a)  Each
Lender that executes and delivers a signature page to this Amendment not later than 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on September 12, 2002 (each, a
"Qualifying Lender") will be entitled to receive a cash amendment fee (the "Cash Amendment Fee") of
0.50% of the total aggregate credit exposure (i.e., Loans plus undrawn Revolving Loan Commitments) of such Lender on the Amendment Number Nine Effective Date and payable upon the earlier of
(i) the consummation of the 2002 Asset Sale or (ii) November 30, 2002 (or such later date that has been approved by a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders in
accordance with the second proviso to Section 8.02(u) of the Credit Agreement). The Cash Amendment Fee shall be paid by the Borrowers by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the
Administrative Agent and shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent to each of the Qualifying Lenders. 

        (b)  In
addition, all Lenders will be entitled to receive an additional cash amendment fee (the "Additional Amendment Fee") of
0.50% of the total aggregate credit exposure (i.e., Loans plus undrawn Revolving Loan Commitments) of such Lender on the Amendment Number Nine Effective Date and due on April 30, 2003. The
Additional Amendment Fee shall be paid by the Borrowers by wire transfer 

13

 

of immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent and shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent to each of the Lenders. 

SECTION FOUR—REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES  

        Each of the Parent and the Company hereby confirms, reaffirms and restates the representations and warranties made by it in Section 6 of the Credit
Agreement and all such representations and warranties are true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by
its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct only as of such specified date), except such representations and warranties need not be true and correct to the extent
that changes in the facts and conditions on which such representations and warranties are based are required or permitted under the Credit Agreement or such changes arise
out of events not prohibited by the covenants set forth in Sections 7 and 8 of the Credit Agreement or otherwise permitted by consents or waivers. The Company hereby further represents and warrants
(which representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery hereof) to the Agents and each Lender that: 

        (a)  Each
Credit Party has the corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Amendment and has taken all corporate actions necessary to authorize the
execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment; 

        (b)  No
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; 

        (c)  No
consent of any person other than all of the Lenders and the Agents parties hereto, and no consent, permit, approval or authorization of, exemption by, notice or
report to, or registration, filing or declaration with, any governmental authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability against any Credit
Party of this Amendment; 

        (d)  This
Amendment has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of each Credit Party by a duly authorized officer or attorney-in-fact of such
Credit Party, and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Credit Party enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be
limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, preferential transfer, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting
creditors' rights and remedies generally, (b) general principles of equity (whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and by the discretion of the court
before which any proceeding therefor may be brought, or (c) public policy considerations or court administrative, regulatory or other governmental decisions that may limit rights to
indemnification or contribution or limit or affect any covenants or agreements relating to competition or future employment; and 

        (e)  The
execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment will not violate (i) any provision of law applicable to any Credit Party or (ii) any contractual
obligation of any Credit Party, other than such violations that would not reasonably be expected to result in, singly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. 

SECTION FIVE—MISCELLANEOUS  

        (a)  Except
as herein expressly amended, the Credit Agreement and all other agreements, documents, instruments and certificates executed in connection therewith, except as
otherwise provided herein, are
ratified and confirmed in all respects and shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms. 

        (b)  This
Amendment may be executed by the parties hereto in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same
agreement. 

14

 

        (c)  THIS
AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 

        (d)  This
Amendment shall not constitute a consent or waiver to or modification of any provision, term or condition of the Credit Agreement, other than such terms,
provisions, or conditions that are required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Amendment. All terms, provisions, covenants, representations, warranties, agreements and conditions
contained in the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, shall remain in full force and effect. 

        (e)  Each
of the Borrowers, the Parent and their respective Subsidiaries acknowledges and consents to all of the terms and conditions of this Amendment and agrees that this
Amendment and all documents executed in connection herewith do not operate to reduce or discharge such obligations of the Borrowers, the Parent and their respective Subsidiaries under the Credit
Agreement or the other Credit Documents. Each of the Borrowers, the Parent and their respective Subsidiaries further acknowledges and agrees that such Borrowers, the Parent and their respective
Subsidiaries each has no claims, counterclaims, offsets, or defenses to the Credit Documents and the performance of such obligations of the Borrowers, the Parent and their respective Subsidiaries
thereunder or if such Borrowers, the Parent and their respective Subsidiaries did have any such claims, counterclaims, offsets or defenses to the Credit Documents or any transaction related to the
Credit Documents, the same are hereby waived, relinquished and released in consideration of the Lenders' execution and delivery of this Amendment. Each of the Borrowers, the Parent and their
respective Subsidiaries listed as a Guarantor on the signature pages hereof acknowledges that it is a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement. 

15

 
 

ANNEX I TO
  AMENDMENT NUMBER NINE
   
  EXHIBIT P    
  

 
 

ANNEX II TO
  AMENDMENT NUMBER NINE
   
  EXHIBIT Q    
  

 
 

ANNEX III TO
  AMENDMENT NUMBER NINE
   
  EXHIBIT R    
  

Sale Term Sheet  

	•
	Purchaser
(or affiliates thereof) to purchase (i) substantially all of the assets, subject to substantially all of the related liabilities, of the
Electrical Business (including related copper continuous casting operations (the "Concast Facilities")) and (ii) the stock of DNE and Israel.

	•
	Any
contracts or other supply arrangements to be entered into by the Parent, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and
Purchaser (or any of its affiliates), on the other hand, relating to the transferred Concast Facilities to be reasonably acceptable to a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders.

	•
	Total
consideration of $85,000,000 cash + warrant to purchase 20% (on a fully-diluted basis) equity interest (with customary
"tag-along" rights in favor of the Borrower and "drag-along" rights in favor of the majority stockholder in Electrical Acquisition Sub), for an aggregate exercise price of
$560,000, in Electrical Acquisition Sub.

	•
	Acquisition
to be accomplished substantially on an "as is, where is" basis, with purchase agreement to include limited but customary representations,
warranties and indemnities of sellers, in all respects reasonably satisfactory to a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders.

	•
	For
a period of four years, none of Purchaser or any of its affiliates (other than Superior Israel, if applicable) may compete anywhere in the world with any
business currently conducted by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions and except for sales of premises wire products consistent with past practice (it being understood
that Purchaser or the relevant affiliate shall offer to buy such premises wire products from the Parent, the Borrower or one of their Subsidiaries at prevailing market rates).

	•
	The
Borrower shall receive a tax opinion from Proskauer Rose LLP, which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to a majority of the Steering Committee of
the Lenders, relating to tax matters associated with the 2002 Asset Sale.

	•
	The
Borrower and the Parent shall have undertaken a marketing effort for the assets that are the subject of the 2002 Asset Sale, consisting of no less than
the following:

	•
	Preparation
of a summary description of the assets to be sold as part of the 2002 Asset Sale, together with pertinent financial information (the "Marketing
Information"). Such Marketing Information shall be provided to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to each Lender).

	•
	The
Borrower and the Parent, together with their financial advisors, shall identify prospective purchasers that would likely be interested in the assets
being divested.

	•
	Concurrently
with the preparation of the Marketing Information, the Borrower and the Parent shall establish a data room where prospective purchasers, subject
to execution of satisfactory confidentiality agreements, could review more detailed information concerning the assets being divested.

	•
	The
Borrower and the Parent will provide the Administrative Agent with periodic reports regarding the progress of the marketing effort, with such reports to
include (i) the identity of any parties contacted regarding the proposed sale and (ii) the identity of any parties signing confidentiality agreements in connection with the proposed sale
and to whom the Marketing Information has been provided. 

	•
	The
Borrower and the Parent shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after receipt thereof, any indication of interest, letter of intent or other
writing provided by or on behalf of a prospective purchaser in connection with the 2002 Asset Sale. 

	•
	All
other terms and conditions to be reasonably satisfactory to a majority of the Steering Committee of the Lenders 

QuickLinks

Exhibit 10.2

ANNEX I TO AMENDMENT NUMBER NINE EXHIBIT P

ANNEX II TO AMENDMENT NUMBER NINE EXHIBIT Q

ANNEX III TO AMENDMENT NUMBER NINE EXHIBIT RQuickLinks
 -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

 
 

Exhibit 10.3    
  

      
 PURCHASE AGREEMENT  

       
 BY AND AMONG  

 SUPERIOR TELECOM INC.,  

 SUPERIOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS INC.,  

 ESSEX INTERNATIONAL INC.,  

 ESSEX GROUP, INC.,  

 THE ALPINE GROUP, INC.  

 AND  

 ALPINE HOLDCO INC.  

       
 DATED: October 31, 2002  

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS    
  

	 
	 	 
	 	Page No.

	ARTICLE 1 PURCHASE OF ASSETS AND STOCK	 	1
	1.1	 	Assets to be Purchased by Buyer.	 	1
	1.2	 	Assets to be Retained by Sellers.	 	3
	1.3	 	Purchase and Sale of Stock.	 	4
	

ARTICLE 2 ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES	
 	

4
	2.1	 	Assumed Liabilities.	 	4
	2.2	 	Liabilities to be Retained by Sellers.	 	4
	

ARTICLE 3 CONSIDERATION	
 	

5
	3.1	 	Purchase Price.	 	5
	3.2	 	Allocation of Purchase Price.	 	5
	

ARTICLE 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS WITH RESPECT TO SELLERS AND THE BUSINESS	
 	

6
	4.1	 	Corporate Status.	 	6
	4.2	 	Seller's Enforceability.	 	6
	4.3	 	Consents.	 	6
	4.4	 	Absence of Conflicts.	 	6
	4.5	 	No Litigation.	 	7
	4.6	 	Title to Assets.	 	7
	4.7	 	Real Property.	 	7
	4.8	 	Brokers and Finders.	 	7
	4.9	 	EXCLUSIVITY OF REPRESENTATIONS.	 	8
	

ARTICLE 5 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SUT WITH RESPECT TO THE DNE GROUP	
 	

8
	5.1	 	Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.	 	8
	5.2	 	Title to Shares.	 	8
	5.3	 	Capitalization.	 	8
	5.4	 	Absence of Conflicts.	 	9
	5.5	 	No Litigation.	 	9
	5.6	 	Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws.	 	9
	5.7	 	EXCLUSIVITY OF REPRESENTATIONS.	 	9
	

ARTICLE 6 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SUT AND STI WITH RESPECT TO THE SUPERIOR ISRAEL GROUP	
 	

10
	6.1	 	Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.	 	10
	6.2	 	Title to Shares.	 	10
	6.3	 	Capitalization.	 	10
	6.4	 	Absence of Conflicts.	 	10
	6.5	 	No Litigation.	 	11
	6.6	 	Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws.	 	11
	6.7	 	EXCLUSIVITY OF REPRESENTATIONS.	 	11
	

ARTICLE 7 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ALPINE AND BUYER	
 	

11
	7.1	 	Corporate Status.	 	11
	7.2	 	Alpine and Buyer's Enforceability.	 	12
	7.3	 	Consents.	 	12
	7.4	 	Absence of Conflicts.	 	12
	7.5	 	No Litigation.	 	12
	7.6	 	Financing.	 	12
	7.7	 	Absence of Business Conduct.	 	13
	7.8	 	Brokers and Finders.	 	13

 

	7.9	 	Investigation by Alpine and Buyer.	 	13
	7.10	 	Section 267 of the Code.	 	13
	7.11	 	Investment Representation.	 	14
	

ARTICLE 8 CONDITIONS TO CLOSING; CLOSING DELIVERIES	
 	

14
	8.1	 	Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Closing.	 	14
	8.2	 	Sellers' Deliveries	 	15
	8.3	 	Buyer's Deliveries.	 	16
	

ARTICLE 9 CLOSING	
 	

17
	9.1	 	Closing.	 	17
	

ARTICLE 10 COVENANTS	
 	

17
	10.1	 	Pre-Closing Covenants	 	18
	 	 	10.1.1 Conduct of Business.	 	18
	 	 	10.1.2 Access to Information.	 	21
	 	 	10.1.3 Reasonable Efforts.	 	21
	 	 	10.1.4 Seller Disclosure Schedule and Supplemental Disclosure.	 	22
	 	 	10.1.5 Superior Proposal.	 	22
	 	 	10.1.6 Termination.	 	23
	 	 	10.1.7 Effect of Termination.	 	24
	10.2	 	Other Covenants.	 	24
	 	 	10.2.1 Employee and Related Matters.	 	24
	 	 	10.2.2 Tax Cooperation.	 	27
	 	 	10.2.3 Payment of Certain Taxes; Tax Returns.	 	27
	 	 	10.2.4 Publicity.	 	29
	 	 	10.2.5 Expenses.	 	29
	 	 	10.2.6 No Assignment.	 	29
	 	 	10.2.7 Further Assurances.	 	29
	 	 	10.2.8 Permit Transfer, Assignment or Reissuances.	 	30
	 	 	10.2.9 Mail and Other Communications.	 	30
	 	 	10.2.10 Access to Records.	 	30
	 	 	10.2.11 Credit Support Arrangements.	 	30
	 	 	10.2.12 Non-Competition.	 	31
	 	 	10.2.13 Environmental Transfer Act Compliance.	 	32
	 	 	10.2.14 Insurance.	 	32
	 	 	10.2.15 Section 338 Elections.	 	33
	 	 	10.2.16 Tax Treatment.	 	33
	 	 	10.2.17 Covenants Regarding Electrical Sub.	 	33
	 	 	10.2.18 Tax Sharing Agreement.	 	33
	 	 	10.2.19 Certain Expenses.	 	33
	 	 	10.2.20 Intercompany Accounts.	 	33
	

ARTICLE 11 INDEMNIFICATION	
 	

34
	11.1	 	Indemnification By Sellers.	 	34
	11.2	 	Indemnification By Alpine and Buyer.	 	34
	11.3	 	Limitations on Indemnification by Sellers.	 	35
	11.4	 	Limitations on Indemnification by Alpine and Buyer.	 	35
	11.5	 	Notice of Claim.	 	35
	11.6	 	Third Party Claims.	 	36
	11.7	 	Exclusive Remedy.	 	36

ii

 

	

ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS	
 	

37
	12.1	 	Notices.	 	37
	12.2	 	Binding Effect.	 	37
	12.3	 	Headings.	 	37
	12.4	 	Exhibits and Schedules.	 	37
	12.5	 	Counterparts.	 	38
	12.6	 	Bulk Sales Law.	 	38
	12.7	 	Governing Law.	 	38
	12.8	 	Waivers.	 	38
	12.9	 	Pronouns.	 	38
	12.10	 	Time Periods.	 	38
	12.11	 	No Strict Construction.	 	38
	12.12	 	Modification.	 	38
	12.13	 	Entire Agreement.	 	38
	12.14	 	Certain Definitions.	 	39

iii

PURCHASE AGREEMENT  

        THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into this 31st day of October, 2002 by and among Superior TeleCom Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("SUT"), Superior Telecommunications Inc., a Delaware corporation ("STI"), Essex International Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Essex International"), Essex Group, Inc.,
a Michigan corporation ("Essex Group" and, together with Essex International, "Essex"), The Alpine Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Alpine"), and Alpine Holdco Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Buyer") and a newly-formed, wholly-owned corporate subsidiary of Alpine. SUT, STI and Essex are sometimes hereinafter referred to individually as a "Seller" and collectively as the
"Sellers." 

RECITALS  

        WHEREAS, SUT is the owner of 100 shares of the common stock, no par value per share ("DNE Common Stock"), of DNE Systems Inc., a Delaware corporation
("DNE"), constituting all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of DNE (the "DNE Shares"). DNE and its Subsidiaries (as defined herein) are sometimes hereinafter referred to
collectively as the "DNE Group." 

