As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2009

Registration No. 333-                

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



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

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  11-1893410
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)



100 Jericho Quadrangle
Jericho, New York 11753
(516) 938-5544
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)



Patrick L. Alesia
Chief Financial Officer
Griffon Corporation
100 Jericho Quadrangle
Jericho, New York 11753
(516) 938-5544
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



Copies to:

Martin Nussbaum
Derek M. Winokur
William J. Tuttle
Dechert LLP
1095 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
(212) 698-3500
(212) 698-3599—Facsimile

           Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

           If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o

           If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ý

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

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

           If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

           If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

           Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered(1)(2)

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)(3)

  Amount of
Registration Fee(4)

 
Preferred Stock, par value $0.25 per share        
 
Depositary shares        
 
Warrants to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units        
 
Rights to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units        
 
Debt securities        
 
Units        
 
Common Stock, par value $0.25 per share, issuable upon conversion or exchange of preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities        
 
Guarantees of debt securities(5)        
 
Total   $300,000,000   $16,740
 
(1)
Not specified as to each class of securities to be registered hereunder pursuant to General Instruction II.D. to Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(2)
Includes an indeterminate number of securities that may be issued in primary offerings or upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any securities registered hereunder that provide for exercise, conversion or exchange.

(3)
With respect to debt securities, excluding accrued interest and accrued amortization of discount, if any, to the date of delivery. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price of such debt securities shall be equal to any such greater principal amount due at maturity, such aggregate principal amount not to exceed $300,000,000 less the value of securities previously issued hereunder.

(4)
The registration fee has been calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(5)
No separate consideration will be received for the guarantees, and no separate fee is payable pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act.

*
Includes certain subsidiaries of Griffon Corporation identified on the following pages.

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


ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR REGISTRANTS

EXACT NAME OF ADDITIONAL
REGISTRANT AS
SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER
 
STATE OR OTHER
JURISDICTION OF
INCORPORATION
 
IRS EMPLOYEE
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Clopay Building Products Company, Inc.    Delaware   11-2808682
Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc.    Delaware   11-2808683
Telephonics Corporation   Delaware   52-0897556

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

Subject to Completion, dated March 30, 2009

$300,000,000

GRIFFON CORPORATION

Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units
Rights to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units
Debt Securities
Units



        We may from time to time offer to sell any combination of preferred stock; depositary shares; warrants to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units; rights to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units; debt securities; and units consisting of any of the foregoing, each as described in this prospectus, in one or more offerings. This prospectus also covers common stock issuable upon conversion or exchange of preferred stock, depositary shares and/or debt securities. The aggregate initial offering price of all securities sold under this prospectus will not exceed $300,000,000. We or one or more of our subsidiaries may unconditionally guarantee any series of debt securities offered by this prospectus, if so and to the extent identified in the related prospectus supplement.

        This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide specific terms of the securities offered in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in any securities. This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.

        We will sell these securities to or through underwriters or dealers, directly to a limited number of purchasers or a single purchaser, through agents or through a combination of any of these methods of sale, as designated from time to time. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of these securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will provide the names of the agents or underwriters and any applicable fees, commissions or discounts.

        Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol "GFF." On March 27, 2009, the closing price of our common stock was $7.88.

        Investing in our securities involves risks. See "Risk Factors" on page 2 of this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement.



        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



The date of this prospectus is            , 2009.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  i

GRIFFON CORPORATION

  1

RISK FACTORS

  2

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  2

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

  2

USE OF PROCEEDS

  2

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

  3

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

  5

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

  6

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

  8

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

  10

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

  19

BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE

  20

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

  23

LEGAL MATTERS

  24

EXPERTS

  24

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

  24

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  25


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer to sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $300,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, including all documents incorporated herein by reference, together with additional information described under "Where You Can Find More Information."

        You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered to you. We have not, and have not authorized anyone else, to provide you with different or additional information. We are not making an offer of securities in any state or other jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference herein is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or the filing date of any document incorporated by reference, regardless of its time of delivery, and you should not consider any information in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference herein to be investment, legal or tax advice. We encourage you to consult your own counsel, accountant and other advisors for legal, tax, business, financial and related advice regarding an investment in our securities.

        As used in this prospectus, "Griffon," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Griffon Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise.

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GRIFFON CORPORATION

        Griffon, headquartered in Jericho, New York, is a diversified holding company consisting of three distinct business segments:

        In 2008, we strengthened our balance sheet by refinancing our senior debt and by raising $246.3 million in gross proceeds from the sale of our common stock. The latter transaction was effected through a common stock rights offering, along with an investment by GS Direct, L.L.C., an affiliate of Goldman Sachs. We intend to use such proceeds for general corporate purposes and to fund our growth.

        As a result of the downturn in the residential housing market, in fiscal 2008, we exited substantially all of the operating activities of our Installation Services segment.

Electronic Information and Communication Systems

        We specialize in advanced electronic information and communication systems for defense, aerospace, civil, industrial, and commercial applications domestically and in certain international markets. We design, manufacture, sell and provide logistical support for aircraft communication systems, radar, air traffic management, information and command and control systems, identification friend or foe equipment, Integrated Homeland Security Systems and custom, mixed-signal, application specific integrated circuits. We are a leading supplier of airborne maritime surveillance radar and aircraft intercommunication management systems, the segment's two largest product lines. In addition to the traditional defense products used predominantly by the United States Government, in recent years we have adapted our core technologies to products used in international markets and have expanded our presence in both non-defense government and commercial markets.

Garage Doors

        We believe that our Clopay Building Products Company is the largest manufacturer and marketer of residential garage doors and among the largest manufacturers of commercial sectional doors in the United States. Our building products are sold under the Clopay®, Ideal Door® and Holmes® brand names through an extensive distribution network throughout the United States. We estimate that the majority of Garage Doors' net sales are from sales of garage doors to the home remodeling segment of the residential housing market, with the balance from the new residential housing and commercial building markets.

Specialty Plastic Films

        Clopay Plastic Products Company develops and produces specialty plastic films and laminates for a variety of hygienic, health care and industrial uses in domestic and certain international markets. Specialty Plastic Films' products include thin gauge embossed and printed films, elastomeric films and laminates of film and non-woven fabrics. These products are used primarily as moisture barriers in disposable infant diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene products, as protective barriers in single-use surgical and industrial gowns, drapes and equipment covers, as packaging for hygienic products, house wrap and other products.

        Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Jericho Quadrangle, Jericho, New York 11753, and our telephone number is (516) 938-5544.

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RISK FACTORS

        Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus and under similar headings in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also significantly impair our business operations.


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, including statements regarding our financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of our management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the factors identified in the applicable prospectus supplement under "Risk Factors" and in our SEC filings under "Risk Factors" and including, but not limited to:

        Such statements reflect our views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity of Griffon. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the last five fiscal years and the three months ended December 31, 2008. We have not included a ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends because we had no preferred stock outstanding.

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Three
months
ended
December 31,
2008
 
 
  Year ended September 30,  
 
  2004   2005   2006   2007   2008  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    5.3x     4.3x     4.1x     2.7x     1.2x     2.2x  


USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities under this prospectus for general corporate purposes and to fund our growth. Pending the application of the net proceeds, we intend to invest the net proceeds in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

        We have authority to issue 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.25 per share. As of December 31, 2008, we had no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

General

        Under our restated certificate of incorporation, our Board of Directors is authorized generally without stockholder approval to issue shares of preferred stock from time to time, in one or more classes or series. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our Board of Directors is required by Delaware law to adopt resolutions and file a certificate of designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The certificate of designation fixes for each class or series the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Any shares of preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.

        For any series of preferred stock that we may issue, our Board of Directors will determine and the prospectus supplement relating to such series will describe:

        Delaware law provides that the holders of preferred stock will have the right to vote separately as a class (or, in some cases, as a series) on an amendment to our restated certificate of incorporation if the amendment would change the par value or, unless the restated certificate of incorporation then in effect provided otherwise, the number of authorized shares of such class or change the powers, preferences or special rights of such class or series so as to adversely affect the class or series, as the

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case may be. This right is in addition to any voting rights that may be provided for in the applicable certificate of designation.

        Our Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. In addition, our Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or which holders might believe to be in their best interest.

Ranking

        Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will rank, with respect to dividends and upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up:

        The term "equity securities" does not include convertible debt securities.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for any series or class of preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

        The following is a general description of the terms of the depositary shares we may issue from time to time unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement. Particular terms of any depositary shares we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such depositary shares.

General

        We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than single shares of preferred stock (to be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock). In the event we elect to do so, depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares may be issued.

        The shares of any class or series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement among us, a depositary selected by us and the holders of the depositary receipts. The depositary will be a bank or trust company having such criteria as we deem necessary or appropriate. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by such depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the shares of preferred stock represented by the depositary share, including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights.

        The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of the related class or series of preferred shares in accordance with the terms of the offering described in the related prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

        The following is a general description of the terms of the warrants we may issue from time to time unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement. Particular terms of any warrants we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such warrants.

General Terms

        We may issue warrants to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units. Warrants may be issued independently or together with other securities and may be attached or separate from such securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

        A prospectus supplement will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants we may issue, including the following:

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        We and the warrant agent may amend or supplement the warrant agreement for a series of warrants without the consent of the holders of the warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

Exercise of Warrants

        Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such preferred stock, depositary shares or units at the exercise price or such principal amount of debt securities as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement beginning on the date specified therein and continuing until the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

        Upon receipt of payment and a warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants represented by such warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.

        Prior to exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including, in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the right to receive principal, premium, if any, or interest payments, on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture or, in the case of warrants to purchase preferred stock or depositary shares, the right to receive dividends, if any, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise any voting rights.

Governing Law

        The warrants and warrant agreements will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

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DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

        The following is a general description of the terms of the rights we may issue from time to time unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement. Particular terms of any rights we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such rights.

General

        We may issue rights to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units. Rights may be issued independently or together with other securities and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering to our stockholders, we may enter into a standby underwriting, backstop or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. In connection with a rights offering to our stockholders, we would distribute certificates evidencing the rights and a prospectus supplement to our stockholders on or about the record date that we set for receiving rights in such rights offering.

        The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of any rights we may issue, including the following:

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Exercise of Rights

        Each right will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such principal amount of securities or shares of stock at the subscription price as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the rights offered thereby. Rights may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement beginning on the date specified therein and continuing until the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the rights offered thereby. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised rights will become void.

        Upon receipt of payment and a subscription certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the rights represented by such subscription certificate are exercised, a new subscription certificate will be issued for the remaining rights. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the rights may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for rights.

        We may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to stockholders, persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting, backstop or other arrangements, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Prior to exercising their rights, holders of rights will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon subscription, including, in the case of rights to purchase debt securities, the right to receive principal, premium, if any, or interest payments, on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture or, in the case of rights to purchase preferred stock or depositary shares, the right to receive dividends, if any, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise any voting rights.

Governing Law

        The rights and subscription certificates will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        The following is a general description of the terms of debt securities we may issue from time to time unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement. Particular terms of any debt securities we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities.

        As required by Federal law for all bonds and notes of companies that are publicly offered, any debt securities we issue will be governed by a document called an "indenture." An indenture is a contract between us and a financial institution acting as trustee on behalf of the holders of the debt securities, and is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce holders' rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on holders' behalf, described in the second paragraph under "Description of Debt Securities—Events of Default." Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties, such as sending interest and principal payments to holders.

        Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of any debt securities we may issue or the indenture governing any such debt securities. Particular terms of any debt securities we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities, and we urge you to read the applicable indenture, which will be filed with the SEC at the time of any offering of debt securities, because it, and not this description, will define the rights of holders of such debt securities.

        A prospectus supplement will describe the particular terms of any series of debt securities we may issue, including the following:

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        The debt securities may be secured or unsecured obligations. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, principal, interest and premium, if any, will be paid by us in immediately available funds.

General

        The indenture may provide that any debt securities proposed to be sold under this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities ("offered debt securities") and any debt securities issuable upon the exercise of warrants or upon conversion or exchange of other offered securities ("underlying debt securities") may be issued under the indenture in one or more series.

        For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, debt securities will include additional amounts if required by the terms of the debt securities.

        Debt securities issued under an indenture, when a single trustee is acting for all debt securities issued under the indenture, are called the "indenture securities." The indenture may also provide that there may be more than one trustee thereunder, each with respect to one or more different series of securities issued thereunder. See "Description of Debt Securities—Resignation of Trustee" below. At a time when two or more trustees are acting under an indenture, each with respect to only certain series, the term "indenture securities" means the one or more series of debt securities with respect to which each respective trustee is acting. In the event that there is more than one trustee under an indenture, the powers and trust obligations of each trustee described in this prospectus will extend only to the one or more series of indenture securities for which it is trustee. If two or more trustees are acting under an indenture, then the indenture securities for which each trustee is acting would be treated as if issued under separate indentures.

        We refer you to the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any debt securities we may issue from time to time for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection, that will be applicable with respect to such debt securities.

        We have the ability to issue indenture securities with terms different from those of indenture securities previously issued and, without the consent of the holders thereof, to reopen a previous issue of a series of indenture securities and issue additional indenture securities of that series unless the reopening was restricted when that series was created.

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Conversion and Exchange

        If any debt securities are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, the related prospectus supplement will explain the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio (or the calculation method), the conversion or exchange period (or how the period will be determined), if conversion or exchange will be mandatory or at the option of the holder or us, provisions for adjusting the conversion price or the exchange ratio and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of the underlying debt securities. These terms may also include provisions under which the number or amount of other securities to be received by the holders of the debt securities upon conversion or exchange would be calculated according to the market price of the other securities as of a time stated in the prospectus supplement.

Payment and Paying Agents

        We will pay interest to the person listed in the applicable trustee's records as the owner of the debt security at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if that person no longer owns the debt security on the interest due date. That day, often approximately two weeks in advance of the interest due date, is called the "record date." Because we will pay all the interest for an interest period to the holders on the record date, holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between themselves the appropriate purchase price. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the debt securities to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period. This prorated interest amount is called "accrued interest."

Guarantees

        The payment obligations of Griffon under any series of debt securities may be jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Clopay Building Products Company, Inc., Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. and/or Telephonics Corporation, subject to restrictions in credit agreements and other agreements to which they are party. If a series of debt securities is so guaranteed, the relevant guarantors will execute a notation of guarantee as further evidence of their guarantee, and the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any such guarantee.

        The obligations of any guarantor under its guarantee of the debt securities will be limited to the maximum amount that will not result in the obligations of the guarantor under its guarantee constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under Federal or state law, after giving effect to:

        The guarantee of any guarantor may be released under certain circumstances. If no default has occurred and is continuing under the relevant indenture, and to the extent not otherwise prohibited by the indenture, a guarantor will be unconditionally released and discharged from the guarantee:

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Events of Default

        Holders of debt securities of any series will have rights if an Event of Default occurs in respect of the debt securities of such series and is not cured, as described later in this subsection.

        The term "Event of Default" in respect of the debt securities of any series means any of the following:

        An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt securities issued under the same or any other indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default, except in the payment of principal, premium or interest, if it considers the withholding of notice to be in the best interests of the holders.

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs

        If an Event of Default has occurred and has not been cured or waived, the trustee or the holders of not less than 331/3% in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. A declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series if the default is cured or waived and certain other conditions are satisfied.

        Except in cases of default, where the trustee has some special duties, the trustee typically is not required to take any action under an indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from expenses and liability (called an "indemnity"). If reasonable indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. The trustee may refuse to follow those directions in certain circumstances.

        Before a holder is allowed to bypass the trustee and bring its own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce its rights or protect its interests relating to any debt securities, the following must occur:

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        However, a holder is entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on its debt securities on or after the due date.

        Each year, we will furnish to each trustee a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the indenture and the debt securities, or else specifying any default.

Waiver of Default

        The holders of a majority in principal amount of the relevant series of debt securities may waive a default for all such series of debt securities. If this happens, the default will be treated as if it had not occurred. No one can waive a payment default on a holder's debt security, however, without the holder's approval.

Merger or Consolidation

        Under the terms of an indenture, we may be permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We may also be permitted to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. However, typically we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met:

Modification or Waiver

        There are three types of changes we may make to an indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder.

Changes Requiring Approval

        First, there are changes that we cannot make to debt securities without specific approval of all of the holders. The following is a list of the types of changes that may require specific approval:

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Changes Not Requiring Approval

        The second type of change does not require any vote by the holders of the debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the outstanding debt securities in any material respect, including the addition of covenants and guarantees. We also do not need any approval to make any change that affects only debt securities to be issued under the indenture after the change takes effect.

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

        Any other change to the indenture and the debt securities may require the following approval:

        In each case, the required approval must be given by written consent.

        The holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series of debt securities issued under an indenture, voting together as one class for this purpose, may waive our compliance obligations with respect to some of our covenants in that indenture. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or of any of the matters covered by the bullet points included above under "Description of Debt Securities—Modification or Waiver—Changes Requiring Approval."

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Further Details Concerning Voting

        When taking a vote, we expect to use the following rules to decide how much principal to attribute to a debt security:

        Debt securities will not be considered outstanding, and therefore not eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust money for their payment or redemption. Debt securities will also not be eligible to vote if they have been fully defeased as described later under "Description of Debt Securities—Defeasance—Legal Defeasance."

        We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding indenture securities that are entitled to vote or take other action under the indenture. If we set a record date for a vote or other action to be taken by holders of one or more series, that vote or action may be taken only by persons who are holders of outstanding indenture securities of those series on the record date and must be taken within eleven months following the record date.

        Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or the debt securities or request a waiver.

Defeasance

        The following provisions will be applicable to each series of debt securities unless we state in the applicable prospectus supplement that the provisions of covenant defeasance and legal defeasance will not be applicable to that series.

Covenant Defeasance

        We can make the deposit described below and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the indenture under which the particular series was issued. This is called "covenant defeasance." In that event, the holders would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and government securities set aside in trust to repay holders' debt securities. If applicable, a holder also would be released from the subordination provisions described under "Description of Debt Securities—Indenture Provisions—Subordination" below. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

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        If we accomplish covenant defeasance, holders can still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit or the trustee is prevented from making payment. In fact, if one of the remaining Events of Default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities became immediately due and payable, there might be a shortfall. Depending on the event causing the default, holders may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.

Legal Defeasance

        As described below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations on the debt securities of a particular series (called "legal defeasance"), without causing the holders to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than absent the release (1) if there is a change in U.S. Federal tax law and (2) if we put in place the following other arrangements for holders to be repaid:

        If we ever did accomplish legal defeasance, as described above, holders would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. Holders could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever became bankrupt or insolvent. If applicable, holders would also be released from the subordination provisions described later under "Description of Debt Securities—Indenture Provisions—Subordination."

Resignation of Trustee

        Each trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of indenture securities provided that a successor trustee is appointed to act with respect to such series. In the event that two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of indenture securities under the indenture, each of the trustees will be a trustee of a trust separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee.

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Indenture Provisions—Subordination

        Upon any distribution of our assets upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on any indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities is to be subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, but our obligation to holders to make payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such subordinated debt securities will not otherwise be affected. In addition, no payment on account of principal (or premium, if any), interest or sinking fund, if any, may be made on such subordinated debt securities at any time unless full payment of all amounts due in respect of the principal (and premium, if any), interest and sinking fund, if any, on Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money or money's worth.

        In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment from us is received by the trustee in respect of subordinated debt securities or by the holders of any of such subordinated debt securities before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, the payment or distribution must be paid over to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness or on their behalf for application to the payment of all the Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all the Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness. Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the holders of such subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness to the extent of payments made to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness out of the distributive share of such subordinated debt securities.

        By reason of this subordination, in the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, certain of our senior creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of any subordinated debt securities. The related indenture will provide that these subordination provisions will not apply to money and securities held in trust under the defeasance provisions of the indenture.

        "Senior Indebtedness" will be defined in an applicable indenture as the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on:

        The prospectus supplement accompanying any series of indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities will set forth the approximate amount of our Senior Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.

Trustee

        We intend to name the indenture trustee for each series of indenture securities in the related prospectus supplement.

Certain Considerations Relating to Foreign Currencies

        Debt securities denominated or payable in foreign currencies may entail significant risks. These risks include the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets, the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls and potential illiquidity in the secondary market. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved and will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

        The following is a general description of the terms of the units we may issue from time to time unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement. Particular terms of any units we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such units.

General

        We may issue units consisting of preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights and/or debt securities in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit may be issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

        We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of units, including the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately, the relevant provisions of any agreement governing the units and any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units.

        The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under "Description of Preferred Stock," "Description of Depositary Shares," "Description of Warrants," "Description of Rights" and "Description of Debt Securities" will apply to each unit and to any preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights and debt securities included in each unit, respectively.

Governing Law

        The units and any unit agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

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BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, securities will be issued in the form of one or more global certificates, or "global securities," registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the depositary will be The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. DTC has informed us that its nominee will be Cede & Co. Accordingly, we expect Cede & Co. to be the initial registered holder of all securities that are issued in global form. No person that acquires a beneficial interest in those securities will be entitled to receive a certificate representing that person's interest in the securities except as described herein or in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless and until definitive securities are issued under the limited circumstances described below, all references to actions by holders of securities issued in global form will refer to actions taken by DTC upon instructions from its participants, and all references to payments and notices to holders will refer to payments and notices to DTC or Cede & Co., as the registered holder of these securities.

        DTC has informed us that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues and money market instruments that DTC's participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among DTC's participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between DTC's participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. DTC's participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, or DTCC. DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. The DTC rules applicable to its participants are on file with the SEC.

        Persons that are not participants or indirect participants but desire to purchase, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of, or other interests in, securities may do so only through participants and indirect participants. Under a book-entry format, holders may experience some delay in their receipt of payments, as such payments will be forwarded by our designated agent to Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC. DTC will forward such payments to its participants, who will then forward them to indirect participants or holders. Holders will not be recognized by the relevant registrar, transfer agent, trustee, warrant agent, depositary or unit agent as registered holders of the securities entitled to the benefits of our restated certificate of incorporation or the applicable indenture, warrant agreement, deposit agreement, unit agreement or guarantee. Beneficial owners that are not participants will be permitted to exercise their rights only indirectly through and according to the procedures of participants and, if applicable, indirect participants.

        Under the rules, regulations and procedures creating and affecting DTC and its operations as currently in effect, DTC will be required to make book-entry transfers of securities among participants and to receive and transmit payments to participants. DTC rules require participants and indirect participants with which beneficial securities owners have accounts to make book-entry transfers and receive and transmit payments on behalf of their respective account holders.

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        Because DTC can act only on behalf of

the ability of a beneficial owner of securities issued in global form to pledge such securities to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system may be limited due to the unavailability of physical certificates for these securities.

        DTC has advised us that DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by a registered holder of any securities under our restated certificate of incorporation or the relevant indenture, deposit agreement, warrant agreement or unit agreement only at the direction of one or more participants to whose accounts with DTC such securities are credited.

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, a global security will be exchangeable for the relevant definitive securities registered in the names of persons other than DTC or its nominee only if:

Any global security that is exchangeable under the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for securities registered in such names as DTC directs.

        Upon the occurrence of any event described in the preceding paragraph, DTC is generally required to notify all participants of the availability of definitive securities. Upon DTC surrendering the global security representing the securities and delivery of instructions for re-registration, the registrar, transfer agent, trustee, warrant agent, depositary and/or unit agent, as the case may be, will reissue the securities as definitive securities, and then such persons will recognize the holders of such definitive securities as registered holders of securities entitled to the benefits of our restated certificate of incorporation or the relevant indenture, deposit agreement, warrant agreement and/or unit agreement.

        Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co. as the registered holder of the global securities. If less than all of a series of securities are being redeemed, DTC will determine the amount of the interest of each direct participant to be redeemed in accordance with its then current procedures.

        Except as described above, the global security may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or to a successor depositary we appoint. Except as described above, DTC may not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise convey any beneficial interest in a global security evidencing all or part of any securities unless the beneficial interest is in an amount equal to an authorized denomination for these securities.

        The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be accurate, but we assume no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. None of Griffon, any registrar and transfer agent, trustee, any warrant agent, depositary or unit agent,

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or any agent of any of them, will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC's or any participant's records relating to, or for payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a global security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests.

        Secondary trading in notes and debentures of corporate issuers is generally settled in clearing-house or next-day funds. In contrast, beneficial interests in a global security, in some cases, may trade in the DTC's same-day funds settlement system, in which secondary market trading activity in those beneficial interests would be required by DTC to settle in immediately available funds. There is no assurance as to the effect, if any, that settlement in immediately available funds would have on trading activity in such beneficial interests. Also, settlement for purchases of beneficial interests in a global security upon the original issuance of this security may be required to be made in immediately available funds.

Considerations Relating to Euroclear and Clearstream

        Euroclear and Clearstream are securities clearing systems in Europe. Both systems clear and settle securities transactions between their participants through electronic, book-entry delivery of securities against payment.

        Euroclear and Clearstream may be depositaries for a global security. In addition, if DTC is the depositary for a global security, Euroclear and Clearstream may hold interests in the global security as participants in DTC. As long as any global security is held by Euroclear or Clearstream, as depositary, you may hold an interest in the global security only through an organization that participates, directly or indirectly, in Euroclear or Clearstream. If Euroclear or Clearstream is the depositary for a global security and there is no depositary in the United States, you will not be able to hold interests in that global security through any securities clearance system in the United States. Payments, deliveries, transfers, exchanges, notices and other matters relating to the securities made through Euroclear or Clearstream must comply with the rules and procedures of those systems. Those clearing systems could change their rules and procedures at any time. Griffon does not have control over those systems or their participants and assumes no responsibility for their activities. Transactions between participants in Euroclear or Clearstream, on one hand, and participants in DTC, on the other hand, when DTC is the depositary, would also be subject to DTC's rules and procedures.

Special Timing Considerations for Transactions in Euroclear and Clearstream

        Investors will be able to make and receive through Euroclear and Clearstream payments, deliveries, transfers, exchanges, notices and other transactions involving any securities held through those clearing systems only on days when those systems are open for business. These clearing systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions are open for business in the United States.

        In addition, because of time-zone differences, U.S. investors who hold their interests in the securities through these clearing systems and wish to transfer their interests, or to receive or make a payment or delivery or exercise any other right with respect to their interests, on a particular day may find that the transaction will not be effected until the next business day in Luxembourg or Brussels, as applicable. Thus, investors who wish to exercise rights that expire on a particular day may need to act before the expiration date. In addition, investors who hold their interests through both DTC and Euroclear or Clearstream may need to make special arrangements to finance any purchases or sales of their interests between the U.S. and European clearing systems, and those transactions may settle later than would be the case for transactions within one clearing system.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may sell the securities in any of three ways (or in any combination): (a) to or through underwriters or dealers; (b) directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser; or (c) through agents. The securities may be sold "at-the-market" to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market for the securities, on an exchange or otherwise. The prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of such securities, including:

        Any offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

        If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own accounts and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Generally, the underwriters' obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities.

        In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the maximum compensation to the underwriters or dealers in connection with the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus and the accompanying supplement to this prospectus may not exceed 8% of the aggregate offering price of the securities as set forth on the cover page of any prospectus supplement.

        We may sell the securities through agents from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and any commissions we pay to them. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

        We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for soliciting these contracts.

        Agents and underwriters may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

        We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the

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applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). We or one of our affiliates may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus or otherwise.


LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Dechert LLP, New York, New York. Martin Nussbaum, a partner of Dechert LLP, owns 20,000 shares of our common stock.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedules and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants (which report on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules expressed an unqualified opinion and contains explanatory paragraphs related to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, effective October 1, 2007, and the adoption of the recognition and disclosure provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 158, Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans: an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R), effective September 30, 2007), upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.


INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

        We "incorporate by reference" certain documents that we have filed with the SEC into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference our:

        We incorporate by reference the documents listed above and any future filings made by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this prospectus and the termination of the offering of securities described in this prospectus; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, unless specifically stated to the contrary, none of the information that is not deemed "filed" with the SEC, including information furnished under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K, will be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus.

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        You may obtain documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Griffon Corporation
Attention: Patrick L. Alesia, Chief Financial Officer
100 Jericho Quadrangle
Jericho, New York 11753
(516) 938-5544

        Any statements contained in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus (or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated by reference in this prospectus) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this prospectus except as so modified or superseded.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We make periodic filings and other filings required to be filed by us as a reporting company under sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov that contains the reports, proxy and information statements, and other information that we file with the SEC. Also visit us at www.griffoncorp.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated into this prospectus and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

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PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 
  Amount to be Paid  

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

  $ 16,740  

Listing fees

    (1 )

Blue sky qualification fees and expenses

    (1 )

Printing and engraving expenses

    (1 )

Legal fees and expenses

    (1 )

Accounting fees and expenses

    (1 )

Transfer agent and registrar fees

    (1 )

Trust fees and expenses

    (1 )

Ration agency fees

       

Miscellaneous

    (1 )
       

Total

  $ (1 )
       

(1)
These fees will be dependent on the type of securities offered and number of offerings and, therefore, cannot be estimated at this time. In accordance with Rule 430B, additional information regarding estimated fees and expenses will be provided at the time information as to an offering is included in a prospectus supplement.

ITEM 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

        Our policy and amended bylaws provide that all directors, officers, employees and agents of the registrant shall be entitled to be indemnified by us to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Under Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation law, we are permitted to offer indemnification to our directors, officers, employees and agents.

        Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law concerning indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents is set forth below.

        "Section 145. Indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents; insurance.

        (a)   A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person's conduct was unlawful.

        (b)   A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a

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director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

        (c)   To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

        (d)   Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.

        (e)   Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate.

        (f)    The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person's official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

        (g)   A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under this section.

        (h)   For purposes of this section, references to "the corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was

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a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

        (i)    For purposes of this section, references to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as referred to in this section.

        (j)    The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

        (k)   The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporation's obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys' fees)."

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers, and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person in a successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to the court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        Article V, Section 4 of our amended bylaws provides:

        "The corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or an agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, suit or proceeding, to the fullest extent and in the manner set forth in and permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as from time to time in effect, and any other applicable law, as from time to time in effect. Such right of indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of each such person.

        The foregoing provisions of this Article shall be deemed to be a contract between the corporation and each director, officer, employee or agent who serves in such capacity at any time while this Article, and the relevant provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and other applicable law, if any, are in effect, and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any rights or

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obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts then or theretofore existing or any action, suit or proceeding theretofore or thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part upon any such state of facts."

Item 16.    Exhibits.

        The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein.

Exhibit Number   Description
  1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement
  3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1995 (Commission File No. 1-06620) and Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-06620)
  3.2   Amended Bylaws of Registrant, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 14, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-06620)
  4.1   Specimen Certificate for Shares of Common Stock of Registrant, hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed September 26, 2003 (Registration No. 333-109171)
  4.2   Specimen Preferred Stock Certificate
  4.3   Form of Deposit Agreement
  4.4   Form of Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.3)
  4.5   Form of Warrant Agreement
  4.6   Form of Warrant Certificate
  4.7   Form of Rights Certificate
  4.8   Form of Indenture*
  4.9   Form of Debt Security*
  4.10   Form of Unit Certificate
  4.11   Form of Unit Agreement*
  5.1   Opinion of Dechert LLP
  12.1   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
  23.1   Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
  23.2   Consent of Dechert LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
  24.1   Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages hereto)
  25.1   Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1*

*
To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a report filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 17.    Undertakings.

        (a)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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        (b)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

        (c)   In the event that rights or warrants are to be offered to existing security holders and any securities not taken by the security holders are to be offered to the public, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

        (d)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        (e)   If and when applicable, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the Trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of such Act.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jericho, State of New York, on March 30, 2009.

  GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

By:

 

/s/ RONALD J. KRAMER

Name:  Ronald J. Kramer
Title:    
Chief Executive Officer


POWER OF ATTORNEY

        Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Ronald J. Kramer and Patrick L. Alesia, and each of them, with full power of substitution, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent to do any and all acts and things in his name and on his behalf in his capacity indicated below which they or either of them may deem necessary or advisable to enable Griffon Corporation to comply with the Securities Act of 1933 and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with this Registration Statement including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for him in his name in the capacities stated below, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RONALD J. KRAMER

Ronald J. Kramer
  Chief Executive Officer
(
Principal Executive Officer)
  March 30, 2009

/s/ PATRICK L. ALESIA

Patrick L. Alesia

 

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Secretary
(
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ HARVEY R. BLAU

Harvey R. Blau

 

Chairman of the Board

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ HENRY A. ALPERT

Henry A. Alpert

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

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Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ BERTRAND J. BELL

Bertrand J. Bell
  Director   March 30, 2009

/s/ GERALD J. CARDINALE

Gerald J. Cardinale

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ BLAINE V. FOGG

Blaine V. Fogg

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ BRADLEY J. GROSS

Bradley J. Gross

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ ROBERT HARRISON

Robert Harrison

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ CLARENCE A. HILL, JR.

Clarence A. Hill, Jr.

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ DONALD J. KUTYNA

Donald J. Kutyna

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ JAMES A. MITAROTONDA

James A. Mitarotonda

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ MARTIN S. SUSSMAN

Martin S. Sussman

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ WILLIAM H. WALDORF

William H. Waldorf

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ JOSEPH J. WHALEN

Joseph J. Whalen

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jericho, State of New York, on March 30, 2009.

    CLOPAY BUILDING PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ STEVEN M. LYNCH

        Name:   Steven M. Lynch
        Title:   President

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ STEVEN M. LYNCH

Steven M. Lynch
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  March 30, 2009

/s/ JOEL EBERLEIN

Joel Eberlein

 

Vice President, Finance
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ EUGENE C. COLLERAN

Eugene C. Colleran

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ FRANKLIN H. SMITH

Franklin H. Smith

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jericho, State of New York, on March 30, 2009.

    CLOPAY PLASTIC PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ GARY A. ABYAD

        Name:   Gary A. Abyad
        Title:   President

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ GARY A. ABYAD

Gary A. Abyad
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  March 30, 2009

/s/ PATRICK T. SCHAFER

Patrick T. Schafer

 

Vice President, Global Finance
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ EUGENE C. COLLERAN

Eugene C. Colleran

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ FRANKLIN H. SMITH

Franklin H. Smith

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jericho, State of New York, on March 30, 2009.

    TELEPHONICS CORPORATION

 

 

By:

 

/s/ JOSEPH BATTAGLIA

        Name:   Joseph Battaglia
        Title:   President

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ JOSEPH BATTAGLIA

Joseph Battaglia
  Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  March 30, 2009

/s/ DONALD PASTOR

Donald Pastor

 

Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ PATRICK L. ALESIA

Patrick L. Alesia

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

/s/ RONALD J. KRAMER

Ronald J. Kramer

 

Director

 

March 30, 2009

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Exhibit 1.1

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

MASTER UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

           , 20  

 

[Name and Address of Representative]

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes from time to time to enter into one or more Pricing Agreements (each a “Pricing Agreement”) in the form of Annex I and Annex II hereto, with such additions and deletions as the parties thereto may determine, and, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and therein, to issue and sell to the firm or firms named in Schedule I to the applicable Pricing Agreement (such firm or firms constituting the “Underwriters” with respect to such Pricing Agreement and the securities specified therein) certain of the Company’s debt securities or equity securities (the “Securities”) specified in Schedule II to such Pricing Agreement and having the terms described in Exhibit A thereto (such Securities, as so specified in such Pricing Agreement, being herein sometimes referred to as the “Designated Securities”) and the Designated Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters being herein sometimes referred to as “Underwriters’ Securities”).

 

The terms and rights of any particular issuance of Designated Securities shall be as specified in the Pricing Agreement relating thereto and, in the case of debt securities, in or pursuant to the indenture dated as of [       ] (such indenture, together with any applicable indentures supplemental thereto, being herein referred to as the “Indenture”) between the Company and [       ], as Trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

A registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. [333-       ]) (the “Registration Statement”) in respect of the Securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).

 

The various parts of the Registration Statement, including all exhibits thereto, but excluding Form T-1, and, if applicable, including information (“Rule 430A Information”), if any, deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), each as amended at the time such part became effective; any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Act is referred to as the “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement” and after such filing the term “Registration Statement” shall include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement.

 

Any reference herein to the term “Preliminary Prospectus” shall be deemed to refer to the prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it became effective together with any prospectus or supplement relating to a particular series of Designated Securities filed thereafter with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act that is or is deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement and that omits any Rule 430B Information (as defined below).

 



 

Any reference herein to the term “Statutory Prospectus” shall be deemed to refer to the Preliminary Prospectus relating to a particular series of Designated Securities that is or is deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement immediately prior to the Time of Sale (as defined below) (including the prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it became effective).

 

Any reference herein to the term “Final Prospectus” shall be deemed to refer to the prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time it became effective together with any prospectus or supplement relating to a particular series of Designated Securities that is or is deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement at effectiveness and that includes Rule 430B Information in the form in which it is first filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act.

 

Any reference herein to the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Statutory Prospectus or the Final Prospectus shall be deemed to include the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the Act, as of the effective date of the Registration Statement or the date of such Preliminary Prospectus, Statutory Prospectus or Final Prospectus, as the case may be, as well as any documents filed after the effective date of the Registration Statement or the date of such Preliminary Prospectus, Statutory Prospectus or Final Prospectus, as the case may be, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and so incorporated by reference.

 

Any information included in the Final Prospectus that was omitted from the Registration Statement at the time it became effective but that is deemed to be part of and included in the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430B under the Act is hereinafter referred to as the “Rule 430B Information.”

 

1.                                       Particular sales of Designated Securities may be made from time to time to the Underwriters of such Securities, for whom [      ] will act as representative (the “Representative”). The term “Representative” also refers to [       ] when it constitutes the sole Underwriter. This Underwriting Agreement shall not be construed as an obligation of the Company to sell any of the Securities or as an obligation of any of the Underwriters to purchase the Securities. The obligation of the Company to issue and sell any of the Securities and the obligation of any of the Underwriters to purchase any of the Securities shall be evidenced by the Pricing Agreement with respect to the Designated Securities specified therein. Each Pricing Agreement shall state the aggregate principal amount or the aggregate number of shares, as the case may be, of such Designated Securities, the initial public offering price of such Designated Securities, the purchase price to the Underwriters of such Designated Securities, the names of the Underwriters of such Designated Securities, the principal amount or the aggregate number of shares, as the case may be, of such Designated Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter and the commission payable to the Underwriters with respect thereto, and shall set forth the date, time and manner of delivery of such Designated Securities and payment therefor. The Pricing Agreement shall also specify (to the extent not set forth in the Registration Statement or the General Disclosure Package (defined below) with respect thereto and the Indenture) the terms of such Designated Securities. A Pricing Agreement shall be in the form of an executed writing (which may be in counterparts), and may be evidenced by an exchange of facsimile transmissions. Each Pricing Agreement shall be deemed to be an agreement by the Company and

 

2



 

the Underwriters to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. The obligations of the Underwriters under this Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be several and not joint.

 

The Company acknowledges and agrees that each of the Underwriters is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Company with respect to the offering of any Designated Securities contemplated hereby (including in connection with determining the terms of the offering) and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Company or any other person. Additionally, neither the Representative nor any other Underwriter is advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether the Representative or such Underwriter has advised or is advising the Company on other matters). The Underwriters advise the Company that the Underwriters and their affiliates are engaged in a broad range of securities and financial services and that they or their affiliates may enter into contractual relationships with purchasers or potential purchasers of the Company’s securities and that some of these services or relationships may involve interests that differ from those of the Company and need not be disclosed to the Company, unless otherwise required by law. The Company has consulted with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and the Underwriters shall have no responsibility or liability to the Company or any other person with respect thereto. Any review by the Underwriters of the Company, the transactions contemplated hereby or other matters relating to such transactions will be performed solely for the benefit of the Underwriters and shall not be on behalf of the Company. The Company waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims it may have against the Underwriters for breach of fiduciary duty or alleged breach of fiduciary duty and agrees that the Underwriters shall have no liability (whether direct or indirect) to the Company in respect of such a fiduciary duty claim or to any person asserting a fiduciary duty claim on behalf of or in right of the Company, including stockholders, employees or creditors of the Company.

 

2.                                       The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:

 

(a)                                  The Registration Statement has been filed with the Commission in the form heretofore delivered to the Representative, and such registration statement in such form has been declared effective by the Commission; and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated by the Commission;

 

(b)                                 Other than any Preliminary Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, and any document not constituting a prospectus pursuant to Section 2(a)(10)(a) of the Act or Rule 134 under the Act, the Company (including its agents and representatives, other than Underwriters in their capacity as such) has not prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or referred to and will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Act) that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any Designated Securities required to be filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (each such communication by the Company or its agents and representatives being referred to herein as a “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”) without the Underwriters’ consent, other than a final term

 

3



 

sheet reflecting the final terms of the Designated Securities which is attached as Exhibit A to the Pricing Agreement (the “Final Term Sheet”) and other written communications approved in writing in advance by the Representative (being referred to herein as a “Specified Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”);

 

(c)                                  (i) At the respective times the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto became effective, at each deemed effective date with respect to the Underwriters pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(2) under the Act and at the Time of Delivery (as defined below), the Registration Statement complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations under the Act; (ii) the Statutory Prospectus and the Final Prospectus complied when filed with the Commission in all material respects with the rules and regulations under the Act; (iii) the documents incorporated by reference in the Statutory Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, when they were filed with the Commission, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference, when they are filed with the Commission, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; and (iv) each Specified Issuer Free Writing Prospectus complied in all material respects with the Act and has been filed or will be filed in accordance with the Act (to the extent required thereby);

 

(d)                                 (i) At the respective times the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto became effective, at each deemed effective date with respect to the Underwriters pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(2) under the Act, the Registration Statement did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) as of the time when sales of the Designated Securities were first made (the “Time of Sale”), the Statutory Prospectus, the Final Term Sheet and any other Specified Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure Package”) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and (iii) as of its date and at the Time of Delivery, the Final Prospectus did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representative expressly for use in the General Disclosure Package or in the Final Prospectus relating to such Designated Securities;

 

(e)                                  Each Specified Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the completion of the public offer and sale of the Designated Securities or until any earlier date that the Company notified or notifies the Representative, did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Final Prospectus; the electronic roadshow, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, as of the Time of Sale, did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact

 

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necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

 

(f)                                    The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has the corporate power and authority, and has all licenses, permits, orders and other governmental and regulatory approvals, to own or lease its properties and conduct its business in the jurisdictions in which such business is transacted as described in the General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus with only such exceptions as are not material to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as a whole;

 

(g)                                 This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of the Company; upon execution and delivery of each Pricing Agreement by the Company, such Pricing Agreement shall have been duly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of the Company and, when executed and delivered by the Representative, will be a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company in accordance with its terms; on the date of each Pricing Agreement with respect to the Designated Securities covered thereby, such Designated Securities shall be duly authorized, and, with respect to debt securities, if any, when such Designated Securities are authenticated as contemplated by the Indenture and issued and delivered in accordance with this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement applicable to such Designated Securities, will have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company in accordance with their terms and will be entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture, which will be substantially in the form included as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; and the Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company, and, as executed and delivered by the Company and the Trustee, constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument of the Company in accordance with its terms except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law;

 

(h)                                 There is no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or any regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company which is required for, and the absence of which would materially affect, the issue and sale of any Designated Securities as contemplated by this Agreement, or the execution, delivery or performance of the Indenture, except the registration under the Act of the Securities, the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under the securities or Blue Sky laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the public offering of the Securities by the Underwriters;

 

(i)                                     Grant Thornton LLP, who have certified certain of the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Statutory Prospectus and the Final Prospectus, is, to the best knowledge of the Company, an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company as required by the Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States); and

 

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(j)                                     (i) At the time of filing the Registration Statement, (ii) at the time of the most recent amendment thereto for the purposes of complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the Act (whether such amendment was by post-effective amendment, incorporated report filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or form of prospectus), and (iii) at the time the Company or any person acting on its behalf (within the meaning, for this clause only, of Rule 163(c)) made any offer relating to the Securities in reliance on the exemption of Rule 163 under the Act, the Company was not an “ineligible issuer” as defined in Rule 405 of the Act.

 

3.                                       Upon the execution of the Pricing Agreement applicable to any Designated Securities and authorization by the Representative of the release of the Underwriters’ Securities, the several Underwriters propose to offer the Underwriters’ Securities for sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in the General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus and, in connection with such offer or the sale of such Designated Securities, will use the General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, together with any amendment or supplement thereto, that specifically describes such Designated Securities, in the form which has been most recently distributed to them by the Company, only as permitted or contemplated thereby, and will offer and sell such Designated Securities only as permitted by the Act and the applicable securities laws or regulations of any jurisdiction. The Representative will use its best efforts to inform the Company when it has authorized the sale of the Underwriters’ Securities to the public and when it has been advised that such Underwriters’ Securities have been sold by the several Underwriters within a reasonable period of time after such sales are completed.