        WHEREAS,
STI is the owner of (i) 100 shares of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Texas SUT Common Stock"), of Texas SUT Inc., a Texas corporation ("Texas SUT"),
constituting all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Texas SUT (the "Texas SUT Shares"), and (ii) 90 ordinary shares, par value NIS 1.00 per share (the "Ordinary Shares of
Superior Cables Holding"), of Superior Cables Holding (1997) Ltd., an Israel corporation ("Superior Cables Holding"), constituting 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of
Superior Cables Holding (the "Superior Cables Holding Shares" and, together with the Texas SUT Shares, the "Superior Israel Shares") (the other 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock of Superior Cables Holding being owned by Texas SUT). Texas SUT and Superior Cables Holding (specifically excluding Superior Cables Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Israel
("Superior Cables Ltd.")) are sometimes hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Superior Israel Group." 

        WHEREAS,
on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, (i) SUT desires to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase from SUT, all of the DNE Shares
and (ii) STI desires to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase from STI, all of the Superior Israel Shares. 

        WHEREAS,
on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Sellers desire to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase from Sellers, the assets of Sellers
described herein relating
to Sellers' electrical wire business conducted as of the date hereof, including the manufacture and sale of building and industrial wire products conducted as of the date hereof (the "Business"), and
Buyer is prepared to assume liabilities and obligations of Sellers relating to the Business. 

        NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows: 

ARTICLE 1  

PURCHASE OF ASSETS AND STOCK  

        1.1    Assets to be Purchased by Buyer.    

        Subject
to Section 1.2 and on and subject to the other terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Sellers hereby agree to grant, sell, convey, assign, transfer and deliver
to Buyer, or cause to be granted, sold, conveyed, assigned, transferred and delivered to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase as a going concern, as of the Closing (as defined herein), all of the
assets owned by any of Sellers or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates (as defined herein) used exclusively in the Business, of every kind and description and wherever located, free and clear of all
Liens (except for Permitted Encumbrances and Real Property Permitted Encumbrances), including, without limitation, the following: 

        (a)  All
of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to the real property, including all buildings, structures, improvements, fixtures and fittings located thereon or
forming part thereof, at the locations 

 

set forth on Schedule 1.1(a) hereto, and all rights, privileges, easements and other appurtenances thereto (collectively, the "Business Real
Property"); 

        (b)  The
rights under the leases set forth on Schedule 1.1(b) hereto (collectively, the "Business Real Property
Leases") for the real property described therein and all leasehold interests therein and all rights to leasehold improvements located thereon and, to the extent covered by the Business Real Property
Leases, all fixtures, machinery, installations and equipment located thereon or forming part thereof (such property being collectively referred to as the "Business Leased Real Property"); 

        (c)  All
machinery, equipment, dies, tools, spare parts and furniture, including those set forth on Schedule 1.1(c)
hereto (collectively, the "Equipment"); 

        (d)  All
inventories of the products of the Business, including those set forth on Schedule 1.1(d) hereto
(collectively, the "Products"), including, without limitation, raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, supplies and packaging materials on hand or in route from
suppliers as of the Closing (collectively, the "Inventory"); 

        (e)  All
customer and supplier lists and files, including those set forth on Schedule 1.1(e), sales literature,
marketing data and promotional materials relating to such lists and files and, with respect to such materials relating to the Business that do not pertain solely to the Business, copies of all such
materials; 

        (f)    All
of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to all of the patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, brand names, certification marks and rights
under any applications or registrations therefor set forth on Schedule 1.1(f) hereto, as well as all know-how, inventions,
technology, drawings, specifications, processes, formulae, discoveries, ideas, trade secrets and confidential information used exclusively in connection with the Business, together with any and all
goodwill associated with any of the foregoing (collectively, the "Business Intellectual Property"); 

        (g)  All
of Sellers' rights and interest as of the Closing in and to all contracts, agreements, leases, purchase orders and commitments relating to the Business, including
those set forth on Schedule 1.1(g) hereto (collectively, the "Business Contracts"); 

        (h)  All
books, records, files and papers, whether in hard copy or computer format, to the extent they contain information solely relating to the Purchased Assets or the
Business, including, without limitation, all financial and Tax (as defined herein) records, correspondence and other documents and, with respect to (i) any employee of the Business hired by
Buyer as set forth on Schedule 10.2.1(a) or whose employment agreement is assumed by Buyer pursuant to Section 10.2.1(f), and
(ii) such materials relating to the Business that do not pertain solely to the Business, copies of all such materials, provided that, with
respect to materials relating to Taxes that relate to but do not pertain solely to the Business, copies of such materials shall be provided only if such materials are less than six years old; 

        (i)    All
licenses, permits, registrations and other authorizations issued by any Governmental Authority (as defined herein) that are required for or currently used in
connection with the operation of the Business, including those that are set forth on Schedule 1.1(i) hereto, and including, without limitation,
all licenses, permits, registrations and other authorizations relating to environmental, health and safety matters, including those that are set forth on  Schedule 1.1(i) hereto, but, in each case,
only to the extent transferable; 

        (j)    All
accounts and notes receivable and other claims for money due any Seller or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates in existence as of the close of business on the
Closing Date which have been generated by sales by such Seller or such Affiliate of Products prior to the Closing, other than as expressly set forth in Section 1.2(a) or  Schedule 1.2;

2

 

        (k)  All
claims, causes of action, choses in action, rights of recovery and rights of set-off of any kind pertaining solely to, or arising solely out of, the
Business (other than as set forth on Schedule 1.2 hereto); 

        (l)    All
rights and interests in and under the Business Benefit Plans (as defined herein) transferred pursuant to Section 10.2.1 hereof; 

        (m)  The
goodwill of the Business; and 

        (n)  Claims
for any refund of Non-Income Taxes with respect to the Business or the Purchased Assets. 

        The
above-described assets to be purchased and sold pursuant to this Agreement are referred to as the "Purchased Assets." The Schedules relating to the Purchased Assets shall be subject
to additions and deletions in the ordinary course of business from the date hereof through the Closing. 

        1.2    Assets to be Retained by Sellers.    

        Sellers
shall retain and Buyer shall not purchase from Sellers or any of their respective Affiliates the following properties and assets used in the conduct of the Business: 

        (a)  Cash
on hand and checks received pending collection as of the close of business on the day preceding the Closing Date (as defined herein), notes, bank deposits,
certificates of deposit and marketable securities, including, without limitation, the consideration payable by Buyer to Sellers under this Agreement in respect of the Purchase Price (as defined
herein); 

        (b)  Other
than as set forth in Section 1.1(n), all income and other Tax credits and all Tax refund claims for periods or events occurring on or prior to the Closing
Date; 

        (c)  All
rights of any Seller under this Agreement and the agreements and instruments delivered to any Seller by Alpine or Buyer pursuant to this Agreement; 

        (d)  A
copy of all books, records, files and papers, whether in hard copy or computer format, that (i) any Seller or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates shall be
required to retain pursuant to any statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, contract or agreement and (ii) is set forth in Sections 1.1(e) and 1.1(h) in respect of the Sellers; 

        (e)  Other
than rights granted to Buyer pursuant to Section 10.2.14, insurance policies carried by or covering any Seller or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates (and
in the case of policies carried by Alpine, Sellers' rights under such policies) and any credits or other amounts due or to become due on account of or with respect to such policies; 

        (f)    All
rights and interests in and under the Business Benefit Plans (as defined herein), other than assets of any Business Benefit Plans transferred pursuant to
Section 10.2.1 hereof; 

        (g)  All
management information systems and related software whether used by the Business, any Seller or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates, except for standard
stand-alone mass-market software applications, which software applications are included among the Purchased Assets; 

        (h)  All
of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to all intellectual property, other than as provided in Section 1.1(f) or in any trademark or patent license
agreement to which Buyer is a party entered into pursuant to this Agreement; 

        (i)    All
of Sellers' rights and interest in any settlement proceeds received in the matter set forth on Schedule 1.2
hereto; and 

        (j)    All
of Seller's right, title and interest in and to all assets of the Sellers not used exclusively in the Business as of the Closing Date. 

3

 

        The
above-described assets to be retained by Sellers pursuant to this Agreement are referred to as the "Retained Assets." 

        1.3    Purchase and Sale of Stock.    

        At
the Closing, on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, (i) SUT shall sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase
from SUT, all of the DNE Shares and (ii) STI shall sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase from STI, all of the Superior Israel Shares, in each case free
and clear of all Liens. 

ARTICLE 2  

ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES  

        2.1    Assumed Liabilities.    

        Except
as otherwise provided in Section 2.2, Buyer hereby agrees to assume at the Closing all of the obligations and liabilities of Sellers and their respective Affiliates to the
extent related to the Business or the Purchased Assets, arising out of or related to events, actions or omissions occurring prior to the Closing Date and whether arising prior to, on or after the
Closing Date, including, without limitation, (i) any Assumed Environmental Liabilities (as defined herein), (ii) all liabilities relating to the matters set forth in  Schedule 2.1(b),
(iii) any liabilities and other obligations under any of the Business Real Property Leases or any of the Business
Contracts existing at the Closing, (iv) any product return liabilities or warranty claims with respect to Products sold, shipped or manufactured on or prior to the Closing Date, (v) any
liabilities, claims or obligations for bodily injury, death or property damage arising out of or related to any activities conducted at or in connection with the Business, or any Products sold,
shipped or manufactured on or prior to the Closing Date, other than such liabilities, claims or
obligations for bodily injury, death or property damage arising out of the manufacture, sale or distribution of asbestos-containing products, (vi) any liabilities or obligations in connection
with employee-related matters that are assumed by Buyer or an Affiliate thereof under Section 10.2.1 and (vii) all liabilities for Taxes related to the Business or the Purchased Assets
for which Buyer is designated as responsible pursuant to Section 10.2.3 or Section 11.2 (collectively, the "Assumed Liabilities"). The Schedules relating to Assumed Liabilities are
subject to additions and deletions in the ordinary course of business from the date hereof through the Closing. 

        2.2    Liabilities to be Retained by Sellers.    

        Sellers
shall retain, and Buyer shall not assume, pay, perform, defend or discharge, the following liabilities and obligations: (i) any liabilities or obligations related to any
of the Retained Assets; (ii) any liabilities of any Seller or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates to the extent not related to the Business or the Purchased Assets; (iii) Environmental
Liabilities other than the Assumed Environmental Liabilities, (iv) except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 10.2.1, any liabilities or obligations of any Seller or any Seller
ERISA Affiliate (as defined herein) with respect to any Business Benefit Plan; (v) except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 10.2.1, any liabilities or obligations in connection
with any claim made by any employee or former employee of the Business arising out of or related to (a) any event, action or omission occurring prior to the Closing Date or (b) such
employee's employment (including the termination thereof) prior to the Closing Date; (vi) any criminal and civil fines arising out of or related to events, actions or omissions occurring prior
to the Closing Date in connection with the Business; (vii) any liabilities, claims or obligations for bodily injury, death or property damage arising out of the manufacture, sale or
distribution of asbestos-containing products; (viii) all liabilities and obligations of Sellers under this Agreement or with respect to or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby;
(ix) all indebtedness for borrowed money relating to the agreements set forth on Schedule 2.2; and (x) all liabilities for Taxes
related to the Business or the 

4

 

Purchased Assets for which Sellers are designated as responsible pursuant to Section 10.2.3 or Section 11.1 (collectively, the "Retained Liabilities"). 

ARTICLE 3  

CONSIDERATION  

        3.1    Purchase Price.    

        The
aggregate cash purchase price for the Purchased Assets, the DNE Shares and the Superior Israel Shares (the "Purchase Price") is (a) Eighty-Five Million Dollars
($85,000,000) plus (b) the aggregate amount of any expenditures set forth on Schedule 3.1,
to the extent paid prior to Closing by any of the Sellers minus (c) any applicable amount payable under the Side Letter relating to the valuation
of certain real property in Columbia City, Indiana, dated the date hereof, among the parties hereto, payable at the Closing by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account(s) designated
in writing by SUT at least two business days prior to the Closing Date. As additional consideration for the Purchased Assets, Buyer shall cause a warrant in the form of  Exhibit A hereto (the
"Warrant") to be issued to SUT on the Closing Date. 

        3.2    Allocation of Purchase Price.    

        The
sum of (i) the Purchase Price, (ii) the value of the Warrant and (iii) the amount of the Assumed Liabilities (the "Aggregate Purchase Price") shall be allocated
to the Superior Israel Shares, to the DNE Shares and to the Purchased Assets for purposes of Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and for all other Tax
purposes. The allocations to the Superior Israel Shares and the DNE Shares shall be as set forth in Schedule 3.2. The excess of the Aggregate
Purchase Price over the amounts allocated to the Superior Israel Shares and the DNE Shares is the "Remaining Aggregate Purchase Price". Within 30 days following the Closing Date SUT shall
provide Buyer with a proposed determination of the Remaining Aggregate Purchase Price and a proposed allocation of the Remaining Aggregate Purchase Price among the Purchased Assets for purposes of
Section 1060 of the Code and all other Tax purposes. Within 20 days of receipt of such proposed determination and allocation Buyer shall notify SUT whether Buyer has any objection to the
proposed determination or allocation. If Buyer has no such objection, or timely notice is not provided, then Buyer and Sellers agree to be bound by such determination and allocation and to complete
and attach Internal Revenue Service Form 8594 to the respective U.S. Tax returns accordingly and to file all other tax returns accordingly and not to take any position inconsistent therewith.
If Buyer timely objects to the proposed determination or allocation, Buyer and SUT agree to attempt in good faith to resolve such disagreement. If any such disagreement is not resolved within
10 days following SUT's receipt of notice from Buyer of Buyer's objection, the disagreement shall be submitted to a public accounting firm (the "Expert") mutually agreed upon by Buyer and SUT.
Buyer and Sellers shall instruct the Expert to make a determination regarding the item or items in dispute within 20 days of receipt of the dispute. Buyer and Sellers agree to be bound by any
joint resolution of a disagreement described in this Section and by any determination of the Expert and to complete and attach Internal Revenue Service Form 8594 to the respective U.S. Tax
returns accordingly and to file all other tax returns accordingly and not to take any position inconsistent therewith. 

5

 

ARTICLE 4  

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS

WITH RESPECT TO SELLERS AND THE BUSINESS  

        Sellers hereby, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to Alpine and Buyer that, except as set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered by Sellers to
Buyer and attached hereto and made a part hereof (the "Seller Disclosure Schedule"): 

        4.1    Corporate Status.    

        Each
Seller is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in corporate good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation. Each Seller has full corporate power
and authority to: (a) own, lease and operate the Purchased Assets and carry on the Business as and where such Purchased Assets are now owned, leased or operated and as and where such Business
is presently being conducted; and (b) execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other agreements and documents to be executed and delivered by it in connection herewith. 

        4.2    Seller's Enforceability.    

        All
requisite corporate action to approve, execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and each other agreement and document to be delivered by any Seller in connection herewith has been
taken by each Seller. This Agreement and each other agreement and document to be delivered by any Seller in connection herewith have been, or will be, duly executed and delivered by the applicable
Sellers and constitute, or will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of such Sellers, enforceable against such Sellers in accordance with their respective terms except to the extent
that such enforcement is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and by general equity principles. 

        4.3    Consents.    

        No
authorization, approval, consent, permit or order of, or registration, declaration or filing with, or notice to, any federal, state, local or foreign government, or any subdivision,
agency or instrumentality thereof, or any court, tribunal or arbitrator (each, a "Governmental Authority"), or other Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of
this Agreement by any Seller or
any other agreement, instrument or document to be delivered by or on behalf of any Seller in connection herewith, except for (i) such filings as may be required under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), (ii) filings and notifications under the Connecticut Transfer Act (C.G.S.A.
§22a-134 et seq., as amended) ("Connecticut Transfer Act") and the Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law (Ind. Code
§13-25-3-1 et seq.) ("Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law") and (iii) such other consents,
orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings the failure of which to be obtained or made would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Business
or the business of any member of the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group, materially impair the ability of any Seller to perform its obligations hereunder, or prevent the consummation by any Seller
of the transactions contemplated hereby. 