 

4.                                       Underwriters’ Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter pursuant to the Pricing Agreement relating thereto shall be delivered (to the extent practicable) in the form of one or more global securities, or if so specified in such Pricing Agreement in definitive form, by the Company to the Representative, for the account of such Underwriter, against payment of the purchase price therefor by such Underwriter or on its behalf, by wire or internal bank transfer to an account specified by the Company, in the funds specified in such Pricing Agreement, all at the place and time and date specified in such Pricing Agreement or at such other place and time and date as the Representative and the Company may agree upon in writing, such time and date being herein called the “Time of Delivery” for such Securities. If any Underwriters’ Securities are to be delivered in definitive form, the Underwriters’ Securities so delivered shall be in such authorized denominations and shall be registered in such name or names as the Representative shall request in writing at least [    ] hours prior to the Time of Delivery. For the purpose of expediting the checking of such Securities by the Representative, the Company agrees to make such Securities available to the Representative not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day next preceding the Time of Delivery at the offices of the Representative designated in Section 11 hereof. If any Underwriters’ Securities are to be delivered in global form, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Pricing Agreement, the Underwriters’ Securities as delivered shall be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (the “Depository”) and registered in the name of the Depository’s nominee.

 

5.                                       The Company agrees with each of the Underwriters of any Designated Securities:

 

(a)                                  To make no amendment or any supplement to the Registration Statement or the Final Prospectus after the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities and prior to the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities prior to having

 

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furnished the Representative with a copy of the proposed form thereof and given the Representative a reasonable opportunity to review the same; to file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of the Final Prospectus and for so long as the delivery of a prospectus is required by law in connection with the offering or sale of such Designated Securities, and during such same period to advise the Representative, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or become effective or any supplement to the Final Prospectus or any amended Final Prospectus has been filed or electronically transmitted for filing, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission, of the suspension of the qualification of such Designated Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement or the Final Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any such stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to such Designated Securities or suspending any such qualification, to use promptly its best efforts to obtain its withdrawal;

 

(b)                                 Promptly from time to time to take such action as the Representative may reasonably request in order to qualify such Designated Securities for offering and sale under the securities laws of such states as the Representative may request and to continue such qualifications in effect so long as necessary under such laws for the distribution of such Designated Securities, provided that in connection therewith the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation to do business, or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction, and provided further that the expense of maintaining any such qualification more than one year from the date of the Pricing Agreement with respect to such Designated Securities shall be at the expense of the Underwriters;

 

(c)                                  To furnish the Underwriters with copies of the Registration Statement (excluding exhibits) and copies of the Final Prospectus in such quantities as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request; and if, before a period of six months shall have elapsed after the date of the Pricing Agreement applicable to such Designated Securities and the delivery of a prospectus shall be at the time required by law in connection with sales of any such Designated Securities or would be required but for Rule 172 under the Act, either (i) any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Final Prospectus would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or (ii) for any other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or supplement the Final Prospectus or to file under the Exchange Act any document incorporated by reference into the Final Prospectus in order to comply with the Act or the Exchange Act, to notify the Representative and upon its request to file such document and to prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter and to any dealer participating in the distribution of such Designated Securities as many copies as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request of an amendment or a supplement to the Final Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance; and in case any Underwriter is required by law to deliver a prospectus in connection with sales of any of such Designated Securities or would be required but for Rule 172 under the Act at any time six months or more after the date of such Pricing Agreement, upon the request of the Representative, but at the expense of such Underwriter, to

 

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prepare and deliver to such Underwriter as many copies as the Representative may request of an amended or supplemented prospectus complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the Act;

 

(d)                                 To make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than eighteen months after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as such date is defined in Rule 158(c) under the Act), an earnings statement of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries complying with Rule 158 under the Act and covering a period of at least twelve consecutive months beginning after such effective date;

 

(e)                                  During a period of five years from the date of the Pricing Agreement applicable to such Designated Securities, to furnish to the Representative copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to security holders, and to deliver to the Representative, during such same period, (i) as soon as they are available, copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange on which any of the Securities or any class of securities of the Company is listed, provided that such filings shall be considered furnished to the Representatives for purposes of this section upon filing on the Commission’s IDEA website, and (ii) such additional information concerning the business and financial condition of the Company as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request (such financial statements to be on a consolidated basis to the extent that the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries are consolidated in reports furnished to its security holders generally or to the Commission);

 

(f)                                    To pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including the cost of all qualifications of such Designated Securities under state securities laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters in connection with such qualifications and with legal investment surveys) up to a maximum of $[     ], any fees of rating agencies with respect to the Securities and the cost of printing this Agreement and each Pricing Agreement (it being understood that, except as provided in this subsection (f) and in Section 10 hereof, the Underwriters will pay all of their own costs and expenses, including the cost of printing any Agreement among Underwriters, the fees of their counsel, transfer taxes on resale of any of such Designated Securities by them and any advertising expenses connected with any offers that they may make);

 

(g)                                 To comply with the requirements of Rule 433 under the Act applicable to any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in such rule, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping;

 

(h)                                 If any time prior to the Time of Delivery (i) any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the General Disclosure Package would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package to comply with law, to immediately notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph 5(a) above, file with the Commission (to the extent required) and to furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representative may designate, such amendments or supplements to the General Disclosure Package as may be necessary so that the statements in the General Disclosure Package as so

 

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amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances, be misleading or so that the General Disclosure Package will comply with law; and

 

(i)                                     Except for the final term sheet, a form of which is attached to the Pricing Agreement as Exhibit A thereto, each Underwriter severally agrees and covenants with the Company not to take any action that would result in the Company being required to file with the Commission under Rule 433(d) under the Act, a free writing prospectus or Company information prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that otherwise would not be required to be filed by the Company thereunder, but for the action of such Underwriter.

 

6.                                       The obligations of the Underwriters of any Designated Securities under the Pricing Agreement applicable to such Designated Securities shall be subject, in the discretion of the Representative, to the condition that all representations and warranties and other statements of the Company herein are, at and as of the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, true and correct, the condition that the Company shall have performed all of its obligations hereunder theretofore to be performed, in all material respects, and the following additional conditions:

 

(a)                                  No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued by the Commission; the Statutory Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto and each Specified Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been timely filed with the Commission under the Act (in the case of a Specified Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Act); and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with or otherwise satisfied;

 

(b)                                 Dechert LLP, counsel to the Company, or other counsel satisfactory to the Representative, in its reasonable judgment, shall have furnished to the Underwriters a written opinion and negative assurance letter, dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, in form satisfactory to the Representative in its reasonable judgment, to the effect of Exhibit A-1 and A-2 hereto, respectively;

 

(c)                                  [     ], counsel to the Underwriters, shall have furnished to the Representative its written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, in form satisfactory to the Representative in its reasonable judgment, to the effect of Exhibit B-1 and B-2 hereto, respectively;

 

(d)                                 (A) At the time of execution of the applicable Pricing Agreement, the Representative shall have received a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative in its reasonable judgment, from Grant Thornton LLP, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the General Disclosure Package; and (B) at the Time of Delivery, the Representative shall have received from Grant Thornton LLP a letter, dated as of the Time of Delivery, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (A) of this paragraph (d), except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three business days prior to the Time of Delivery, and

 

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such letter shall contain statements and information with respect to certain financial information contained in the Final Prospectus;

 

(e)                                  Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, there shall not have occurred any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting particularly the business or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as a whole, or any material adverse change in the financial position or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as a whole, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, which in any such case makes it impracticable or inadvisable in the reasonable judgment of the Representative to proceed with the public offering, sale or the delivery of the Designated Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Final Prospectus;

 

(f)                                    Since the time of execution of the Pricing Agreement applicable to the Designated Securities, the United States shall not have become engaged in hostilities which have resulted in the declaration of a national emergency or a declaration of war, which makes it impracticable or inadvisable in the reasonable judgment of the Representative to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Designated Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Final Prospectus; and

 

(g)                                 The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Representative, at the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, certificates in form satisfactory to the Representative in its reasonable judgment to the effect that:

 

(i)                                     The representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement are true and correct on and as of such Time of Delivery as though made at and as of such Time of Delivery;

 

(ii)                                  The Company has duly performed, in all material respects, all obligations required to be performed by it pursuant to the terms of this Agreement at or prior to such Time of Delivery;

 

(iii)                               No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated by the Commission; the Statutory Prospectus, the Final Prospectus and each Specified Issuer Free Writing Prospectus have been timely filed with the Commission under the Act (in the case of a Specified Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Act), and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission have been complied with or otherwise satisfied;

 

(iv)                              At the Time of Sale (which may be assumed to be the date of the Pricing Agreement) relating to the Designated Securities, the Registration Statement did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and

 

(v)                                 At the Time of Sale (which may be assumed to be the date of the Pricing Agreement) relating to the Designated Securities and at the Time of Delivery, each of the

 

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General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

 

provided, however, that no such certificate shall apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter through the Representative expressly for use therein.

 

In the case of debt securities, the obligations of the Company and the Underwriters of any Designated Securities under the Pricing Agreement applicable to such Designated Securities are subject to the additional condition that there shall have been furnished to the Company and such Underwriters, at the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, such certificates of officers as shall, in the reasonable judgment of the Representative, be appropriate to indicate that the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee.

 

7.                                       (a)           The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter of the applicable Designated Securities against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such Underwriter may become subject with respect to such Designated Securities, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the Registration Statement, including the Rule 430B Information, the General Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, the Final Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto with respect to such Designated Securities, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse each such Underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Underwriter in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any of such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representative expressly for use therein.

 

The indemnity agreement in this subsection (a) shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act.

 

(b)                                 Each Underwriter of the applicable Designated Securities will indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company may become subject with respect to such Designated Securities, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the Registration Statement, including the Rule 430B Information, the General Disclosure Package, the Final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto with respect to such Designated Securities, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements

 

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therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in any of such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter through the Representative expressly for use therein; and will reimburse the Company for any legal fees or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.

 

The indemnity agreement in this subsection (b) shall be in addition to any liability which the Underwriters may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer and director of the Company and to each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Act.

 

(c)                                  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of written notice of the commencement of any action such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof, and in the event that such indemnified party shall not so notify the indemnifying party within 30 days following receipt of any such notice by such indemnified party, the indemnifying party shall have no further liability under such subsection to such indemnified party unless such indemnifying party shall have received other notice addressed and delivered in the manner provided in the second paragraph of Section 11 hereof of the commencement of such action; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under such subsection. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party, and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein, and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party in its reasonable judgment, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.

 

(d)                                 If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable to an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters of the Designated Securities on the other from the offering of the Designated Securities to which such loss, claim, damage or liability (or action in respect thereof) relates. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters of the Designated Securities on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand

 

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and such Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from such offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Final Prospectus with respect to such Designated Securities. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or such Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the applicable Designated Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The obligations of the Underwriters of Designated Securities in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations with respect to such Securities and not joint.

 

8.                                       If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the Underwriters’ Securities which it has agreed to purchase under the Pricing Agreement applicable to such Securities, the Representative may in its discretion arrange for itself or for another party or other parties to purchase such Underwriters’ Securities on the terms contained herein. If within 36 hours after such default by any Underwriter the Representative does not arrange for the purchase of such Underwriters’ Securities, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of 36 hours within which to procure another party or other parties to purchase such Underwriters’ Securities on such terms. In the event that, within the respective prescribed periods, the Representative notifies the Company that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Underwriters’ Securities, or the Company notifies the Representative that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Underwriters’ Securities, the Representative or the Company, respectively, shall have the right to postpone the Time of Delivery for such Underwriters’ Securities for a period of not more than seven days in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Final Prospectus, or any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Final Prospectus which in the opinion of counsel to the Representative and counsel to the Company may thereby be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section with like effect as if it had originally been a party to the Pricing Agreement with respect to such Designated Securities. In the event that neither the Representative nor the Company arrange for

 

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another party or parties to purchase such Underwriters’ Securities as provided in this Section, the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase and pay for the Underwriters’ Securities which such non-defaulting Underwriter agreed to purchase under the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities and, in addition, to require each such non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the Underwriters’ Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters shall have so failed to purchase up to an amount thereof equal to 10% of the principal amount or aggregate number of shares, as the case may be, of the Underwriters’ Securities which such non-defaulting Underwriter has otherwise agreed to purchase under the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities.  Nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

 

9.                                       The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Underwriters and the Company hereunder, as set forth in this Agreement or made by them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation (or any statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company or any of its officers or directors or any controlling person, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Designated Securities.

 

10.                                 If any Pricing Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Section 8 hereof, or if any Designated Securities are not delivered by the Company because the condition set forth either in the last paragraph of Section 6 or in Section 6(g) has not been met, then the Company shall be under no liability to any Underwriter with respect to the Designated Securities covered by such Pricing Agreement except as provided in Section 5(f) and Section 7 hereof; but if for any other reason any Designated Securities are not delivered by the Company as provided herein, the Company will be liable to reimburse the Underwriters, through the Representative, for all out-of-pocket expenses, including counsel fees and disbursements, as approved in writing by the Representative, reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of such Designated Securities, but the Company shall then have no further liability to any Underwriter with respect to such Designated Securities except as provided in Section 5(f) and Section 7 hereof.

 

11.                                 In all dealings with the Company under this Agreement and each Pricing Agreement, the Representative shall act on behalf of each of such Underwriters, and the Company shall be entitled to act and rely upon any statement, request, notice or agreement on behalf of any Underwriter made or given by the Representative.

 

Any statement, request, notice or agreement hereunder shall be sufficiently given to the Company when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery, upon confirmation of receipt if delivered by facsimile or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Representative), as follows:

 

Griffon Corporation

100 Jericho Quadrangle

Jericho, New York 11753

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

Facsimile:  (516) 938-5644

 

14



 

with a copy to:

 

Dechert LLP

1095 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

Attn: Martin Nussbaum

Facsimile:  (212) 698-3599

 

Any statement, request, notice or agreement hereunder shall be sufficiently given to the Representative or the Underwriters when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery, upon confirmation of receipt if delivered by facsimile or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Representative), at the address or facsimile number set forth in the questionnaire completed by the Underwriters.

 

12.                                 This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Underwriters and the Company, and to the extent provided in Section 7 and Section 9 hereof, the officers and directors of the Company and any person who controls any Underwriter or the Company, and their respective personal representatives, successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement or any such Pricing Agreement. No purchaser of any of the Designated Securities from any Underwriter shall be construed a successor or assign by reason merely of such purchase.

 

13.                                 Time shall be of the essence of each Pricing Agreement.

 

14.                                 This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

15.                                 This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement may be executed by each of the parties hereto and thereto in any number of counterparts, and by each of the parties hereto and thereto on separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

15



 

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us a counterpart hereof, whereupon this letter and your acceptance hereof shall constitute a binding agreement.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

 

 

[NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

16



 

ANNEX I

 

PRICING AGREEMENT FOR DEBT SECURITIES

 

[Name of Representative]

 

 

as Representative of the Several

 

 

Underwriters named in Schedule 1 hereto

 

 

[Address of Representative]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[                        ,] 20  

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and in the Master Underwriting Agreement dated [          ], (the “Underwriting Agreement”) among the Company and [          ] (the “Representative”) to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “Underwriters”) on the terms specified in Schedule II hereto the Securities specified in Exhibit A hereto (the “Designated Securities”). Except to the extent amended hereby, each of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this Pricing Agreement to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein; and each of the representations and warranties set forth therein shall be deemed to have been made at and as of the date of this Pricing Agreement. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Underwriting Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the time and place and at the purchase price to the Underwriters set forth in Schedule II hereto, the principal amount of Designated Securities set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto.

 

The Company represents and warrants to each of the Underwriters that, at the time the Indenture was first filed with the Commission it was, and at all times thereafter the Indenture has been and will be, duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), and when Indenture was first filed with the Commission it conformed, and at all times thereafter has conformed and will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us a counterpart hereof, and upon acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof, including the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute a binding agreement between each of the Underwriters and the Company. You represent that you are authorized on behalf of yourselves and each of the Underwriters to enter into this Pricing Agreement.

 

17



 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

 

 

On behalf of itself and the other Underwriters

 

 

 

[REPRESENTATIVE]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

18


 

SCHEDULE I TO PRICING AGREEMENT

 

Underwriters

 

Principal
Amount of
Designated
Securities to be
Purchased

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

 

 

 

19



 

SCHEDULE II TO PRICING AGREEMENT

 

Title of Designated Securities:

 

[                ]

 

Aggregate principal amount:

 

$[       ]

 

Denominations:

 

[$     ] [$     ] [$      ]

 

Price to Public:

 

[     ]% of the principal amount of the Underwriters’ Securities, plus accrued interest from [     ] to [     ] [and accrued amortization, if any, from [     ] to [     ]]

 

Purchase Price by Underwriters:

 

[     ]% of the principal amount of the Underwriters’ Securities, plus accrued interest from [     ] to [     ] [and accrued amortization, if any, from [     ] to [     ]]

 

Maturity:

 

Interest Rate:

 

[     %] [Zero Coupon] [See Floating Rate Provisions]

 

Interest Payment Dates:

 

[months and dates]

 

Redemption Provisions:

 

[No redemption provisions]

 

[The Designated Securities may be redeemed, [otherwise than through the sinking fund,] in whole or in part at the option of the Company, in the amount of $[     ] or an integral multiple thereof, [          ] [on or after [          ], at the following redemption prices (expressed in percentages of principal amount). If [redeemed on or before [          ], [          ]%, and if] redeemed during the 12-month period beginning [          ],

 

Year

 

Redemption Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and thereafter at 100% of their principal amount, together in each case with accrued interest to the redemption date.]

 

20



 

[on any interest payment date falling on or after [          ], at the election of the Company, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.]

 

[Other possible redemption provisions, such as mandatory redemption upon occurrence of certain events or redemption for changes in tax law]

 

[Restriction on refunding]

 

Sinking Fund Provisions:

 

[No sinking fund provisions]

 

[The Designated Securities are entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund to retire $[          ] principal amount of Designated Securities on [          ] in each of the years [           ] through [           ] at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest] [, together with [cumulative] [non-cumulative] redemptions at the option of the Company to retire an additional $ principal amount of Designated Securities in the years [          ] through [          ] at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest.]

 

[If Designated Securities are Extendable Debt

Securities, insert—

 

Extendable Provisions:

 

The Designated Securities are repayable on [          ], at the option of the holder, at their principal amount with accrued interest. The initial annual interest rate will be [     ]%, and thereafter the annual interest rate will be adjusted on [          ], and [          ]  to a rate not less than [     ]% of the effective annual interest rate on [          ] obligations with [          ] year maturities as of the [interest date 15 days prior to maturity date] prior to such [insert maturity date].]

 

[If Designated Securities are Floating Rate Debt

Securities, insert—

 

Floating Rate Provisions:

 

The initial annual interest rate will be [          ]% through [          ] [and thereafter will be adjusted [monthly] [on each [          ], and ] [to an annual rate of [          ]% above the average rate for -year [-month] [securities] [certificates of deposit] by and [insert names of banks].] [and the annual interest rate [thereafter] [from [          ] through [         ]] will be the interest yield equivalent of the weekly average per annum market discount rate for -month Treasury bills plus [     ]% of the Interest Differential (the excess, if any, of (i) the then-current weekly average per annum secondary market yield for -month certificates of deposit over (ii) the then-current interest yield equivalent of the weekly average per annum market discount rate for -month Treasury bills); [from and thereafter the rate will be the then-current interest yield equivalent plus [          ]% of the Interest Differential].]

 

21



 

Time of Delivery:

 

[          ]

 

Closing Location:

 

[          ]

 

[Additional Representations and Warranties:

 

In addition to the representations and warranties included in the Underwriting Agreement, the Company hereby represents and warrant to, and agrees with, the Underwriters that: ]

 

[Additional Covenants:

 

In addition to the covenants included in the Underwriting Agreement, the Company hereby covenants and agrees with each Underwriter that: ]

 

Funds in which Underwriters to make Payment:

 

[Immediately available funds] [[New York] Clearing House funds]

 

[Additional Comfort Procedures:]

 

[Other Terms:]

 

22



 

EXHIBIT A TO PRICING AGREEMENT

 

Materials other than the Statutory Prospectus that comprise the General Disclosure Package:

 

Term Sheet, dated [                        ]

 

Issuer:

 

Griffon Corporation

 

 

 

Size:

 

 

 

 

 

Maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade Date:

 

 

 

 

 

[Initial Interest Determination Date:]

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Settlement Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Price to Public:

 

 

 

 

 

[Proceeds (Before Expenses) to Issuer]:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Payment [and Reset] Dates:

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriters:

 

 

 

The issuer has filed a registration statement, including a prospectus and a preliminary prospectus supplement, with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and the preliminary prospectus supplement in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting IDEA on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus and the preliminary prospectus supplement (or, if available, the prospectus supplement) if you request it by calling 516-938-5544.

 

23


 

ANNEX II

 

PRICING AGREEMENT FOR EQUITY SECURITIES

 

[Name of Representative]

 

 

as Representative of the Several
Underwriters named in Schedule 1 hereto

 

 

[Address of Representative]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[                        ,] 20

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and in the Master Underwriting Agreement dated [          ], (the “Underwriting Agreement”) among the Company and [          ] (the “Representative”) to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (the “Underwriters”) on the terms specified in Schedule II hereto the Securities specified in Exhibit A hereto (the “Designated Securities”). Except to the extent amended hereby, each of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this Pricing Agreement to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein; and each of the representations and warranties set forth therein shall be deemed to have been made at and as of the date of this Pricing Agreement. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Underwriting Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the time and place and at the purchase price to the Underwriters set forth in Schedule II hereto, the aggregate number of shares of Designated Securities set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto attributable to such Underwriter.

 

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us a counterpart hereof, and upon acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof, including the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute a binding agreement between each of the Underwriters and the Company. You represent that you are authorized on behalf of yourselves and each of the Underwriters to enter into this Pricing Agreement.

 

24



 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

 

 

 

 

On behalf of itself and the other Underwriters

 

 

 

 

 

[REPRESENTATIVE]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

25



 

SCHEDULE I TO PRICING AGREEMENT

 

Underwriters

 

Number of
Designated
Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

 

 

 

26



 

SCHEDULE II TO PRICING AGREEMENT

 

Title of Designated Securities:

 

[                ]

 

Number of Securities:

 

Firm Securities:

 

[To the extent the Underwriters sell more than [          ] securities, the Underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional [          ] securities (the “Option Securities”) from the Company at the Purchase Price (as defined below). In the event and to the extent that the Underwriters shall exercise the election to purchase Option Securities, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the Purchase Price, that portion of the amount of Option Securities as to which such election shall have been exercised, determined by multiplying such amount of Option Securities by a fraction, the numerator of which is the maximum amount of Option Securities which such Underwriter is entitled to purchase as set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I to this Agreement and the denominator of which is the maximum amount of Option Securities which all of the Underwriters are entitled to purchase hereunder. ]

 

Purchase Price by the Underwriters:

 

$ [          ] per security (the “Purchase Price”).

 

Price to the Public:

 

$[          ]

 

Time of Delivery:

 

[          ]

 

Closing Location:

 

[          ]

 

Additional Representations and Warranties:

 

In addition to the representations and warranties included in the Underwriting Agreement, the Company hereby represents and warrant to, and agrees with, the Underwriters that:

 

(i)                                     The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Final Prospectus; all of the issued shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and conform to the description thereof contained in the Final Prospectus.

 

27



 

[Additional Covenants:

 

In addition to the covenants included in the Underwriting Agreement, the Company hereby covenants and agrees with each Underwriter that: ]

 

Lock-up:

 

[Additional Comfort Procedures:]

 

[Other Terms:]

 

28



 

EXHIBIT A TO PRICING AGREEMENT

 

Materials other than the Statutory Prospectus that comprise the General Disclosure Package:

 

Term Sheet, dated [                        ]

 

Issuer:

 

Griffon Corporation

 

 

 

Title of Security:

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Securities to be Sold:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Issue Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Settlement Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Price to Public:

 

 

 

 

 

[Proceeds (Before Expenses) to Issuer]:

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriters:

 

 

 

The issuer has filed a registration statement, including a prospectus and a preliminary prospectus supplement, with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and the preliminary prospectus supplement in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting IDEA on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus and the preliminary prospectus supplement (or, if available, the prospectus supplement) if you request it by calling 516-938-5544.

 

29




Exhibit 4.2

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

[SERIES       ] PREFERRED STOCK

 

SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, THIS CERTIFIES THAT                             IS THE OWNER OF                         SHARES OF [SERIES         ]PREFERRED STOCK, PAR VALUE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS ($.25) PER SHARE, OF GRIFFON CORPORATION (hereinafter called the “Company”) transferable on the books of the Company in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this Certificate, properly endorsed.  This Certificate and the shares represented hereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended Bylaws of the Company and the amendments from time to time made thereto and the Certificate of Designation related to the [Series     ] Preferred Stock, copies of which are or will be on file at the principal office of the Company, to all of which the holder by acceptance hereof assents.

 

WITNESS the facsimile seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEAL

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board/President

 

 

Treasurer/Secretary

 



 

(REVERSE OF STOCK CERTIFICATE)

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

The Company will furnish to any shareholder upon request and without charge a full statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, options or other special rights, of each class of stock or series thereof, authorized to be issued and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences or rights, so far as the same have been fixed, and the authority of the Board of Directors of the Company to designate and fix the relative rights, preferences and limitations of other series.

 

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN CON —

 

as tenants in common

 

UNIF GIFT MIN ACT–           Custodian        

 

 

TEN ENT —

 

as tenants by the entireties

 

 

(Cust)

(Minor)

 

 

JT TEN —

 

as joint tenants with right of

 

under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act              

 

 

 

 

survivorship and not as tenants

 

 

(State)

 

 

 

 

in common

 

 

 

 

 

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

 

For value received,                         hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

 

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE.

 

 

 

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)

 

 

 

shares of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint

 

Attorney

to transfer said stock on the books of the within named Company with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER.

 

Signature(s) Guaranteed:

 

 

 

THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE

GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND

LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN

AN APPROVED SIGNATURE MEDALLION PROGRAM), PURSUANT TO

S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.

 




Exhibit 4.3

 

FORM OF DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

 

among

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION,

 

[           ],
as Depositary,

 

and

 

HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

 


 

DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

 


 

Dated as of [        ]

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF STOCK, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER, SURRENDER, REDEMPTION AND CONVERSION OF RECEIPTS

3

 

 

 

 

Section 2.1.

 

Form and Transfer of Receipts

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.2.

 

Temporary Receipts

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.3.

 

Deposit of Stock; Execution and Delivery of Receipts in Respect Thereof

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.4.

 

Redemption and Conversion of Stock

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.5.

 

Register of Transfer of Receipts

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.6.

 

Combination and Split-ups of Receipts

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.7.

 

Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Stock

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.8.

 

Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, Split-up, Combination, Surrender and Exchange of Receipts and Withdrawal or Deposit of Stock

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.9.

 

Lost Receipts, etc

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.10.

 

Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts

9

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE III

CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS OF RECEIPTS AND THE COMPANY

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.1.

 

Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.2.

 

Payment of Taxes or Other Governmental Charges

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.3.

 

Withholding

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.4.

 

Representations and Warranties as to Stock

10

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

THE STOCK, NOTICES

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.1.

 

Cash Distributions

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.2.

 

Distributions Other Than Cash

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.3.

 

Subscription Rights, Preferences or Privileges

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.4.

 

Notice of Dividends, Fixing of Record Date for Holders of Receipts

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.5.

 

Voting Rights

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.6.

 

Changes Affecting Stock and Reclassifications, Recapitalizations, etc

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.7.

 

Reports

13

 

i



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.8.

 

Lists of Receipt Holders

13

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE V

THE DEPOSITARY, THE DEPOSITARY’S AGENTS, THE REGISTRAR AND THE COMPANY

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.1.

 

Maintenance of Offices, Agencies, Transfer Books by the Depositary; the Registrar

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.2.

 

Prevention or Delay in Performance by the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar or the Company

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.3.

 

Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar and the Company

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.4.

 

Resignation and Removal of the Depositary, Appointment of Successor Depositary

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.5.

 

Corporate Notices and Reports

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.6.

 

Deposit of Stock by the Company

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.7.

 

Indemnification by the Company

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.8.

 

Fees, Charges and Expenses

17

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.1.

 

Amendment

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.2.

 

Termination

18

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.1.

 

Counterparts

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.2.

 

Exclusive Benefits of Parties

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.3.

 

Invalidity of Provisions

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.4.

 

Notices

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.5.

 

Depositary’s Agents

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.6.

 

Holders of Receipts Are Parties

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.7.

 

Governing Law

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7.8.

 

Headings

21

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

 

A-1

 

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DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

 

DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, dated as of [         ], among Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, [         ], a [         ] banking corporation, as Depositary, and all holders from time to time of Receipts issued hereunder.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide as hereinafter set forth in this Deposit Agreement, for the deposit of shares of Stock with the Depositary, as agent for the beneficial owners of the Stock, for the purposes set forth in this Deposit Agreement and for the issuance hereunder of the Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares representing an interest in the Stock so deposited; and

 

WHEREAS, the Receipts are to be substantially in the form annexed as Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein, it is agreed by and among the parties hereto as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

The following definitions shall apply to the respective terms (in the singular and plural forms of such terms) used in this Deposit Agreement and the Receipts:

 

Certificate of Incorporation” shall mean the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and restated from time to time, of the Company.

 

Certificate of Designation” shall mean the Certificate of Designation establishing and setting forth the rights, preferences, privileges and limitations of the Stock.

 

Company” shall mean Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its successors.

 

Corporate Office” shall mean the office of the Depositary in [          ], at which at any particular time its business in respect of matters governed by this Deposit Agreement shall be administered, which at the date of this Deposit Agreement is located at [         ].

 

Deposit Agreement” shall mean this agreement, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

Depositary” shall mean [          ], as Depositary hereunder, and any successor as Depositary hereunder.

 



 

Depositary Share” shall mean the rights evidenced by the Receipts executed and delivered hereunder, including the interests in Stock granted to holders of Receipts pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement.  Each Depositary Share shall represent an interest in [             ] of a share of Stock deposited with the Depositary hereunder and the same proportionate interest in any and all other property received by the Depositary in respect of such share of Stock and held under this Deposit Agreement.  Subject to the terms of this Deposit Agreement, each record holder of a Receipt evidencing a Depositary Share or Shares is entitled, proportionately, to all the rights, preferences and privileges of the Stock represented by such Depositary Share or Shares, including the dividend, voting and liquidation rights contained in the Certificate of Designation, and to the benefits of all obligations and duties of the Company in respect of the Stock under the Certificate of Designation and the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Depositary’s Agent” shall mean an agent appointed by the Depositary as provided, and for the purposes specified, in Section 7.5.

 

[Local] Office” shall mean the facility maintained by the Depositary in [        ] for accepting, executing and delivering Receipts and other instruments prior to processing such instruments at the Corporate Office, which facility at the date of this Deposit Agreement is located at [         ].

 

Receipt” shall mean a Depositary Receipt executed and delivered hereunder, in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing a Depositary Share or Depositary Shares, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

record holder” or “holder” as applied to a Receipt shall mean the person in whose name a Receipt is registered on the books maintained by or on behalf of the Depositary for such purpose.

 

Registrar” shall mean any bank or trust company appointed to register ownership and transfers of Receipts as herein provided.

 

Securities” shall mean any security issuable upon conversion or exchange of shares of Stock.

 

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Stock” shall mean shares of the Company’s Series [     ] Preferred Stock, par value $0.25 per share.

 

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ARTICLE II

 

FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF STOCK,
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER, SURRENDER,
REDEMPTION AND CONVERSION OF RECEIPTS

 

Section 2.1.                                   Form and Transfer of Receipts.

 

Receipts shall be engraved, typewritten, printed or lithographed and shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided.  Receipts shall be executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary; provided, however, that such signature may be a facsimile if a Registrar (other than the Depositary) shall have countersigned the Receipts by manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Registrar.  No Receipt shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless it shall have been executed as provided in the preceding sentence.  The Depositary shall record on its books each Receipt executed as provided above and delivered as hereinafter provided.  Receipts bearing the facsimile signature of anyone who was at any time a duly authorized officer of the Depositary shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding that such officer has ceased to hold such office prior to the delivery of such Receipts.

 

Receipts may be issued in denominations of any number of whole Depositary Shares.  All Receipts shall be dated the date of their execution.

 

Receipts may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Depositary or required to comply with any applicable law or regulation or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange upon which the Stock, the Depositary Shares or the Receipts may be listed or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Receipts are subject by reason of the date of issuance of the Stock or otherwise.

 

Title to any Receipt (and to the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt) that is properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer shall be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument; provided, however, that until transfer of a Receipt shall be registered on the books of the Depositary as provided in Section 2.5, the Depositary may, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, treat the record holder thereof at such time as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distributions of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes.

 

Section 2.2.                                   Temporary Receipts.

 

Pending the preparation of definitive Receipts, the Depositary may, upon written order of the Company, issue temporary Receipts substantially identical to (and entitling the holders thereof to all the rights pertaining to) the definitive Receipts but not in definitive form.  Definitive Receipts will be prepared thereafter without unreasonable delay, and such temporary Receipts will be exchangeable for definitive Receipts at the Company’s expense.

 

Section 2.3.                                   Deposit of Stock; Execution and Delivery of Receipts in Respect Thereof.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Company or any holder of Stock may deposit such Stock under this Deposit Agreement by delivery to the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for the Stock to be deposited, properly endorsed or

 

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accompanied, if required by the Depositary, by a properly executed instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Depositary, together with (a) all such certifications as may be required by the Depositary in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and (b) a written order of the Company or such holder, as the case may be, directing the Depositary to execute and deliver to or upon the written order of the person or persons stated in such order a Receipt or Receipts for the number of Depositary Shares representing such deposited Stock.

 

Upon receipt by the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for Stock to be deposited hereunder, together with the other documents specified above, the Depositary shall, as soon as transfer and registration can be accomplished, present such certificate or certificates to the registrar and transfer agent of the Stock for transfer and registration in the name of the Depositary or its nominee of the Stock being deposited.  Deposited Stock shall be held by the Depositary in an account to be established by the Depositary at the Corporate Office.

 

Upon receipt by the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for Stock to be deposited hereunder, together with the other documents specified above, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall execute and deliver, to or upon the order of the person or persons named in the written order delivered to the Depositary referred to in the first paragraph of this Section 2.3, a Receipt or Receipts for the number of whole Depositary Shares representing the Stock so deposited and registered in such name or names as may be requested by such person or persons.  The Depositary shall execute and deliver such Receipt or Receipts at the [Local] Office, except that, at the request, risk and expense of any person requesting such delivery and for the account of such person, such delivery may be made at such other place as may be designated by such person.  In each case, delivery will be made only upon payment by such person to the Depositary of all taxes and other governmental charges and any fees payable in connection with such deposit and the transfer of the deposited Stock.

 

The Company shall deliver to the Depositary from time to time such quantities of Receipts as the Depositary may request to enable the Depositary to perform its obligations under this Deposit Agreement.

 

Section 2.4.                                   Redemption and Conversion of Stock.  [Include appropriate redemption and conversion terms to the extent Stock is redeemable or convertible.]

 

Whenever the Company shall elect to redeem or be required to convert shares of Stock into Securities in accordance with the Certificate of Designation, it shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Depositary) give the Depositary in its capacity as Depositary not less than [    ] business days’ prior notice of the proposed date of the mailing of a notice of redemption or conversion of Stock and the simultaneous redemption or conversion of the Depositary Shares representing the Stock to be redeemed or converted and of the number of such shares of Stock held by the Depositary to be redeemed or converted.  The Depositary shall, as directed by the Company in writing, mail, first class postage prepaid, notice of the redemption or conversion of Stock and the proposed simultaneous redemption or conversion of the Depositary Shares representing the Stock to be redeemed or converted, not less than [      ] and not more than [     ] days prior to the date fixed for redemption or conversion of such Stock and Depositary Shares, to the record holders of the Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed or converted, at the addresses of such holders as the same appear on the records of the

 

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Depositary; provided, that if the effectiveness of a business combination transaction makes it impracticable to provide at least [    ] days’ notice, the Depositary shall provide such notice as soon as practicable prior to such effectiveness.  Any such notice shall also be published in the same manner as notices of redemption or conversion of Stock are required to be published pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither failure to mail or publish any such notice to one or more such holders nor any defect in any notice shall affect the sufficiency of the proceedings for redemption or conversion.  The Company shall provide the Depositary with such notice, and each such notice shall state: (i) the redemption or conversion date; (ii) the number of Depositary Shares to be redeemed or converted; (iii) if fewer than all the Depositary Shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the number of such Depositary Shares held by such holder to be so redeemed; (iv) in the case of a call for redemption, the call price payable upon redemption and the means of calculating the number of Securities deliverable upon redemption; (v) whether the Company is exercising any option to deliver Securities in lieu of any cash consideration pursuant to the Certificate of Designation and the means of calculating such number of Securities; (vi) the place or places where Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares to be redeemed or converted are to be surrendered for redemption or conversion; (vii) whether the Company is depositing with a bank or trust company on or before the redemption or conversion date, the Securities and cash, if any, payable by the Company and the proposed date of such deposit; (viii) the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends payable per share of Stock to be redeemed or converted to and including such redemption or conversion date, as the case may be; and (ix) that dividends in respect of the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares to be redeemed or converted will cease to accrue on such redemption or conversion date (unless the Company shall default in delivering Securities and cash, if any, at the time and place specified in such notice).  On the date of any such redemption or conversion, the Depositary shall surrender the certificate or certificates held by the Depositary evidencing the number of shares of Stock to be redeemed or converted in the manner specified in the notice of redemption or conversion of Stock provided by the Company pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.  The Depositary shall, thereafter, redeem or convert the number of Depositary Shares representing such redeemed or converted Stock upon the surrender of Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares in the manner provided in the notice sent to record holders of Receipts; provided, that the Depositary shall have received, upon surrendering such certificate or certificates as aforesaid, a sufficient number of Securities to convert or redeem such number of Depositary Shares (including, in the event that the Company elects pursuant to the Certificate of Designation to exercise any option to deliver Securities in lieu of any cash consideration payable on the effectiveness of a business combination transaction, a number of Securities equal to such cash consideration (as determined in the manner set forth in the Certificate of Designation), plus any accrued and unpaid dividends payable with respect thereto to and including the date of any such redemption or conversion and any other cash consideration payable on the effectiveness of a business combination transaction (other than any dividends or other cash consideration payable on the effectiveness of a business combination transaction that the Company has elected to pay in Securities pursuant to the Certificate of Designation) as instructed and calculated by the Company.  In case fewer than all the outstanding Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed shall be selected by the Depositary by lot or on a pro rata basis.

 

Notice having been mailed by the Depositary as aforesaid, from and after the redemption or conversion date (unless the Company shall have failed to redeem or convert the shares of Stock to be redeemed or converted by it upon the surrender of the certificate or

 

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certificates therefor by the Depositary as described in the preceding paragraph), the Depositary Shares called for redemption or subject to conversion shall be deemed no longer to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (except the right to receive the Securities and cash, if any, payable upon redemption or conversion upon surrender of such Receipts) shall, to the extent of such Depositary Shares, cease and terminate.  Upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Depositary shall so require), such Depositary Shares shall be converted into or redeemed for Securities at a rate equal to [        ] of the number of Securities delivered, and the holders thereof shall be entitled to [         ] of the cash, if any, payable, in respect of the shares of Stock pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.  The foregoing shall be subject further to the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Designation.

 

If fewer than all of the Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt are called for redemption, the Depositary will deliver to the holder of such Receipt upon its surrender to the Depositary, together with the Securities and all accrued and unpaid dividends to and including the date fixed for redemption payable in respect of the Depositary Shares called for redemption, a new Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares evidenced by such prior Receipt and not called for redemption.

 

To the extent that Depositary Shares are converted into or redeemed for Securities and all of such Securities cannot be distributed to the record holders of Receipts converted or called for redemption without creating fractional interests in such Securities, the Depositary may, with the consent of the Company, adopt such method as it deems equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including the sale (at public or private sale) of such Securities at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper, and the net proceeds of any such sale shall, subject to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, be distributed or made available for distribution to such record holders that would otherwise receive fractional interests in such Securities.

 

The Depositary shall not be required (a) to issue, transfer or exchange any Receipts for a period beginning at the opening of business [        ] days next preceding any selection of Depositary Shares and Stock to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of notice of redemption of Depositary Shares or (b) to transfer or exchange for another Receipt any Receipt evidencing Depositary Shares called or being called for redemption, in whole or in part, or subject to conversion except as provided in the second preceding paragraph of this Section 2.4.

 

Any funds deposited by the Company with the Depositary for any Depositary Shares that are not claimed after a period of two years from the date such funds are so deposited will be returned to the Company.

 

Section 2.5.                                   Register of Transfer of Receipts.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall register on its books from time to time transfers of Receipts upon any surrender thereof at the Corporate Office, the [Local] Office or such other office as the Depositary may designate for

 

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such purpose, by the record holder in person or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer, together with evidence of the payment of any transfer taxes as may be required by law.  Upon such surrender, the Depositary shall execute a new Receipt or Receipts and deliver the same to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto evidencing the same aggregate number of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.

 

Section 2.6.    Combination and Split-ups of Receipts.

 

Upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts at the Corporate Office, the [Local] Office or such other office as the Depositary may designate for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of Receipts, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts in the authorized denominations requested evidencing the same aggregate number of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered; provided, however, that the Depositary shall not issue any Receipt evidencing a fractional Depositary Share.

 

Section 2.7.    Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Stock.  [Include applicable restrictions on withdrawal of underlying securities.]

 

Any holder of a Receipt or Receipts may withdraw any or all of the Stock (but only in whole shares of Stock) represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipts (unless the related Depositary Shares have previously been called for redemption) and all money and other property, if any, represented by such Depositary Shares by surrendering such Receipt or Receipts at the Corporate Office, the [Local] Office or at such other office as the Depositary may designate for such withdrawals.  After such surrender, without unreasonable delay, the Depositary shall deliver to such holder, or to the person or persons designated by such holder as hereinafter provided, the whole number of shares of Stock and all such money and other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts so surrendered for withdrawal.  If the Receipt or Receipts delivered by the holder to the Depositary in connection with such withdrawal shall evidence a number of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of whole Depositary Shares representing the whole number of shares of Stock to be withdrawn, the Depositary shall at the same time, in addition to such whole number of shares of Stock and such money and other property, if any, to be withdrawn, deliver to such holder, or (subject to Section 2.5) upon his order, a new Receipt or Receipts evidencing such excess number of whole Depositary Shares; provided, however, that the Depositary shall not issue any Receipt evidencing a fractional Depositary Share.  Delivery of the Stock and such money and other property being withdrawn may be made by the delivery of such certificates, documents of title and other instruments as the Depositary may deem appropriate, which, if required by the Depositary, shall be properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer.

 

If the Stock and the money and other property being withdrawn are to be delivered to a person or persons other than the record holder of the Receipt or Receipts being surrendered for withdrawal of Stock, such holder shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order so directing the Depositary and the Depositary may require that the Receipt or Receipts surrendered by such holder for withdrawal of such shares of Stock be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer in blank and that the

 

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signature on such instrument of transfer be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program) pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Subject to Sections 2.8 and 3.2, the Depositary shall deliver the Stock and the money and other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by Receipts surrendered for withdrawal, without unreasonable delay, at the office at which such Receipts were surrendered, except that, at the request, risk and expense of the holder surrendering such Receipt or Receipts and for the account of the holder thereof, such delivery may be made, without unreasonable delay, at such other place as may be designated by such holder.

 

Section 2.8.    Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, Split-up, Combination, Surrender and Exchange of Receipts and Withdrawal or Deposit of Stock.

 

As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or exchange of any Receipt, the delivery of any distribution thereon or the withdrawal or deposit of Stock, the Depositary, any of the Depositary’s Agents or the Company may require any or all of the following: (a) payment to it of a sum sufficient for the payment (or, in the event that the Depositary or the Company shall have made such payment, the reimbursement to it) of any tax or other governmental charge with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge with respect to the Stock being deposited or withdrawn or with respect to the Securities or property of the Company being issued upon conversion or redemption); (b) production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature; and (c) compliance with such reasonable regulations, if any, as the Depositary or the Company may establish not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.

 

The deposit of Stock may be refused and the delivery of Receipts against Stock or the registration of transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or exchange of outstanding Receipts and the withdrawal of deposited Stock may be suspended (a) during any period when the register of shareholders of the Company is closed, (b) if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary, any of the Depositary’s Agents or the Company at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission, or under any provision of this Deposit Agreement, or (c) with the approval of the Company, for any other reason.  Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any shares of Stock that are required to be registered under the Securities Act unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is in effect as to such shares of Stock.

 

Section 2.9.    Lost Receipts, etc.

 

In case any Receipt shall be mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, the Depositary shall execute and deliver a Receipt of like form and tenor in exchange and substitution for such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt or in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt unless the Depositary has notice that such Receipt has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser; provided, however, that the holder thereof provides the Depositary with (a) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary of such destruction, loss or theft of such Receipt, of the

 

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authenticity thereof and of his ownership thereof, (b) reasonable indemnification satisfactory to the Depositary or the payment of any charges incurred by the Depositary in obtaining insurance in lieu of such indemnification and (c) payment of any expense (including fees, charges and expenses of the Depositary) in connection with such execution and delivery.