        4.4    Absence of Conflicts.    

        Subject
to receipt of the approvals, consents, orders, declarations and other matters set forth in Section 4.3, none of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or
any of the other agreements, instruments or documents to be delivered by or on behalf of any Seller in connection herewith will (i) result in the creation of any mortgage, pledge, lien,
security interest or other encumbrance (collectively, "Liens") on any of the Purchased Assets, (ii) conflict with or violate in any material respect any judgment, decree, order, writ,
injunction, statute, ordinance, law, rule or regulation (collectively, "Law") applicable to any Seller or by which any Seller or any of its properties or assets is 

6

 

bound, (iii) conflict with or violate any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or equivalent organizational documents, of any Seller or (iv) conflict with, violate,
result in any breach of, constitute a default under (with or without notice or the passage of time or both), or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, amendment or acceleration under any
Business Contract set forth on Schedule 1.1(g) hereto or Business Real Property Lease set forth on Schedule 1.1(b) hereto, other than, in
the case of clauses (i), (ii) or (iv), any creation of Lien, any conflict, breach or violation that would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Business
or the business of any member of the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group, materially impair the ability of any Seller to perform its obligations hereunder, or prevent the consummation by any Seller
of the transactions hereby. 

        4.5    No Litigation.    

        There
is no claim, litigation, investigation, hearing, action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Sellers, threatened by or against any Seller, at law or in equity, by or
before any Governmental Authority, with respect to the Business or the Purchased Assets that would materially impair or delay the ability of any Seller to perform its obligations under this Agreement
or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

        4.6    Title to Assets.    

        Sellers
have good, valid and marketable title to the Purchased Assets free and clear of all Liens, except for (i) liens for Taxes and other governmental charges and assessments
that are not yet due and payable or that are being contested in good faith, (ii) liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics and materialmen and other like liens arising in the ordinary course
of business for sums not yet due and payable or that are being contested in good faith or (iii) encumbrances which, in the aggregate, would not have, individually or in the aggregate,
materially impair the ability of any Seller to perform its obligations hereunder, or prevent the consummation by any Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby (collectively, the "Permitted
Encumbrances") and, upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Buyer will have good, valid and marketable title to the Purchased Assets free and clear of all Liens except
for Permitted Encumbrances. 

        4.7    Real Property.    

        With
respect to the Business Real Property, Sellers have good, valid and insurable title thereto (without payment of extra premiums therefor), except for (i) liens for Taxes not
yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith or (ii) real estate taxes and assessments (general and special) not yet due and payable, zoning ordinances and municipal land use
regulations, utility distribution line easements serving that parcel of real property, the rights of the public in and to any public roads abutting that parcel of real property, and any easements,
restrictions, encumbrances, imperfections of title or other matters of record which would not unreasonably interfere with the use and occupancy thereof by Buyer ("Real Property Permitted
Encumbrances"). With respect to the Business Leased Real Property, Sellers are currently in possession thereof and have valid leasehold interests therein in accordance with the terms of the
controlling leases, except for the Real Property Permitted Encumbrances. 

        4.8    Brokers and Finders.    

        No
broker, finder or other entity acting in a similar capacity has participated on behalf of any Seller or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates in bringing about the transactions herein
contemplated, rendered any services with respect thereto, been in any way involved therewith or is entitled to any fee or commission in connection therewith. 

7

   
        4.9    EXCLUSIVITY OF REPRESENTATIONS.    

        THE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES MADE BY SELLERS WITH RESPECT TO THE SELLERS AND THE BUSINESS IN THIS ARTICLE 4 ARE IN LIEU OF AND ARE EXCLUSIVE OF ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SELLERS AS A GROUP AND THE BUSINESS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES. EACH SELLER HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY SUCH OTHER OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES NOTWITHSTANDING THE DELIVERY OR DISCLOSURE TO ALPINE, BUYER OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES OF ANY DOCUMENTATION OR OTHER INFORMATION
(INCLUDING ANY FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS OR OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL DATA). 

ARTICLE 5  

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SUT

WITH RESPECT TO THE DNE GROUP  

        SUT hereby represents and warrants to Alpine and Buyer that, except as set forth in the Seller Disclosure Schedule: 

        5.1    Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.    

        Each
member of the DNE Group is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has full corporate power
and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and carry on its business as and where its properties and assets are now owned, leased or operated and as and where its business is
presently being conducted. Schedule 5.1 sets forth the name and jurisdiction of incorporation of each of DNE's Subsidiaries and the percentage of
each such Subsidiary's capital stock owned by DNE. All the
outstanding capital stock of each such Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and is owned by DNE free and clear of all Liens, stockholders'
agreements and voting trusts. No member of the DNE Group directly or indirectly owns or controls any interest in any other corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business association or
entity. 

        5.2    Title to Shares.    

        SUT
is the record and beneficial owner of the DNE Shares, free and clear of all Liens, stockholders' agreements and voting trusts. On the Closing Date, SUT will have the full corporate
power and authority to assign, transfer, convey and deliver the DNE Shares as provided in this Agreement, and such delivery will convey to Buyer (or its permitted assigns) good, valid and marketable
title to the DNE Shares, free and clear of all Liens, stockholders' agreements and voting trusts. 

        5.3    Capitalization.    

        (a)  The
authorized capital stock of DNE consists of 1,000 shares of DNE Common Stock. As of the date hereof, 100 shares of DNE Common Stock are issued and outstanding (all
of which are owned by SUT) and no such shares are reserved for issuance. 

        (b)  There
are no securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock, options, warrants or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character
relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of any member of the DNE Group, nor are there any obligations of any member of the DNE Group to issue, sell, repurchase or redeem any shares of capital
stock of any member of the DNE Group or any such convertible or exchangeable securities, options or warrants. All issued and outstanding shares of DNE Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable. 

8

 

        5.4    Absence of Conflicts.    

        Subject
to receipt of the approvals, consents, orders, declarations and other matters set forth in Section 4.3, none of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or
any of the other agreements, instruments or documents to be delivered by or on behalf of any Seller in connection herewith will (i) result in the creation of any Lien on any of the properties
or assets of any member of the DNE Group, (ii) conflict with or violate in any material respect any Law applicable to any member of the DNE Group or by which any member of the DNE Group or any
of its properties or assets is bound, (iii) conflict with or violate any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or
equivalent organizational documents, of any member of the DNE Group or (iv) conflict with, violate, result in any breach of, constitute a default under (with or without notice or the passage of
time or both), or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, amendment or acceleration under any contract or other agreement set forth on  Schedule 5.4, other than, in the case of clauses
(i), (ii) or (iv), any creation of Lien, any conflict, breach or violation that would not
have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the DNE Group, materially impair the ability of SUT to perform its obligations hereunder, or prevent the consummation by SUT of the
transactions hereby. 

        5.5    No Litigation.    

        There
is no claim, litigation, investigation, hearing, action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of SUT, threatened by or against any member of the DNE Group, at law or in
equity, by or before any Governmental Authority, with respect to the DNE Group, that would materially impair or delay the ability of SUT to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

        5.6    Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws.    

        SUT
has heretofore delivered or made available to Buyer a complete and correct copy of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, or equivalent organizational documents, each as
amended to date, of each member of the DNE Group. Such organizational documents are in full force and effect. No member of the DNE Group is in violation of each of the provisions of its organizational
documents. 

        5.7    EXCLUSIVITY OF REPRESENTATIONS.    

        THE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES MADE BY SUT WITH RESPECT TO THE DNE GROUP IN THIS ARTICLE 5 ARE IN LIEU OF AND ARE EXCLUSIVE OF ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO DNE, EACH OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND THE BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS OF THE DNE GROUP, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES. SUT HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY SUCH OTHER OR IMPLIED
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, NOTWITHSTANDING THE DELIVERY OR DISCLOSURE TO ALPINE, BUYER OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES OF ANY DOCUMENTATION OR OTHER
INFORMATION (INCLUDING ANY FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS OR OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL DATA). 

9

 

ARTICLE 6  

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SUT

AND STI WITH RESPECT TO THE SUPERIOR ISRAEL GROUP  

        SUT and STI hereby, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to Alpine and Buyer that, except as set forth in the Seller Disclosure Schedule: 

        6.1    Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.    

        Each
of Texas SUT, Superior Cables Holding and Superior Cables Ltd. is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of
its incorporation and has full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and carry on its business as and where its properties and assets are now owned, leased
or operated and as and where its business is presently being conducted. Schedule 6.1 sets forth the name and jurisdiction of incorporation of
each Subsidiary of Texas SUT or Superior Cables Holding and the percentage of each such Subsidiary's capital stock owned by Texas SUT or Superior Cables Holding. No member of the Superior Israel Group
directly or indirectly owns or controls any interest in any other corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business association or entity. 

        6.2    Title to Shares.    

        STI
is the record and beneficial owner of the Superior Israel Shares, free and clear of all Liens, stockholders' agreements and voting trusts. On the Closing Date, STI will have the full
corporate power and authority to assign, transfer, convey and deliver the Superior Israel Shares as provided in this Agreement, and such delivery will convey to Buyer (or its permitted assigns) good,
valid and marketable title to the Superior Israel Shares, free and clear of all Liens, stockholders' agreements and voting trusts. 

        6.3    Capitalization.    

        (a)  The
authorized capital stock of Texas SUT consists of 1,000 shares of Texas SUT Common Stock and no shares of preferred stock. As of the date hereof, 100 shares of Texas
SUT Common Stock are issued and outstanding (all of which are owned by STI) and no such shares are reserved for issuance. 

        (b)  The
authorized capital stock of Superior Cables Holding consists of 32,700 Ordinary Shares of Superior Cables Holding. As of the date hereof, 100 Ordinary Shares of
Superior Cables Holding are issued and outstanding (90 of which are owned by STI and 10 of which are owned by Texas SUT) and no such shares are reserved for issuance. 

        (c)  There
are no securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock, options, warrants or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character
relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of Texas SUT or Superior Cables Holding, nor are there any obligations of Texas SUT or Superior Cables Holding to issue, sell, repurchase or redeem any
shares of capital stock of Texas SUT or Superior Cables Holding, as the case may be, or any such convertible or exchangeable securities, options or warrants. All issued and outstanding shares of Texas
SUT Common Stock and Ordinary Shares of Superior Cables Holding are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. 

        6.4    Absence of Conflicts.    

        Subject
to receipt of the approvals, consents, orders, declarations and other matters set forth in Section 4.3, none of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or
any of the other agreements, instruments or documents to be delivered by or on behalf of any Seller in connection herewith will (i) result in the creation of any Lien on any of the properties
or assets of Texas SUT or Superior Cables Holding, (ii) conflict with or violate any Law applicable to Texas SUT or Superior 

10

 

Cables Holding or by which Texas SUT or Superior Cables Holding or any of their respective properties or assets is bound, (iii) conflict with or violate any provision of the Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws, or equivalent organizational documents, of either Texas SUT or Superior Cables Holding or (iv) conflict with, violate, result in any breach of, constitute a default
under (with or without notice or the passage of time or both), or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, amendment or acceleration under any contract or other agreement set forth on  Schedule 6.4
other than, in the case of clauses (i), (ii) or (iv), any creation of any Lien, any conflict, breach or violation that would
not have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Superior Israel Group as a whole, materially impair the ability of either SUT or STI to perform its respective obligations
hereunder, or prevent the consummation by either SUT or STI of the transactions contemplated hereby. 

        6.5    No Litigation.    

        There
is no claim, litigation, investigation, hearing, action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of SUT or STI, threatened by or against Texas SUT or Superior Cables
Holding, at law or in equity, by or before any Governmental Authority, with respect to the Superior Israel Group, that would materially impair or delay the ability of SUT or STI to perform their
respective obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

        6.6    Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws.    

        SUT
and STI have heretofore delivered or made available to Buyer a complete and correct copy of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, or equivalent organizational documents, each
as amended to date, of each member of the Superior Israel Group. Such organizational documents are in full force and effect. Neither member of the Superior Israel Group is in violation of any of the
provisions of its organizational documents. 

        6.7    EXCLUSIVITY OF REPRESENTATIONS.    

        THE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES MADE BY SUT AND STI WITH RESPECT TO TEXAS SUT AND SUPERIOR CABLES HOLDING IN THIS ARTICLE 6 ARE IN LIEU OF AND ARE EXCLUSIVE OF ALL OTHER
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO TEXAS SUT, SUPERIOR CABLES HOLDING AND THE OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS OF THE SUPERIOR ISRAEL GROUP, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES. SUT
AND STI HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY SUCH OTHER OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, NOTWITHSTANDING THE DELIVERY OR DISCLOSURE TO ALPINE, BUYER OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS
OR REPRESENTATIVES OF ANY DOCUMENTATION OR OTHER INFORMATION (INCLUDING ANY FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS OR OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL DATA). 

ARTICLE 7  

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ALPINE AND BUYER  

        Alpine and Buyer, jointly and severally hereby represent and warrant to each of the Sellers that: 

        7.1    Corporate Status.    

        Each
of Alpine and Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of Alpine and Buyer has full corporate power
to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other agreements and documents to be executed and
delivered by them in connection herewith. Buyer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alpine and no person other than Alpine holds an option, warrant or other right to acquire any capital stock of Buyer. 

11

 

        7.2    Alpine and Buyer's Enforceability.    

        All
requisite corporate action to approve, execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and each other agreement and document to be delivered by Alpine and Buyer in connection herewith
has been taken by Alpine and Buyer. This Agreement and each other agreement and document to be delivered by Alpine and Buyer in connection herewith has been, or will be, duly executed and delivered by
each of Alpine and Buyer and constitute, or will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of each of Alpine and Buyer, enforceable against each of Alpine and Buyer in accordance with their
respective terms except to the extent that such enforcement is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the rights of creditors
generally and by general equity principles. 

        7.3    Consents.    

        No
authorization, approval, consent, permit or order of, or registration, declaration or filing with, or notice to, any Governmental Authority or other Person is required in connection
with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by either Alpine or Buyer or any other agreement, instrument or document to be delivered by or on behalf of Alpine or Buyer in connection
herewith, except for (i) such filings as may be required under the HSR Act (ii) filings and notifications under the Connecticut Transfer Act and the Indiana Responsible Property Transfer
Law and (iii) such other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings the failure of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or in the
aggregate, materially impair the ability of Alpine or Buyer to perform their respective obligations hereunder or prevent the consummation by Alpine or Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby. 

        7.4    Absence of Conflicts.    

        Subject
to receipt of the approvals, consents, orders, declarations and other matters set forth in Section 7.3, none of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or
any of the other agreements, instruments or documents to be delivered by or on behalf of Alpine or Buyer in connection herewith will (i) conflict with or violate any Law applicable to Alpine or
Buyer or by which Alpine or Buyer or any of their respective properties or assets is bound, (ii) conflict with or violate any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Alpine
or Buyer or (iii) conflict with, violate, result in any breach of, or constitute a default under (with or without notice or the passage of time or both) any material note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, license, franchise, permit, agreement, lease or
other instrument or obligation to which Alpine or Buyer is a party or by which Alpine or Buyer or any of their respective properties or assets is bound, other than, in the case of clauses
(i) or (iii), any conflict, breach, or violation that would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair the ability of Alpine or Buyer to perform its obligations hereunder, or
prevent the consummation by Alpine or Buyer of the transactions hereby. 

        7.5    No Litigation.    

        There
is no claim, litigation, investigation, hearing, action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Alpine or Buyer, threatened against Alpine or Buyer at law or in equity,
by or before any Governmental Authority, with respect to any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that would materially impair or delay the ability of each of Alpine or Buyer to perform
its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

        7.6    Financing.    

        Alpine
has provided to Sellers a true and complete copy of the commitment letter (the "Commitment Letter"), attached hereto as  Exhibit B, pursuant to which Alpine has received a 

12

 

commitment to be provided the financing required in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date hereof, the Commitment Letter has not been withdrawn and is in
full force and effect. 

        7.7    Absence of Business Conduct.    

        Essex
Electric Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a newly-formed, wholly-owned Subsidiary of Buyer formed solely for the purpose of holding the Purchased Assets and the Business
("Electrical Sub") and is the only Subsidiary of Buyer. Buyer has not conducted any business prior to the date hereof and has no, and prior to the Closing will have no, properties, assets, liabilities
or obligations of any nature other than those incident to its formation and in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Electrical Sub has no Subsidiaries and has not
conducted any business prior to the date hereof and has no, and prior to the Closing will have no, properties, assets, liabilities or obligations of any nature other than those incident to its
formation and in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. No person holds an option, warrant or other right to acquire any capital stock of Electrical Sub. 

        7.8    Brokers and Finders.    

        No
broker, finder or other entity acting in a similar capacity has participated on behalf of Alpine or Buyer or any of Alpine or Buyer's respective Affiliates in bringing about the
transactions herein contemplated, rendered any services with respect thereto, been in any way involved therewith or is entitled to any fee or commission in connection therewith. 

        7.9    Investigation by Alpine and Buyer.    

        Each
of Alpine and Buyer has conducted its own independent review and analysis of the Business, the Purchased Assets, the Assumed Liabilities, the DNE Group and the Superior Israel Group
and acknowledges that Sellers have provided Alpine and Buyer with access to the personnel, properties, premises and records of the Business for this purpose. In entering into this Agreement, each of
Alpine and Buyer has relied solely upon its own investigation and analyses and the representations and warranties contained in Article 4, Article 5 and Article 6 of this
Agreement, and each of Alpine and Buyer acknowledges that none of Sellers nor any of their respective Affiliates makes or has made any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the
accuracy or completeness of any of the information provided or made available to Alpine, Buyer or any of their respective Affiliates, except as and only to the extent expressly set forth in
Article 4, Article 5 and Article 6 and subject to the limitations and restrictions contained in this Agreement. 

        7.10    Section 267 of the Code.    

        Alpine
and Buyer, in the aggregate, will not, at any time during the Closing Date, own directly, or be treated as owning under the rules applicable for purposes of determining whether
any of Sellers and Buyer have a relationship described in Section 267(b) of the Code, (i) more than 10,460,371 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of SUT,
(ii) shares of any other class of stock of SUT and (iii) shares of STI other than 645 shares of 6% Cumulative Preferred Stock of STI and those that Alpine is treated as owning by virtue
of owning or being treated as owning shares of SUT. Alpine has no knowledge that, in the aggregate, any five or fewer individuals, estates or trusts own, or are treated as owning for purposes of
determining whether any of Sellers and Buyer have a relationship described in Section 267(b) of the Code, more than (i) 45% of the voting power of the shares of Alpine or Buyer or
(ii) 45% of the shares of Alpine or Buyer (as determined by reference to value). The representations set forth in this Section 7.10 are made at all times on the Closing Date. 

13

 

        7.11    Investment Representation.    

        Each
of Alpine and Buyer understands that the offering and sale of the securities to be acquired pursuant to this Agreement (collectively, the "Designated Securities") is intended to be
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and any applicable state securities or blue sky law. The Designated Securities are being
acquired by Alpine and Buyer for their respective accounts and without a view to the public distribution of the Designated Securities or any interest therein. Each of Alpine and Buyer has sufficient
knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Designated Securities, and each of Alpine and Buyer is
capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment in the Designated Securities. Each of Alpine and Buyer understands that it may not sell or dispose
of any of the Designated Securities other than pursuant to a registered offering or in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities
or blue sky law. 

ARTICLE 8  

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING; CLOSING DELIVERIES  

        8.1    Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Closing.    

        (a)  The
respective obligations of each party to effect the transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing of the following
conditions: 

        (i)    No
Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law, rule, regulation, statute, executive order, judgment, decree, injunction
or other order, or taken any other action, which is then in effect and has the effect of prohibiting or making illegal this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby; 

        (ii)  If
required, the waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby shall have expired or been
terminated; and 

        (iii)
The conditions set forth in the Commitment Letter shall have been satisfied or waived and the financing contemplated thereby shall have been effected. 

        (b)  The
obligation of Alpine and Buyer to effect the transactions contemplated hereby shall also be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing of the following
conditions (any of which may be waived in writing by Alpine or Buyer): 

        (i)    The
representations and warranties of each Seller contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct when made and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and as
of such date (except for those representations and warranties that relate to a particular date, which representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct as of such date), except
where the failure to be so true and correct would not result, either individually or in the aggregate, in a material adverse effect on the Business or the business of the DNE Group. Buyer shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of each Seller by an executive officer of such Seller to such effect; 

        (ii)  Each
Seller shall have performed or complied with, in all material respects, all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
it at or prior to the Closing, and Buyer shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of each Seller by an executive officer of such Seller to such effect; 

        (iii)
Sellers shall have made the deliveries set forth in Section 8.2; and 

14

 

        (iv)  There
shall not have occurred a material adverse change in the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, properties, assets or liabilities of the
Business or the DNE Group. 

        (c)  The
respective obligations of Sellers to effect the transactions contemplated hereby shall also be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing of the following
conditions (any of which may be waived in writing by Sellers): 

        (i)    The
representations and warranties of Alpine and Buyer contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct when made and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on
and as of such date (except for those representations and warranties that relate to a particular date, which representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct as of such date).
Sellers shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Alpine and Buyer by an executive officer of each of Alpine and Buyer to such effect; 

        (ii)  Sellers
shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing Date, from Proskauer Rose LLP regarding the effect of Sections 267 and 351 of the Code on the transactions
contemplated hereby, in the form of Exhibit C hereto, which opinion shall be based on certificates in the form of  Exhibits D, E and, if relevant,
F hereto; 

        (iii)
Each of Alpine and Buyer shall have performed or complied with, in all material respects, all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with
by it at or prior to the Closing, and Sellers shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Alpine and Buyer by an executive officer of each of Alpine and Buyer to such effect; and 

        (iv)  Alpine
and Buyer shall have made the deliveries set forth in Section 8.3. 

        8.2    Sellers' Deliveries.    

        The
applicable Sellers shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, the following documents to Buyer at or before the Closing, all of which shall be in form and substance reasonably
acceptable to Buyer and its counsel: 

        (a)(1)  A
bill of sale transferring to Buyer all of Sellers' and their respective Affiliates' right, title and interest in and to the Purchased Assets in accordance with
Section 1.1; 

        (a)(2)  A
special warranty deed in recordable form conveying fee simple title to each parcel of the Business Real Property to Buyer, free and clear of all Liens except Real
Property Permitted Encumbrances; 

        (a)(3)  An
opinion, dated the Closing Date, from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in form and substance satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (a)(4)  Assignment
of each Business Real Property Lease identified on Schedule 1.1(b) hereto, together with the consent
of the landlord thereunder, to Buyer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (b)  Instruments
evidencing the assignment to Buyer of all of Sellers' and their respective Affiliates' right, title and interest in and to the Business Intellectual Property
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (c)  An
executed counterpart of the instrument evidencing Buyer's assumption of the Assumed Liabilities in accordance with Section 2.1; 

        (d)  Consents
of the applicable third party to the assignment to Buyer of the Regional Distribution Center Real Property Leases (as hereinafter defined) in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

15

 

        (e)  An
executed counterpart of the Supply and Transitional Services Agreement (the "Supply and Transitional Services Agreement") relating to the supply of certain products
and certain services after the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (f)    An
executed counterpart of the non-exclusive Trademark License Agreement ("Trademark License Agreement") relating to, among other things, the Essex
trademark, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (g)  An
executed counterpart of the non-exclusive Amended and Restated Trademark License Agreement ("Amended and Restated Trademark License Agreement") relating
to the Superior Cables trademark, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (h)  Certificates
representing the DNE Shares, registered in the name of SUT and duly endorsed by SUT in blank for transfer or accompanied by appropriate stock powers in
blank duly signed by SUT; 

        (i)    Certificates
representing the Superior Israel Shares, registered in the name of STI and duly endorsed by STI in blank for transfer or accompanied by appropriate stock
powers in blank duly signed by STI; 

        (j)    An
executed counterpart of a shareholders agreement relating to Electrical Sub among Buyer, Electrical Sub and SUT, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Sellers and Buyer; 

        (k)  A
Security Release Agreement and applicable UCC-3 statements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Sellers and Buyer; 

        (l)    An
executed counterpart of the Termination or Assignment of Management Agreement, dated December    , 1999, between SUT and Superior Cables Ltd., in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (m)  A
completed Form II (as defined in the Connecticut Transfer Act) executed by Sellers to the extent necessary and applicable to the real property located at 50
Barnes Park North, Wallingford, Connecticut (the "Wallingford Property"); 

        (n)  A
completed disclosure document, in the form set forth in Section 7 of the Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law, executed by Sellers in accordance with the
Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law, as applicable to the Business Real Property located in the State of Indiana; 

        (o)  An
executed counterpart of a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable patent license agreement in regard to the following
patents: EP-1693A, EP-1731, EP-1693, EP-1809, EP-1841, EP-1844 and EP-1888, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; and 

        (p)  Each
other document required to be delivered to Buyer hereunder or that Buyer may reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. 

        8.3    Buyer's Deliveries.    

        Alpine
and Buyer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, the following documents to Sellers at or before the Closing, all of which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable
to Sellers and their counsel: 

        (a)  Immediately
available funds by wire transfer in the amount of the Purchase Price; 

        (b)  The
Warrant; 

        (c)  An
opinion, dated the Closing Date, from Proskauer Rose LLP, counsel to Alpine and Buyer, in form and substance satisfactory to the Sellers and Buyer; 

16

 

        (d)  An
executed counterpart of the instrument evidencing Buyer's assumption of the Assumed Liabilities in accordance with Section 2.1; 

        (e)  An
executed counterpart of the Supply and Transitional Services Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (f)    An
executed counterpart of the Trademark License Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (g)  An
executed counterpart of the Amended and Restated Trademark License Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (h)  An
executed counterpart of a shareholders agreement relating to Electrical Sub among Buyer, Electrical Sub and SUT, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Sellers and Buyer; 

        (i)    An
executed counterpart of the Termination or Assignment of Management Agreement, dated December    , 1999, between SUT and Superior Cables Ltd., in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; 

        (j)    A
completed Form III or Form IV (as defined in the Connecticut Transfer Act) executed by Buyer as the Certifying Party (as defined in the Connecticut
Transfer Act) to the extent necessary and applicable to the Wallingford Property; 

        (k)  An
executed counterpart of a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable patent license agreement in regard to the following
patents: EP-1693A, EP-1731, EP-1693, EP-1809, EP-1841, EP-1844 and EP-1888, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Sellers and Buyer; and 

        (l)    Each
other document required to be delivered to Sellers hereunder or that any of the Sellers may reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby. 

ARTICLE 9  

CLOSING  

        9.1    Closing.    

        Provided
that the deliveries set forth in Article 8 are either made or waived, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") will take place
at the offices of Proskauer Rose LLP, 1585 Broadway, New York, New York on such date, and at such time, as the parties shall agree (the "Closing Date"). The transfers and deliveries described in
Article 8 shall be mutually interdependent and regarded as occurring simultaneously; and no such transfer or delivery shall become effective until all the other transfers and deliveries
provided for in Article 8 have also been consummated. 

ARTICLE 10  

COVENANTS  

        The covenants and agreements contained in this Article 10 shall be applicable, as the case may be, to Alpine, Buyer and each Seller hereunder (except that
none of such covenants or agreements shall impose any liability or obligation on (i) STI with respect to any member of the DNE Group or (ii) Essex with respect to any member of the DNE
Group or Superior Israel Group): 

17

   
        10.1    Pre-Closing Covenants.    

        10.1.1    Conduct of Business.    

        (a)  During
the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.6
hereof, Sellers covenant and agree that, unless Buyer shall otherwise consent in writing or unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, Sellers shall conduct the Business in the ordinary course of
business and in a manner consistent with past practice, including using commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of the present employees of the Business and to preserve their
present material relationships with customers, distributors and suppliers in connection with the Business. By way of amplification and not limitation, during the period from the date of this Agreement
and continuing through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.6 hereof, Sellers shall not, directly or indirectly, take or propose to take, or permit
to be taken, any of the following actions without the prior written consent of Buyer, unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder: 

	(i)
	Transfer,
assign, convey or liquidate any Purchased Assets or any portion of the Business, other than in the ordinary course of business;

	(ii)
	Suffer,
permit or incur the imposition of any Lien upon any of the Purchased Assets or the Business, except for any Permitted Encumbrance or Real
Property Permitted Encumbrance;

	(iii)
	Commit,
 suffer, permit or incur any default in liability or obligation which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect
upon Buyer's conduct of the Business after the Closing;

	(iv)
	Make
or agree to any change in the terms of any Business Real Property Lease or Business Contract which is not in the ordinary course of business;

	(v)
	Waive,
cancel, compromise, sell or otherwise dispose of, for less than the face amount thereof, any claim or right relating to the Purchased Assets or
the Business which is not in the ordinary course of business;

	(vi)
	Pay,
agree to pay or incur any obligation for any payment of any contribution or other amount to, or with respect to, any employee benefit plan, or pay
any bonus to, or grant any increase in the compensation of, the officers or employees (unless made at times and in amounts consistent with the past practice of the Business) of the Business, or make
any increase in the pension, retirement or other benefits of the officers or employees of the Business, except as required by law or the terms of any such plan;

	(vii)
	Pay,
 agree to pay or incur any obligation for any payment of any indebtedness relating to the Purchased Assets or the Business, except indebtedness
incurred in the ordinary course of business or other than as set forth on Schedule 10.1.1 hereto;

	(viii)
	Materially
 write down or materially write up the value of any Inventory;

	(ix)
	Make
any material change in any method of accounting or accounting practice or policy other than such changes required by United States generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied ("GAAP");

	(x)
	incur
any capital expense over $10,000 and, in the event Buyer consents to the incurrence of such expense, and if the parties mutually agree, such
expense shall be included on, and deemed a part of, Schedule 3.1 hereto; or 

18

 

	(xi)
	Agree,
whether in writing or otherwise, to take any of the actions set forth in this Section 10.1.1(a). 

        (b)  During
the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.6
hereof, SUT covenants and agrees that, unless Buyer shall otherwise consent in writing and unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, it shall cause each member of the DNE Group to conduct its
business in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice, including using commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of its present employees and
to preserve its present material relationships with customers, distributors and suppliers. By way of amplification and not limitation, during the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing
through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.6 hereof, SUT shall cause each member of the DNE Group not to,
directly or indirectly, take or propose to take, or permit to be taken, any of the following actions without the prior written consent of Buyer, unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder; 

	(i)
	Transfer,
assign, convey or liquidate any assets, other than in the ordinary course of business;

	(ii)
	Suffer,
permit or incur the imposition of any Lien upon any of its assets, except for any Permitted Encumbrance or Real Property Permitted Encumbrance;

	(iii)
	Commit,
 suffer, permit or incur any default in liability or obligation which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect
upon Buyer's conduct of the business of the DNE Group after the Closing;

	(iv)
	Make
or agree to any change in the terms of any of its material contracts which is not in the ordinary course of business;

	(v)
	Waive,
cancel, compromise, sell or otherwise dispose of, for less than the face amount thereof, any claim or right which is not in the ordinary course
of business;

	(vi)
	Pay,
agree to pay or incur any obligation for any payment of any contribution or other amount to, or with respect to, any employee benefit plan, or pay
any bonus to, or grant any increase in the compensation of, any of its officers or employees (unless made at times and in amounts consistent with past practice), or make any increase in the pension,
retirement or other benefits of any of its officers or employees, except as required by law or the terms of any such plan;

	(vii)
	Pay,
agree to pay or incur any obligation for any payment of any indebtedness, except indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business or
other than as set forth on Schedule 10.1.1;

	(viii)
	Materially
 write down or materially write up the value of any inventory;

	(ix)
	Make
any material change in any method of accounting or accounting practice or policy other than such changes required by GAAP;

	(x)
	incur
any capital expense over $10,000 and, in the event Buyer consents to the incurrence of such expense, and if the parties mutually agree, such
expense shall be included on, and deemed a part of, Schedule 3.1 hereto;

	(xi)
	Amend
its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or equivalent organizational documents;

	(xii)
	Declare
or pay any dividends or make any other distribution in cash, securities or property on its capital stock; 

19

 

	(xiii)
	Issue
any additional shares of capital stock or issue, sell or grant any option or right to acquire, or otherwise dispose of, any of its authorized
but unissued capital stock;

	(xiv)
	Repurchase
or redeem any shares of its capital stock; or

	(xv)
	Agree,
whether in writing or otherwise, to take any of the actions set forth in this Section 10.1.1(b). 