 

Section 2.10.  Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts.

 

All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary or any Depositary’s Agent shall be cancelled by the Depositary.  Except as prohibited by applicable law or regulation, the Depositary is authorized to destroy such Receipts so cancelled.

 

ARTICLE III

 

CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS
OF RECEIPTS AND THE COMPANY

 

Section 3.1.    Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information.

 

Any person presenting Stock for deposit or any holder of a Receipt may be required from time to time to file such proof of residence or other information, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties as the Depositary or the Company may reasonably deem necessary or proper or otherwise reasonably request.  The Depositary or the Company may withhold or delay the delivery of any Receipt, the registration of transfer, redemption, conversion or exchange of any Receipt, the withdrawal of the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by any Receipt or the distribution of any dividend or other distribution or the sale of any rights or the proceeds thereof until such proof or other information is filed, such certificates are executed or such representations and warranties are made.

 

Section 3.2.    Payment of Taxes or Other Governmental Charges.

 

If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by or on behalf of the Depositary with respect to (a) any Receipt, (b) the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt, (c) the Stock (or fractional interest therein) or other property represented by such Depositary Shares or (d) any transaction referred to in Section 4.6, such tax (including transfer, issuance or acquisition taxes, if any) or governmental charge shall be payable by the holder of such Receipt, who shall pay the amount thereof to the Depositary.  Until such payment is made, registration of transfer of any Receipt or any split-up or combination thereof or any withdrawal of the Stock or money or other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt may be refused, any dividend or other distribution may be withheld and any part or all of the Stock or other property (including Securities received in connection with a conversion or redemption of Stock) represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt may be sold for the account of the holder thereof (after attempting by reasonable means to notify such holder prior to such sale).  Any dividend or other distribution so withheld and the proceeds of any such sale may be applied to any payment of such tax or other governmental charge, the holder of such Receipt remaining liable for any deficiency.

 

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Section 3.3.    Withholding.

 

The Depositary shall act as the tax withholding agent for any payments, distributions and exchanges made with respect to the Depositary Shares and Receipts, and the Stock and Securities represented thereby.  The Depositary shall be responsible with respect to the Stock and Securities represented thereby for the timely (a) collection and deposit of any required withholding or backup withholding tax, and (b) filing of any information returns or other documents with federal (and other applicable) taxing authorities.

 

Section 3.4.    Representations and Warranties as to Stock.

 

In the case of the initial deposit of the Stock, the Company and, in the case of subsequent deposits thereof, each person so depositing Stock under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that such Stock and each certificate therefor are valid and that the person making such deposit is duly authorized to do so.  Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of the Stock and the issuance of Receipts therefor.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

THE STOCK, NOTICES

 

Section 4.1.    Cash Distributions.

 

Whenever the Depositary shall receive any cash dividend or other cash distribution on the Stock, the Depositary shall, subject to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, distribute to record holders of Receipts on the record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.4 such amounts of such sum as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts held by such holders; provided, however, that in case the Company or the Depositary shall be required by law to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of the Stock an amount on account of taxes or as otherwise required by law, regulation or court process, the amount made available for distribution or distributed in respect of Depositary Shares shall be reduced accordingly.  The Depositary shall distribute or make available for distribution, as the case may be, only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any owner of Depositary Shares a fraction of one cent and any balance not so distributable shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and be treated as part of the next sum received by the Depositary for distribution to record holders of Receipts then outstanding.

 

Section 4.2.    Distributions Other Than Cash.

 

Whenever the Depositary shall receive any distribution other than cash, rights, preferences or privileges upon the Stock, the Depositary shall, subject to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, distribute to record holders of Receipts on the record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.4 such amounts of the securities or property received by it as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts held by such holders, in any manner that the Depositary and the Company may deem equitable and practicable for accomplishing such distribution.  If, in the opinion of the Depositary after consultation with the Company, such distribution cannot be made proportionately among such record holders, or if for

 

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any other reason (including any tax withholding or securities law requirement), the Depositary deems, after consultation with the Company, such distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may, with the approval of the Company, adopt such method as it deems equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including the sale (at public or private sale) of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper.  The net proceeds of any such sale shall, subject to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, be distributed or made available for distribution, as the case may be, by the Depositary to record holders of Receipts as provided by Section 4.1 in the case of a distribution received in cash.

 

Section 4.3.    Subscription Rights, Preferences or Privileges.

 

If the Company shall at any time offer or cause to be offered to the persons in whose names Stock is registered on the books of the Company any rights, preferences or privileges to subscribe for or to purchase any securities or any rights, preferences or privileges of any other nature, such rights, preferences or privileges shall in each such instance be made available by the Depositary to the record holders of Receipts in such manner as the Company shall instruct (including by the issue to such record holders of warrants representing such rights, preferences or privileges); provided, however, that (a) if at the time of issue or offer of any such rights, preferences or privileges the Company determines and instructs the Depositary that it is not lawful or feasible to make such rights, preferences or privileges available to some or all holders of Receipts (by the issue of warrants or otherwise) or (b) if and to the extent instructed by holders of Receipts who do not desire to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges, the Depositary shall then, in each case, and if applicable laws or the terms of such rights, preferences or privileges so permit, sell such rights, preferences or privileges of such holders at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper.  The net proceeds of any such sale shall be distributed by the Depositary to the record holders of Receipts entitled thereto as provided by Section 4.1 in the case of a distribution received in cash.

 

If registration under the Securities Act of the securities to which any rights, preferences or privileges relate is required in order for holders of Receipts to be offered or sold such securities, to the extent necessary, the Company shall promptly file a registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act with respect to such securities and use its reasonable best efforts and take all steps available to it to cause such registration statement to become effective sufficiently in advance of the expiration of such rights, preferences or privileges to enable such holders to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges.  In no event shall the Depositary make available to the holders of Receipts any right, preference or privilege to subscribe for or to purchase any securities unless and until a registration statement shall have become effective or unless the offering and sale of such securities to such holders are exempt from registration under the provisions of the Securities Act.

 

If any other action under the law of any jurisdiction or any governmental or administrative authorization, consent or permit is required in order for such rights, preferences or privileges to be made available to holders of Receipts, the Company agrees with the Depositary that the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to take such action or obtain such authorization, consent or permit sufficiently in advance of the expiration of such rights, preferences or privileges to enable such holders to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges.

 

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Section 4.4.    Notice of Dividends, Fixing of Record Date for Holders of Receipts.

 

Whenever (a) any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become payable, or any distribution other than cash shall be made, or any rights, preferences or privileges shall at any time be offered, with respect to the Stock, or (b) the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting at which holders of Stock are entitled to vote or of which holders of Stock are entitled to notice or of the mandatory conversion of, or any election on the part of the Company to call for the redemption of, any shares of Stock, the Depositary shall in each such instance fix a record date (which shall be the same date as the record date fixed by the Company with respect to the Stock) for the determination of the holders of Receipts (i) who shall be entitled to receive such dividend, distribution, rights, preferences or privileges or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, or (ii) who shall be entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or to receive notice of such meeting or of such conversion or redemption.

 

Section 4.5.    Voting Rights.

 

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the record holders of Receipts a notice, which shall be provided by the Company and which shall contain (a) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting, (b) a statement that the holders of Receipts at the close of business on a specified record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.4 will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Designation, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the Stock represented by their respective Depositary Shares and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given.  Upon the written request of a holder of a Receipt on such record date, the Depositary shall use its reasonable best efforts to vote or cause to be voted the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request.  The Company hereby agrees to take all reasonable action that may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to vote such Stock or cause such Stock to be voted.  In the absence of specific instructions from the holder of a Receipt, the Depositary will abstain from voting to the extent of the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt.

 

Section 4.6.    Changes Affecting Stock and Reclassifications, Recapitalizations, etc.

 

Upon any split-up, consolidation or any other reclassification of Stock, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation affecting the Company or to which it is a party (other than a business combination transaction) or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Depositary shall treat any shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) that shall be received by the Depositary in exchange for or upon conversion of or in respect of the Stock as new deposited property under this Deposit Agreement, and Receipts then outstanding shall thenceforth represent the proportionate interests of holders thereof in the new deposited property so received in exchange for or upon conversion or in respect of such Stock.  In any such case the Depositary may, in its discretion, with the approval of the Company, execute and deliver additional Receipts, or may call for the surrender of all outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing such new deposited property.

 

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Section 4.7.    Reports.

 

The Depositary shall make available for inspection by holders of Receipts at the Corporate Office, the [Local] Office and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable during normal business hours any reports and communications received from the Company that are received by the Depositary as the holder of Stock [and shall mail copies to all holders of the Receipts].

 

Section 4.8.    Lists of Receipt Holders.

 

Promptly upon request from time to time by the Company, the Depositary shall furnish to it a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of Depositary Shares of all persons in whose names Receipts are registered on the books of the Depositary.  At the expense of the Company, the Company shall have the right to inspect transfer and registration records of the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent or the Registrar, take copies thereof and require the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent or the Registrar to supply copies of such portions of such records as the Company may request.

 

ARTICLE V

 

THE DEPOSITARY, THE DEPOSITARY’S AGENTS,
THE REGISTRAR AND THE COMPANY

 

Section 5.1.    Maintenance of Offices, Agencies, Transfer Books by the Depositary; the Registrar.

 

Upon execution of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Depositary shall maintain (a) at the [Local] Office facilities for the execution and delivery, registration, registration of transfer, surrender and exchange, split-up, combination, redemption and conversion of Receipts and deposit and withdrawal of Stock and (b) at the Corporate Office and at the offices of the Depositary’s Agents, if any, facilities for the delivery, registration, registration of transfer, surrender and exchange, split-up, combination, conversion and redemption of Receipts and deposit and withdrawal of Stock, all in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.

 

The Depositary shall keep books at the Corporate Office for the registration and transfer of Receipts, which books at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the record holders of Receipts; provided that any such holder requesting to exercise such right shall certify to the Depositary that such inspection shall be for a proper purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as an owner of Depositary Shares.  The Depositary shall consult with the Company upon receipt of any request for inspection.  The Depositary may close such books, at any time or from time to time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder.

 

If the Receipts or the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby or the Stock represented by such Depositary Shares shall be listed on one or more stock exchanges, the Depositary shall, with the approval of the Company, appoint a Registrar for registry of such Receipts or Depositary Shares in accordance with the requirements of such exchange or

 

13



 

exchanges.  Such Registrar (which may be the Depositary if so permitted by the requirements of such exchange or exchanges) may be removed and a substitute registrar appointed by the Depositary upon the request or with the approval of the Company.  In addition, if the Receipts, such Depositary Shares or such Stock are listed on one or more stock exchanges, the Depositary will, at the request of the Company, arrange such facilities for the delivery, registration, registration of transfer, surrender and exchange, split-up, combination, redemption or conversion of such Receipts, such Depositary Shares or such Stock as may be required by law or applicable stock exchange regulations.

 

Section 5.2.    Prevention or Delay in Performance by the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar or the Company.

 

Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent nor the Registrar nor the Company shall incur any liability to any holder of any Receipt, if by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation thereunder of the United States of America or of any other governmental authority or, in the case of the Depositary, the Registrar or any Depositary’s Agent, by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Designation or, in the case of the Company, the Depositary, the Registrar or any Depositary’s Agent, by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond the control of the relevant party, the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, the Registrar or the Company shall be prevented, delayed or forbidden from, or subjected to any penalty on account of, doing or performing any act or thing that the terms of this Deposit Agreement provide shall be done or performed; nor shall the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, the Registrar or the Company incur any liability to any holder of a Receipt (a) by reason of any nonperformance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing that the terms of this Deposit Agreement provide shall or may be done or performed or (b) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement except, in the case of the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent or the Registrar, if any such exercise or failure to exercise discretion is caused by its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

 

Section 5.3.    Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar and the Company.

 

The Company assumes no obligation and shall be subject to no liability under this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to holders or other persons, except to perform in good faith such obligations as are specifically set forth and undertaken by it to perform this Deposit Agreement.  Each of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents and the Registrar assumes no obligation and shall be subject to no liability under this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to holders or other persons, except to perform such obligations as are specifically set forth and undertaken by it to perform in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.

 

Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent nor the Registrar nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding with respect to Stock, Depositary Shares, Receipts or Securities that in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense and liability be furnished as often as may be required.

 

14



 

Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent nor the Registrar nor the Company shall be liable for any action or any failure to act by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Stock for deposit, any holder of a Receipt or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.  The Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, the Registrar and the Company may each rely and shall each be protected in acting upon any written notice, request, direction or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

 

The Depositary, the Registrar and any Depositary’s Agent may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in Receipts or Depositary Shares.  The Depositary may also act as transfer agent or registrar of any of the securities of the Company and its affiliates.

 

It is intended that neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent nor any Registrar shall be deemed to be an “issuer” of the Stock, the Depositary Shares, the Receipts or the Securities issued upon conversion or redemption of the Stock under the federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws, it being expressly understood and agreed that the Depositary and any Depositary’s Agent are acting only in a ministerial capacity as Depositary for the Stock; provided, however, that the Depositary agrees to comply with all information reporting and withholding requirements applicable to it under law or this Deposit Agreement in its capacity as Depositary.

 

Neither the Depositary (or its officers, directors, employees or agents) nor any Depositary’s Agent nor any Registrar makes any representation or has any responsibility as to the validity of the Registration Statement pursuant to which the Depositary Shares are registered under the Securities Act, the Stock, the Depositary Shares or any instruments referred to therein or herein, or as to the correctness of any statement made therein or herein; provided, however, that the Depositary is responsible for its representations in this Deposit Agreement and its countersignatures on any Receipts.

 

The Depositary assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the description that appears in the Receipts, which can be taken as a statement of the Company summarizing certain provisions of this Deposit Agreement.  Notwithstanding any other provision herein or in the Receipts, the Depositary makes no warranties or representations as to the validity, genuineness or sufficiency of any Stock at any time deposited with the Depositary hereunder or of the Depositary Shares, as to the validity or sufficiency of this Deposit Agreement, as to the value of the Depositary Shares or as to any right, title or interest of the record holders of Receipts in and to the Depositary Shares except that the Depositary hereby represents and warrants as follows: (a) the Depositary has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of [         ], with full power, authority and legal right under such law to execute, deliver and carry out the terms of this Deposit Agreement; (b) this Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Depositary; and (c) this Deposit Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Depositary, enforceable against the Depositary in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of

 

15



 

equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).  The Depositary shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of the Depositary Shares or the Receipts or the proceeds thereof.

 

Section 5.4.    Resignation and Removal of the Depositary, Appointment of Successor Depositary.

 

The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by written notice via registered mail of its election to do so delivered to the Company, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.

 

The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by written notice of such removal delivered to the Depositary, such removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.

 

In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the Company shall, within [     ] days after the delivery of the notice of resignation or removal, as the case may be, appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having such criteria as the Company deems necessary or appropriate.  If a successor depositary shall not have been appointed in [     ] days, the resigning or removed Depositary may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor depositary.  Every successor depositary shall execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor and for all purposes shall be the Depositary under this Deposit Agreement, and such predecessor, upon payment of all sums due it and on the written request of the Company, shall promptly execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver all rights, title and interest in the Stock and any moneys or property held hereunder to such successor and shall deliver to such successor a list of the record holders of all outstanding Receipts.  Any successor depositary shall promptly mail notice of its appointment to the record holders of Receipts.

 

Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged, consolidated or converted shall be the successor of such Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.  Such successor depositary may execute the Receipts either in the name of the predecessor depositary or in the name of the successor depositary.

 

Section 5.5.    Corporate Notices and Reports.

 

The Company agrees that it will deliver to the Depositary, and the Depositary will, promptly after receipt thereof, transmit to the record holders of Receipts, in each case at the address recorded in the Depositary’s books, copies of all notices and reports (including financial statements) required by law, by the rules of any national securities exchange upon which the Stock, the Depositary Shares or the Receipts are listed or by the Certificate of Incorporation and the Certificate of Designation to be furnished by the Company to holders of Stock.  Such transmission will be at the Company’s expense and the Company will provide the Depositary

 

16


 

with such number of copies of such documents as the Depositary may reasonably request.  In addition, the Depositary will transmit to the record holders of Receipts at the Company’s expense such other documents as may be requested by the Company.

 

Section 5.6.            Deposit of Stock by the Company.

 

The Company agrees with the Depositary that neither the Company nor any company controlled by the Company will at any time deposit any Stock if such Stock is required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act and no registration statement is at such time in effect as to such Stock.

 

Section 5.7.            Indemnification by the Company.

 

The Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent and any Registrar against, and hold each of them harmless from, any liability, costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) that may arise out of or in connection with its acting as Depositary, Depositary’s Agent or Registrar, respectively, under this Deposit Agreement and the Receipts, except for any liability arising out of negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of any such person or persons.

 

Section 5.8.            Fees, Charges and Expenses.

 

No fees, charges and expenses of the Depositary or any Depositary’s Agent hereunder or of any Registrar shall be payable by any person other than the Company, except for any taxes and other governmental charges and except as provided in this Deposit Agreement.  If, at the request of a holder of a Receipt, the Depositary incurs fees, charges or expenses for which it is not otherwise liable hereunder, such holder or other person will be liable for such fees, charges and expenses.  All other fees, charges and expenses of the Depositary and any Depositary’s Agent hereunder and of any Registrar (including, in each case, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) incident to the performance of their respective obligations hereunder will be paid from time to time upon consultation and agreement between the Depositary and the Company as to the amount and nature of such fees, charges and expenses.

 

ARTICLE VI

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

Section 6.1.            Amendment.

 

The form of the Receipts and any provision of this Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect that they may deem necessary or desirable.  Any amendment that shall impose or increase any fees, taxes or charges payable by holders of Receipts (other than taxes and other governmental charges, fees and other expenses payable by holders pursuant to the terms hereof or of the Receipts), or that otherwise prejudices any substantial existing right of holders of Receipts, shall not become effective as to outstanding Receipts until the expiration of [     ] days after notice of such amendment shall have been mailed to the record holders of outstanding Receipts.  Every holder of an outstanding Receipt at the time any such amendment becomes

 

17



 

effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such Receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by this Deposit Agreement as amended thereby.  In no event shall any amendment impair the right, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.4, 2.7 and 2.8 and Article III, of any owner of any Depositary Shares to surrender the Receipt evidencing such Depositary Shares with instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the holder the Stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

 

Section 6.2.            Termination.

 

Whenever so directed by the Company, the Depositary will terminate this Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the record holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least [     ] days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination.  The Depositary may likewise terminate this Deposit Agreement if at any time [     ] days shall have expired after the Depositary shall have delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign and a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4.  In either case, on a date not less than [     ] days after such notice, the Depositary shall deliver or make available for delivery to holders of Receipts, upon surrender of such Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares, such number of whole or fractional shares of the Stock as are represented by the Depositary Shares.

 

This Deposit Agreement shall automatically terminate after all outstanding Depositary Shares have been redeemed or there has been a final distribution in respect of the Stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution has been distributed to the holders of the Receipts.

 

If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the transfer of Receipts, shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the holders thereof and shall not give any further notices (other than notice of such termination) or perform any further acts under this Deposit Agreement, except as provided below and that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Stock, shall sell rights, preferences or privileges as provided in this Deposit Agreement and shall continue to deliver the Stock and any money and other property represented by Receipts, without liability for interest thereon, upon surrender thereof by the holders thereof.  At any time after the expiration of [     ] years from the date of termination, the Depositary may sell Stock then held hereunder at public or private sale, at such places and upon such terms as it deems proper and may thereafter hold in a segregated account the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any money and other property held by it hereunder, without liability for interest, for the benefit, pro rata in accordance with their holdings, of the holders of Receipts that have not heretofore been surrendered.  After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except to account for such net proceeds and money and other property.  Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent and any Registrar under Sections 5.7 and 5.8.

 

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ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 7.1.            Counterparts.

 

This Deposit Agreement may be executed by the Company and the Depositary in separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Deposit Agreement by facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Deposit Agreement.  Copies of this Deposit Agreement shall be filed with the Depositary and the Depositary’s Agents and shall be open to inspection during business hours at the Corporate Office and the [Local] Office and the respective offices of the Depositary’s Agents, if any, by any holder of a Receipt.

 

Section 7.2.            Exclusive Benefits of Parties.

 

This Deposit Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors hereunder, and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim to any other person whatsoever.

 

Section 7.3.            Invalidity of Provisions.

 

In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.

 

Section 7.4.            Notices.

 

Any notices to be given to the Company hereunder or under the Receipts shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery, upon confirmation of receipt if delivered by facsimile or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Depositary), as follows:

 

Griffon Corporation

100 Jericho Quadrangle

Jericho, New York 11753

Attn:       Chief Financial Officer

Facsimile:  (516) 938-5644

 

Any notices to be given to the Depositary hereunder or under the Receipts shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery, upon confirmation of receipt if delivered by facsimile or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five

 

19



 

days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Depositary with the Company), as follows:

 

[Address of Depositary]

 

Any notices given to any record holder of a Receipt hereunder or under the Receipts shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed to such record holder at the address of such record holder as it appears on the books of the Depositary (until another address is filed in writing by such holder with the Depositary).

 

In each case, a copy of such notice shall be sent to:

 

Dechert LLP

1095 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

Attn:       Martin Nussbaum

Facsimile:  (212) 698-3599

 

Section 7.5.            Depositary’s Agents.

 

The Depositary may, with the approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, from time to time appoint one or more Depositary’s Agents to act in any respect for the Depositary for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement and may vary or terminate the appointment of such Depositary’s Agents.

 

Section 7.6.            Holders of Receipts Are Parties.

 

Notwithstanding that holders of Receipts have not executed and delivered this Deposit Agreement or any counterpart thereof, the holders of Receipts from time to time shall be deemed to be parties to this Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions, and be entitled to all of the benefits, hereof and of the Receipts by acceptance of delivery of Receipts.

 

Section 7.7.            Governing Law.

 

This Deposit Agreement and the Receipts and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

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Section 7.8.            Headings.

 

The headings of articles and sections in this Deposit Agreement and in the form of the Receipt set forth in Exhibit A hereto have been inserted for convenience only and are not to be regarded as a part of this Deposit Agreement or to have any bearing upon the meaning or interpretation of any provision contained herein or in the Receipts.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Griffon Corporation and [          ] have duly executed this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first above set forth and all holders of Receipts shall become parties hereto by and upon acceptance by them of delivery of Receipts issued in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

 

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

[                                 ]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
FOR
DEPOSITARY SHARES
EACH REPRESENTING [          ] OF A SHARE OF
SERIES ___ PREFERRED
STOCK

OF

GRIFFON CORPORATION
(Incorporated under the Laws of the State of Delaware)

 

No.

 

[          ] (the “Depositary”) hereby certifies that [          ] is the registered owner of [         ] Depositary Shares (the “Depositary Shares”), each Depositary Share representing [        ] of a share of Series [          ] Preferred Stock, par value $0.25 per share (the “Stock”), of Griffon Corporation, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), and the same proportionate interest in any and all other property received by the Depositary in respect of such shares of Stock and held by the Depositary under the Deposit Agreement (as defined below).  Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each owner of a Depositary Share is entitled, proportionately, to all the rights, preferences and privileges of the Stock represented thereby, including the dividend, voting, liquidation and other rights contained in the Certificate of Designation establishing the rights, preferences, privileges and limitations of the Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”), copies of which are on file at the office of the Depositary at which at any particular time its business in respect of matters governed by the Deposit Agreement shall be administered, which at the time of the execution of the Deposit Agreement is located at [           ] (the “Corporate Office”).

 

This Depositary Receipt (“Receipt”) shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless this Receipt shall have been executed manually or, if a Registrar for the Receipts (other than the Depositary) shall have been appointed, by facsimile by the Depositary by the signature of a duly authorized signatory and, if executed by facsimile signature of the Depositary, shall have been countersigned manually by such Registrar by the signature of a duly authorized signatory.

 

THE DEPOSITARY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VALIDITY OF ANY DEPOSITED STOCK.  THE DEPOSITARY ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CORRECTNESS OF THE DESCRIPTION SET FORTH IN THIS RECEIPT, WHICH CAN BE TAKEN AS A STATEMENT OF THE COMPANY SUMMARIZING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT.  UNLESS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, THE DEPOSITARY MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS

 

A-1



 

AS TO THE VALIDITY, GENUINENESS OR SUFFICIENCY OF ANY STOCK AT ANY TIME DEPOSITED WITH THE DEPOSITARY UNDER THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT OR OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES, AS TO THE VALIDITY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, AS TO THE VALUE OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES OR AS TO ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST OF THE RECORD HOLDERS OF THE DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS IN AND TO THE DEPOSITARY SHARES.

 

The Company will furnish to any holder of this Receipt without charge, upon request addressed to its executive office, a full statement of the designation, relative rights, preferences and limitations of the shares of each authorized class, and of each class of preferred stock authorized to be issued, so far as the same may have been fixed, and a statement of the authority of the Board of Directors of the Company to designate and fix the relative rights, preferences and limitations of other classes.

 

This Receipt is continued on the reverse hereof and the additional provisions therein set forth for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

,

as Depositary and Registrar

 

 

 

 

 

By: 

 

 

 

 Authorized Signatory

 

 

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[FORM OF REVERSE
OF DEPOSITARY RECEIPT]

 

(a)           The Deposit Agreement.  Depositary Receipts (the “Receipts”), of which this Receipt is one, are made available upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Deposit Agreement, dated as of [          ] (the “Deposit Agreement”), among the Company, the Depositary and all holders from time to time of Receipts.  The Deposit Agreement (copies of which are on file at the Corporate Office, the office maintained by the Depositary in [      ], which at the time of the execution of the Deposit Agreement is located at [          ] (the “[Local] Office”) and at the office of any agent of the Depositary) sets forth the rights of holders of Receipts and the rights and duties of the Depositary.  The statements made on the face and the reverse of this Receipt are summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement and are subject to the detailed provisions thereof, to which reference is hereby made.  In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Receipt and the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the provisions of the Deposit Agreement will govern.

 

(b)           Definitions.  Unless otherwise expressly herein provided, all defined terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Deposit Agreement.

 

(c)           Redemption and Conversion of Stock.  [Include appropriate redemption and conversion terms to the extent Stock is redeemable or convertible.]  Whenever the Company shall elect to redeem or be required to convert shares of Stock into Securities in accordance with the Certificate of Designation, it shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Depositary) give the Depositary in its capacity as Depositary not less than [     ] business days’ prior notice of the proposed date of the mailing of a notice of redemption or conversion of Stock and the simultaneous redemption or conversion of the Depositary Shares representing the Stock to be redeemed or converted and of the number of such shares of Stock held by the Depositary to be redeemed or converted.  The Depositary shall, as directed by the Company in writing, mail, first class postage prepaid, notice of the redemption or conversion of Stock and the proposed simultaneous redemption or conversion of Depositary Shares representing the Stock to be redeemed or converted, not less than [     ] and not more than [     ] days prior to the date fixed for redemption or conversion of such Stock and Depositary Shares, to the record holders of the Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed or converted, at the addresses of such holders as the same appear on the records of the Depositary; provided, that if the effectiveness of a business combination transaction makes it impracticable to provide at least [     ] days’ notice, the Depositary shall provide such notice as soon as practicable prior to such effectiveness.  Any such notice shall also be published in the same manner as notices of redemption or conversion of the Stock are required to be published pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.  On the date of any such redemption or conversion, the Depositary shall surrender the certificate or certificates held by the Depositary evidencing the number of shares of Stock to be redeemed or converted in the manner specified in the notice of redemption or conversion of Stock provided by the Company pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.  The Depositary shall, thereafter, redeem or convert the number of Depositary Shares representing such redeemed or converted Stock upon the surrender of Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares in the manner provided in the notice sent to record holders of Receipts; provided, that the Depositary shall have received, upon surrendering such certificate or certificates as aforesaid, a sufficient

 

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number of Securities to convert or redeem such number of Depositary Shares (including, in the event that the Company elects pursuant to the Certificate of Designation to exercise any option to deliver Securities in lieu of any cash consideration payable on the effectiveness of any business combination transaction, a number of Securities equal to such cash consideration (as determined in the manner set forth in the Certificate of Designation)), plus any accrued and unpaid dividends payable with respect thereto to and including the date of any such redemption or conversion and any other cash consideration payable on the effectiveness of a business combination transaction (other than any dividends or other cash consideration payable on the effectiveness of a business combination transaction that the Company has elected to pay in Securities pursuant to the Certificate of Designation).  In case fewer than all the outstanding Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed shall be selected by the Depositary by lot or on a pro rata basis.

 

Notice having been mailed and published as aforesaid, from and after the redemption or conversion date (unless the Company shall have failed to redeem or convert the shares of Stock to be redeemed or converted by it upon the surrender of the certificate or certificates therefor by the Depositary as described above), the Depositary Shares called for redemption or subject to conversion shall be deemed no longer to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (except the right to receive the Securities and cash, if any, payable upon redemption or conversion upon surrender of such Receipts) shall, to the extent of such Depositary Shares, cease and terminate.  Upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Depositary shall so require), such Depositary Shares shall be converted into or redeemed for Securities at a rate equal to [         ] of the number of Securities delivered, and the holders thereof shall be entitled to [     ] of the cash, if any, payable, in respect of the shares of Stock pursuant to the Certificate of Designation.  The foregoing is subject further to the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Designation.  If fewer than all of the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt are called for redemption, the Depositary will deliver to the holder of this Receipt upon its surrender to the Depositary, together with Securities and all accrued and unpaid dividends to and including the date fixed for redemption payable in respect of the Depositary Shares called for redemption, a new Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares evidenced by such prior Receipt and not called for redemption.

 

(d)           Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Stock.  Upon surrender of this Receipt to the Depositary at the Corporate Office, the [Local] Office or at such other offices as the Depositary may designate, and subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the holder hereof is entitled to withdraw, and to obtain delivery, without unreasonable delay, to or upon the order of such holder, any or all of the Stock (but only in whole shares of Stock) and all money and other property, if any, at the time represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt; provided, however, that, in the event this Receipt shall evidence a number of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares representing the whole number of shares of Stock to be withdrawn, the Depositary shall, in addition to such whole number of shares of Stock and such money and other property, if any, to be withdrawn, deliver, to or upon the order of such holder, a new Receipt or Receipts evidencing such excess number of whole Depositary Shares; provided, however, that the Depositary shall not issue any Receipt evidencing a fractional Depositary Share.

 

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(e)           Transfers, Split-ups, Combinations.  Subject to Paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 below, this Receipt is transferable on the books of the Depositary upon surrender of this Receipt to the Depositary at the Corporate Office or the [Local] Office, or at such other offices as the Depositary may designate, properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer, and upon such transfer the Depositary shall sign and deliver a Receipt or Receipts to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto, all as provided in and subject to the Deposit Agreement.  This Receipt may be split into other Receipts or combined with other Receipts into one Receipt evidencing the same aggregate number of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered; provided, however, that the Depositary shall not issue any Receipt evidencing a fractional Depositary Share.

 

(f)            Conditions to Signing and Delivery, Transfer, etc., of Receipts.  Prior to the execution and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or exchange of this Receipt, the delivery of any distribution hereon or the withdrawal or deposit of Stock, the Depositary, any of the Depositary’s Agents or the Company may require any or all of the following: (a) payment to it of a sum sufficient for the payment (or, in the event that the Depositary or the Company shall have made such payment, the reimbursement to it) of any tax or other governmental charge with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge with respect to Stock being deposited or withdrawn or with respect to Securities or property of the Company being issued upon conversion or redemption); (b) production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and (c) compliance with such reasonable regulations, if any, as the Depositary or the Company may establish not inconsistent with the Deposit Agreement.  Any person presenting Stock for deposit, or any holder of this Receipt, may be required to file such proof of information, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties as the Depositary or the Company may reasonably deem necessary or proper.  The Depositary or the Company may withhold or delay the delivery of this Receipt, the registration of transfer, redemption, conversion or exchange of this Receipt, the withdrawal of the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt or the distribution of any dividend or other distribution until such proof or other information is filed, such certificates are executed or such representations and warranties are made.

 

(g)           Suspension of Delivery, Transfer, etc.  The deposit of Stock may be refused and the delivery of this Receipt against Stock or the registration of transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or exchange of this Receipt and the withdrawal of deposited Stock may be suspended (a) during any period when the register of shareholders of the Company is closed, (b) if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary, any of the Depositary’s Agents or the Company at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement, or (c) with the approval of the Company, for any other reason.  The Depositary shall not be required (x) to issue, transfer or exchange any Receipts for a period beginning at the opening of business [     ] days next preceding any selection of Depositary Shares and Stock to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of notice of redemption of Depositary Shares or (y) to transfer or exchange for another Receipt any Receipt evidencing Depositary Shares called or being called for redemption, in whole or in part, or subject to conversion except as provided in the last sentence of Paragraph 3.

 

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(h)           Payment of Taxes or Other Governmental Charges.  If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by or on behalf of the Depositary with respect to (a) this Receipt, (b) the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt, (c) the Stock (or fractional interest therein) or other property represented by such Depositary Shares, or (d) any transaction referred to in Section 4.6 of the Deposit Agreement, such tax (including transfer, issuance or acquisition taxes, if any) or governmental charge shall be payable by the holder of this Receipt, who shall pay the amount thereof to the Depositary.  Until such payment is made, registration of transfer of this Receipt or any split-up or combination hereof or any withdrawal of the Stock or money or other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt may be refused, any dividend or other distribution may be withheld and any part or all of the Stock or other property (including Securities received in connection with a conversion or redemption of Stock) represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt may be sold for the account of the holder hereof (after attempting by reasonable means to notify such holder prior to such sale).  Any dividend or other distribution so withheld and the proceeds of any such sale may be applied to any payment of such tax or other governmental charge, the holder of this Receipt remaining liable for any deficiency.

 

(i)            Amendment.  The form of the Receipts and any provision of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect that they may deem necessary or desirable.  Any amendment that shall impose or increase any fees, taxes or charges payable by holders of Receipts (other than taxes and other governmental charges, fees and other expenses payable by holders as provided herein or in the Deposit Agreement), or that shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of holders of Receipts, shall not become effective as to outstanding Receipts until the expiration of [     ] days after such notice of such amendment shall have been given to the record holders of outstanding Receipts.  The holder of this Receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold this Receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended thereby.  In no event shall any amendment impair the right, subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 hereof and of Sections 2.4, 2.7 and 2.8 and Article III of the Deposit Agreement, of the owner of the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt to surrender this Receipt with instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the holder the Stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

 

(j)            Fees, Charges and Expenses.  The Company will pay all fees, charges and expenses of the Depositary, except for taxes (including transfer taxes, if any) and other governmental charges and such charges as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of persons depositing Stock, holders of Receipts or other persons.

 

(k)           Title to Receipts.  It is a condition of this Receipt, and every successive holder hereof by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees, that title to this Receipt (and to the Depositary Shares evidenced hereby), when properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer, is transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument; provided, however, that until transfer of a Receipt shall be registered on the books of the Depositary as provided in Section 2.5 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, treat the record holder hereof at

 

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such time as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in the Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes.

 

(l)            Dividends and Distributions.  Whenever the Depositary shall receive any cash dividend or other cash distribution on the Stock, the Depositary shall, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, distribute to record holders of Receipts such amounts of such sums as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts held by such holders; provided, however, that in case the Company or the Depositary shall be required by law to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of the Stock an amount on account of taxes or as otherwise required by law, regulation or court process, the amount made available for distribution or distributed in respect of Depositary Shares shall be reduced accordingly.  The Depositary shall distribute or make available for distribution, as the case may be, only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any owner of Depositary Shares a fraction of one cent and any balance not so distributable shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and be treated as part of the next sum received by the Depositary for distribution to record holders of Receipts then outstanding.

 

(m)          Subscription Rights, Preferences or Privileges.  If the Company shall at any time offer or cause to be offered to the persons in whose name Stock is registered on the books of the Company any rights, preferences or privileges to subscribe for or to purchase any securities or any rights, preferences or privileges of any other nature, such rights, preferences or privileges shall in each such instance, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, be made available by the Depositary to the record holders of Receipts in such manner as the Company shall instruct.

 

(n)           Notice of Dividends, Fixing of Record Date.  Whenever (a) any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become payable, or any distribution other than cash shall be made, or any rights, preferences or privileges shall at any time be offered, with respect to the Stock, or (b) the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting at which holders of Stock are entitled to vote or of which holders of Stock are entitled to notice or of the mandatory conversion of, or any election on the part of the Company to call for redemption of, any shares of Stock, the Depositary shall in each such instance fix a record date (which shall be the same date as the record date fixed by the Company with respect to the Stock) for the determination of the holders of Receipts (i) who shall be entitled to receive such dividend, distribution, rights, preferences or privileges or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, or (ii) who shall be entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or of such meeting or to receive notice of such conversion or redemption.

 

(o)           Voting Rights.  Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the record holders of Receipts a notice, which shall contain (a) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting, (b) a statement that the holders of Receipts at the close of business on a specified record date determined as provided in Paragraph 14 will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Designation, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the Stock represented

 

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by their respective Depositary Shares, and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given.  Upon the written request of a holder of this Receipt on such record date the Depositary shall use its reasonable best efforts to vote or cause to be voted the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request.  The Company hereby agrees to take all reasonable action that may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to vote such Stock or cause such Stock to be voted.  In the absence of specific instructions from the holder of this Receipt, the Depositary will abstain from voting to the extent of the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt.

 

(p)           Reports, Inspection of Transfer Books.  The Depositary shall make available for inspection by holders of Receipts at the Corporate Office, the [Local] Office and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable during normal business hours any reports and communications received from the Company that are received by the Depositary as the holder of Stock.  The Depositary shall keep books at the Corporate Office for the registration and transfer of Receipts, which books at all reasonable times will be open for inspection by the record holders of Receipts; provided that any such holder requesting to exercise such right shall certify to the Depositary that such inspection shall be for a proper purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as an owner of Depositary Shares.

 

(q)           Liability of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar and the Company.  Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent nor the Registrar nor the Company shall incur any liability to any holder of this Receipt, if by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation thereunder of any governmental authority or, in the case of the Depositary, the Registrar or any Depositary’s Agent, by reason of any provision present or future, of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Designation or, in the case of the Company, the Depositary, the Registrar or any Depositary’s Agent, by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond the control of the relevant party, the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, the Registrar or the Company shall be prevented, delayed or forbidden from, or subjected to any penalty on account of, doing or performing any act or thing that the terms of the Deposit Agreement provide shall be done or performed; nor shall the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, the Registrar or the Company incur any liability to any holder of this Receipt (a) by reason of any nonperformance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing that the terms of the Deposit Agreement provide shall or may be done or performed, or (b) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the Deposit Agreement except, in the case of the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent or the Registrar, if such exercise or failure to exercise discretion is caused by its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

 

(r)            Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar and the Company.  The Company assumes no obligation and shall be subject to no liability under the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt to the holder hereof or other persons, except to perform in good faith such obligations as are specifically set forth and undertaken by it to perform in the Deposit Agreement.  Each of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents and the Registrar assumes no obligation and shall be subject to no liability under the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt to the holder hereof or other persons, except to perform such obligations as are specifically set forth and undertaken by it to perform in the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.

 

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Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent nor the Registrar nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding with respect to Stock, Depositary Shares or Receipts or Securities that in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense and liability be furnished as often as may be required.

 

Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent nor the Registrar nor the Company will be liable for any action or failure to act by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Stock for deposit, any holder of this Receipt or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.

 

(s)           Termination of Deposit Agreement.  Whenever so directed by the Company, the Depositary will terminate this Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the record holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least [     ] days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination.  The Depositary may likewise terminate the Deposit Agreement if at any time [     ] days shall have expired after the Depositary shall have delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign and a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4 of the Deposit Agreement.  In either case, on a date not less than [     ] days after such notice, the Depositary shall deliver or make available for delivery to holders of Receipts, upon surrender of the such Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares, such number of whole or fractional shares of the Stock as are represented by the Depositary Shares.

 

The Deposit Agreement shall automatically terminate after all outstanding Depositary Shares have been redeemed or there has been a final distribution in respect of the Stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution has been distributed to the holders of the Receipts.

 

Upon the termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations thereunder except for its obligations to the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent and any Registrar under Sections 5.7 and 5.8 of the Deposit Agreement.

 

If any Receipts remain outstanding after the date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue all functions and be discharged from all obligations as provided in the Deposit Agreement, except as specifically provided therein.

 

(t)            Governing Law.  The Deposit Agreement and this Receipt and all rights thereunder and hereunder and provisions thereof and hereof shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

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ASSIGNMENT

 

To Be Executed by the Registered Holder in Order to Assign Depositary Receipts

For Value Received, __________________________________________hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto

 

 

 

 

(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT NAME AND ADDRESS)

 

 

(SOCIAL SECURITY OR TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

 

and be delivered to

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE NAME AND ADDRESS)

 

_________________________________________ of the Depositary Shares represented by this Depositary Receipt, and hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint _________________________________________ Attorney to transfer said Depositary Shares on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises. If such number of Depositary Shares shall not be all the Depositary Receipts evidenced by this Certificate, the undersigned requests that a new Depositary Receipt for the balance of such Depositary Shares be registered in the name of, and delivered to, the registered holder at the address stated below:

 

 

Dated: 

 

 

 

 

 

(SIGNATURE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ADDRESS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

 

THE SIGNATURE TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE FORM MUST CORRESPOND TO THE NAME WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THIS DEPOSITARY RECEIPT IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER, AND MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A COMMERCIAL BANK OR TRUST COMPANY OR A MEMBER FIRM OF THE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE, NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, PACIFIC STOCK EXCHANGE OR CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE.

 

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Exhibit 4.5

 

WARRANT AGREEMENT

 

By and Among

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

and

 

[          ]

 

Agreement made as of [          ] between GRIFFON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, with offices at 100 Jericho Quadrangle, Jericho, New York 11753 (“Company”), and [          ], a [          ] corporation, with offices at [         ] (“Warrant Agent”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in a public offering (“Public Offering”) of warrants (“Warrants”) to public investors, each of such Warrants evidencing the right of the holder thereof to purchase [          ] (“Securities”), for $[          ] per whole Security, subject to adjustment as described herein;

 

WHEREAS, the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-[          ] (“Registration Statement”), for the registration, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Act”) of, among other securities, the Warrants and the Securities issuable upon exercise of the Warrants;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the Company, and the Warrant Agent is willing to so act, in connection with the issuance, registration, transfer, exchange, redemption and exercise of the Warrants; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide for the form and provisions of the Warrants, the terms upon which they shall be issued and exercised and the respective rights, limitation of rights and immunities of the Company, the Warrant Agent and the holders of the Warrants; and

 

WHEREAS, all acts and things have been done and performed which are necessary to make the Warrants, when executed on behalf of the Company and countersigned by or on behalf of the Warrant

 



 

Agent, as provided herein, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Appointment of Warrant Agent.  The Company hereby appoints the Warrant Agent to act as agent for the Company for the Warrants, and the Warrant Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the same in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

2.                                       Warrants.

 

2.1                                 Form of Warrant.  Each Warrant shall be issued to its holder in registered form, and each such holder’s Warrants shall be represented by a certificate (a “Warrant Certificate”) in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein and shall be signed by, or bear the facsimile signature of, the Chairman of the Board, President, Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company. In the event the person whose facsimile signature has been placed upon any Warrant Certificate shall have ceased to serve in the capacity in which such person signed the Warrant before such Warrant is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he or she had not ceased to hold such office at the date of issuance.

 

2.2                                 Effect of Countersignature.  Unless and until countersigned by the Warrant Agent pursuant to this Agreement, a Warrant shall be invalid and of no effect and may not be exercised by the holder thereof.

 

2.3                                 Registration.

 

2.3.1                        Warrant Register.  The Warrant Agent shall maintain books (“Warrant Register”) for the registration of original issuance and the registration of transfer of the Warrants.  Upon the initial issuance of the Warrants, the Warrant Agent shall issue and register the Warrants in the names of the respective holders thereof in such denominations and otherwise in accordance with instructions delivered to the Warrant Agent by the Company.

 

2.3.2                        Registered Holder.  Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Warrant, the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the person in whose name such Warrant shall be registered upon the Warrant Register (“registered holder”) as the absolute owner of such Warrant and of each Warrant represented thereby (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other

 

2



 

writing on the Warrant Certificate made by anyone other than the Company or the Warrant Agent), for the purpose of any exercise thereof, and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

3.                                       Terms and Exercise of Warrants.

 

3.1                                 Warrant Price.  Each Warrant shall, when countersigned by the Warrant Agent, entitle the registered holder thereof, subject to the provisions of such Warrant and of this Warrant Agreement, to purchase from the Company the number of Securities stated therein, at the price of $[          ] per whole Security, subject to the adjustments provided [in Section 4 hereof and] in the last sentence of this Section 3.1.  The term “Warrant Price” as used in this Warrant Agreement refers to the price at which a Security may be purchased at the time a Warrant is exercised.  The Company in its sole discretion may lower the Warrant Price at any time prior to the tenth business day prior to the Expiration Date.