        (c)  During
the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.6
hereof, SUT and STI covenant and agree that, unless Buyer shall otherwise consent in writing or unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, they shall cause each member of the Superior Israel
Group to conduct its business in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice, including using commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of its
present employees and to preserve its present material relationships with customers, distributors and suppliers. By way of amplification and not limitation, during the period from the date of this
Agreement and continuing through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.6 hereof, SUT and STI shall cause each member of the Superior Israel Group not
to, directly or indirectly, take or propose to take, or permit to be taken, any of the following actions without the prior written consent of Buyer, unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder. 

	(i)
	Transfer,
assign, convey or liquidate any assets, other than in the ordinary course of business;

	(ii)
	Suffer,
permit or incur the imposition of any Lien upon any of its assets, except for any Permitted Encumbrance or Real Property Permitted Encumbrance;

	(iii)
	Commit,
 suffer, permit or incur any default in liability or obligation which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect
upon Buyer's conduct of business of the Superior Israel Group after the Closing;

	(iv)
	Make
or agree to any change in the terms of any of its material contracts which is not in the ordinary course of business;

	(v)
	Waive,
cancel, compromise, sell or otherwise dispose of, for less than the face amount thereof, any claim or right which is not in the ordinary course
of business;

	(vi)
	Pay,
agree to pay or incur any obligation for any payment of any contribution or other amount to, or with respect to, any employee benefit plan, or pay
any bonus to, or grant any increase in the compensation of, any of its officers or employees (unless made at times and in amounts consistent with past practice), or make any increase in the pension,
retirement or other benefits of any of its officers or employees, except as required by law or the terms of any such plan;

	(vii)
	Pay,
agree to pay or incur any obligation for any payment of any indebtedness, except indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business;

	(viii)
	Materially
write down or materially write up the value of any inventory;

	(ix)
	Make
any material change in any method of accounting or accounting practice or policy other than such changes required by GAAP;

	(x)
	incur
any capital expense over $10,000 and, in the event Buyer consents to the incurrence of such expense, and if the parties mutually agree, such
expense shall be included on, and deemed a part of, Schedule 3.1 hereto; 

20

 

	(xi)
	Amend
its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or equivalent organizational documents;

	(xii)
	Declare
or pay any dividends or make any other distribution in cash, securities or property on its capital stock;

	(xiii)
	Issue
any additional shares of capital stock or issue, sell or grant any option or right to acquire, or otherwise dispose of, any of its authorized
but unissued capital stock;

	(xiv)
	Repurchase
or redeem any shares of its capital stock; or

	(xv)
	Agree,
whether in writing or otherwise, to take any of the actions set forth in this Section 10.1.1(c). 

        (d)  Notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 10.1.1(b), (c) and (e) hereof, Sellers may, prior to the Closing, cause the DNE Group or the Superior
Israel Group to distribute to STI or SUT, in satisfaction of payables of any member of the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group in favor of SUT or STI, a note or other obligation of STI or SUT that
is contributed to the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group after the date hereof. 

        (e)  During
the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing through the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.6
hereof, no payments shall be made by a Transferred Subsidiary under the Tax Sharing Agreement, except for a Transferred Subsidiary's allocable share of any tax payment actually made to a taxing
authority. 

        10.1.2    Access to Information.    

        Upon
reasonable notice at reasonable times during normal business hours with the purpose that an uninterrupted and efficient transfer of the Purchased Assets, the Business and the
respective businesses of the DNE Group and the Superior Israel Group may be accomplished, Sellers shall afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel, proposed lenders and other
representatives of Buyer access, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the Closing Date, to all of the properties, personnel, books, contracts, commitments and records relating
to the Business, the Purchased Assets, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group, and, during such period, Sellers shall furnish promptly to Buyer all information concerning, and shall make available
to Buyer the appropriate individuals (including attorneys, accountants and other professionals) for discussion of, the Business, the Purchased Assets, the DNE Group and the Superior Israel Group as
Buyer may reasonably request; provided, that the Sellers shall not be required to provide any such information or access to the extent that such
information or access would cause any Seller or any of their respective Affiliates to be in breach of any confidentiality restrictions applicable to it. Buyer will, and will cause its officers,
employees, accountants, counsel and other representatives to, hold any such information obtained pursuant to this Section 10.1.2 in confidence, except to the extent any such information
(i) is or has become publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.1.2 or (ii) is required to be disclosed by Law or Governmental Authority. 

        10.1.3    Reasonable Efforts.    

        On
and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties agrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions,
and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other party in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner
practicable, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, (a) the obtaining of all necessary actions or non-actions, waivers, consents and
approvals from any Governmental Authority and the making of all necessary registrations and filings with and notices to, and the taking of all commercially reasonable steps as may be necessary to
obtain an approval 

21

 

or waiver from, or to avoid an action or proceeding by, any Governmental Authority, (b) the obtaining of all necessary consents, approvals and waivers from third parties, (c) the
defending of any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (d) the
execution and delivery of any additional instruments necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided,
however, that none of any Seller, Alpine, or Buyer shall be obligated with respect to such efforts (i) to expend any funds except the payment of the reasonable fees and
expenses of any applicable attorneys, consultants or other advisors retained by it or (ii) to take any actions with respect to the Purchased Assets, the Business, the business of the DNE Group
or the Superior Israel Group which, in its reasonable judgment, is materially adverse, including, but not limited to, agreeing to any modification of a contract term. 

        10.1.4    Seller Disclosure Schedule and Supplemental Disclosure.    

        (a)  On
or prior to the date hereof, Sellers have delivered to Buyer the Seller Disclosure Schedule setting forth, among other things, items of disclosure relating to any or
all of the representations and warranties of Sellers; provided, that the mere inclusion of an item in the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed
an admission by any of the Sellers that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item would result in, either individually or in the aggregate, a material
adverse effect on the Business or the business of the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group, materially impair the ability of any Seller to perform its obligations hereunder or prevent the
consummation by any Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby. 

        (b)  Each
party will promptly notify the other party in writing if it is in, or becomes aware of any fact or condition that causes or constitutes a, breach of any of its
representations or warranties as of the date of this Agreement, or if it becomes aware of the existence or occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any fact or condition that would (except as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement) cause or constitute a breach of any of its representations or warranties had any such representation or warranty been made as of the time of the existence,
occurrence or discovery of such fact or condition. The delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 10.1.4 shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder to a party
receiving such notice. 

        10.1.5    Superior Proposal.    

        Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, SUT, and its board of directors (the "Board") and a special committee comprised of the independent directors of the Board (the
"Special Committee"), on behalf of or together with any of the Sellers or their respective Affiliates, as the case may be, shall be permitted to (1) engage in discussions and negotiations with,
and provide information (including, without limitation, this Agreement and all Exhibits and Schedules hereto) to certain Persons (each, a "Prospective Purchaser"), determined together with Sellers'
financial advisor, who may be interested in acquiring all or any portion of the Business, the DNE Shares and the Superior Israel Shares (collectively, the "Assets to be Sold") and (2) enter
into definitive purchase and sale documentation with respect to all or any portion of the Assets to be Sold with a Prospective Purchaser, but only if and to the extent that (A) in the case of
clause (2), the Special Committee concludes in good faith that the offer or proposal made by such Prospective Purchaser with respect to the Assets to be Sold (an "Acquisition Proposal")
constitutes a Superior Proposal and (B) prior to providing any information or data to a Prospective Purchaser or entering into any discussions or negotiations with a Prospective Purchaser,
Sellers receive from such Prospective Purchaser an executed confidentiality agreement, in a form advised by outside counsel. SUT will notify Alpine, on a current basis, if any such proposals or offers
are made by, or any such discussions or negotiations are entered into with, any Prospective Purchaser indicating, in connection with such notice, the name of such Prospective Purchaser and the
material terms and 

22

 

conditions of any proposals or offers and thereafter shall keep Alpine informed, on a current basis, of the status and terms of any such proposals or offers and the status of any such negotiations or
discussions. "Superior Proposal" means an Acquisition Proposal made by a Prospective Purchaser on terms which the Special Committee in good faith concludes (following receipt of the advice of its
financial advisor and outside legal counsel), taking into account, among other things, all terms and conditions of the proposal and all legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the proposal
and the Prospective Purchaser making the proposal, (x) would, if consummated, result in a transaction that is more favorable, from a financial point of view, to SUT and its stockholders (other
than Alpine) and creditors taken as a whole, than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (y) is reasonably likely to be completed. 

        10.1.6    Termination.    

        This
Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing: 

        (a)  By
mutual written consent of Sellers, Alpine and Buyer; 

        (b)  By
Sellers if Alpine or Buyer shall have failed to perform or comply with any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement such that any of the conditions
set forth in Section 8.1(a) and
(c) would not be satisfied, which failure to perform or comply has not been cured within 30 days following receipt by Alpine or Buyer of notice of such failure to perform or comply; 

        (c)  By
Buyer if any Seller shall have failed to perform or comply with any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement such that any of the conditions set
forth in Section 8.1(a) and (b) would not be satisfied, which failure to perform or comply has not been cured within 30 days following receipt by such Seller of notice of such
failure to perform or comply; 

        (d)  By
either Sellers or Buyer if (i) the Closing has not been effected on or prior to the close of business on December 15, 2002,  provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this clause shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any
obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to have occurred on or prior to the aforesaid date, or (ii) any Governmental Authority shall
have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and such order, decree,
ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable; 

        (e)  (i) By
Sellers if there has been (x) a material breach by Alpine or Buyer of any of its representations or warranties that is not qualified as to
materiality or (y) a breach by Alpine or Buyer of any of its representations or warranties that is qualified as to materiality, in each case, which would materially impair the ability of Alpine
or Buyer to perform its obligations under this Agreement or prevent the consummation by Alpine or Buyer of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which breach has not been cured within
30 days following receipt by Alpine or Buyer of notice of the breach, or (ii) by Alpine or Buyer if there has been (x) a material breach by any Seller of any of its
representations or warranties that is not qualified as to materiality or (y) a breach by any Seller of any of its representations or warranties that is qualified as to materiality, in each
case, which would result in, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Business or the business of the DNE Group, which breach has not been cured within 30 days
following receipt by Sellers of notice of the breach; 

        (f)    By
Sellers simultaneously with their execution of a definitive purchase and sale agreement (but specifically excluding a non-binding letter of intent) with
respect to a Superior Proposal in accordance with Section 10.1.5; 

23

 

        (g)  By
Alpine or Buyer if the Closing has not occurred on or prior to the close of business on November 30, 2002, unless Sellers have irrevocably waived in writing
their right to enter into definitive purchase and sale documentation with respect to a Superior Proposal in accordance with Section 10.1.5 and to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 10.1.6(f). 

        10.1.7    Effect of Termination.    

        (a)  In
the event of termination of this Agreement by either Sellers or Buyer, as provided in Section 10.1.6, this Agreement shall forthwith become null and void and
there shall be no liability hereunder on the part of Alpine, Buyer or any of the Sellers or their respective shareholders, officers, employees, directors, agents or Affiliates (except as set forth in
this Section 10.1.7, Section 10.2.4 and Section 10.2.5, which shall survive the termination); provided, however, that nothing
contained in this Section 10.1.7 shall relieve any party hereto from any liability for any breach of its obligations under this Agreement. 

        (b)  If
this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 10.1.6(f) or (g), SUT shall, within two business days after the date of such termination, pay to Alpine or
Buyer, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Alpine or Buyer, up to $1.5 million of actual, reasonable documented
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Alpine or Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to offset for amounts paid or previously paid by or on
behalf of SUT pursuant to Section 10.2.19. 

        10.1.8    Other Business Real Property Liens.    

        Prior
to Closing, Sellers shall take any and all actions as may be necessary to cure or remove (or otherwise provide Buyer with reasonable evidence of payment of) any Liens, which are
monetary in nature, other than Real Property Permitted Encumbrances, affecting the Business Real Property. 

        10.2    Other Covenants.    

        10.2.1    Employee and Related Matters.    

        (a)
Employees. Buyer or an Affiliate thereof shall make an offer of employment, effective as of the Closing Date, to all employees of the
Business set forth on Schedule 10.2.1(a), except for employees of the Business who terminated employment prior to the Closing Date or who became
eligible for long-term disability benefits prior to the Closing Date, and shall retain on the Closing Date substantially all employees engaged in the respective businesses of the DNE Group
and the Superior Israel Group, in each case on terms and conditions which, except as set forth in this Section 10.2.1, are substantially comparable, in the aggregate, to those provided to such
employees by Sellers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be construed as to prevent Buyer or its Affiliates from terminating the employment of any employee at any time after the
Closing Date for any reason (or no reason). Employees who are retained or who accept Buyer's offer of employment and commence working for Buyer or an Affiliate thereof immediately following the
Closing Date are hereinafter referred to as "Transferred Employees." Any Transferred Employee on short-term disability as of the Closing Date
that would have become eligible for long-term disability benefits under the Sellers' long-term disability plan but for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be covered by the Sellers' long-term disability plan and Buyer shall have no obligation to provide such coverage. 

        (b)
Defined Contribution Plans.

        (i)  Multiple Business Plans. On the Closing Date or as soon as practicable thereafter (but in no event later than 180 days
following the Closing Date), Buyer shall permit any Transferred Employee who has an account balance (a "Participant") under any tax-qualified defined contribution plan established or
maintained by the Sellers or its Affiliates on behalf of 

24

 

employees of the Business (the "Business Employees") as well as other employees of the Sellers and its Affiliates (the "Seller 401(k) Plans") to roll over (whether by direct or indirect rollover, as
selected by such Participant) his or her "eligible rollover distribution" (as defined under Section 402(c)(4) of the Code) in the form of cash, a promissory note (as described below) or such
other property as reasonably acceptable to Buyer that relates solely to investment vehicles available under the Buyer 401(k) Plan (as defined hereinafter) or any combination thereof from the Seller
401(k) Plans to a retirement plan established by Buyer or its Affiliates that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code and that contains a cash or deferred arrangement under
Section 401(k) of the Code (the "Buyer 401(k) Plan"). The account balances of Business Employees who participate in the Seller 401(k) Plans shall be fully vested as of the Closing Date and the
Seller shall take any actions necessary to ensure that such account balances are distributable from the Seller 401(k) Plans on and after the Closing. The Sellers and the Seller 401(k) Plans shall not
place any Participant's plan loan into default or declare a default with respect to any plan loan so long as such Participant transfers his or her account balance under the Seller 401(k) Plans,
together with the promissory note evidencing the plan loan and the applicable loan documentation, to the Buyer 401(k) Plan through a direct rollover as soon as practicable after the Closing Date. Such
loan shall be assumed and continued by the Buyer 401(k) Plan in a manner substantially similar to the Seller 401(k) Plans. Sellers shall amend the Seller 401(k) Plans to the extent necessary in order
to effectuate the transactions contemplated under this Section 10.2.1(b). 

        (ii)
Stand-Alone Plans. As a result of Buyer's purchase of the DNE Shares contemplated by this Agreement, the DNE
Technologies, Inc. Savings Plan (the "DNE Plan") shall continue in effect after the Closing Date as a plan sponsored by Buyer or one of its Affiliates and the account balances of employees of
the DNE Group ("DNE Employees" and, together with Business Employees, "Affected Employees") shall not be distributable from the DNE Plan. 

        (c)  Defined Benefit Plans. With respect to each of the Retirement Income Plan for Salaried Employees of Essex Group, Inc. (the
"Salaried Plan") and the Retirement Income Plan for Hourly Employees of Essex Group, Inc. (the "Hourly Plan", together with the Salaried Plan, the "Seller Pension Plans"), the parties agree as
follows: 

        (i)
Hourly Plan. (A) Sellers shall retain all liabilities and obligations in respect of benefits accrued by employees of the
Business who participate in the Hourly Plan ("Covered Employees"). Benefit accruals in respect of Covered Employees under the Hourly Plan shall cease as of the Closing Date and the Covered Employees
participating therein shall be considered to have terminated employment for purposes of such plan. Sellers shall fully vest the accrued benefits of the Covered Employees under the Hourly Plan as of
the Closing Date. No assets under the Hourly Plan shall be transferred to Buyer or any of its Affiliates or to any plan of Buyer or its Affiliates. 

        (B)
Buyer or an Affiliate thereof shall establish a retirement plan for Transferred Employees who participate in the Hourly Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a)
of the Code that contains a benefit formula that is the same as under the Hourly Plan (the "Buyer Hourly Plan"). Benefit accruals in respect of such employees under the Buyer Hourly Plan shall
commence as of the Closing Date and shall only take into account service performed and compensation earned on and after the Closing Date; provided, that service performed prior to the Closing Date for
Sellers and their Affiliates shall be taken into account for purposes of eligibility to participate and vesting credit (but not for purposes of benefit accrual) under the Buyer Hourly Plan. 

        (ii)
Salaried Plan. Buyer shall establish a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan (which may be a component of
the Buyer 401(k) Plan) for Transferred Employees who 

25

 

participate in the Salaried Plan that provides for an employer contribution in lieu of the benefit provided to such employees under the Salaried Plan. 

        (d)
Other Liabilities. Without limiting the scope of Section 10.2.1(a), Buyer shall cause each Transferred Employee (and his or her
eligible dependents) to be covered following on and after the Closing Date by a group health plan (within the meaning of Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code) that (i) does not limit or
exclude coverage on the basis of any pre-existing condition of such Transferred Employee or dependent, and (ii) provides each Transferred Employee full credit, for the year during
which the Closing Date occurs, with any deductible already incurred by the Transferred Employee under any welfare benefit arrangement sponsored, maintained or contributed to by Sellers or any Seller
ERISA Affiliate (a "Seller Welfare Arrangement") providing group health benefits to such Transferred Employee or dependent and with any other out-of-pocket expenses that count
against any maximum out-of-pocket expense provision under such Seller Welfare Arrangement or Buyer's Welfare Plan. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary,
(i) Sellers shall remain responsible for all claims incurred or made by Transferred Employees prior to the Closing Date under any Business Benefit Plan or state workers' compensation statute,
or, with respect to Transferred Employees employed in the Business, which arise out of or relate to (A) any event, action or omission occurring prior to the Closing Date or (B) such
employee's employment (including the termination thereof) prior to the Closing Date and (ii) Buyer shall be responsible for all claims incurred or made by Transferred Employees on or after the
Closing Date under any Buyer Benefit Plan or state workers' compensation statute, or, with respect to Transferred Employees employed in the Business, which arise out of or relate to (A) any
event, action or omission occurring prior to the Closing Date or (B) such employee's employment (including the termination thereof) prior to the Closing Date. For purposes of clarity, a
medical/dental claim shall be considered incurred when the medical/dental services are rendered or medical/dental supplies are provided, and not when the condition arose. A disability or workers'
compensation claim, or any other employment-related claim arising out of or relating to (A) any event, action or omission occurring prior
to the Closing Date or (B) such employee's employment (including the termination thereof) prior to the Closing Date, shall be considered incurred or made prior to the Closing Date if the injury
or condition occurred prior to the Closing Date. 

        (e)
Accrued Bonuses and Vacation. Buyer shall assume and be liable for any accrued but unpaid bonuses payable to any Transferred Employee
on or after the Closing Date. With respect to any accrued but unpaid vacation time which any Transferred Employee is eligible to take pursuant to the vacation policy applicable to such Transferred
Employee immediately prior to the Closing Date, Buyer shall allow such Transferred Employee to use such accrued vacation (in addition to any vacation accrued pursuant to vacation policies established
by Buyer), and shall pay the Transferred Employee the value of any unused vacation upon his termination of employment. 

        (f)
Employment/Change of Control Agreements. Effective as of the Closing Date, Buyer and Sellers shall take all actions necessary
(including, without limitation, obtaining consents of the affected employees) to cause Buyer to be substituted for SUT (or, as applicable, an Affiliate) under the employment and change of control
agreements set forth on Schedule 10.2.1(f), and Buyer shall assume and be liable for any and all liabilities under such agreements. 

        (g)  Benefit Plan Transition Services. If requested by Buyer, Sellers shall, pursuant to the terms of the Supply and Transitional Services
Agreement, for up to 90 days following the Closing Date, administer the payroll of Buyer with respect to the Transferred Employees, and extend coverage under the Seller 401(k) Plans and the
Seller Welfare Arrangements to the Transferred Employees; provided, that in the event Buyer makes such a request, Buyer, and not Sellers, shall be
deemed the sponsoring employer of the Seller Welfare Arrangements with respect to the coverage of Transferred Employees thereunder; and provided further, that in no event shall Sellers retain any 

26

 

liability (including, without limitation, liability under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) to such Transferred Employees under the Seller Welfare Arrangements after the
termination of Sellers' obligations with respect thereto under the Supply and Transitional Services Agreement, except as otherwise provided therein. 

        (h)
Cooperation. Sellers and Buyer shall cooperate with each other (and cause the trustees of the Seller 401(k) Plans, the Seller Pension
Plans, the Buyer 401(k) Plan and the Buyer Hourly Plan to cooperate with each other) with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Section 10.2.1. 

        (i)
No Third-Party Rights. Nothing in this Article 10, express or implied, shall confer upon any Transferred Employee or other
Person (other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns) or legal representative thereof any rights or remedies, including any rights to compensation or benefits of
any nature or kind whatsoever. 

        10.2.2    Tax Cooperation.    

        Buyer
and Sellers agree to retain and provide each other, upon reasonable request, as promptly as practicable, with access to such working papers and information relating to the
Purchased Assets, the Business, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group, and such assistance, as is reasonably necessary for the preparation and filing of all Tax returns, the making of any
election related to Taxes, the preparation for any audit by any taxing authority, and the prosecution or defense of any claim, suit or proceeding relating to any Tax return;  provided, however, that,
except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 10.2.10, nothing contained in this Section 10.2.2 shall require
Buyer or Sellers to retain any documents longer than they would otherwise have been retained in the ordinary course of business but for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Sellers and
Buyer shall cooperate with each other in the conduct of any audit or other proceeding related to Taxes involving the Purchased Assets, the Business, any member of the DNE Group, or any member of the
Superior Israel Group or any consolidated, combined, unitary or similar tax return group of which any Transferred Subsidiary is or was a member, and each shall execute and deliver such documents as
are reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of this Section 10.2.2. 

        10.2.3    Payment of Certain Taxes; Tax Returns.    

        (a)  All
excise, sales, value added, gross receipts, use, registration, stamp, transfer (including Indiana's gross income tax) and similar Taxes, levies, charges and fees
(including all real estate transfer taxes) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby will be paid by Sellers to the extent of the first $75,000 (in the
aggregate) of such Taxes and any balance shall be paid 50% by Sellers and 50% by Buyer. Sellers agree to file all necessary documentation with respect to all such Taxes; provided, however, that Buyer
shall be given the opportunity to review that documentation and to participate in any proceeding relating to such Taxes. Buyer and Sellers shall each provide the other with such assistance as may be
reasonably requested in connection with the preparation and filing of any necessary documentation with respect to such Taxes. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.2.3(a), Sellers
shall be solely responsible for and shall pay all, and Buyer shall have no liability for any, income, franchise, gains or other similar Tax incurred in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby based on the income or gains of Sellers. 

        (b)  Except
as otherwise expressly provided in Section 10.2.3(a), as between Sellers and Buyer, (i) Buyer shall be responsible for all Non-Income
Taxes imposed with respect to the Business or the Purchased Assets, (ii) Buyer shall be responsible for all Non-Consolidated Income Taxes of the Transferred Subsidiaries for periods
beginning on or after January 1, 2002 and for periods following the Closing Date, (iii) Sellers shall be responsible for all Non-Consolidated Income Taxes of the Transferred
Subsidiaries other than those provided for in clause (ii) of this Section 10.2.3(b), 

27

 

(iv) Sellers shall be responsible for all Consolidated Income Taxes of the Transferred Subsidiaries for all taxable periods, (v) Sellers shall be responsible for all
Non-Consolidated Income Taxes imposed with respect to the Business and the Purchased Assets for all periods through the Closing Date, and (vi) Buyer shall be responsible for all
Non-Income Taxes of the Transferred Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, "Non-Income Taxes" shall mean Taxes other than Taxes imposed on net income, gains
or net revenues, "Income Taxes" shall mean Taxes imposed on net income, gains or net revenues, "Non-Consolidated Income Taxes" shall mean Income Taxes other than Consolidated Income Taxes,
"Consolidated Income Taxes" shall mean Income Taxes filed on a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar basis with SUT or an SUT subsidiary (other than a Transferred Subsidiary) and "Transferred
Subsidiaries" shall mean any member of the DNE Group and any member of the Superior Israel Group. 

        (c)  Sellers
shall be responsible for the timely filing of all income tax returns required by law to be filed in respect of the Purchased Assets or the Business for all
periods on or before the Closing Date. Buyer shall be responsible for the timely filing of all income tax returns required by law to be filed in respect of the Purchased Assets or the Business for all
periods after the Closing Date. Sellers shall be responsible for the timely filing of all Tax returns required by law to be filed for any consolidated, combined, unitary or similar tax return group
that includes (i) the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group and (ii) SUT or a Subsidiary of SUT (other than a Transferred Subsidiary) with respect to periods ending on or before, or
including, the Closing Date. Buyer shall be responsible for filing all Tax returns relating to the Business, the Purchased Assets, the DNE Group (or a member thereof) or the Superior Israel Group (or
a member thereof) that are due after the Closing Date other than those for which the Sellers are made responsible pursuant to this Section 10.2.3(c). Where Buyer is responsible for preparing a
return on which Taxes for which any of Sellers are responsible under Section 10.2.3 are reported, Buyer shall cause that return to be prepared in a manner consistent with past returns and shall
provide Seller with a draft of the portion of such return relating to Taxes for which Sellers are responsible at least 10 business days prior to filing such return (provided the due date for such
return is at least 10 business days after the Closing Date). Where Sellers are responsible for preparing a return on which Taxes for which Buyer is responsible under Section 10.2.3 are
reported, Sellers shall cause that return to be prepared in a manner consistent with past returns and shall provide Buyer with a draft of the portion of such return relating to the Purchased Assets,
the Business or the Transferred Subsidiaries at least 10 business days prior to filing such return (provided the due date for such return is at least 10 business days after the Closing Date). Neither
Sellers nor Buyer shall unreasonably reject any comments the other may have with respect to a draft return or portion thereof provided pursuant to the preceding two sentences. 

        (d)  If
Sellers receive notice of a dispute or other proceeding involving Taxes for which Buyer is responsible under Section 10.2.3 or Section 11.2 hereof,
Sellers shall provide Buyer with reasonably prompt notice of such dispute or other proceeding and shall provide Buyer with a reasonable opportunity to participate in such dispute or proceeding.
Sellers may not settle such a dispute or proceeding without the prior consent of Buyer, not to be unreasonably withheld. If Buyer or any Transferred Subsidiary receives notice of a dispute or other
proceeding involving Taxes for which Sellers are responsible under Section 10.2.3 or Section 11.1 hereof, Buyer shall provide Sellers with reasonably prompt notice of such dispute or
other proceeding and shall provide Sellers with a reasonable opportunity to participate in such dispute or proceeding. Buyer may not settle such a dispute or proceeding without the prior consent of
Sellers, not to be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, a party may settle a dispute involving a Tax liability for which it is responsible without
obtaining the consent of any other party if the settlement involves only a concession of an amount of Tax liability to be paid by the settling party. 

28

 

        (e)  Buyer
shall be entitled to all refunds of Non-Consolidated Income Taxes of the Transferred Subsidiaries for periods beginning on or after January 1,
2002. Sellers shall be entitled to all refunds of Non-Consolidated Income Taxes of the Transferred Subsidiaries for periods prior to those described in the preceding sentence. Sellers
shall be entitled to all refunds of Consolidated Income Taxes of the Transferred Subsidiaries for all periods. If Alpine or Buyer receives (whether in the form of a payment, credit or offset against
Tax) a refund to which Sellers are entitled under this Section 10.2.3(e), Alpine or Buyer shall promptly pay to Sellers the amount of such refund. If Seller receives (whether in the form of a
payment, credit or offset against Tax) a refund to which Buyer is entitled under this Section 10.2.3(e), Sellers shall promptly pay Buyer the amount of such refund. 

        10.2.4    Publicity.    

        Except
as otherwise provided herein, all public announcements relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby will be made only as agreed upon by Sellers and Buyer or
as required by law or regulation of a stock exchange. If such a public notice is required by law or stock exchange regulation, the disclosing party will use its commercially reasonable efforts to give
the others prior written notice of the disclosure to be made. 

        10.2.5    Expenses.    

        Except
to the extent otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, Alpine and Buyer shall pay all of the expenses incident to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which
are incurred by Alpine and Buyer or their respective representatives, and Sellers shall pay all of the expenses incident to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which are incurred by
Sellers or their representatives. 

        10.2.6    No Assignment.    

        No
assignment by any party of this Agreement or any right or obligation hereunder, in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written consent of the other party, and any
assignment attempted without that consent will be void and of no effect; provided, however, that Buyer may assign its rights and obligations under
Article 11 hereof to any successor to, or acquirer or transferee of, the Business, the Purchased Assets, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group; and  provided, further, that, no such assignment
shall relieve Alpine or Buyer of any of its respective obligations hereunder. 

        10.2.7    Further Assurances.    

        Each
party hereto agrees that, as requested by the other party after the Closing, it will do all such further acts as may be required to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby
and to vest in Buyer title to the Purchased Assets, the DNE Shares and the Superior Israel Shares. To the extent that the assignment of any lease, contract, commitment or right pertaining to the
Business shall require the consent or waiver of other parties thereto, which consent or waiver has not been obtained prior to the Closing, Sellers shall cooperate with Buyer to obtain such consent.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a consent is not obtained for any Business Real Property Lease, such Business Real Property Lease shall not be deemed assigned under this Agreement, and Buyer shall
not have any liabilities or obligations thereunder until such consent is obtained. Without limiting the foregoing, from and after the Closing, (i) Sellers shall do all things necessary, proper
or advisable under applicable Laws as reasonably requested by Buyer to put Buyer in effective possession, ownership and control of the Purchased Assets and Buyer shall cooperate with Sellers for that
purpose and (ii) Buyer shall do all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws as reasonably requested by Sellers to put Sellers (or such other Person as Sellers shall
indicate) in effective possession, ownership and control of the Retained Assets and Sellers shall cooperate with Buyer for that purpose. 

29

  

        10.2.8    Permit Transfer, Assignment or Reissuances.    

        Sellers
shall cooperate with Buyer in the transfer, assignment or securing of the permits, licenses, registrations, franchises and other authorizations and approvals set forth on
Schedule 1.1(i) (the "Permits") and in the provision of any required notice, to the extent that any such Permits are required under applicable Environmental Laws or other Laws to be
transferred, assigned or reissued, or notification is required to be provided, to facilitate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

        10.2.9    Mail and Other Communications.    

        After
the Closing, Sellers shall promptly remit to Buyer any checks, cash, payments, mail or other communications relating to the Business, the Purchased Assets or the Assumed
Liabilities that are received by Sellers after the Closing Date, unless the same also relates to the Retained Assets or the Retained Liabilities, in which case Sellers shall send copies thereof. After
the Closing, Buyer shall promptly remit to Sellers any checks, cash, payments, mail or other communications relating to the Retained Assets or the Retained Liabilities that are received by Buyer after
the Closing Date, unless the same also relates to the Purchased Assets or the Assumed Liabilities. 

        10.2.10    Access to Records.    

        In
connection with any matter, including, without limitation, any Tax or litigation matter related to the Business, the DNE Group (or any member thereof), the Superior Israel Group (or
any member thereof) or any consolidated, combined, unitary or similar tax return group including any member of the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group as a member with respect to any period prior
to, or any period including, the Closing Date, each party shall, upon the request and at the expense of the other party, permit the other party and its representatives reasonable access at all
reasonable times during normal business hours to the applicable books and records of, and including, the Business, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group. No party shall dispose of such books and
records during the six-year period beginning with the Closing Date without the other party's consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Following the expiration of such
six-year period, each party may dispose of such books and records at any time upon giving 30 days' prior written notice to the other party, unless the other party agrees to take
possession of such books and records within 30 days at no expense to the disposing party. 

        10.2.11    Credit Support Arrangements.    

        Alpine
and Buyer acknowledge that Sellers have entered into arrangements in which guarantees, letters of credit or other credit arrangements, including surety and performance bonds, were
issued by or for the account of Sellers to support or facilitate business transactions by the Business, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group. Such arrangements are referred to herein as the
"Credit Support Arrangements." Each of Alpine and Buyer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to, as promptly as practicable, (i) obtain replacement Credit Support Arrangements or
(ii) repay, or cause the repayment of, all debt and other obligations to which such Credit Support Arrangements relate (and cause the cancellation of such Credit Support Arrangements) or
arrange for Alpine, Buyer or one of their respective Affiliates to be substituted as the obligor thereof, obtaining from the creditor a full release of the applicable Seller or their respective
Affiliates, (the foregoing arrangements in clauses (i) and (ii) are collectively referred to as "Replacement Credit Support Arrangements"). Sellers shall cooperate fully with Buyer in
connection with the foregoing. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 11, Alpine shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sellers from and against all Losses (as defined herein) incurred by
any of the Sellers or any of their respective Affiliates following the Closing as a result of Alpine or Buyer's inability to enter into Replacement Credit Support Arrangements by the 

30

 

Closing Date, including, without limitation, their expenses in maintaining any such Credit Support Arrangement whether or not any such Credit Support Arrangement is drawn upon, and shall in any event
promptly reimburse the respective Seller or any of its Affiliates to the extent any Credit Support Arrangement is called upon and such entity makes any payment thereunder or is obligated to reimburse
the party issuing the Credit Support Arrangement or to the extent that the beneficiary under any Credit Support Arrangement refuses to accept such substitute letter of credit or other guarantee
proffered by Buyer by the Closing Date. In no event shall Alpine and Buyer be liable to Sellers for any nonperformance by any Seller with respect to any obligation under any Credit Support Arrangement
prior to the Closing. 

        10.2.12    Non-Competition.    

        (a)  For
a period of four years after the Closing Date, none of Alpine, Buyer or any of their respective Subsidiaries (other than Superior Cables Ltd.) (each, a "Buyer
Restricted Party" and, collectively, the "Buyer Restricted Parties") shall, directly or indirectly, anywhere in the world, engage in any business conducted as of the date hereof by SUT or any of its
Subsidiaries, other than the Business and the respective businesses of the DNE Group, the Superior Israel Group and Superior Cables Ltd. as currently conducted ("Buyer Competitive Activity");  provided,
however, that it shall not be a violation of this Section 10.2.12(a) for a Buyer Restricted Party to (i) own any debt securities
or other debt obligations (other than convertible debt) of any Person, (ii) invest in, own an interest in or acquire all or a majority of the stock or assets of any Person that is not "engaged
primarily in a Buyer Competitive Activity" (as defined below), (iii) invest in securities representing less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding capital stock of any Person, the securities
of which are publicly traded or listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system, or (iv) through the Business, sell the Excepted Products (as defined below) in a manner
consistent with past practice on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Supply and Transitional Services Agreement. For purposes of this Section 10.2.12(a),
"engaged primarily in a Buyer Competitive Activity" shall mean that at least 30% of the consolidated net revenue derived during the last complete fiscal year of the acquired Person is derived from a
Buyer Competitive Activity. "Excepted Products" means any Private Label Premises Product (to be defined in the Supply and Transitional Services Agreement) manufactured by SUT or any of its
Subsidiaries as currently manufactured at Closing. 

        (b)  For
a period of seven years after the Closing Date, none of Sellers or any of their respective Subsidiaries (each, a "Seller Restricted Party" and, collectively, the
"Seller Restricted Parties") shall, directly or indirectly, anywhere in the world, engage in any business that is competitive with the Business, the business of the DNE Group or (with respect to
Israel only) the business of the Superior Israel Group, in each case as conducted on the date hereof ("Seller Competitive Activity"); provided, however, that it shall not be a violation of this
Section 10.2.12(b) for a Seller Restricted Party to (i) own any debt securities or other debt obligations (other than convertible debt) of any Person, (ii) invest in, own an
interest in or acquire all or a majority of the stock or assets of any Person that is not "engaged primarily in a Seller Competitive Activity" (as defined below), or (iii) invest in securities
representing less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding capital stock of any Person, the securities of which are publicly traded or listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system.
For purposes of this Section 10.2.12(b), "engaged primarily in a Seller Competitive Activity" shall mean that at least 30% of the consolidated net revenue derived during the last complete
fiscal year of the acquired Person is derived from a Seller Competitive Activity. 

        (c)  The
parties hereto agree that the covenants set forth in this Section 10.2.12 shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law. If all or
any part of this Section 10.2.12 is held invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain
in full force and effect. 

31

 

Each of Alpine and Buyer agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach by it or any of its Subsidiaries of the provisions of this Section 10.2.12, money damages would not be an
adequate remedy and that the other party shall be entitled to seek temporary, preliminary or permanent injunctive relief without the necessity of posting a bond. If any part of this
Section 10.2.12 is held to be excessively broad as to duration, scope, activity or subject, such part will be construed by limiting and reducing it so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent
compatible with applicable law. 

        10.2.13    Environmental Transfer Act Compliance.    

        (a)  Sellers
shall use reasonable efforts to investigate the Wallingford Property prior to the Closing ("the Pre-Closing Investigation") to determine whether it
is appropriate to prepare and submit a Form II (as defined under the Connecticut Transfer Act) to Buyer and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection ("CTDEP") with respect to the
Wallingford Property. Sellers shall be responsible for the cost of the Pre-Closing Investigation up to an amount not to exceed $10,000 and Buyer shall be responsible for any costs
associated with the Pre-Closing Investigation that exceed $10,000. In the event that Sellers determine that a Form II (as defined under the Connecticut Transfer Act) can be prepared
and submitted to Buyer and the CTDEP with respect to the Wallingford Property, Sellers shall be responsible for: (i) preparing the Form II and submitting the same to Buyer
and the CTDEP, and (iii) paying the filing fees associated with filing the Form II with the CTDEP. In the event that Sellers or the CTDEP determine that a Form III or
Form IV is required to be submitted to Buyer and the CTDEP with respect to the Wallingford Property, Sellers shall have sole responsibility for paying the initial filing fee associated with the
Form III or Form IV, and Buyer shall have the responsibility for: (i) preparing the Form III or Form IV (as the case may be), including but not limited to, executing
the Form III or Form IV as the Certifying Party (as defined under the Connecticut Transfer Act), (ii) any and all Losses (as defined herein) associated with any investigation or
remediation required following the completion of, and in addition to, the Pre-Closing Investigation to comply with the Connecticut Transfer Act as the Certifying Party; and
(iii) any required filing fees beyond the initial filing fee. 

        (b)  Sellers
shall be responsible for completing all forms required under the Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law and shall be responsible for filing such forms with
applicable Governmental Authorities and for paying any and all fees associated with compliance with the Indiana Responsible Property Transfer Law. 

        10.2.14    Insurance.    

        Effective
as of 12:01 AM on the Closing Date, the Purchased Assets, the Assumed Liabilities, the DNE Group and the Superior Israel Group shall cease to be insured by the Sellers' or
their respective Affiliates' insurance policies; provided, however, that with respect to insurance coverage written on an "occurrence basis," to the
extent the Purchased Assets and the Assumed Liabilities are insured under such policies, Buyer shall have rights under such policies for Assumed Liabilities to the extent the events giving rise to a
claim under such policies occurred prior to 12 midnight on the Closing Date. Sellers agree to cooperate with Buyer at Buyer's expense (i) in asserting and prosecuting claims under Sellers'
insurance policies in connection with insurable events that occurred prior to 12 midnight on the Closing Date, and (ii) by executing appropriate assignments to the extent permitted by law, and
Sellers shall remit any recoveries promptly to Buyer. Sellers shall not settle any claims to the extent relating to Assumed Liabilities without written consent of Buyer;  provided, however, Buyer shall
be responsible for any and all Losses associated with asserting and prosecuting claims under Sellers' insurance policies.
With respect to events or circumstances covered by insurance coverage written on an "occurrence basis," the Sellers and their respective Affiliates will have no liability for occurrences that take
place after 12 midnight on the Closing Date. With respect to events or circumstances covered by insurance coverage written 

32

 

on a "claims made basis," the Sellers and their respective Affiliates will have no liability for claims made after 12:01 AM on the Closing Date. 

        10.2.15    Section 338 Elections.    

        Buyer
shall not make any election under Section 338 of the Code (or any similar election under state, local or other tax law) with respect to the acquisition of the DNE Shares,
the Texas SUT Shares or the Superior Cables Holding Shares. 

        10.2.16    Tax Treatment.    

        Buyer
and Sellers each agree to treat the transfer of the Business, the Purchased Assets, the DNE Shares and the Superior Israel Shares for federal income tax purposes as a fully taxable
transaction that is not subject to the provisions of Section 267 of the Code. 

        10.2.17    Covenants Regarding Electrical Sub.    

        Buyer
covenants that (i) Buyer shall transfer the Purchased Assets to Electrical Sub on the Closing Date, (ii) Electrical Sub shall, in connection with such transfer,
assume the Assumed Liabilities on the Closing Date, and (iii) on the Closing Date, Electrical Sub shall have not less than an amount of liabilities equal to (x) $51,000,000  plus (y) any
applicable amount referred to in Section 3.1(b) minus (z) any
applicable amount referred to in Section 3.1(c), other than the Assumed Liabilities. Buyer shall not transfer cash or property to Electrical Sub other than the Purchased Assets, unless such
cash or property is transferred in return for shares or debt obligations of Electrical Sub with an initial value approximately equal to the cash or property transferred. 

        10.2.18    Tax Sharing Agreement.    

        The
Tax Sharing Agreement, dated October 4, 1996, shall be terminated with respect to all members of the DNE Group and the Superior Israel Group on or prior to the Closing Date
and neither any such member nor SUT will have any liabilities or obligations whatsoever thereunder to SUT or any such member, respectively. 

        10.2.19    Certain Expenses.    

        Prior
to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, SUT has paid or caused to be paid to persons designated by Alpine or Buyer an aggregate of $400,000 representing actual,
reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Alpine or Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. At the request of Alpine or Buyer from time
to time prior to the Closing, SUT shall pay to such other persons as may be designated by Alpine or Buyer such additional actual, reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by Alpine or Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, not to exceed $750,000 in the aggregate including any amounts previously paid. If the Closing occurs, Alpine shall
reimburse all of such amounts to SUT at the Closing. In the event that
this Agreement is terminated by the Sellers in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.1.6(b) or (e), then Alpine shall reimburse SUT for all of such amounts within two business days after
such termination. In all other circumstances SUT shall remain responsible for all such amounts. In any event, any such amounts shall be offset against any amounts payable to Alpine or Buyer pursuant
to Section 10.1.7(b). 

        10.2.20    Intercompany Accounts.    

        Prior
to the Closing, (i) any liabilities, including short-term and long-term liabilities, and accounts receivable and long-term receivables
due to any Seller or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates (other than the Business, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group) from the Business, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group shall be
capitalized or canceled or satisfied in the manner set forth in Section 10.1.1(d) and (ii) any liabilities, including short-term and 

33

 

long-term liabilities, and accounts receivable and long-term receivables due to the Business, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group from any Seller or any of Sellers'
respective Affiliates (other than the Business, the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group) shall be paid or settled; provided, however, that in the
case of clause (ii) of this Section 10.2.20, any liabilities or receivables arising out of any Tax sharing arrangement with Sellers or any of Sellers' respective Affiliates shall be
canceled rather than settled. 

ARTICLE 11  

INDEMNIFICATION  

        11.1    Indemnification By Sellers.    

        After
the Closing, each Seller, jointly and severally, shall, subject to the provisions of this Article 11, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Alpine, Buyer and their respective
officers, directors, employees, agents and Affiliates (each, a "Seller Indemnified Party") from and against all Losses directly or indirectly incurred by any such Seller Indemnified Party arising out
of or based on any (i) inaccuracy in or breach of any representation or warranty of such Seller in this Agreement, (ii) breach of any covenant or agreement made by such Seller in or
pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) of the Retained Liabilities, (iv) Taxes for which any Seller is allocated responsibility under Section 10.2.3 hereof (except
to the extent that such Taxes were paid or estimated payments in respect of such Taxes were made prior to the Closing Date) or (v) any liability for Taxes imposed on a Transferred Subsidiary
under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 or any equivalent provision of state, local or foreign law with respect to a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group of which
SUT or any of its Subsidiaries (other than a Transferred Subsidiary) was the common parent. "Losses" as used in this Agreement means any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, assessments, damages,
deficiencies, demands, claims, actions, causes of action, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, interest, penalties, court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and any
amounts paid in investigation, defense or settlement of any of the foregoing), of any kind, manner or nature whatsoever, whether or not arising out of third-party claims. 

        11.2    Indemnification By Alpine and Buyer.    

        After
the Closing, Alpine and Buyer shall, jointly and severally, subject to the provisions of this Article 11, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Sellers and their
respective officers, directors, employees, agents and Affiliates (collectively, the "Alpine Indemnified Parties") from and against all Losses directly or indirectly incurred by any of Alpine
Indemnified Parties arising out of or based on any (i) inaccuracy in or breach of any representation or warranty of Buyer or Alpine, as applicable in this Agreement, (ii) breach of any
covenant or agreement made by Buyer or Alpine, as applicable in or pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) of the Assumed Liabilities, (iv) operations of the Business after the Closing Date,
(v) failure by Buyer or any of its Affiliates to comply with the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended, with respect to the employees of the Business and the business
of the DNE Group and the Superior Israel Group, (vi) termination by Buyer or its Affiliates of the employment of any Transferred Employee at any time after the Closing Date, including, without
limitation, any severance costs and related employment tax obligations which any of Sellers may incur as the result of such termination, (vii) the failure to obtain any consent from any Person
who is party to a Business Contract or Business Real Property Lease or contract or other agreement relating to the DNE Group or the Superior Israel Group and not set forth on  Schedule 4.4, 5.4 or 6.4 or (viii) Taxes for which Buyer is designated as responsible pursuant to Section 10.2.3. 

34

 

        11.3    Limitations on Indemnification by Sellers.    

        The
indemnification of the Seller Indemnified Parties provided for in Section 11.1 shall be limited in certain respects as follows: 

        (a)  Any
claim for indemnification relating to any inaccuracy in or breach of any representation or warranty by any Seller shall be made to such Seller prior to the date that
is 18 months after the date hereof, except that there shall be no limits on the time for making a claim for indemnification relating to the representations and warranties contained in Sections
4.1, 4.2, 4.8, 5.2, 5.3, 6.2 and 6.3; provided, however, that if written notice of a claim is made prior to the expiration of the applicable
representation or warranty, then the relevant representation or warranty shall survive as to such claim until the claim has finally been resolved. 

        (b)  The
Seller Indemnified Parties shall be entitled to indemnification for matters described in Section 11.1(i) and (ii) only to the extent that the
aggregate amount of all the Seller Indemnified Parties' claims for indemnification under Section 11.1(i) and (ii), as finally resolved, exceeds $25,000. 

        (c)  The
maximum aggregate liability of Sellers for indemnification under Section 11.1(i) and (ii) herein shall in no event exceed the Purchase Price. 

        (d)  The
Seller Indemnified Parties' right to indemnification shall be reduced to the extent the subject matter of the claim is covered by and actually paid pursuant to an
insurance policy, a warranty or indemnification from a third party. 

        11.4    Limitations on Indemnification by Alpine and Buyer.    

        The
indemnification of the Alpine Indemnified Parties provided for in Section 11.2 shall be limited in certain respects as follows: 

        (a)  Any
claim for indemnification relating to any inaccuracy in or breach of any representation or warranty by Alpine or Buyer, as applicable shall be made to Alpine or
Buyer, prior to the date that is 18 months after the date hereof, except that there shall be no limits on the time for making a claim for indemnification relating to the representations and
warranties contained in Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11; provided, however, that if written notice of a claim is made prior to the expiration
of the applicable representation or warranty, then the relevant representation or warranty shall survive as to such claim until the claim has finally been resolved. 

        (b)  The
Alpine Indemnified Parties shall be entitled to indemnification for matters described in Section 11.2(i) and (ii) only to the extent that the
aggregate amount of all the Alpine Indemnified Parties' claims for indemnification under Section 11.2(i) and (ii), as finally resolved, exceeds $25,000. 

        (c)  The
maximum aggregate liability of Alpine and Buyer for indemnification under Section 11.2(i) and (ii) shall in no event exceed the Purchase Price. 

        (d)  The
Alpine Indemnified Parties' right to indemnification shall be reduced to the extent the subject matter of the claim is covered by and actually paid pursuant to an
insurance policy, a warranty or indemnification from a third party. 

        11.5    Notice of Claim.    

        (a)  Promptly
after acquiring knowledge of any Losses for which any of the Seller Indemnified Parties is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article 11,
Alpine or Buyer shall give written notice thereof to Sellers setting forth with reasonable particularity the underlying facts (either actually known or in good faith believed by Alpine or Buyer to
exist) sufficient to establish a claim for 

35

 

indemnification under this Article 11 and setting forth a good faith estimate, if known, of the Losses incurred or to be incurred relating thereto; and including copies of all written
documentation and summarizing all oral information actually known or in good faith believed by Alpine or Buyer to exist relating to the circumstances or events underlying the indemnification claim;
and 

        (b)  Promptly
after acquiring knowledge of any Losses for which any of the Alpine Indemnified Parties is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article 11,
Sellers shall give written notice thereof to Alpine and Buyer setting forth with reasonable particularity the underlying facts (either actually known or in good faith believed by Sellers to exist)
sufficient to establish a claim for indemnification under this Article 11 and setting forth a good faith estimate, if known, of the Losses incurred or to be incurred relating thereto; and
including copies of all written documentation and summarizing all oral information actually known or in good faith believed by Sellers to exist relating to the circumstances or events underlying the
indemnification claim. 

        11.6    Third Party Claims.    

        (a)  Notice. If any legal proceedings shall be instituted or any claim is asserted by any third party in respect of which any
Seller Indemnified Parties, on the one hand, or any Alpine Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, may be entitled to indemnity hereunder (a "Third Party Claim"), such party shall give the other party
prompt notice as provided in Section 12.1. 

        (b)  Control. With the consent of the party giving the original notice, not to be unreasonably withheld, the other party may
assume control of the defense of a Third Party Claim, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the party giving the original notice. If the other party does not so assume control within a reasonable
period of time, the defense of the Third Party Claim will be controlled by the party giving the original notice without any prejudice to the right of the other party to dispute the claim for
indemnification hereunder. 

        (c)  Settlement. Except for the settlement of a Third Party Claim that includes as an unconditional term thereof the giving by
the claimant to the indemnitee of an unconditional release from all liability in respect of the Third Party Claim, no Third Party Claim may be settled without the prior written consent of the
indemnitee. 

        (d)  Cooperation. Each party shall make available to the other all records and other materials reasonably required to contest
any Third Party Claim and shall cooperate fully with the other in the defense of all such claims. Information disclosed by one party to the other shall be kept confidential. The party not in control
of the Third Party Claim shall have the right to be represented by counsel of its own choice and at its own expense. The party in control shall keep the other informed on a current basis of all
material developments in connection with any Third Party Claim. 

        (e)  Tax Proceedings. Notwithstanding this Section 11.6, the control and settlement of proceedings or disputes
involving Taxes for which Buyer or Seller is responsible under Section 10.2.3 shall be governed by Sections 10.2.2 and 10.2.3(d) hereof. 

        11.7 Exclusive Remedy.

        Except
as otherwise provided in Section 11.6(e), after the Closing, with respect to any breach of or inaccuracy in any representation or warranty or nonfulfillment of any covenant
for which a right to claim indemnification is provided in this Article 11, a claim or an action under and pursuant to the terms, conditions and limitations of this Article 11 shall be
the sole and exclusive right and remedy of a party seeking indemnification. The provisions of this Section 11.7 shall not preclude the prosecution of any action or proceeding based on fraud or
willful misconduct. 

36

 

ARTICLE 12  

MISCELLANEOUS  

        12.1    Notices.    

        All
notices shall be in writing delivered as follows: 

	(a)	 	If to any Seller, to:	 	c/o Superior TeleCom Inc.

One Meadowlands Plaza, Suite 200

East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Attention: President

Facsimile: (201) 549-4428
	

 	
 	

With a copy to:	
 	

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

101 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10178

Attention: Howard L. Shecter

Facsimile: (212) 309-6001
	

(b)	
 	

If to Alpine or Buyer, to:	
 	

c/o The Alpine Group, Inc.

One Meadowlands Plaza, Suite 200

East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Attention: Chairman

Facsimile: (201) 549-4428
	

 	
 	

With a copy to:	
 	

Proskauer Rose LLP

1585 Broadway

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Ronald R. Papa

Facsimile: (212) 969-2900

or
to such other address as may have been designated in a prior notice. Notices may be sent by (a) overnight courier, (b) confirmed facsimile transmission or (c) registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; and shall be deemed to have been given (a) in the case of overnight courier, the next business day after the date sent, (b) in
the case of facsimile transmission, on the date of confirmation of such transmission, and (c) in the case of mailing, three business days after being mailed. 

        12.2    Binding Effect.    

        This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, except as expressly
provided in Article 11, is intended or shall be construed to confer on any Person other than the parties any rights or benefits hereunder. 

        12.3    Headings.    

        The
headings in this Agreement are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall be given no effect in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. 

        12.4    Exhibits and Schedules.    

        The
Exhibits and Schedules referred to in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement. 

37

 

        12.5    Counterparts.    

        This
Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same document. This Agreement
shall be effective upon execution and delivery of either manually signed or facsimile signed signature pages. 

        12.6    Bulk Sales Law.    

        Buyer
hereby waives compliance by Sellers with the obligations imposed on vendors under any bulk sales, transfer or other similar laws as a result of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. 

        12.7    Governing Law.    

        This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed under Delaware law, without regard to conflict of laws principles, except for those provisions relating to the conveyance and assignment
of title to the Business Real Property, which shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the state in which such Business Real Property is located. 

        12.8    Waivers.    

        Compliance
with the provisions of this Agreement may be waived only by a written instrument specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by the party waiving compliance. No course
of dealing, nor any failure or delay in exercising any right, shall be construed as a waiver, and no single or partial exercise of a right shall preclude any other or further exercise of that or any
other right. 

        12.9    Pronouns.    

        The
use of a particular pronoun herein shall not be restrictive as to gender or number but shall be interpreted in all cases as the context may require. 

        12.10    Time Periods.    

        Any
action required hereunder to be taken within a certain number of days shall be taken within that number of calendar days unless otherwise expressly provided;  provided, however, that if the last day for
taking such action falls on a weekend or a holiday, the period during which such action may be taken shall
be automatically extended to the next business day. 

        12.11    No Strict Construction.    

        The
language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied
against any party. The words "include," "includes" and "including" shall mean "include, without limitation," "includes, without limitation," and "including, without limitation," respectively. 

        12.12    Modification.    

        No
supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless made in a written instrument which is signed by all of the parties and which specifically refers to
this Agreement. 

        12.13    Entire Agreement.    

        This
Agreement and the Exhibits, Schedules, agreements, documents and instruments referred to in this Agreement or delivered hereunder are the exclusive statement of the agreement among
the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supercedes all prior agreements relating to the subject matter hereof including, without limitation, the Letter of Intent, dated August 30,
2002, among certain of the parties hereto. 

38

 

        12.14    Certain Definitions.    

"Affiliate"
has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the regulations promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, but, with respect to Sellers, shall not
include Alpine and, with respect to Alpine or Buyer, shall not include SUT or any of its Subsidiaries. 

"Assumed
Environmental Liabilities" means any Environmental Liabilities arising out of or relating to: (i) the Business Real Property and the Business Leased Real Property and the operations
conducted thereat; (ii) any Releases of Hazardous Substances to or from the Business Real Property and the Business Leased Real Property or exposure to Hazardous Substances present at or
Released from such properties; (iii) the off-site transportation, treatment, storage, handling or disposal of any Hazardous Substances generated by, at or from the Business Real
Property or the Business Leased Real Property; (iv) matters disclosed on Schedule 2.1(a) hereto; and (v) compliance with the
Connecticut Transfer Act as set forth in Section 10.2.13(a). 

"Business
Benefit Plans" means all "employee benefit plans" within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA and any other employee plans, agreements, programs, practices, policies, trusts or
arrangements (whether written or unwritten, funded or unfunded, insured or self-insured, domestic or foreign (other than any schemes or arrangements mandated by a government outside of the
United States)) (1) established, maintained, sponsored or contributed to (or with respect to which any obligation to contribute has been undertaken) within the last six complete calendar years
by any Seller or any Seller ERISA Affiliate, on behalf of any employee, director or shareholder of the Business (whether current, former or retired) or their beneficiaries and (2) with respect
to which any Seller or any Seller ERISA
Affiliate has or has had any obligation on behalf of any such employee, director, shareholder or beneficiary. 

"Buyer
Welfare Plan" means any "welfare plan" (within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA) or any other plan, program or arrangement providing medical/dental, life, disability, accidental
death and dismemberment or similar welfare benefits and which is sponsored, maintained or contributed to by Buyer for the benefit of Transferred Employees on or after the Closing Date. 

"Environmental
Laws" means all foreign, federal, state and local laws, statutes, rules, regulations, common law ordinances and directives, agreements, decrees or consent decrees with or by
Governmental Authorities relating to the protection of worker health and safety, human health and the environment and the Release, treatment, storage, transportation, disposal and exposure to
Hazardous Substances and any permits, licenses, authorizations or approvals issued thereunder. 

"Environmental
Liabilities" means any claims, judgments, damages (including punitive and consequential damages), losses, penalties, fines, liabilities, obligations, Liens, violations, costs and
expenses (including attorneys' fees, consultants' fees and engineering fees) incurred directly or indirectly as a result of or relating to (i) the existence, Release or threatened Release of,
or exposure to, Hazardous Substances in, on, under, at or emanating from any real property presently or formerly owned, leased, operated or managed in connection with the Business, (ii) any
non-compliance with, or violation of, or liability imposed by, any Environmental Law or (iii) the off-site transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous
Substances generated by or at any real property presently or formerly owned, leased, operated or managed in connection with the Business. 

"ERISA"
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. 

"Hazardous
Substances" means any petroleum, petroleum products, petroleum-derived substances, radioactive materials, hazardous wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead-based paint, radon,
urea formaldehyde, asbestos or any materials containing asbestos, pesticides, and any chemicals, materials, substances, pollutants, contaminants or toxins regulated under any Environmental Law, or
defined as or included in the definition of "hazardous substances," "hazardous wastes," 

39

 

"extremely hazardous substances," "hazardous constituents," "toxic substances," "pollutants," "contaminants," or any similar denomination intended to classify or regulate chemicals, materials, or
substances by reason of their toxicity, carcinogenicity, ignitability, corrosivity, or reactivity or other characteristics under any Environmental Law. 

"Person"
means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or any other entity or organization. 

"Regional
Distribution Center Real Property Leases" means each of: (a) Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease between Flagship Properties, LLC and Essex Group, Inc., dated as
of May 14, 2001, (b) Lease by and between Greenwalt Development, Inc. and Essex Group, Inc., dated as of June 16, 1998, as amended on October 29, 1998 and
February 24, 1999, (c) Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease between HAS Investments, Inc. and Essex Group, Inc., dated as of December 10, 1998 and
(d) Lease by and between Greenwalt Development, Inc. and Essex Group, Inc., dated as of February 11, 1998, as amended. 

"Release"
means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing of a Hazardous Substance. 

"Seller
ERISA Affiliate" means any entity that would be deemed a "single employer" with any Seller under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001 of
ERISA, other than Alpine. 

"Subsidiary"
of a Person means any corporation or other legal entity of which that Person (either alone or together with other Subsidiaries of that Person) owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50%
of the stock or other equity interests that are ordinarily and generally, in the absence of contingencies or understandings, entitled to vote for the election of a majority of the members of the board
of directors or governing body of such entity; provided, however, that, for purposes of this Agreement, none of SUT or any of its Subsidiaries shall be
deemed to be Subsidiaries of Alpine and Superior Cables Ltd. shall not be deemed a Subsidiary of SUT. 

"Tax"
or "Taxes" means any net income tax, alternative or add-on minimum tax, franchise, gross income, adjusted gross income or gross receipts tax, payroll tax, real or personal property
tax, or sales or use tax, together with any interest or any penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed by any Governmental Authority responsible for the imposition of any such tax. 

40

 

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, a duly authorized officer of each of the parties hereto has executed this Agreement as of the date first above written. 

	 	 	SUPERIOR TELECOM INC.
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  STEPHEN C. KNUP      

	 	 	Its:	 	President and Chief Operating Officer
	

 	
 	

SUPERIOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS INC.
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  STEPHEN C. KNUP      

	 	 	Its:	 	President and Chief Operating Officer
	

 	
 	

ESSEX INTERNATIONAL INC.
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  STEPHEN C. KNUP      

	 	 	Its:	 	President and Chief Operating Officer
	

 	
 	

ESSEX GROUP, INC.
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  STEPHEN C. KNUP      

	 	 	Its:	 	President and Chief Operating Officer
	

 	
 	

THE ALPINE GROUP, INC.
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  STEVEN S. ELBAUM      

	 	 	Its:	 	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
	

 	
 	

ALPINE HOLDCO INC.
	

 	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  STEVEN S. ELBAUM      

	 	 	Its:	 	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

41

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Exhibit 10.3

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