 

3.2                                 Duration of Warrants.  A Warrant may be exercised only during the period (“Exercise Period”) commencing on [          ], and terminating at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the earlier of (1) the date fixed for redemption of the Warrants as provided in Section 6 of this Agreement and (2) [          ] (“Expiration Date”).  Except with respect to the right to receive the Redemption Price (as set forth in Section 6 hereunder), each Warrant not exercised on or before the Expiration Date shall become void, and all rights thereunder and all rights in respect thereof under this Agreement shall cease at the close of business on the Expiration Date.  The Company in its sole discretion may extend the duration of the Warrants by delaying the Expiration Date; provided, that the Company shall provide notice to registered holders of the Warrants of any such extension of 20 days or more.

 

3.3                                 Exercise of Warrants.

 

3.3.1                        Payment.  Subject to the provisions of the Warrant Certificate and this Warrant Agreement, a Warrant may be exercised by the registered holder thereof by surrendering the Warrant Certificate, countersigned by the Warrant Agent, at the office of the Warrant Agent, or, if applicable, at the office of its successor as Warrant Agent with the subscription form, as set forth in the Warrant Certificate, duly executed, and by paying in full the Warrant Price for each full Security as to which the Warrant is exercised and any and all applicable taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Warrant, the exchange of the Warrant for Security, and the issuance of the Security, as follows:

 

(a)                                  in cash; or

 

3



 

(b)                                 by certified or official bank check payable to the order of the Company; [or

 

(c)                                  through the surrender, in whole but not in part, of all Warrants held by a holder in exchange for a number of whole Securities equal to the product of (a) the number of Securities for which each Warrant is exercisable, and (b) (x) the last reported price per Security on [          ] on the [                  ] (i) less (ii) the Warrant Price divided by (y) the last reported price per Security on [              ] on the [                    ].]

 

3.3.2                      Issuance of Certificates.  As soon as practicable after the exercise of any Warrants and the clearance of the funds in payment of the Warrant Price, the Company shall issue to the registered holder of such Warrants in book entry form the number of Securities to which such holder is entitled, registered in such name or names as may be directed by him, her or it, and if the holder of such Warrants shall not have exercised all Warrants held by such holder, a new countersigned Warrant Certificate for the number of Securities as to which such Warrants shall not have been exercised.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to deliver any Securities pursuant to the exercise of a Warrant and shall have no obligation to settle such Warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Act with respect to the Security is effective. In the event that a registration statement with respect to the Security underlying a Warrant is not effective under the Act, the holder of such Warrant shall not be entitled to exercise such Warrant and such Warrant may have no value and expire worthless. In no event shall the Company be required to net cash settle the warrant exercise. Warrants may not be exercised by, or Securities issued to, any registered holder in any state in which such exercise would be unlawful.

 

3.3.3                      Valid Issuance.  All Securities issued upon the proper exercise of a Warrant in conformity with this Agreement shall be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

3.3.4                      Date of Issuance.  Each person in whose name any such certificate for Securities is issued shall be deemed for all purposes to have become the holder of record of such Securities on the date on which the Warrant was surrendered and payment of the Warrant Price was made; provided, however, that, if the date of such surrender and payment is a date when the stock transfer books of the Company are closed, such person shall be deemed to have become the holder of such Securities at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which such stock transfer books are open.

 

4



 

4.                                       Adjustments.  [Include appropriate adjustments to the extent Securities include preferred stock or depositary shares or units thereof.]

 

4.1                                 Securities Dividends – Split-Ups.  If after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 4.6 below, the number of outstanding Securities is increased by a Securities dividend payable in Securities, by a split of Securities, or by any other similar event, then, on the effective date of such Securities dividend, split-up or similar event, the number of Securities issuable on exercise of each Warrant shall be increased in proportion to such increase in outstanding Securities.

 

4.2                                 Aggregation of Securities.  If after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 4.6, the number of outstanding Securities is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse Securities split or reclassification of securities or any other similar event, then, on the effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse Securities split, reclassification or similar event, the number of Securities issuable on exercise of each Warrant shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding Securities.

 

4.3                                 Adjustments in Exercise Price.  Whenever the number of Securities purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants is adjusted, as provided in Section 4.1 and 4.2 above, the Warrant Price shall be adjusted (to the nearest cent) by multiplying such Warrant Price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of Securities purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants immediately prior to such adjustment, and (y) the denominator of which shall be the number of Securities so purchasable immediately thereafter.

 

4.4                                 Replacement of Securities upon Reorganization, etc.  In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Securities (other than a change covered by Section 4.1 or 4.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such Securities), or in the case of any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the Securities), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the assets or other property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the Warrant holders shall thereafter have the right to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in the Warrants and in lieu of the Securities immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented thereby, the kind and amount of Securities or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, merger or consolidation, or upon a

 

5



 

dissolution following any such sale or transfer, that the Warrant holder would have received if such Warrant holder had exercised his, her or its Warrant(s) immediately prior to such event; and if any reclassification also results in a change in Securities covered by Section 4.1 or 4.2, then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and this Section 4.4.  The provisions of this Section 4.4 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, mergers or consolidations, sales or other transfers.

 

4.5                                 Notices of Changes in Warrant.  Upon every adjustment of the Warrant Price or the number of Securities issuable upon exercise of a Warrant, the Company shall give written notice thereof to the Warrant Agent, which notice shall state the Warrant Price resulting from such adjustment and the increase or decrease, if any, in the number of Securities purchasable at such price upon the exercise of a Warrant, setting forth in reasonable detail the method of calculation and the facts upon which such calculation is based.  Upon the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4, then, in any such event, the Company shall give written notice to each Warrant holder, at the last address set forth for such holder in the warrant register, of the record date or the effective date of the event.  Failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of such event.

 

4.6                                 No Fractional Securities.  Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Warrant Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not issue fractional Securities upon exercise of Warrants.  If, by reason of any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 4, the holder of any Warrant would be entitled, upon the exercise of all of such holder’s Warrants, to receive a fractional interest in a Security, the Company shall, upon such exercise, round up or down to the nearest whole number the number of the Securities to be issued to the Warrant holder.

 

4.7                                 Form of Warrant Certificate.  The form of Warrant Certificate need not be changed because of any adjustment pursuant to this Section 4, and Warrants issued after such adjustment may state the same Warrant Price and the same number of Securities as is stated in the Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement.  However, the Company may at any time in its sole discretion make any change in the form of Warrant Certificate that the Company may deem appropriate and that does not affect the substance thereof, and any Warrant Certificate thereafter issued or countersigned, whether in exchange or substitution for an outstanding Warrant Certificate or otherwise, may be in the form as so changed.

 

6



 

5.                                       Transfer and Exchange of Warrants.

 

5.1                                 Registration of Transfer.  The Warrant Agent shall register the transfer, from time to time, of any outstanding Warrant upon the Warrant Register, upon surrender of the Warrant Certificate representing such Warrant, for transfer, properly endorsed with signatures properly guaranteed and accompanied by appropriate instructions for transfer.  Upon any such transfer, a new Warrant Certificate representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants shall be issued and the old Warrant Certificate shall be cancelled by the Warrant Agent.  The Warrants so cancelled shall be delivered by the Warrant Agent to the Company from time to time upon request.

 

5.2                                 Procedure for Surrender of Warrant Certificates.  Warrant Certificates may be surrendered to the Warrant Agent, together with a written request for exchange or transfer, and thereupon the Warrant Agent shall issue in exchange therefor one or more new Warrant Certificates as requested by the registered holder of the Warrants so surrendered, representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants represented by such Warrant Certificate; provided, however, that in the event that a Warrant Certificate surrendered for transfer bears a restrictive legend, the Warrant Agent shall not cancel such Warrant Certificate and issue new Warrant Certificate(s) in exchange therefor until the Warrant Agent has received an opinion of counsel for the Company stating that such transfer may be made and indicating whether the new Warrant Certificate(s) must also bear a restrictive legend.

 

5.3                                 Fractional Warrants.  The Warrant Agent shall not be required to effect any registration of transfer or exchange which would result in the issuance of a warrant certificate for a fraction of a Warrant.

 

5.4                                 Service Charges.  No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Warrants.

 

5.5                                 Warrant Execution and Countersignature.  The Warrant Agent is hereby authorized to countersign and to deliver, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Warrant Certificates required to be issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5, and the Company, whenever required by the Warrant Agent, shall supply the Warrant Agent with Warrant Certificates duly executed on behalf of the Company for such purpose.

 

7


 

6.                                       Redemption.

 

6.1                                 Redemption.  Not less than all of the outstanding Warrants may be redeemed, at the option of the Company, at any time while they are exercisable and prior to their expiration, if and only if an effective registration statement with respect to the Redeemable Warrants has been filed with the Commission, at the office of the Warrant Agent, upon the notice referred to in Section 6.2, at the price of $[          ] per Warrant (“Redemption Price”), provided that the last sales price of the Security has been at least $[          ] per Security, on each of [         ] trading days within any [          ] trading-day period ending on the third business day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given.

 

6.2                                 Date Fixed for, and Notice of, Redemption.  In the event the Company shall elect to redeem all of the Warrants, the Company shall fix a date for the redemption.  Notice of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, by the Company not less than [          ] days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the registered holders of the Warrants to be redeemed at their last addresses as they shall appear on the registration books.  Any notice mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not the registered holder received such notice.

 

6.3                                 Exercise After Notice of Redemption.  The Warrants may be exercised in accordance with Section 3.3.1 of this Agreement at any time after notice of redemption shall have been given by the Company pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof and prior to the time and date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, the record holder of the Warrants shall have no further rights except to receive, upon surrender of the Warrants, the Redemption Price.

 

7.                                       Other Provisions Relating to Rights of Holders of Warrants.

 

7.1                                 No Rights as Stockholder.  A Warrant does not entitle the registered holder thereof to any of the rights of a Securityholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, or other distributions, exercise any preemptive rights to vote or to consent or to receive notice as Securityholders in respect of the meetings of Securityholders or the election of directors of the Company or any other matter.

 

7.2                                 Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, or Destroyed Warrants.  If any Warrant Certificate is lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, the Company and the Warrant Agent may on such terms as to indemnity or otherwise as they may in their discretion impose (which shall, in the case of a mutilated Warrant, include the surrender thereof), issue a new Warrant Certificate of like denomination, tenor and

 

8



 

date as the Warrant Certificate so lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed.  Any such new Warrant Certificate shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed Warrant Certificate shall be at any time enforceable by anyone.

 

7.3                                 Reservation of Securities.  The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available a number of its authorized but unissued Securities that will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of all outstanding Warrants issued pursuant to this Agreement.

 

7.4                                 Registration of Securities.  The Company agrees that prior to the commencement of the Exercise Period, it shall have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement (or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement) for the registration, under the Act, of, and it shall use its best efforts to take such action as is necessary to qualify for sale, in those states in which the Warrants were initially offered by the Company, the Securities issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.  The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the same to become effective and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement until the expiration of the Warrants in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

8.                                       Concerning the Warrant Agent and Other Matters.

 

8.1                                 Payment of Taxes.  The Company shall from time to time promptly pay all taxes and charges that may be imposed upon the Company or the Warrant Agent in respect of the issuance or delivery of Security upon the exercise of Warrants, but the Company shall not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in respect of the Warrants or such Security.

 

8.2                                 Resignation, Consolidation, or Merger of Warrant Agent.

 

8.2.1                        Appointment of Successor Warrant Agent.  The Warrant Agent, or any successor to it hereafter appointed, may resign its duties and be discharged from all further duties and liabilities hereunder after giving sixty (60) days’ notice in writing to the Company.  If the office of the Warrant Agent becomes vacant by resignation or incapacity to act or otherwise, the Company shall appoint in writing a successor Warrant Agent in place of the Warrant Agent.  If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of 30 days after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of the Warrant (who shall, with such notice, submit his Warrant for inspection by the Company), then the holder of any Warrant may apply to the courts of the State of [                ] for the appointment of a successor Warrant Agent at the Company’s cost.  Any successor Warrant Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such court, shall be a corporation

 

9



 

organized and existing under the laws of the State of [                ], and authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority.  After appointment, any successor Warrant Agent shall be vested with all the authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties and obligations of its predecessor Warrant Agent with like effect as if originally named as Warrant Agent hereunder, without any further act or deed.  If for any reason it becomes necessary or appropriate, the predecessor Warrant Agent shall execute and deliver, at the expense of the Company, an instrument transferring to such successor Warrant Agent all the authority, powers and rights of such predecessor Warrant Agent hereunder; and upon request of any successor Warrant Agent, the Company shall make, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all instruments in writing for more fully and effectually vesting in and confirming to such successor Warrant Agent all such authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties and obligations.

 

8.2.2                        Notice of Successor Warrant Agent.  In the event a successor Warrant Agent shall be appointed, the Company shall give notice thereof to the predecessor Warrant Agent and the transfer agent for the Security not later than the effective date of any such appointment.

 

8.2.3                        Merger or Consolidation of Warrant Agent.  Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party shall be the successor Warrant Agent under this Agreement without any further act.

 

8.3                                Fees and Expenses of Warrant Agent.

 

8.3.1                        Remuneration.  The Company agrees to pay the Warrant Agent reasonable remuneration for its services as such Warrant Agent hereunder and shall reimburse the Warrant Agent upon demand for all expenditures that the Warrant Agent may reasonably incur in the execution of its duties hereunder.

 

8.3.2                        Further Assurances.  The Company agrees to perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments and assurances as may reasonably be required by the Warrant Agent for the carrying out or performing of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

10



 

8.4                                 Liability of Warrant Agent.

 

8.4.1                        Reliance on Company Statement.  Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Warrant Agreement, the Warrant Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a statement signed by the President, Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Board of the Company and delivered to the Warrant Agent.  The Warrant Agent may rely upon such statement for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

 

8.4.2                        Indemnity.  The Warrant Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.  The Company agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent and save it harmless against any and all liabilities, including judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees, for anything done or omitted by the Warrant Agent in the execution of this Agreement except as a result of the Warrant Agent’s negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.

 

8.4.3                        Exclusions.  The Warrant Agent shall have no responsibility with respect to the validity of this Agreement or with respect to the validity or execution of any Warrant (except its countersignature thereof); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any Warrant; [nor shall it be responsible to make any adjustments required under the provisions of Section 4 hereof or responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such adjustment or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such adjustment;] nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any Securities to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Warrant or as to whether any Securities will when issued be valid and fully paid and nonassessable.

 

8.5                                 Acceptance of Agency.  The Warrant Agent hereby accepts the agency established by this Agreement and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and conditions herein set forth and, among other things, shall account promptly to the Company with respect to Warrants exercised and concurrently account for, and pay to the Company, all moneys received by the Warrant Agent for the purchase of Securities through the exercise of Warrants.

 

11



 

9.                                       Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

9.1                                 Successors.  All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Warrant Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

 

9.2                                 Notices.  Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Warrant Agreement to be given or made by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of any Warrant to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery, upon confirmation of receipt if delivered by facsimile or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Warrant Agent), as follows:

 

Griffon Corporation

100 Jericho Quadrangle

Jericho, New York 11753

Attn:    Chief Financial Officer

Facsimile:  (516) 938-5644

 

Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the holder of any Warrant or by the Company to or on the Warrant Agent shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery, upon confirmation of receipt if delivered by facsimile or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Warrant Agent with the Company), as follows:

 

[Address of Warrant Agent]

 

with a copy in each case to:

 

Dechert LLP

1095 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

Attn:    Martin Nussbaum

Facsimile:  (212) 698-3599

 

9.3                                 Applicable law.  The validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement and of the Warrants shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York.  The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which

 

12



 

jurisdiction shall be exclusive.  The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.  Any such process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 9.2 hereof.  Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim.

 

9.4                                 Persons Having Rights under this Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement expressed and nothing that may be implied from any of the provisions hereof is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon, or give to, any person or corporation other than the parties hereto and the registered holders of the Warrants and, for the purposes of Sections 7.4 and 9.2 hereof, any right, remedy, or claim under or by reason of this Warrant Agreement or of any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise, or agreement hereof.  All covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises, and agreements contained in this Warrant Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and assigns and of the registered holders of the Warrants.

 

9.5                                 Examination of the Warrant Agreement.  A copy of this Agreement shall be available at all reasonable times at the office of the Warrant Agent in The City and State of New York, for inspection by the registered holder of any Warrant.  The Warrant Agent may require any such holder to submit his Warrant for inspection by it.

 

9.6                                 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

9.7                                 Effect of Headings.  The Section headings herein are for convenience only and are not part of this Warrant Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation thereof.

 

9.8                                 Amendments.  This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto without the consent of any registered holder for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting or supplementing any defective provision contained herein or adding or changing any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement as the parties may deem necessary or desirable and that the parties deem shall not to materially and adversely affect the interest of the registered holders.  All other modifications or amendments, including any amendment to increase the Warrant Price or shorten the Exercise Period, shall require the written consent of the registered holders of a majority of the then outstanding Warrants.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may lower the Warrant Price or extend

 

13



 

the duration of the Exercise Period pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, without the consent of the registered holders.

 

9.9                                 This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for a partnership or joint venture among the parties.  The Warrant Agent shall act hereunder as agent of the Company solely to the limited extent set forth in this Agreement, but shall not assume any fiduciary duties to, or have any rights, power or authority on behalf of, the Company or any of its affiliates, equity holders or creditors or of any other person or entity not expressly set forth in this Agreement.  Any duties of the Warrant Agent arising out of its engagements pursuant to this Agreement shall be owed solely to the Company.  No party shall make any commitments with third parties that are binding on any other party without such other party’s prior written consent, and none of the Warrant Agent, employees, or representatives or contractors of the Warrant Agent shall be deemed to be employees of the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

9.10                           Except as explicitly stated elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing under this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any rights, benefits, remedies or claims under or by reason of this Agreement or any part thereof to anyone other than the Warrant Agent and the Company, and the duties and responsibilities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Warrant Agent and the Company.

 

14



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties hereto as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[                                    ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

15




Exhibit 4.6

 

Form of Warrant

 

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS WARRANT CERTIFICATE (INCLUDING THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THE EXERCISE OF THE WARRANT) ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE WARRANT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF [          ] BY AND BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE WARRANT AGENT (THE “WARRANT AGREEMENT”). COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED BY THE HOLDER HEREOF AT THE COMPANY’S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS WITHOUT CHARGE.

 

SPECIMEN WARRANT CERTIFICATE

 

NUMBER
_______________-

 

________WARRANTS

THIS WARRANT WILL BE VOID IF NOT EXERCISED PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M.,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

CUSIP [               ]

WARRANT

 

THIS CERTIFIES THAT, for value received _____________________________is the registered holder of a Warrant or Warrants expiring on [        ] (unless earlier redeemed in accordance with the terms hereof) (the “Warrant”) to purchase [          ] (“Security”) of Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), for each Warrant evidenced by this Warrant Certificate. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase from the Company, commencing [          ], such number of Securities of the Company at the price of $[          ] per whole Security (the “Warrant Price”), upon surrender of this Warrant Certificate and payment of the Warrant Price at the office or agency of the Warrant Agent, [          ] (such payment to be made by certified or official bank check payable to the Company [or through the surrender of other securities]), but only subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Warrant Agreement between the Company and Warrant Agent. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Warrant Agreement.  In no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the exercise of this Warrant. The Warrant Agreement provides that upon the occurrence of certain events the Warrant Price and the number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder, set forth on the face hereof, may, subject to certain conditions, be adjusted. The term Warrant Price as used in this Warrant Certificate refers to the price per Security at which Securities may be purchased at the time the Warrant is exercised.

 

No fraction of a Security will be issued upon any exercise of a Warrant. If, by reason of any adjustment made pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, the holder of any Warrant would be entitled, upon the exercise of all of such holder’s Warrants, to receive a fractional interest in a Security, the Company shall, upon such exercise, round up or down to the nearest whole number the number of the Securities to be issued to the Warrant holder.

 

Upon exercise of a Warrant or Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate for less than the total number of full Securities provided for herein, there shall be issued to the registered holder hereof or his, her or its assignee a new Warrant Certificate in lieu of this Warrant Certificate covering the number of Securities for which this Warrant Certificate has not been exercised.

 

Warrant Certificates, when surrendered at the office or agency of the Warrant Agent by the registered holder hereof in person or by attorney duly authorized in writing, may be exchanged in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement, but without payment of any service charge, for another Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of like tenor and evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Warrants.

 

Upon due presentment for registration of transfer of the Warrant Certificate at the office or agency of the Warrant Agent, a new Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of like tenor and evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Warrants shall be issued to the transferee in exchange for this Warrant Certificate, subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement, without charge except for any applicable tax or other governmental charge.

 

The Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the registered holder as the absolute owner of this Warrant Certificate (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon made by anyone), for the purpose of any exercise hereof, of any distribution to the registered holder, and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

This Warrant does not entitle the Registered Holder to any of the rights of a Securityholder of the Company.

 

THIS WARRANT CERTIFICATE AND ALL RIGHTS HEREUNDER AND UNDER THE WARRANT AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND INTERPRETED AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board/President

 

Treasurer/Secretary

 



 

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

 

To Be Executed by the Registered Holder in Order to Exercise Warrants

 

The undersigned registered holder irrevocably elects to exercise _________________ Warrant(s) represented by this Warrant Certificate, and to purchase the Security issuable upon the exercise of such Warrant(s), and requests that Certificates for such shares shall be issued in the name of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT NAME AND ADDRESS)

 

 

(SOCIAL SECURITY OR TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

 

and be delivered to

 

 

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE NAME AND ADDRESS)

 

and, if such number of Warrants shall not be all the Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate, that a new Warrant Certificate for the balance of such Warrants be registered in the name of, and delivered to, the registered holder at the address stated below:

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(SIGNATURE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ADDRESS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

 



 

ASSIGNMENT

 

To Be Executed by the Registered Holder in Order to Assign Warrants

 

For Value Received, ____________________________________hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT NAME AND ADDRESS)

 

 

(SOCIAL SECURITY OR TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

 

and be delivered to

 

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE NAME AND ADDRESS)

 

________________________________ of the Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate, and hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________________________ Attorney to transfer said Warrants on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises. If such number of Warrants shall not be all the Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate, the undersigned requests that a new Warrant Certificate for the balance of such Warrants be registered in the name of, and delivered to, the registered holder at the address stated below:

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(SIGNATURE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ADDRESS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

 

THE SIGNATURE TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE SUBSCRIPTION FORM MUST CORRESPOND TO THE NAME WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THIS WARRANT CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER, AND MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A COMMERCIAL BANK OR TRUST COMPANY OR A MEMBER FIRM OF THE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE, NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, PACIFIC STOCK EXCHANGE OR CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE.

 




Exhibit 4.7

 

RIGHTS CERTIFICATE #:

 

NUMBER OF RIGHTS

 

THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING ARE SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY’S PROSPECTUS DATED [          ] (THE “PROSPECTUS”) AND ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.  COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM [          ], THE INFORMATION AGENT.

 

Griffon Corporation

Incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware

 

[TRANSFERABLE] SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS CERTIFICATE

 

Evidencing [Transferable] Subscription Rights to Purchase Securities of Griffon Corporation

Subscription Price:    $[      ] per Security

CUSIP #: [      ]

 

 

THE SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE IF NOT EXERCISED ON OR BEFORE 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON [          ], UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE COMPANY

 

REGISTERED

OWNER:

 

THIS CERTIFIES THAT the registered owner whose name is inscribed hereon is the owner of the number of [transferable] subscription rights (“Rights”) set forth above. Each whole Right entitles the holder thereof to subscribe for and purchase [       ] Securities of Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, at a subscription price of $[        ]  per share (the “Basic Subscription Right”),  pursuant to a rights offering (the “Rights Offering”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus.  [If any Securities available for purchase in the Rights Offering are not purchased by other holders of Rights pursuant to the exercise of their Basic Subscription Right (the “Remaining Securities”), any Rights holder that exercises its Basic Subscription Right in full may subscribe for a number of Remaining Securities in an amount equal to up to [         ]% of the Securities for which it was otherwise entitled to subscribe (calculated prior to the exercise of any Rights) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Rights Offering, subject to proration, as described in the Prospectus (the “Over-Subscription Right”).]   [Each Rights holder must represent to us that, (1) after giving effect to the exercise of its Rights, it will not beneficially own, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, more than [          ]% of the Company’s outstanding Securities (calculated immediately upon closing of the Rights Offering) and (2) if it already beneficially owns, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in excess of [         ]% of the Company’s outstanding Securities it will not, via the exercise of the Rights, increase its proportionate interest in the Company’s Securities].  The Rights represented by this Subscription Rights Certificate may be exercised by completing Form 1 and any other appropriate forms on the reverse side hereof and by returning the full payment of the subscription price for each Security in accordance with the instructions set forth in Form 1 hereto and the Prospectus.

 

This Subscription Rights Certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the subscription agent and registered by the registrar. Witness the seal of Griffon Corporation and the signatures of its duly authorized officers.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board/President

 

Treasurer/Secretary

 



 

DELIVERY OPTIONS FOR SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS CERTIFICATE

 

Delivery other than in the manner or to the addresses listed below will not constitute valid delivery.

 

 

 

If delivering by hand:

 

If delivering by mail or overnight courier:

[Address of Subscription Agent]

 

[Address of Subscription Agent]

 

PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY.

 

FORM 1-EXERCISE OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

 

To subscribe for shares pursuant to your Basic Subscription Right, please complete lines (a) and (c) and sign under Form 4 below.  [To subscribe for Securities pursuant to your Over-Subscription Right, please also complete line (b) and sign under Form 4 below.  To the extent you subscribe for more Securities than you are entitled under either the Basic Subscription Right or the Over-Subscription Right, you will be deemed to have elected to purchase the maximum number of Securities for which you are entitled to subscribe under the Basic Subscription Right or Over-Subscription Right, as applicable].

 

(a) EXERCISE OF BASIC SUBSCRIPTION RIGHT:

 

I apply for _______________ Securities x $ [         ]          =   $_____________

(no. of new Securities)         (subscription price)     (amount enclosed)

 

[(b) EXERCISE OF OVER-SUBSCRIPTION RIGHT

 

If you have exercised your Basic Subscription Right in full and wish to subscribe for additional Securities in an amount equal to up to [     ]% of the Securities for which you are otherwise entitled to subscribe pursuant to your Over-Subscription Right:

 

I apply for _______________ Securities x $ [         ]          =   $_____________

(no. of new Securities)         (subscription price)     (amount enclosed)

 

(c) Total Amount of Payment Enclosed   =   $___________________]

 

METHOD OF PAYMENT (CHECK ONE)

 

¨

 

Check or bank draft drawn on a U.S. bank, or postal telegraphic or express.

 

 

 

¨

 

Money order payable to “[            ], as Subscription Agent.” Funds paid by an uncertified check may take at least five business days to clear.

 

 

 

¨

 

Wire transfer of immediately available funds directly to the account maintained by [            ], as Subscription Agent, for purposes of accepting subscriptions in this Rights Offering at [            ], with reference to the rights holder’s name.

 

[FORM  2-TRANSFER TO DESIGNATED TRANSFEREE

 

To transfer your subscription rights to another person, complete this Form 2 and have your signature guaranteed under Form 5.

 

For value received _______________ of the subscription rights represented by this Subscription Rights Certificate are assigned to:

 

 

 

 

Social Security #

 

 

Signature(s):

 

 

IMPORTANT: The signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) as printed on the reverse of this Subscription Rights Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any other change whatsoever.]

 

FORM 3-DELIVERY TO DIFFERENT ADDRESS

 

If you wish for the Securities underlying your subscription rights, a certificate representing unexercised subscription rights or the proceeds of any sale of subscription rights to be delivered to an address different from that shown on the face of this Subscription Rights Certificate, please enter the alternate address below, sign under Form 4 and have your signature guaranteed under Form 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FORM 4-SIGNATURE

 

[TO SUBSCRIBE: I acknowledge that I have received the Prospectus for this Rights Offering and I hereby irrevocably subscribe for the number of Securities indicated above on the terms and conditions specified in the Prospectus.  By signing below I confirm that (1) after giving effect to the exercise of my Rights, I will not beneficially own, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, more than [         ]% of the Company’s Securities (calculated immediately upon the closing of the rights offering) and (2), if I already beneficially own, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in excess of [          ]% of the Company’s outstanding Securities I will not, via the exercise of the Rights, increase my proportionate interest in the Company’s Securities (with respect to (1) or (2), any such excess shares, the “Excess Securities”).  With respect to any such Excess Securities, I hereby (1) irrevocably appoint and constitute the Company, each of its authorized officers and their designees, and each of them, with full power of substitution, as my proxy and attorney in fact with full authority to vote and act by written consent with respect to any such Excess Securities on any matter submitted to shareholders for a vote or action by written consent, in the discretion of such proxy, to the same extent I would have the power to vote or act by written consent and (2) grant the Company a right for [          ] days from the closing of the rights offering to repurchase such Excess Securities at the lesser of the $[         ] per Security subscription price and the closing price of the Company’s Securities on the New York Stock Exchange on the trading day immediately prior to the date on which notice is sent to the holder of the Company’s intent to exercise such right, which notice must be sent prior to the expiration of such [         ] day period.  I agree to cooperate with the Company and provide to the Company any and all information requested by the Company in connection with the exercise of the rights granted in the previous sentence.]

 

Signature(s):

 

 

IMPORTANT: The signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) as printed on the reverse of this Subscription Rights Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any other change whatsoever.

 

FORM 5-SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

 

This form must be completed if you have completed any portion of Forms 2 or 3.

 

Signature Guaranteed:

 

(Name of Bank or Firm)

 

By:

 

(Signature of Officer)

 

IMPORTANT:  The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (bank, stock broker, savings & loan association or credit union) with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 17Ad-15.

 

FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON THE USE OF GRIFFON CORPORATION SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS CERTIFICATES, CONSULT [          ], THE INFORMATION AGENT, AT [          ].

 




Exhibit 4.10

 

NUMBER

UNITS

 

 

U-__________

 

 

SEE REVERSE FOR

GRIFFON CORPORATION

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

CUSIP __________

 

UNITS CONSISTING OF SECURITIES

 

THIS CERTIFIES THAT ________________________________________________________
is the owner of ____________________________________________________________ Units.

 

Each Unit (“Unit”) consists of [          ] (“Securities”), of Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).  The terms of the Units are governed by [Agreement], dated as of [          ], between the Company and [          ], as [         ], and are subject to the terms and provisions contained therein, all of which terms and provisions the holder of this certificate consents to by acceptance hereof. Copies of the [Agreement] are on file at the office of the Transfer Agent at [          ], and are available to any Securityholder on written request and without cost.

 

This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and Registrar of the Company.
Witness the facsimile seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEAL

 

Chairman of the Board/President

 

Treasurer/Secretary

 



 

(REVERSE OF UNIT CERTIFICATE)

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

The Company will furnish without charge to each Securityholder who so requests, a statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each Security of the Company and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

 

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN CON —

as tenants in common

UNIF GIFT MIN ACT–

 

 Custodian

 

TEN ENT —

as tenants by the entireties

 

(Cust)

 

(Minor)

JT TEN —

as joint tenants with right of

under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

 

 

survivorship and not as tenants

 

(State)

 

in common

 

 

Additional Abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

 

For value received, _______________________________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

 

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

 

 

 

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Units represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint

 

 

Attorney

to transfer said Units on the books of the within named Company will full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER.

Signature(s) Guaranteed:

 

 

 

 

THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE

GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND

LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN

APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT

TO SEC RULE 17Ad-15).

 




Exhibit 5.1

 

1095 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY  10036-6797

+1  212  698  3500  Main

+1  212  698  3599  Fax

www.dechert.com

 

March 30, 2009

 

Griffon Corporation

Clopay Building Products Company, Inc.

Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc.

Telephonics Corporation

100 Jericho Quadrangle

Jericho, New York 11753

 

Re:          Form S-3 Registration Statement

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to Griffon Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Clopay Building Products Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Clopay Building”), Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Clopay Plastic”), and Telephonics Corporation, a Delaware Corporation (“Telephonics” and together with Clopay Building and Clopay Plastic, the “Guarantors”), in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) filed on the date hereof with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to possible offerings from time to time of up to an aggregate of $300,000,000 of the following securities of the Company or the Guarantors, as the case may be, (1) debt securities (which may be issued in one or more series) (“Debt Securities”) to be issued pursuant to an indenture between the Company and a trustee (the “Trustee”), such indenture to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement in connection with a specific offering of Debt Securities (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, an “Indenture”), (2) guarantees of Debt Securities by the Guarantors (“Guarantees”), (3) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.25 per share, of the Company (“Preferred Stock”), which may also be issued in the form of depositary shares (“Depositary Shares”) evidenced by depositary receipts (“Receipts”), (4) warrants of the Company to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Units (“Warrants”), (5) rights of the Company to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Units (“Rights”), (6) units of the Company to purchase any combination of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Warrants or Rights (the “Units”) and (7) common stock, par value $0.25 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”), issuable upon conversion or exchange of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares.  The Debt Securities, Guarantees, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Warrants, Rights, Units and Common Stock are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities.”  The Registration Statement provides that the Securities may be offered separately or together, in separate series, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to the prospectus included in the

 

US  Austin  Boston  Charlotte  Hartford  New York  Newport Beach  Philadelphia  Princeton  San Francisco  Silicon Valley Washington DC EUROPE  Brussels  London  Luxembourg  Munich  Paris  ASIA  Hong Kong

 



 

Registration Statement (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”).  This opinion letter is being furnished to the Company in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) under Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any matter other than as to the legality of the Securities.

 

In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied on originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records and other instruments and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth below, including the following documents:

 

(i)                                    the Registration Statement;

 

(ii)                                 the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated October 1, 1986, as amended through the date hereof (the “Restated Certificate of Incorporation”), filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement;

 

(iii)                              the Amended Bylaws of the Company, dated May 8, 2008 (the “Bylaws”), filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement;

 

(iv)                             the forms of certificates evidencing the Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Receipts, Warrants, Rights and Units, in the forms attached as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7 and 4.10, respectively, to the Registration Statement;

 

(v)                                the forms of underwriting agreement, deposit agreement and warrant agreement, in the forms attached as Exhibits 1.1, 4.3 and 4.5, respectively, to the Registration Statement;

 

(vi)                             a certificate of good standing with respect to the Company issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, dated March 27, 2009; and

 

(vii)                          the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company relating to, among other things, the authorization and approval of the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company.

 

As to the facts upon which this opinion is based, we have relied upon certificates of public officials and certificates and written statements of officers, directors, employees and representatives of the Company.

 

2



 

In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as original documents, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies, the legal capacity of natural persons who are signatories to the documents examined by us, and the legal power and authority of all persons signing on behalf of the parties to all documents (other than the Company and the Guarantors).

 

On the basis of the foregoing and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth in this letter, we are of the opinion that:

 

1.                                   The Debt Securities, when (a) duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the applicable Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Indenture and issued and sold (x) in accordance with the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement or (y) upon exchange or conversion of Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares or upon exercise of Rights or Warrants as contemplated by the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement, and (b) delivered to the purchaser or purchasers thereof against receipt by the Company of such lawful consideration therefor as the Company’s Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized officer of the Company) may determine, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms.

 

2.                                   The Guarantee of each of the Guarantors, when (a) duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of such Guarantor and duly executed by such Guarantor, and (b) the Debt Securities have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered by or on behalf of the Company against receipt by the Company of lawful consideration therefor in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement, will be the legally valid and binding obligation of the respective Guarantor enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms.

 

3.                                   The Preferred Stock, when (a) duly issued and sold in accordance with the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement or upon conversion or exchange of Debt Securities, upon the exchange of validly issued and fully paid Depositary Shares or upon exercise of Rights or Warrants as contemplated by the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement, and (b) delivered to the purchaser or purchasers thereof against receipt by the Company of such lawful consideration therefor as the Company’s Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized officer of the Company) may determine and at a price per share not less than the per share par value of the Preferred Stock, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

3



 

4.                                   When (a) the Depositary Shares have been (i) duly issued and sold in accordance with the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement, and Receipts in the form contemplated and authorized by a valid and binding deposit agreement have been duly executed and delivered by the depositary and (ii) delivered to the purchaser or purchasers thereof against receipt by the Company of such lawful consideration therefor as the Company’s Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized officer of the Company) may determine and (b) the shares of Preferred Stock relating to the Depositary Shares have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable as contemplated by paragraph 3 above and have been deposited with the depositary, the Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares will be validly issued.

 

5.                                   The Rights, when duly issued in accordance with the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement and the provisions of an applicable subscription certificate and any applicable and valid and binding subscription agreement, will be validly issued.

 

6.                                   The Warrants, when (a) duly executed, authenticated, issued and sold in accordance with the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement and the provisions of an applicable and valid and binding warrant agreement, and (b) delivered to the purchaser or purchasers thereof against receipt by the Company of such lawful consideration therefor as the Company’s Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized officer of the Company) will be valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms.

 

7.                                   The Common Stock, when (a) duly issued upon conversion or exchange of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares as contemplated by the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement, and (b) delivered to the purchaser or purchasers thereof against receipt by the Company of such lawful consideration therefor as the Company’s Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized officer of the Company) may determine and at a price per share not less than the per share par value of the Common Stock, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

8.                                   The Units, when (a) duly executed, authenticated, issued and sold in accordance with the Registration Statement and applicable Prospectus Supplement and the provisions of any applicable and valid and binding unit agreement, and (b) delivered to the purchaser or purchasers thereof against receipt by the Company of such lawful consideration therefor as the Company’s Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized officer of the Company)

 

4



 

may determine, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms.

 

The opinions set forth herein are subject to the following assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions being true and correct at or before the time of the delivery of any Securities offered pursuant to the Registration Statement and appropriate Prospectus Supplement: (i) the Board of Directors of the Company (and of each of the Guarantors, in the case of the Guarantees)  (the “Board of Directors”), including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company (and of each of the Guarantors, in the case of the Guarantees) shall have (x) duly established the terms of the Securities (and in the case of the Units, the Securities that are the components thereof), and (y) duly authorized and taken any other necessary corporate or other action to approve the creation, if applicable, issuance and sale of the Securities and related matters (including without limitation with respect to Preferred Stock, the execution, acknowledgment and filing of a Certificate of Designation stating the designation and voting rights, preferences, limitations and special rights, if any, of any such Preferred Stock in accordance with the applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware) and any Securities consisting of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, and any Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares for or into which any other Securities are exercisable, exchangeable or convertible will have been duly reserved for issuance and such authorizations and actions have not been rescinded; (ii) the resolutions establishing the definitive terms of and authorizing the Company (or the Guarantors, in the case of the Guarantees) to register, offer, sell and issue the Securities will remain in effect and unchanged at all times during which the Securities are offered, sold or issued by the Company (or the Guarantors, in the case of the Guarantees); (iii) the definitive terms of each class and series of the Securities not presently provided for in the Registration Statement or the certificate of incorporation of the Company (and of the Guarantors, in the case of the Guarantees), and the terms of the issuance and sale of the Securities (x) will have been duly established in accordance with all applicable law and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company (and of the Guarantors, in the case of the Guarantees) (collectively, the “Charter”), any Indenture, guarantee, underwriting agreement, warrant agreement, deposit agreement, subscription agreement, unit agreement and any other relevant agreement relating to the terms and the offer and sale of the Securities (collectively, the “Documents”) and the authorizing resolutions of the Board of Directors, and reflected in appropriate documentation reviewed by us, and (y) shall not violate any applicable law, the Charter and the Documents (subject to the further assumption that such Charter and Documents have not been amended from the date hereof in a manner that would affect the validity of any of the opinions rendered herein), or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company (or the Guarantors, in the case of the Guarantees) and so as to comply with any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company (or the Guarantors, in the case of the Guarantees); (iv) upon issuance of any shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock or any Depositary Shares, including upon exercise, conversion or exchange of Securities, the total number of shares of Preferred Stock and Common Stock issued and outstanding will not exceed the total number of

 

5



 

shares of Preferred Stock and Common Stock that the Company is then authorized to issue under its Restated Certificate of Incorporation; (v) the interest rate on the Debt Securities will not be higher than the maximum lawful rate permitted from time to time under applicable law; (vi) the Securities (including any Securities issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of other Securities and, in the case of any Units, the Securities that are components thereof), and any certificates representing the relevant Securities (including any Securities issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of other Securities and, in the case of any Units, the Securities that are components thereof), have been duly authenticated, executed, countersigned, registered and delivered upon payment of the agreed-upon legal consideration therefor and have been duly issued and sold in accordance with any relevant agreement, approved by us and, if applicable, duly executed and delivered by the Company and any other appropriate party; (vii) each Indenture, warrant agreement, deposit agreement, subscription agreement, unit agreement and any other relevant agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and will constitute a valid and binding obligation of, each party thereto (other than the Company); (viii) the Registration Statement, as amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments) and any additional registration statement filed under Rule 462, will be effective under the Securities Act and such effectiveness shall not have been terminated or rescinded; (ix) an appropriate Prospectus Supplement shall have been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder describing the Securities offered thereby; (x) the Securities shall be issued and sold in compliance with all Federal and State securities laws and solely in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and the applicable Prospectus Supplement and there shall not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity of the opinions rendered herein; (xi) if the Securities will be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, the underwriting agreement with respect to the Securities in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, or incorporated by reference therein, has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (xii) the Indenture will have been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; and (xiii) in the case of an agreement or instrument pursuant to which any Securities are to be issued, there shall be no terms or provisions contained therein which would affect the validity of any of the opinions rendered herein.

 

Any opinion set forth herein as to enforceability of obligations of the Company or any Guarantor is subject to: (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or similar laws now or hereinafter in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law) and the discretion of the court or other body before which any proceeding may be brought; (ii) provisions of law which may require that a judgment for money damages rendered by a court in the United States be expressed only in United States dollars; (iii) requirements that a claim with respect to any Debt Securities or Guarantee denominated other than in U.S. dollars (or a judgment denominated other than in U.S. dollars in respect of such claim) be converted into U.S. dollars at a rate of exchange prevailing on a date determined

 

6



 

pursuant to applicable law; and (iv) governmental authority to limit, delay or prohibit the making of payments outside the United States or in foreign currency or composite currency.

 

We express no opinion as to the validity, legally binding effect or enforceability of any provision in any agreement or instrument that (i) requires or relates to payment of any interest at a rate or in an amount which a court would determine in the circumstances under applicable law to be commercially unreasonable or a penalty or forfeiture or (ii) relates to governing law and submission by the parties to the jurisdiction of one or more particular courts.

 

The opinions expressed herein are limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the laws of the State of New York.  We are not members of the bar of the State of Delaware, nor do we purport to be experts in the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

This opinion letter has been prepared for your use solely in connection with the Registration Statement. We assume no obligation to advise you of any changes in the foregoing subsequent to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ Dechert LLP

 

Dechert LLP

 

7




Exhibit 12.1

 

GRIFFON CORPORATION

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 30,

 

Three Months
Ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2008

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax income from continuing operations

 

$

92,938

 

$

70,924

 

$

69,145

 

$

41,436

 

$

4,382

 

$

6,508

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed charges

 

17,297

 

19,815

 

22,519

 

25,120

 

24,524

 

5,387

 

Amortization of capitalized interest

 

709

 

720

 

723

 

737

 

786

 

203

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest capitalized

 

 

 

 

(454

)

(511

)

(69

)

Preference security dividend requirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that haven’t incurred fixed charges

 

(19,259

)

(6,550

)

 

 

 

 

Total earnings

 

$

91,685

 

$

84,909

 

$

92,387

 

$

66,839

 

$

29,181

 

$

12,029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

8,066

 

$

8,266

 

$

10,492

 

$

12,508

 

$

11,532

 

$

2,796

 

Interest capitalized

 

 

 

 

454

 

511

 

69

 

Amortization of capitalized expenses related to indebtedness

 

1,006

 

1,559

 

1,604

 

1,635

 

1,692

 

440

 

Estimate of the interest within rent expense

 

8,225

 

9,990

 

10,423

 

10,523

 

10,789

 

2,082

 

Preference security dividend requirements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fixed charges

 

$

17,297

 

$

19,815

 

$

22,519

 

$

25,120

 

$

24,524

 

$

5,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

5.3

x

4.3

x

4.1

x

2.7

x

1.2

x

2.2

x

 




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Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We have issued our reports dated December 11, 2008 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules (which report expressed an unqualified opinion and contains explanatory paragraphs related to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, effective October 1, 2007, and the adoption of the recognition and disclosure provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 158, Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans: an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R), effective September 30, 2007) and with respect to internal control over financial reporting of Griffon Corporation and subsidiaries, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008 which are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of the aforementioned reports and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption "Experts."

GRANT THORNTON LLP

Melville, New York
March 27, 2009




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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM