AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 9, 2002 REGISTRATION NO. 333-83768 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 --------------------- AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO FORM S-4 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 --------------------- ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) 20 SYLVAN ROAD WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS 01801 (781) 935-5150 (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices) --------------------- DAVID J. ALDRICH PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC. 20 SYLVAN ROAD WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS 01801 (781) 935-5150 (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service) --------------------- COPIES TO:
DELAWARE 3674 04-2302115 (State or Other Jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Identification Number) --------------------- APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: As soon as practicable following the effective date of this registration statement and the date on which all other conditions to the merger of Washington Sub, Inc. with and into Alpha Industries, Inc. pursuant to the merger agreement described in the enclosed document have been satisfied or waived. --------------------- If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ] If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] ____________ If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] ____________ --------------------- THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARGARET A. BROWN, ESQ. JAMES K. JACOBS, ESQ. DENNIS E. O'REILLY, ESQ. PETER R. KOLYER, ESQ. SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, GENERAL COUNSEL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL CHADBOURNE & PARKE LLP MEAGHER & FLOM LLP ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC. COUNSEL AND SECRETARY 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA ONE BEACON STREET 20 SYLVAN ROAD CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10112 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108 WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS 01801 4311 JAMBOREE ROAD (212) 408-5100 (617) 573-4800 (781) 935-5150 NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92660 (949) 483-4600 [Alpha Logo] [Conexant Logo] May 10, 2002 To the Stockholders of Alpha Industries, Inc. and Conexant Systems, Inc.: Alpha Industries, Inc. and Conexant Systems, Inc. have entered into an agreement to merge Conexant's wireless communications business with Alpha to create a leading independent company focused exclusively on radio frequency and complete semiconductor system solutions for mobile communications applications. Under the agreement, Conexant will spin off its wireless communications business to Conexant stockholders, to be followed immediately by a merger of the wireless communications business with Alpha, which will survive the merger. In the merger, each Conexant stockholder will receive 0.351 of a share of common stock of the combined company for each share of Conexant stock owned, and Alpha stockholders will continue to hold their shares of Alpha common stock as shares of the combined company. The value of the consideration to be received by Conexant stockholders in the merger will vary depending on the price of Alpha common stock. Alpha common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "AHAA", and on May 9, 2002, the closing price was $10.78. The Alpha board of directors has unanimously determined that the merger is advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, Alpha and its stockholders and has unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement and the merger. In order to complete the merger, we must obtain the approval of Alpha stockholders. A special meeting of Alpha stockholders to vote on the merger proposal will be held on June 13, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Renaissance Bedford Hotel, 44 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, Massachusetts. THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER. Conexant's board of directors also has determined that the combination of Conexant's wireless communications business with Alpha is advisable and in the best interests of Conexant and its stockholders, and has approved the proposed transaction. No vote of Conexant stockholders is required in connection with the spin-off transaction or the merger. Alpha stockholders will also vote on proposals to amend Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the plans. THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSALS TO AMEND ALPHA'S 1996 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AND DIRECTORS' 2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN. The following document contains important information describing the terms of the merger, the proposed Alpha plan amendments, Conexant's wireless communications business, Alpha and the combined company. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ IT CAREFULLY, INCLUDING THE SECTION ENTITLED "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 19. NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UNDER THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS-INFORMATION STATEMENT OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS-INFORMATION STATEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS-INFORMATION STATEMENT DATED MAY 10, 2002 AND FIRST MAILED TO ALPHA AND CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS ON MAY 14, 2002.
/s/ David J. Aldrich /s/ Dwight W. Decker, Ph.D. David J. Aldrich Dwight W. Decker, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Alpha Industries, Inc. Officer Conexant Systems, Inc. ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC. 20 SYLVAN ROAD WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS 01801 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD JUNE 13, 2002 To the Stockholders of Alpha Industries, Inc.: A Special Meeting of Stockholders of Alpha Industries, Inc. will be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on June 13, 2002, at the Renaissance Bedford Hotel, 44 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, Massachusetts. The special meeting is being held for the following purposes: 1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of December 16, 2001, as amended as of April 12, 2002 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among Conexant Systems, Inc., Washington Sub, Inc. and Alpha Industries, Inc. and the merger provided for by the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which Washington, which will hold the wireless communications business of Conexant (excluding certain assets and liabilities), will merge with and into Alpha, with Alpha surviving the merger. 2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the plan by 1,885,000 shares (from 4,200,000 shares to 6,085,000 shares). 3. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to Alpha's Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the plan by 315,000 shares (from 250,000 shares to 565,000 shares). 4. To transact any and all other business that may properly come before the special meeting or any adjourned session of the special meeting. The Merger Agreement, the merger and the amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan are described more fully in the attached proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, and we urge you to read it carefully. All Alpha stockholders are cordially invited to attend the special meeting, although only those stockholders of record at the close of business on April 22, 2002 are entitled to notice of the special meeting and to vote at the meeting, whether in person or by proxy. THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ALPHA'S 1996 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AND DIRECTORS' 2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN. To ensure that your shares of Alpha common stock are represented at the special meeting, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card and mail it promptly in the envelope provided. Any executed but unmarked proxy cards will be voted FOR approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the merger and FOR approval of the proposed amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan. You may revoke your proxy in the manner described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus-information statement before it has been voted at the special meeting. By Order of the Board of Directors: /s/ Paul E. Vincent Paul E. Vincent Secretary May 10, 2002 YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. THE MERGER CANNOT PROCEED UNLESS THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF ALPHA COMMON STOCK ENTITLED TO VOTE UPON THE MERGER PROPOSAL VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL NO. 1. IN ADDITION, THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ALPHA'S 1996 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AND DIRECTORS' 2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN WILL NOT BE ADOPTED UNLESS A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES PROPERLY CAST ARE VOTED IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL NOS. 2 AND 3, RESPECTIVELY. PLEASE RETURN YOUR SIGNED AND DATED PROXY CARD AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. TABLE OF CONTENTS i
PAGE ---- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS....................................... 1 SUMMARY..................................................... 5 RISK FACTORS................................................ 19 SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS........... 36 THE ALPHA SPECIAL MEETING................................... 37 Date, Time and Place...................................... 37 Matters for Consideration................................. 37 Record Date; Voting Information; Quorum................... 37 Required Votes............................................ 38 Voting by Proxy........................................... 38 Revocation of Proxies..................................... 38 Voting by Alpha Management................................ 38 No Dissenters' or Appraisal Rights........................ 39 Solicitation of Proxies................................... 39 THE MERGER.................................................. 40 General................................................... 40 Background of the Merger.................................. 41 Alpha Board of Directors' Recommendation to Alpha Stockholders; Reasons for the Merger................... 44 Opinion of Alpha's Financial Advisor...................... 45 Regulatory Approvals...................................... 52 Accounting Treatment...................................... 52 Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger................ 52 THE MERGER AGREEMENT........................................ 54 The Merger................................................ 54 Merger Consideration...................................... 54 Treatment of Stock Options................................ 54 Exchange of Shares; Treatment of Fractional Shares........ 54 Effective Time............................................ 55 Representations and Warranties............................ 55 Covenants................................................. 56 Conditions................................................ 61 Amendments................................................ 63 Termination of the Merger Agreement....................... 63 Payment of Termination Fee................................ 64 Restrictions on Resales by Affiliates..................... 65 THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION.................................... 66 Introduction.............................................. 66 Manner of Effecting the Distribution...................... 66 No Trading Market......................................... 67 Conditions to the Completion of the Distribution.......... 67 U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION AND THE MERGER................................ 68 AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION............. 71 Distribution Agreement.................................... 71 Employee Matters Agreement................................ 73 Tax Allocation Agreement.................................. 74 Transition Services Agreement............................. 75 Newport Supply Agreement.................................. 76 Newbury Supply Agreement.................................. 77 ii
PAGE ---- THE MEXICALI SALE........................................... 78 The Mexicali Operations................................... 78 Mexican Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement................ 78 U.S. Asset Purchase Agreement............................. 82 Facility Services Agreement............................... 83 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ALPHA'S 1996 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN...................................................... 85 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ALPHA'S DIRECTORS' 2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN...................................................... 88 PRICE RANGE OF ALPHA COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS............. 91 HISTORICAL SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS........... 92 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS................................... 94 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS.... 114 COMBINED COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION..................................... 116 INFORMATION ABOUT ALPHA..................................... 127 Products and Applications................................. 127 Research and Development.................................. 127 Raw Materials............................................. 128 Marketing and Distribution; Customers..................... 128 Backlog................................................... 128 Environmental Regulations................................. 128 Employees................................................. 128 Properties................................................ 128 Legal Proceedings......................................... 129 Other Information......................................... 129 INFORMATION ABOUT THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS................... 130 The Washington Business................................... 130 Research and Development.................................. 131 Manufacturing............................................. 131 Raw Materials and Supplies................................ 132 Customers, Marketing and Sales............................ 132 Backlog................................................... 133 Competition............................................... 133 Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights.............. 133 Environmental Regulation.................................. 134 Cyclicality; Seasonality.................................. 134 Employees................................................. 134 Properties................................................ 135 Legal Proceedings......................................... 135 INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMBINED COMPANY...................... 136 Industry Background....................................... 136 Business of the Combined Company.......................... 137 MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY AFTER THE MERGER.................................................... 140 Board of Directors........................................ 140 Alpha Designees to the Board of Directors................. 140 Conexant Designees to the Board of Directors.............. 140 Joint Designee to the Board of Directors.................. 141 iii
PAGE ---- Classified Board.......................................... 141 Committees of the Board of Directors...................... 141 Compensation of Directors................................. 142 Management................................................ 142 COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY................................................... 144 Summary Compensation Table................................ 144 Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year......................... 145 Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values................................. 146 OWNERSHIP OF COMBINED COMPANY COMMON STOCK.................. 147 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMBINED COMPANY'S CAPITAL STOCK......... 149 Common Stock.............................................. 149 Preferred Stock........................................... 150 Certain Provisions in the Combined Company's Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended By-Laws........................................ 150 LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS..... 153 COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS BEFORE AND AFTER THE MERGER................................................ 154 RIGHTS OF CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS BEFORE AND AFTER THE MERGER.................................................... 157 LEGAL MATTERS............................................... 157 EXPERTS..................................................... 157 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS....................................... 157 OTHER MATTERS............................................... 158 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION......................... 158 INDEX TO AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS.... F-1 ANNEX A-Agreement and Plan of Reorganization................ A-1 ANNEX B-Contribution and Distribution Agreement............. B-1 ANNEX C-Opinion of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray............... C-1 ANNEX D-Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation............................................. D-1 ANNEX E-Second Amended and Restated By-Laws................. E-1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: WHAT ARE ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC. STOCKHOLDERS BEING ASKED TO VOTE ON AT THE SPECIAL MEETING? A: First, Alpha stockholders are being asked to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger of Washington Sub, Inc., currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conexant Systems, Inc. to which Conexant will contribute its wireless communications business (excluding certain assets and liabilities), with and into Alpha, with Alpha surviving the merger as the combined company (page 40). The Alpha board of directors has unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement and the merger and unanimously recommends that Alpha stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger (page 44). Second, Alpha stockholders are being asked to approve an amendment to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of Alpha common stock that may be issued under the plan. Third, Alpha stockholders are being asked to approve an amendment to Alpha's Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of Alpha common stock that may be issued under the plan. Alpha believes the amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan are advisable in connection with the increase in the number of employees and the addition of new officers and directors that will occur as a result of the merger. The Alpha board of directors unanimously recommends that Alpha stockholders vote FOR the proposals to approve the amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan. Completion of the merger is a condition to the effectiveness of the amendments to the plans, but approval of the amendments to the plans is not a condition to completion of the merger (pages 85 and 88). Q: WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE MERGER? A: The merger will be accomplished by Conexant contributing its wireless communications business (excluding certain assets and liabilities) to Washington and distributing all of the outstanding shares of Washington common stock to the stockholders of Conexant on a one share-for-one share basis, immediately after which Washington will merge with and into Alpha. Alpha will be the surviving company in the merger. Q: WHAT WILL ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS RECEIVE IN THE MERGER? A: Alpha stockholders are not exchanging their shares of Alpha common stock in the merger. All shares of Alpha common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the merger will remain issued and outstanding after completion of the merger as shares of the combined company. Immediately following the merger, approximately 33% of the common stock of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis, will be owned by Alpha stockholders. Q: WHAT WILL CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS RECEIVE IN THE MERGER? A: In the merger, stockholders of Conexant will receive 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock in exchange for each share of Washington common stock issued to them in the distribution and the shares of Washington stock will be canceled and will cease to exist. In the distribution, Conexant stockholders will receive one share of Washington common stock for each share of Conexant stock held by them. As a result, Conexant stockholders will receive 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock for each share of Conexant stock that they own as of the record date for the distribution. Immediately following the merger, approximately 67% of the common stock of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis, will be owned by Conexant stockholders. In addition, Conexant stockholders will continue to own their shares of Conexant stock. 1 No fractional shares of combined company common stock will be issued to Conexant stockholders in the merger. Conexant stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to a fraction of a share will receive a cash payment in lieu of issuance of that fractional share (page 54). Q: WHAT STOCKHOLDER APPROVALS ARE NEEDED? A: The merger cannot be completed unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Alpha common stock entitled to vote on the merger proposal vote in favor of approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger. The Alpha board of directors unanimously recommends that Alpha stockholders vote FOR approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger. No vote of Conexant stockholders is required or being sought in connection with the spin-off transaction or the merger. Conexant, as sole stockholder of Washington, has approved and adopted the merger agreement and the merger (page 40). The proposed amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan will not be adopted unless a majority of the votes properly cast are voted in favor of their adoption. The Alpha board of directors unanimously recommends that Alpha stockholders vote FOR approval and adoption of the proposed amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan (pages 85 and 88). Q: WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE AT THE ALPHA SPECIAL MEETING? A: Holders of Alpha common stock are eligible to vote their shares of Alpha common stock at the special meeting if they were holders of record of those shares at the close of business on April 22, 2002 (page 37). Q: WHEN WILL THE MERGER BE COMPLETED? A: If the merger agreement and the merger are approved by Alpha stockholders, Alpha and Conexant expect to complete the merger as soon as possible after the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the conditions to the merger. Alpha and Conexant currently anticipate that the merger will be completed during the second calendar quarter of 2002 (page 55). Q: WHAT SHOULD ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS DO NOW? A: After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, Alpha stockholders should complete and mail their signed and dated proxy card in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope as soon as possible so that their shares will be represented and voted at the Alpha special meeting. ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO SURRENDER THEIR EXISTING ALPHA SHARES IN THE MERGER AND THEY SHOULD NOT SEND IN THEIR ALPHA STOCK CERTIFICATES. Q: WHAT SHOULD CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS DO NOW? A: Conexant stockholders should carefully read this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, which contains important information about the merger, the distribution of Washington common stock by Conexant to its stockholders, the wireless communications business of Conexant, Alpha and the combined company. Conexant stockholders are not required to take any action to approve the distribution of Washington common stock by Conexant to them or the merger of Washington with and into Alpha. Holders of Conexant stock entitled to receive shares of combined company common stock will be mailed after the merger book-entry statements evidencing their ownership of combined company common stock and other information regarding their receipt of combined company common stock. CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO SURRENDER THEIR EXISTING CONEXANT SHARES IN THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION OR THE MERGER AND THEY SHOULD NOT SEND IN THEIR CONEXANT STOCK CERTIFICATES. 2 Q: CAN ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS CHANGE THEIR VOTE AFTER THEY MAIL THEIR PROXY CARD? A: Yes. If you are a record holder of Alpha common stock and have mailed your proxy card, you can change your vote in any of the following ways: - sending a written notice to the corporate secretary of Alpha that is received prior to the special meeting stating that you revoke your proxy; - signing a new proxy card and returning it by mail to Alpha's transfer agent so that it is received prior to the special meeting; or - attending the special meeting and voting in person. If you are an Alpha stockholder and your shares are held in "street name" by your broker, you will need to contact your broker to revoke your proxy (page 38). Q: WHAT IF MY SHARES OF ALPHA COMMON STOCK ARE HELD IN "STREET NAME" BY MY BROKER? A: If you are an Alpha stockholder and your shares of Alpha common stock are held in "street name" by your broker, your broker will vote your shares with respect to the merger proposal only if you provide written instructions to your broker on how to vote, so it is important that you provide your broker with instructions. If you do not provide your broker with instructions, your broker will not be authorized to vote with respect to the merger proposal. To ensure that your broker receives your instructions, Alpha requests that you promptly send your broker your instructions in the envelope enclosed with this proxy statement/ prospectus-information statement. If your shares are held in street name by your broker and you wish to vote in person at the meeting, you must contact your broker and request a document called a "legal proxy". You must bring the legal proxy to the meeting in order to vote in person. If you do not give voting instructions to your broker with respect to the merger proposal, you will, in effect, be voting against the merger proposal, unless you appear in person at the special meeting with a valid legal proxy from your broker and vote in favor of the merger proposal. If your shares are held in street name by your broker, your broker may be permitted to vote your shares with respect to the proposals to approve the amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan if these proposals are considered routine matters, even if you do not provide written instructions to your broker on how to vote. As a result, if you do not give your broker instructions on how to vote your shares, your broker may vote your shares in a manner different than you would have voted if you had provided instructions (page 37). Q: WHO CAN ANSWER MY QUESTIONS? A: If you are an Alpha stockholder and you have any questions about the merger, the special meeting, the proposed amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan, or if you need assistance in voting your shares, please contact Alpha's proxy solicitor: Morrow & Co., Inc. 14755 Preston Road, Suite 725 One Signature Place Dallas, Texas 75240 Telephone: (972) 788-0977 All other questions should be directed to: Alpha Industries, Inc. 20 Sylvan Road Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 Attention: Investor Relations Telephone: (781) 935-5150, extension 4798 3 If you are a Conexant stockholder and you have any questions regarding the merger, the distribution of shares of Washington common stock by Conexant to its stockholders or any other matter described in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, please direct your questions to: Conexant Systems, Inc. 4311 Jamboree Road Newport Beach, California 92660-3095 Attention: Shareowner Services Telephone: (949) 483-4533 4 SUMMARY This summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. For a more complete description of the legal terms of the merger and to understand the merger and the other transactions described in this summary fully, you should carefully read this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement and the other documents to which we have referred you. See "Where You Can Find More Information". This proxy statement/prospectus-information statement is a proxy statement/prospectus of Alpha Industries, Inc. for use in soliciting proxies for Alpha's special meeting and relating to the issuance of shares of Alpha common stock in connection with the merger. It is also an information statement of Conexant Systems, Inc. relating to the spin-off of its wireless communications business. References to Alpha, Conexant and the combined company in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement include their respective subsidiaries unless otherwise noted. The terms "we", "us" and "our" refer to Alpha and Conexant, jointly. THE COMPANIES ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC. 20 Sylvan Road Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 (781) 935-5150 Alpha Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, manufactures and markets proprietary radio frequency and microwave integrated circuit products and solutions primarily for wireless communications. Alpha's products include modules, integrated circuits and discrete components, as well as components based on electrical ceramic and ferrite technology. The primary applications for Alpha's products are wireless handsets and wireless base station equipment, together with wireless local area network, wide area network and local loop applications. WASHINGTON SUB, INC. c/o Conexant Systems, Inc. 4311 Jamboree Road Newport Beach, California 92660-3095 (949) 483-4600 Washington Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a newly-formed corporation that has not conducted any activities other than those incident to its formation and the matters contemplated by the merger agreement, which is described below. Washington is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conexant Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Prior to the merger of Washington with and into Alpha, Conexant will contribute to Washington the assets, liabilities (including liabilities relating to former operations) and operations of its wireless communications business, other than certain assets and liabilities retained by Conexant. We refer to the business contributed to Washington by Conexant as the Washington Business. The Washington Business's wireless communications product portfolio is comprised of components, subsystems and system-level semiconductor solutions for wireless voice and data communications applications, supporting the world's most widely adopted wireless standards, including: CDMA, or Code Division Multiple Access; TDMA, or Time Division Multiple Access; and GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communications. Wireless communications product offerings of the Washington Business include power amplifier modules, radio frequency components and subsystems, and cellular systems. 5 CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. 4311 Jamboree Road Newport Beach, California 92660-3095 (949) 483-4600 Conexant Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications. Conexant's expertise in mixed-signal processing allows it to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products which facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data communications networks, cellular telephony systems and emerging cable, satellite and fixed wireless broadband communications networks. Conexant operates in two business segments: the Personal Networking business and Mindspeed Technologies(TM), its Internet infrastructure business. The Washington Business is currently part of Conexant's Personal Networking business. THE MERGER Alpha and Conexant have agreed to merge the Washington Business with Alpha's business pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of December 16, 2001, as amended as of April 12, 2002, by and among Conexant, Washington and Alpha, which we refer to in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement as the merger agreement. In connection with the merger, Conexant will contribute the Washington Business to Washington pursuant to the terms of the Contribution and Distribution Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2001, by and between Conexant and Washington. Immediately prior to the merger, Conexant will distribute all of the outstanding shares of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders on a one share-for-one share basis. Conexant's contribution of the Washington Business to Washington and the subsequent distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders together comprise the spin-off transaction. Washington will then merge with Alpha in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, with Alpha surviving the merger as the combined company. Conexant stockholders will receive 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock in exchange for each share of Washington common stock issued to them in the distribution. Alpha stockholders will continue to hold their existing shares of Alpha common stock as shares of the combined company after the merger and will not receive any new shares in the merger. Following the merger, the combined company will operate the combined business operations of Alpha and the Washington Business and will adopt a new corporate name. The corporate name change will be effected by a means that will not require the approval of the stockholders of the combined company. The combined company will have joint headquarters in Woburn, Massachusetts and Newport Beach, California. The fiscal year of the combined company will end on the Sunday closest to September 30. We encourage you to read carefully the merger agreement and the distribution agreement, which are attached as Annexes A and B, respectively, because they set forth the legal terms of the merger, the contribution of the Washington Business to Washington and the distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders. Upon completion of the merger, the combined company will purchase from Conexant: - Conexant's semiconductor assembly and test facility located in Mexicali, Mexico and certain related assets, pursuant to the Mexican Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2001, between Conexant and Alpha; and - Conexant's package design team that supports the Mexicali facility, pursuant to the U.S. Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2001, between Conexant and Alpha. The combined company will pay Conexant $150 million for the purchase of Conexant's Mexicali facility, the package design team and certain related assets. The satisfaction of the conditions to closing set forth in the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement is a condition to the obligations of Alpha and Washington to complete the merger. 6 ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATION TO ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS; REASONS FOR THE MERGER The Alpha board of directors has determined that the merger is advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, Alpha and its stockholders and unanimously recommends that Alpha stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger. The combination of Alpha and the Washington Business will create a leading independent company focused exclusively on radio frequency and semiconductor systems solutions for mobile communications applications. Alpha believes that the combination of the two complementary wireless businesses will enable the combined company to offer a more comprehensive portfolio of technology and products to an expanded customer base. OPINION OF ALPHA'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR In deciding to approve the merger, the Alpha board of directors considered an opinion delivered to it by U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, its financial advisor, that, as of the date of the opinion, based upon and subject to the assumptions, factors and limitations set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be paid by Alpha to the holders of Washington common stock in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to Alpha and its stockholders (other than Conexant, Washington and their affiliates). A copy of the opinion is attached as Annex C. Alpha encourages you to read the opinion in its entirety. REGULATORY APPROVALS Alpha and Washington cannot complete the merger until they submit the filings required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission and satisfy waiting period requirements. Alpha and Washington submitted the required filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and early termination of the waiting period under this Act was granted on January 29, 2002. Alpha and Washington also have made filings to obtain approval of the merger from the Finnish Competition Authority, the Swedish Competition Authority and other foreign regulatory agencies. Alpha and Washington received approvals of the merger from the Finnish Competition Authority on March 14, 2002 and from the Swedish Competition Authority on April 9, 2002. ACCOUNTING TREATMENT The merger will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and Washington will be considered the acquiror of Alpha for accounting purposes. TREATMENT OF STOCK OPTIONS In the merger, each outstanding option to purchase Washington common stock resulting from the adjustment to outstanding options to purchase Conexant common stock in connection with the distribution of Washington common stock will be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of combined company common stock that is equal to the product of 0.351 multiplied by the number of shares of Washington common stock subject to the Washington option immediately before the conversion, rounded down to the nearest whole share. The exercise price per share of the converted option will be equal to the exercise price per share of the Washington option immediately before the conversion divided by 0.351, rounded up to the nearest whole cent. Each option to purchase shares of Alpha common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will remain outstanding as an option to purchase shares of combined company common stock, without adjustment. 7 EXCHANGE OF SHARES; TREATMENT OF FRACTIONAL SHARES Conexant stockholders will receive shares of the combined company in book-entry form. As soon as practicable after the effective time of the merger, the exchange agent will mail to Conexant stockholders account statements indicating the number of whole shares of combined company common stock owned by each stockholder as a result of the conversion of the shares of Washington common stock in the merger. No fractional shares of combined company common stock will be issued in the merger and each Conexant stockholder will receive a check representing the amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares payable by the combined company to the stockholder. MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY AFTER THE MERGER After the merger, David J. Aldrich, currently president and chief executive officer of Alpha, will be chief executive officer of the combined company and Paul E. Vincent, currently vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer and secretary of Alpha, will be vice president and chief financial officer of the combined company. In addition, after the merger, Liam K. Griffin, currently an executive officer of Alpha, George M. LeVan, currently director, human resources of Alpha, and Kevin D. Barber, currently an executive officer of Conexant, will be executive officers of the combined company. The board of directors of the combined company will be comprised of nine directors. Four directors of the combined company, Mr. Aldrich, Timothy R. Furey, Thomas C. Leonard and David J. McLachlan, have been selected from among Alpha's current directors, and four directors, Dwight W. Decker, chairman and chief executive officer of Conexant, who will serve as chairman of the board of directors of the combined company, Donald R. Beall, Moiz M. Beguwala and F. Craig Farrill, have been selected by Conexant. Alpha and Conexant will jointly select the remaining director. INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER When considering the recommendation of the Alpha board of directors with respect to the merger, Alpha stockholders should be aware that certain Alpha executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of Alpha stockholders. These interests exist because: - certain executive officers and directors of Alpha will hold positions as executive officers and directors of the combined company; - unvested options held by current directors of Alpha who will not continue as directors of the combined company and having an aggregate value of approximately $0.8 million as of April 30, 2002 will accelerate and become vested and exercisable at the completion of the merger, and the exercise period for these options will be extended; and - following the merger, the combined company will indemnify, and maintain directors' and officers' insurance policies for the benefit of, the directors and officers of Alpha for events occurring before the merger, including events that are related to the merger agreement. The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Alpha common stock entitled to vote on the merger proposal is required to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger. Each of the Alpha directors and certain executive officers of Alpha have entered into a stockholders agreement with Conexant pursuant to which each has agreed to vote his shares in favor of approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger. As of April 22, 2002, these directors and officers, as a group, held approximately 0.54% of the voting power of the outstanding Alpha common stock. As of April 22, 2002, all Alpha directors, executive officers and their affiliates, as a group, owned and were entitled to vote shares representing approximately 0.6% of the outstanding voting power of Alpha common stock. NO DISSENTERS' OR APPRAISAL RIGHTS Alpha stockholders will not be entitled to exercise dissenters' or appraisal rights or to demand payment for their shares in connection with the merger. 8 CONDITIONS The respective obligations of Washington and Alpha to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of various conditions, including approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger by Alpha stockholders, receipt of regulatory approvals and receipt by Conexant of a favorable IRS ruling with respect to the tax-free nature of the spin-off transaction. Each of Alpha, Conexant and Washington may waive, at their sole discretion, any of the conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger, to the extent permitted by applicable laws. If Alpha, Conexant or Washington waives any of the conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger and the board of directors of Alpha determines that the waiver is material to an Alpha stockholder's decision with respect to the vote regarding the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger, Alpha currently intends to amend and recirculate this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement to its stockholders and resolicit proxies. TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT; TERMINATION FEE Conexant and Alpha can mutually agree to terminate the merger agreement. In addition, either Conexant or Alpha can decide, without the consent of the other, to terminate the merger agreement in a number of situations, including the failure to complete the merger by September 30, 2002, the final denial of a required regulatory approval or the failure by Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger. In addition, Conexant can decide, without the consent of Alpha, to terminate the merger agreement in a number of situations, including specified circumstances relating to a withdrawal or modification by Alpha's board of directors of its recommendation to Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger. Alpha has agreed to pay Conexant a termination fee of $45 million if the merger agreement has been terminated under specified circumstances relating to a competing transaction or if Conexant terminates the merger agreement as a result of certain actions or failures to act by Alpha or its board of directors. COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS BEFORE AND AFTER THE MERGER By approving and adopting the merger agreement, Alpha stockholders will be approving the adoption of Alpha's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and Alpha's amended by-laws as the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the combined company, in the forms attached to this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement as Annexes D and E, respectively. Accordingly, after completion of the merger, the rights of Alpha stockholders will be governed by these revised documents and, as a result, the rights of Alpha stockholders before the merger will be different in some respects from the rights of stockholders of the combined company after the merger. Among other things, under the terms of the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the combined company will be authorized to issue 525 million shares of common stock and 25 million shares of preferred stock. Alpha is currently authorized to issue 100 million shares of common stock and is not authorized to issue any preferred stock. THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION THE DISTRIBUTION In the distribution of Washington common stock, each Conexant stockholder will receive one share of Washington common stock for each share of Conexant common stock or Conexant Series B voting preferred stock held as of the record date for the distribution. On the distribution date, each record holder of Conexant common stock or Conexant Series B voting preferred stock who receives shares of Washington common stock will be credited through book-entry in Washington's records with the number of shares of Washington common stock received by the stockholder. Conexant stockholders will not be required to pay for shares of Washington common stock received in the distribution, or to surrender or exchange shares of Conexant stock or take any other action in order to 9 be entitled to receive Washington common stock. All shares of Washington common stock issued in the distribution will be immediately converted in the merger into the right to receive 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock in exchange for each share of Washington common stock and the Washington shares will be canceled and will cease to exist. After the merger, Conexant stockholders will not have any rights in the shares of Washington common stock other than the right to receive the shares of combined company common stock. The distribution of Washington common stock will not cancel or affect the number of outstanding shares of Conexant stock. Conexant stockholders should retain their Conexant stock certificates. CONDITIONS TO THE COMPLETION OF THE DISTRIBUTION The distribution of Washington common stock is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions set forth in the distribution agreement, including: - Conexant's board of directors' satisfaction that, after giving effect to the contribution, Conexant will not be insolvent or have unreasonably small capital and will have sufficient surplus under Delaware law to permit the distribution of Washington common stock; and - the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the merger under the merger agreement, including receipt of a favorable IRS ruling with respect to the tax-free nature of the spin-off transaction. Conexant's board of directors, in its sole discretion, may waive any and all of the conditions but has no obligation to do so. CONTRIBUTION OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS Prior to the distribution, Conexant will transfer to Washington specifically identified assets, including stock of certain subsidiaries, and other categories of assets used primarily in or related primarily to the Washington Business and Washington will assume specifically identified liabilities and liabilities to the extent related to the Washington Business. U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION AND THE MERGER The spin-off transaction is conditioned upon the receipt by Conexant of a ruling from the IRS to the effect that the spin-off transaction will qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the merger is conditioned upon the receipt of opinions of counsel to Alpha and Conexant that the merger will qualify as a reorganization under Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code. So long as the spin-off transaction and merger so qualify, then: - no taxable gain or loss will generally be recognized by a Conexant stockholder as a result of the distribution or receipt of Washington common stock in the spin-off transaction; - no taxable gain or loss will generally be recognized by Conexant so long as the spin-off transaction is not disqualified as tax-free to Conexant under Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code because of certain acquisitions of Conexant common stock or combined company common stock by a third party; and - no taxable gain or loss will generally be recognized by Alpha, Washington, an Alpha stockholder or a Conexant stockholder in the merger (except with respect to cash received by Conexant stockholders in lieu of a fractional share interest in common stock of the combined company). Each of Alpha and Conexant may waive, in their sole discretion, the conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger that (1) Conexant receive a favorable IRS ruling regarding the spin-off transaction and (2) Conexant and Alpha receive tax opinions of counsel regarding the merger. If Alpha or Conexant waives either of these conditions and the U.S. federal income tax consequences to Alpha stockholders are materially different than as described in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, Alpha will amend and recirculate this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement to its 10 stockholders and resolicit their proxies. Neither Alpha nor Conexant currently intends to waive either of these conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger. AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION Conexant and Washington have entered into, or prior to the distribution of Washington common stock will enter into, various agreements that will govern the spin-off transaction and various interim and ongoing relationships between Conexant and the combined company, including: - the distribution agreement; - an employee matters agreement; - a tax allocation agreement; - a transition services agreement pursuant to which each of Conexant and the combined company will provide to the other until December 31, 2002 various accounting, administrative, technical and other services at prices equal to the actual cost, including out of pocket expenses, of providing the services; - a supply agreement with respect to the supply of products and services to the combined company by the Newport Beach, California semiconductor wafer fabrication facility owned by a foundry joint venture between Conexant and The Carlyle Group; and - a supply agreement with respect to the supply of products and services to Conexant by the combined company's Newbury Park, California wafer fabrication facility. MEXICALI SALE Immediately following the completion of the merger, Conexant will sell to the combined company all of the stock of Conexant Systems, S.A. de C.V., Conexant's Mexican subsidiary that owns and operates an assembly and test facility located in Mexicali, Mexico. In addition, Conexant will sell to the combined company certain Mexican assets used in connection with the business of the Mexican subsidiary and certain U.S. assets utilized by Conexant's package design team employees who are located in Newport Beach, California. The business and operations of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary and the package design team together constitute the Mexicali operations. The aggregate purchase price to be paid by the combined company to Conexant for the stock of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary, the Mexican assets and the U.S. assets is $150 million. We expect that the combined company will pay the purchase price by delivering a short-term promissory note to Conexant, which will be secured by all current and future assets of the combined company and its subsidiaries, including the stock of its subsidiaries. The obligations of each of the parties to complete these sales are subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, including entering into a facility services agreement providing for the supply of assembly and test services after the closing of the merger by the combined company to Conexant and for the supply of transition services after the closing of the merger by Conexant to the combined company. 11 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ALPHA'S 1996 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AND DIRECTORS' 2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN The Alpha board of directors is asking Alpha stockholders to approve proposals to amend Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the plans. The remaining shares authorized for issuance under the 1996 plan and the 2001 plan are expected to be insufficient for purposes of the plans, largely due to the increase in the number of employees and the addition of new officers and directors that will occur as a result of the merger. Accordingly, the Alpha board of directors has adopted, subject to approval by Alpha stockholders, an amendment to the 1996 plan increasing the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 1996 plan by 1,885,000 shares (from 4,200,000 shares to 6,085,000 shares) and an amendment to the 2001 plan increasing the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2001 plan by 315,000 shares (from 250,000 shares to 565,000 shares). SUMMARY SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS The following table presents summary selected historical and pro forma combined financial data of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations, which are sometimes referred to collectively as Washington/Mexicali. For financial accounting purposes, the sale of the Mexicali operations by Conexant to the combined company will be treated as if Conexant had contributed the Mexicali operations to Washington as part of the spin-off transaction, and the $150 million purchase price will be treated as a return of capital to Conexant. Consequently, the summary selected historical and pro forma combined financial data presented below include the Mexicali operations for all periods presented. The Washington/Mexicali combined statement of operations data for the years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and the Washington/Mexicali combined balance sheet data as of September 30, 2000 and 2001 have been derived from the audited Combined Financial Statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The Washington/Mexicali combined statement of operations data for the three months ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 and the Washington/Mexicali combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2001 have been derived from Washington/Mexicali's unaudited combined financial statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The Washington/Mexicali combined statement of operations data for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 and the Washington/Mexicali combined balance sheet data as of September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 have been derived from Washington/Mexicali's unaudited combined financial statements which are not presented in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The historical financial information may not be indicative of Washington/Mexicali's future performance and does not reflect what the results of operations and financial position of Washington/Mexicali would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented. The Washington/Mexicali summary pro forma combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2001 have been derived from the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. This information is based on Washington/Mexicali's unaudited combined financial statements and gives effect to the spin-off transaction as if it had been completed on December 31, 2001. The summary pro forma combined balance sheet data are not necessarily indicative of Washington/Mexicali's financial position had the spin-off transaction been completed on December 31, 2001. In the spin-off transaction, Conexant will retain certain assets and liabilities of Washington/Mexicali. The retention of these assets and liabilities will have no pro forma effect on the Washington/Mexicali combined statements of operations, and therefore no pro forma adjustments are made to the Washington/Mexicali historical combined statements of operations to give effect to the spin-off transaction. This information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Washington Business and the 12 Mexicali Operations, the Combined Financial Statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations and the notes thereto, the Historical Selected Combined Financial Data of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations and the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement.
THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------- 1997 1998 1999 2000(1) 2001(1) 2000 2001 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- (IN THOUSANDS) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net revenues: Third parties............. $ 49,201 $ 79,066 $176,015 $312,983 $ 215,502 $ 68,518 $ 88,404 Conexant.................. 30,818 33,205 40,400 65,433 44,949 16,978 5,356 Total net revenues.......... 80,019 112,271 216,415 378,416 260,451 85,496 93,760 Net loss(2)................. (54,134) (43,284) (14,915) (66,479) (318,924) (53,964) (34,297) - --------------- (1) In fiscal 2000, Conexant acquired Philsar Semiconductor Inc., which became part of Washington/Mexicali. As a result of the acquisition of Philsar, during fiscal 2000 and 2001 Washington/Mexicali recorded $5.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively, in amortization of goodwill and other acquisition-related intangible assets and in fiscal 2000 Washington/Mexicali recorded a charge of $24.4 million related to purchased in-process research and development. (2) In fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali recorded special charges of $88.9 million, principally related to the impairment of certain wafer fabrication assets and restructuring activities. In addition, Washington/Mexicali recorded inventory write-downs of $58.7 million in fiscal 2001. (3) In the spin-off transaction, Conexant will retain certain assets and liabilities of Washington/Mexicali. The assets include cash and cash equivalents, receivables and certain other assets included in "other current assets" and "other assets" on Washington/Mexicali's historical unaudited combined balance sheet. In addition, Conexant will remain obligated for payment of Washington/Mexicali's accounts payable. (4) The retention of certain assets and liabilities by Conexant is reflected as an adjustment to Conexant's net investment in Washington/Mexicali. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS In March 2002, Conexant and The Carlyle Group formed the Newport foundry joint venture. Conexant owns a 45% equity interest in the Newport foundry joint venture and The Carlyle Group owns the remaining 55%. In the transaction, Conexant contributed its Newport Beach, California wafer fabrication facility and certain related intellectual property to the Newport foundry joint venture and entered into a long-term supply arrangement with the Newport foundry joint venture for the supply of silicon-based semiconductor products. 13
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, 2001 ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- 1997 1998 1999 2000(1) 2001(1) ACTUAL PRO FORMA(3) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ (IN THOUSANDS) BALANCE SHEET DATA: Working capital........... $ 40,529 $ 17,831 $ 55,374 $135,649 $ 60,540 $ 60,683 $ 12,352 Total assets.............. 155,982 203,313 291,909 501,553 314,287 311,084 261,360 Long-term liabilities..... 1,549 2,063 3,335 3,767 3,806 3,772 3,772 Conexant's net investment.............. 144,332 187,196 275,568 466,416 287,661 274,023 225,420(4) ALPHA SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA Alpha is providing the following information to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the merger. Alpha derived the information for each of the years in the five-year period ended April 1, 2001, and as of the end of each such year, from, and such information should be read in conjunction with, Alpha's historical audited financial statements. Alpha derived the financial information as of and for the nine months ended December 31, 2000 and December 30, 2001 from its unaudited financial statements. These statements include, in the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair statement of results. The operating results for the nine months ended December 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending March 31, 2002. This information is only a summary and you should read it in conjunction with Alpha's consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Alpha's annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
YEAR ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- MARCH 30, MARCH 29, MARCH 28, APRIL 2, APRIL 1, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 30, 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ (UNAUDITED) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net sales.......................... $ 85,253 $116,881 $126,413 $186,402 $271,568 $217,573 $ 98,312 Net income (loss).................. $(15,572) $ 10,161 $ 19,263 $ 17,982 $ 33,373 $ 29,988 $ (9,787) Basic earnings (loss) per share.... $ (0.48) $ 0.31 $ 0.56 $ 0.44 $ 0.78 $ 0.70 $ (0.22) Diluted earnings (loss) per share............................ $ (0.48) $ 0.30 $ 0.54 $ 0.42 $ 0.75 $ 0.67 $ (0.22) Shares used in computing: Basic earnings (loss) per share.......................... 32,208 33,268 34,314 40,659 43,029 42,882 43,933 Diluted earnings (loss) per share.......................... 32,208 34,088 35,406 42,822 44,752 44,760 43,933 RECENT RESULTS On April 30, 2002, Alpha announced its financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. Net sales for the quarter were $28.2 million compared with net sales of $33.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 and $54.0 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Net loss for the quarter was $8.5 million or $0.19 per share. During the quarter, Alpha incurred one-time costs associated with its acquisition of privately-held Aimta, Inc. on March 15, 2002 (for a purchase price of $7 million) and transaction expenses related to the merger totaling $4.5 million. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, net sales were $126.5 million compared with net sales of $271.6 million for fiscal year 2001. Net loss for the fiscal year was $18.3 million or $0.42 per share. During the fiscal year, Alpha incurred one-time costs associated with the Aimta acquisition and transaction expenses related to the merger totaling $6.6 million. 14
AS OF --------------------------------------------------------- AS OF MARCH 30, MARCH 29, MARCH 28, APRIL 2, APRIL 1, DECEMBER 30, 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ (UNAUDITED) (IN THOUSANDS) BALANCE SHEET DATA: Working capital.................... $ 32,647 $ 38,620 $ 51,154 $170,357 $188,288 $166,479 Total assets....................... 71,979 92,524 120,683 281,024 337,019 324,904 Long-term debt..................... 3,606 1,625 713 345 235 139 Other long-term liabilities........ 1,494 2,370 4,856 5,538 5,893 5,203 Stockholders' equity............... 50,108 71,287 94,252 242,093 299,178 299,798 The financial results announced by Alpha on April 30, 2002 are presented below.
FOURTH QUARTER ENDED ------------------------------ MARCH 31, 2002 APRIL 1, 2001 -------------- ------------- (UNAUDITED) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Net sales................................................... $ 28,190 $53,995 Cost of sales............................................. 21,886 33,702 Research and development expenses......................... 12,312 9,783 Selling and administrative expenses....................... 7,699 9,318 -------- ------- Operating (loss) income..................................... (13,707) 1,192 Interest expense............................................ (5) (2) Interest income and other, net.............................. 1,025 2,644 -------- ------- (Loss) income before income taxes........................... (12,687) 3,834 (Credit) provision for income taxes......................... (4,188) 449 -------- ------- Net (loss) income........................................... $ (8,499) $ 3,385 ======== ======= Net (loss) income per share basic........................... $ (0.19) $ 0.08 ======== ======= Net (loss) income per share diluted......................... $ (0.19) $ 0.08 ======== ======= Weighted average common shares basic........................ 44,242 43,469 ======== ======= Weighted average common shares diluted...................... 44,242 44,729 ======== ======= 15
YEAR ENDED ------------------------------ MARCH 31, 2002 APRIL 1, 2001 -------------- ------------- (UNAUDITED) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Net sales................................................... $126,502 $271,568 Cost of sales............................................. 89,604 151,632 Research and development expenses......................... 41,578 36,026 Selling and administrative expenses....................... 28,144 43,250 -------- -------- Operating (loss) income..................................... (32,824) 40,660 Interest expense............................................ (41) (56) Interest income and other, net.............................. 5,571 8,666 -------- -------- (Loss) income before income taxes........................... (27,294) 49,270 (Credit) provision for income taxes......................... (9,008) 15,897 -------- -------- Net (loss) income........................................... $(18,286) $ 33,373 ======== ======== Net (loss) income per share basic........................... $ (0.42) $ 0.78 ======== ======== Net (loss) income per share diluted......................... $ (0.42) $ 0.75 ======== ======== Weighted average common shares basic........................ 44,010 43,029 ======== ======== Weighted average common shares diluted...................... 44,010 44,752 ======== ======== 16
AS OF -------------------- MARCH 31, APRIL 1, 2002 2001 --------- -------- (UNAUDITED) (IN THOUSANDS) ASSETS Current assets Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments......... $114,140 $153,784 Accounts receivable, net.................................. 24,485 36,984 Inventories............................................... 12,218 15,661 Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 7,048 13,572 Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.......................................... 134,356 114,196 Other assets................................................ 22,897 2,822 -------- -------- Total assets........................................ $315,144 $337,019 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Current portion of long-term debt......................... $ 129 $ 129 Accounts payable.......................................... 14,345 20,820 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities......... 6,119 10,764 Long-term debt.............................................. 106 235 Other long-term liabilities................................. 2,283 5,893 Stockholders' equity........................................ 292,162 299,178 -------- -------- Total liabilities and equity........................ $315,144 $337,019 ======== ======== SELECTED COMBINED COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following selected unaudited pro forma combined financial information has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Combined Company Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information and related notes included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. This information is based on the historical consolidated balance sheets and related historical statements of operations of Alpha and the historical combined balance sheets and related historical combined statements of operations of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations, giving effect to the spin-off transaction and the merger using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations, the purchase by the combined company of the Mexicali operations and the adoption by the combined company of a September 30 fiscal year. This information is for illustrative purposes only. The companies may have performed differently had they always been combined. You should not rely on the selected unaudited pro forma combined financial information as being indicative of the historical results that would have been achieved had the companies always been combined or the future results that the combined company will experience after the merger.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2001 ------------------- ------------------ (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net sales................................................ $ 458,310 $ 126,850 Net loss................................................. $(342,661) $ (48,789) Basic loss per share..................................... $ (2.65) $ (0.37) Diluted loss per share................................... $ (2.65) $ (0.37) Shares used in computing: Basic loss per share................................... 129,444 133,443 Diluted loss per share................................. 129,444 133,443 - --------------- (1) The historical combined balance sheet data of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations have been adjusted to reflect the assets and liabilities of Washington/Mexicali that will be retained by Conexant in the spin-off transaction. 17
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001 ------------------ PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET DATA(1): Working capital (deficit)................................. $ (20,068) Total assets.............................................. 1,369,491 Long-term debt............................................ 139 Other long-term liabilities............................... 6,233 Stockholders' equity...................................... 1,161,187 SELECTED UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER SHARE INFORMATION The following table sets forth certain historical per share data of Alpha and combined per share data of Alpha and the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations on an unaudited pro forma combined basis giving effect to the spin-off transaction, the merger, the purchase by the combined company of the Mexicali operations and the adoption by the combined company of a September 30 fiscal year. This information should be read in conjunction with the selected historical financial data and the Combined Company Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information and related notes included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, and the separate historical financial statements of Alpha and the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations and the related notes, included or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The unaudited pro forma combined information provided below is for illustrative purposes only. The companies may have performed differently had they always been combined. You should not rely on this information as being indicative of the historical results that would have been achieved had the companies always been combined or the future results that the combined company will experience after the merger. 18
AS OF AND FOR THE AS OF AND FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2001 ------------------- ------------------ ALPHA -- HISTORICAL: Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations............................................. $ 0.18 $(0.07) Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations............................................. 0.18 (0.07) Cash dividends declared per common share................. -- -- Book value per common share.............................. $ 6.85 $ 6.79 PRO FORMA COMBINED: Basic loss per share from continuing operations.......... $(2.65) $(0.37) Diluted loss per share from continuing operations........ (2.65) (0.37) Cash dividends declared per common share................. -- -- Book value per common share.............................. $ 8.67 RISK FACTORS You should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, including the risk factors listed below. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect the combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn could materially and adversely affect the price of the combined company's common stock. RISKS RELATED TO THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION AND THE MERGER OBTAINING REQUIRED REGULATORY APPROVALS MAY DELAY CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER. Consummation of the merger is conditioned upon the receipt of all material governmental consents, approvals, orders and authorizations, including the receipt of approvals from foreign regulatory agencies, and the receipt by Conexant of a ruling from the IRS regarding the tax-free nature of the spin-off transaction. We intend to pursue vigorously all required governmental approvals. While we do not know of any reason why we would not be able to obtain the necessary approvals in a timely manner, the requirement for these approvals could delay the consummation of the merger, possibly for a significant period of time, after Alpha stockholders have approved the merger proposal at the special meeting. See "The Merger -- Regulatory Approvals" for a description of the regulatory approvals necessary in connection with the merger. Any delay in the completion of the merger could diminish the anticipated benefits of the merger or result in additional transaction costs, loss of revenue or other effects associated with uncertainty about the transaction. Any uncertainty over the ability of the companies to complete the merger could make it more difficult for Alpha and the Washington Business to retain key employees or to pursue certain business strategies. In addition, until the merger is completed, the attention of management of Alpha and the Washington Business may be diverted from ongoing business concerns and regular business responsibilities to the extent management is focused on matters relating to the transaction, such as obtaining regulatory approvals. THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY BE UNABLE SUCCESSFULLY TO INTEGRATE ALPHA, THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS AND REALIZE THE FULL BENEFITS WE ANTICIPATE. The merger involves the integration of businesses that have previously operated separately. The difficulties of combining the operations of the businesses include: - the challenge of effecting integration while carrying on an ongoing business; - the necessity of coordinating geographically separate organizations; and - integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds. The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of the combined company's businesses and the loss of key personnel. The diversion of management's attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the merger and the integration of the two companies' operations could have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the combined company. Among the factors considered by the Conexant and Alpha boards of directors in connection with their respective approvals of the merger were the benefits of the more diversified product line, the broader customer base and the enhanced technology capabilities that are expected to result from the merger. We cannot assure you that these benefits will be realized within the time periods contemplated or at all. THE COMBINED COMPANY'S BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS MAY SUFFER IF MATERIAL CONTRACTS OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND/OR THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS CANNOT ULTIMATELY BE ASSUMED BY THE COMBINED COMPANY FOLLOWING THE MERGER WITHOUT ADVERSE CHANGES TO THEIR EXISTING TERMS. The existing material contracts under which the Washington Business operates have been entered into by Conexant and may need to be assigned by Conexant to Washington, or Washington or the combined company may need to enter into new contracts with the parties to these contracts. In addition, existing material contracts under which the Mexicali operations conduct business have been entered into by 19 Conexant and may need to be assigned by Conexant to the combined company or the combined company may need to enter into new contracts. In many cases, consent of the parties to these contracts is required for the assignment or in connection with the merger. The parties to these contracts may not be willing to permit the transfer of the contracts to the combined company at all or may be willing to permit the transfer only on terms less favorable than those currently in effect. If the parties to these contracts are unwilling to consent to their assignment or to the merger, or refuse to do business with the combined company or demand revised business terms from the combined company, the combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF ALPHA HAVE INTERESTS IN THE MERGER THAT ARE DIFFERENT FROM, OR IN ADDITION TO, THE INTERESTS OF ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS. The Alpha board of directors unanimously recommends that Alpha stockholders vote FOR approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger. However, directors and officers of Alpha have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of Alpha stockholders. These interests include: - David J. Aldrich, Timothy R. Furey, Thomas C. Leonard and David J. McLachlan, each of whom is currently a director of Alpha, are expected to serve as directors of the combined company; - Mr. Aldrich, Liam K. Griffin and Paul E. Vincent, each of whom is currently an executive officer of Alpha, are expected to serve as executive officers of the combined company; - the combined company will maintain for a period of six years after the merger, for the benefit of Alpha's officers and directors, the directors' and officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance policies currently maintained by Alpha or policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured than the current insurance maintained by Alpha with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the effective time of the merger; - the current directors of Alpha who will not continue as directors of the combined company hold unvested options to purchase shares of Alpha common stock having an aggregate value of approximately $0.8 million as of April 30, 2002 that will accelerate and become vested and exercisable at the completion of the merger, and the exercise period for these options will be extended; and - as of the record date for the special meeting of Alpha stockholders, directors and executive officers of Alpha beneficially owned 265,227 shares of Alpha common stock, entitling them to exercise approximately 0.6% of the voting power of the Alpha common stock entitled to vote at the Alpha special meeting, and each director and certain executive officers of Alpha has entered into an agreement with Conexant pursuant to which the director or executive officer agreed to vote his shares for approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger. See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger". THE MARKET VALUE OF THE COMBINED COMPANY COMMON STOCK THAT CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER MAY BE LOWER THAN EXPECTED. In the merger, Conexant stockholders will receive 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock in exchange for each share of Washington common stock issued to them in the distribution. This is a fixed exchange ratio. However, the market value of combined company common stock when the merger is completed may vary from the market value of Alpha common stock as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement or as of the date of the special meeting of Alpha stockholders because of ordinary trading fluctuations as well as changes in the business, operations or prospects of Alpha, general market and economic conditions and other factors. If the market value of Alpha common stock declines prior to the effective time of the merger, the market value of the combined company common stock issued to Conexant stockholders in the merger could be lower than expected. See "Price Range of Alpha Common Stock and Dividends". 20 ALPHA AND CONEXANT WILL INCUR SUBSTANTIAL EXPENSES WHETHER OR NOT THE MERGER IS COMPLETED. Alpha and Conexant will incur substantial expenses related to the merger whether or not the merger is completed. These costs include fees for financial advisors, attorneys and accountants, filing fees, financial printing costs and costs associated with the agreements related to the spin-off transaction. Alpha currently expects to incur approximately $17 million in expenses, approximately $7 million of which are not contingent on the completion of the merger. Conexant currently expects to incur approximately $37 million in expenses, approximately $15 million of which are not contingent on the completion of the merger. In addition, Alpha has agreed to pay Conexant $45 million if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances. See "The Merger Agreement -- Payment of Termination Fee". THE DEAL-PROTECTION PROVISIONS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT MAY DETER ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE STOCK PRICE OF ALPHA IF THE MERGER AGREEMENT IS TERMINATED IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. As a result of the provisions of the merger agreement, it is possible that a third party who might be interested in submitting a business combination proposal to Alpha would be discouraged from doing so. In addition, restrictions in the merger agreement on solicitation generally prohibit Alpha from soliciting any acquisition proposal or offer for a merger or business combination with a party other than Conexant or Washington. Any such proposal might be advantageous to the stockholders of Alpha when compared to the terms and conditions of the transaction described in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. In particular, the termination fee provision of the merger agreement may deter third parties from proposing alternative business combinations that might result in greater value to Alpha stockholders than the merger. In addition, in the event the merger is terminated by Alpha or Conexant in circumstances that obligate Alpha to pay a termination fee to Conexant, including where Conexant terminates the merger agreement because the Alpha board of directors withdraws its support of the merger with Washington, Alpha's stock price may decline as a result of the termination fee. See "The Merger Agreement -- Payment of Termination Fee". FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE MERGER COULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT ALPHA'S AND CONEXANT'S STOCK PRICES AND EACH COMPANY'S FUTURE BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS. If the merger is not completed for any reason, the price of Alpha common stock and Conexant common stock may decline to the extent that the current market prices of Alpha common stock and Conexant common stock reflect a positive market assumption that the spin-off transaction and the merger will be completed. In addition, if the merger is not completed, each company may be subject to a number of material risks, including the following: - Alpha may be required under certain circumstances to pay Conexant a termination fee; and - costs related to the merger, such as financial, advisory, legal, accounting and printing fees, must be paid even if the merger is not completed. Moreover, if the merger agreement is terminated, either company may be unable to find a partner willing to engage in a similar transaction on terms as favorable as those set forth in the merger agreement, or at all. This could limit each company's ability to pursue its strategic goals. IF THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION OR THE MERGER DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A REORGANIZATION FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES EITHER AS A RESULT OF ACTIONS TAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION OR THE MERGER OR AS A RESULT OF CERTAIN ACQUISITIONS OF STOCK OF CONEXANT OR THE COMBINED COMPANY, CONEXANT, WASHINGTON, CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS AND/OR THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES, WHICH MAY BE VERY SUBSTANTIAL IN AMOUNT. The spin-off transaction is conditioned upon the receipt of a ruling from the IRS to the effect that the spin-off transaction will qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While the tax ruling generally will be binding on the IRS, the continuing validity of the ruling will be subject to certain factual representations and assumptions. The merger is also conditioned upon the receipt of opinions from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special counsel to Alpha, and Chadbourne & Parke LLP, 21 counsel to Conexant, that the merger will constitute a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, based in part on certain factual representations and assumptions. The tax allocation agreement to be entered into among Conexant, Washington and Alpha generally provides that the combined company will be responsible for any taxes imposed on Conexant, Washington or Conexant stockholders as a result of either: - the failure of the spin-off transaction to qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or - the subsequent disqualification of the distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction as a tax-free transaction to Conexant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, if such failure or disqualification is attributable to certain post-spin-off transaction actions by or in respect of the combined company (including its subsidiaries) or its stockholders, such as the acquisition of the combined company by a third party at a time and in a manner that would cause such failure or disqualification. For example, even if the spin-off transaction otherwise qualifies as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the distribution of the Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction may be disqualified as tax-free to Conexant if there is an acquisition of stock of the combined company as part of a plan (or series of related transactions) that includes the spin-off transaction and that results in a deemed acquisition of 50% or more of Washington common stock. For purposes of this test, any acquisitions of Conexant stock or combined company stock within two years before or after the spin-off transaction are presumed to be part of such a plan, although the combined company or Conexant may be able to rebut that presumption. Also for purposes of this test, the merger will be treated as resulting in a deemed acquisition by Alpha stockholders of approximately 33% of Washington common stock. The process for determining whether a change of ownership has occurred under the tax rules is complex and uncertain. If the combined company does not carefully monitor its compliance with these rules, the combined company might inadvertently cause or permit a change of ownership to occur, triggering the combined company's obligation to indemnify Conexant pursuant to the tax allocation agreement. In addition, the combined company's indemnity obligation could discourage or prevent a third party from making a proposal to acquire the combined company. If the combined company were required to pay any of the taxes described above, the payment would be very substantial and would be expected to have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flow. 22 RISK FACTORS RELATED TO THE COMBINED COMPANY'S BUSINESS FOLLOWING THE MERGER References in this section to Alpha's fiscal year refer to the fiscal year which ends on the Sunday closest to March 31 of each year and references to Washington/Mexicali's fiscal year refer to the fiscal year which ends on the Friday closest to September 30 of each year. EACH OF WASHINGTON/MEXICALI AND ALPHA HAS RECENTLY INCURRED SUBSTANTIAL OPERATING LOSSES AND THE COMBINED COMPANY ANTICIPATES FUTURE LOSSES. During fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali's operating results were adversely affected by sharply reduced end-customer demand in many of the communications electronics end-markets for its products. As a result, Washington/Mexicali incurred a net loss of approximately $318.9 million for fiscal 2001 and a net loss of approximately $34.3 million for the first three months of fiscal 2002. During the first nine months of fiscal 2002, Alpha's operating results were adversely affected by a global economic slowdown and an abrupt decline in demand for many of the end-user products that incorporate wireless communications semiconductor products and system solutions. As a result, Alpha incurred a net loss of approximately $9.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2002. During fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali implemented a number of expense reduction and restructuring initiatives to more closely align its cost structure with the weakened business environment for wireless communications products. The cost reduction initiatives included a worldwide workforce reduction, temporary shutdowns of manufacturing facilities, significant reductions in capital spending and the consolidation of certain facilities. However, these expense reduction initiatives alone will not return Washington/Mexicali to profitability. During fiscal 2001, Alpha also implemented a number of expense reduction initiatives, including a work force reduction, a modification of employee work schedules and reduced discretionary spending. We expect that reduced end-customer demand, underutilization of the combined company's manufacturing capacity, changes in the combined company's revenue mix and other factors will continue to adversely affect the combined company's operating results in the near term and we anticipate that the combined company will incur additional losses in the fiscal year ending September 29, 2002. In order to return to profitability, the combined company must achieve substantial revenue growth and the combined company will face an environment of uncertain demand in the markets for its products. We cannot assure you as to whether or when the combined company will return to profitability or whether the combined company will be able to sustain such profitability, if achieved. THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL OPERATE IN THE HIGHLY CYCLICAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY, WHICH IS SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT DOWNTURNS. The wireless communications semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and is characterized by constant and rapid technological change, rapid product obsolescence and price erosion, evolving technical standards, short product life cycles and wide fluctuations in product supply and demand. From time to time these and other factors, together with changes in general economic conditions, cause significant upturns and downturns in the industry. Periods of industry downturns -- as both Washington/Mexicali and Alpha experienced through most of calendar year 2001 -- have been characterized by diminished product demand, production overcapacity, high inventory levels and accelerated erosion of average selling prices. These factors, and in particular the level of demand for digital cellular handsets, may cause substantial fluctuations in the combined company revenues and results of operations. Washington/Mexicali and Alpha have experienced these cyclical fluctuations in their businesses and may experience cyclical fluctuations in the future. During the late 1990's and extending into 2000, the wireless communications semiconductor industry enjoyed unprecedented growth, benefiting from the rapid expansion of wireless communication services worldwide and increased demand for digital cellular handsets. During calendar year 2001, Washington/Mexicali and Alpha were adversely impacted by a global economic slowdown and an abrupt decline in demand for many of the end-user products that incorporate their respective wireless communications semiconductor products and system solutions, particularly digital cellular handsets. The impact of weakened end-customer demand was compounded by higher than normal levels of inventories among their 23 respective original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, subcontractor and distributor customers. As a result of this reduced demand, Washington/Mexicali recorded $58.7 million of inventory write-downs in fiscal 2001. We expect that reduced end-customer demand, underutilization of the combined company's manufacturing capacity, changes in revenue mix and other factors will continue to adversely affect the combined company's operating results in the near term. THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL BE SUBJECT TO INTENSE COMPETITION. The wireless communications semiconductor industry in general and the markets in which the combined company will compete in particular are intensely competitive. The combined company will compete with U.S. and international semiconductor manufacturers that are both larger and smaller than it in terms of resources and market share. Washington/Mexicali and Alpha currently face significant competition in their markets and expect that intense price and product competition will continue. This competition has resulted and is expected to continue to result in declining average selling prices for the combined company's products. We also anticipate that additional competitors will enter the combined company's markets as a result of growth opportunities in communications electronics, the trend toward global expansion by foreign and domestic competitors and technological and public policy changes. Moreover, as with many companies in the semiconductor industry, customers for certain of the combined company's products offer products that compete with products that will be offered by the combined company. We believe that the principal competitive factors for semiconductor suppliers in the combined company's market will include, among others: - time-to-market; - new product innovation; - product quality, reliability and performance; - price; - compliance with industry standards; - strategic relationships with customers; and - protection of intellectual property. We cannot assure you that the combined company will be able to successfully address these factors. Many of the combined company's competitors will have advantages over the combined company, including: - longer presence in key markets; - greater name recognition; - ownership or control of key technology; and - greater financial, sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, technical or other resources. As a result, certain competitors may be able to adapt more quickly than the combined company to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements or may be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than the combined company can. Current and potential competitors also have established or may establish financial or strategic relationships among themselves or with the combined company's customers, resellers or other third parties. These relationships may affect customers' purchasing decisions. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors could emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share. We cannot assure you that the combined company will be able to compete successfully against current and potential competitors. A number of the combined company's competitors have combined with each other and consolidated their businesses, including the consolidation of competitors with the combined company's customers. This consolidation is attributable to a number of factors, including the historically high-growth nature of the 24 communications electronics industry and the time-to-market pressures on suppliers to decrease the time required for product conception, research and development, sampling and production launch before a product reaches the market. This consolidation trend is expected to continue, since investments, alliances and acquisitions may enable semiconductor suppliers, including the combined company and its competitors, to achieve economies of scale, to augment technical capabilities or to achieve faster time-to-market for their products than would be possible solely through internal development. This consolidation is creating entities with increased market share, customer base, technology and marketing expertise in markets in which the combined company will compete. These developments may adversely affect the markets the combined company will seek to serve and the combined company's ability to compete successfully in those markets. THE COMBINED COMPANY'S SUCCESS WILL DEPEND UPON ITS ABILITY TO DEVELOP NEW PRODUCTS AND REDUCE COSTS IN A TIMELY MANNER. The markets into which the combined company sells demand cutting-edge technologies and new and innovative products. The combined company's operating results will depend largely on its ability to continue to introduce new and enhanced products on a timely basis. Successful product development and introduction depends on numerous factors, including, among others: - the ability to anticipate customer and market requirements and changes in technology and industry standards; - the ability to define new products that meet customer and market requirements; - the ability to complete development of new products and bring products to market on a timely basis; - the ability to differentiate the combined company's products from offerings of its competitors; and - overall market acceptance of the combined company's products. We cannot assure you that the combined company will have sufficient resources to make the substantial investment in research and development in order to develop and bring to market new and enhanced products in a timely manner. The combined company will be required continually to evaluate expenditures for planned product development and to choose among alternative technologies based on its expectations of future market growth. We cannot assure you that the combined company will be able to develop and introduce new or enhanced wireless communications semiconductor products in a timely and cost-effective manner, that its products will satisfy customer requirements or achieve market acceptance or that the combined company will be able to anticipate new industry standards and technological changes. We also cannot assure you that the combined company will be able to respond successfully to new product announcements and introductions by competitors. In addition, prices of established products may decline, sometimes significantly, over time. We believe that in order to remain competitive the combined company must continue to reduce the cost of producing and delivering existing products at the same time that it develops and introduces new or enhanced products. We cannot assure you that the combined company will be able to continue to reduce the cost of its products to remain competitive. THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES IN ITS MARKETS. The demand for the combined company's products can change quickly and in ways the combined company may not anticipate. The combined company's markets generally exhibit the following characteristics: - rapid technological developments; - rapid changes in customer requirements; 25 - frequent new product introductions and enhancements; - short product life cycles with declining prices over the life cycle of the product; and - evolving industry standards. The combined company's products could become obsolete or less competitive sooner than anticipated because of a faster than anticipated change in one or more of the technologies related to its products or in market demand for products based on a particular technology, particularly due to the introduction of new technology that represents a substantial advance over current technology. Currently accepted industry standards are also subject to change, which may contribute to the obsolescence of the combined company's products. THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED PERSONNEL NECESSARY FOR THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF ITS PRODUCTS. THE COMBINED COMPANY'S SUCCESS COULD BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED IF KEY PERSONNEL LEAVE. The combined company's future success depends on its ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, including executive officers and other key management and technical personnel. As the source of its technological and product innovations, the combined company's key technical personnel represent a significant asset. The competition for management and technical personnel is intense in the semiconductor industry. We cannot assure you that the combined company will be able to attract and retain qualified management and other personnel necessary for the design, development, manufacture and sale of its products. The combined company may have particular difficulty attracting and retaining key personnel during periods of poor operating performance, given, among other things, the use of equity-based compensation by the combined company and its competitors. The loss of the services of one or more of the combined company's key employees, including David J. Aldrich, its chief executive officer, or certain key design and technical personnel, or the combined company's inability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, could have a material adverse effect on its ability to operate its business. IF OEMS OF COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS DO NOT DESIGN THE COMBINED COMPANY'S PRODUCTS INTO THEIR EQUIPMENT, THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY SELLING THOSE PRODUCTS. MOREOVER, A "DESIGN WIN" FROM A CUSTOMER DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE SALES TO THAT CUSTOMER. The combined company's products will not be sold directly to the end-user but will be components of other products. As a result, the combined company will rely on OEMs of wireless communications electronics products to select its products from among alternative offerings to be designed into their equipment. Without these "design wins" from OEMs, the combined company would have difficulty selling its products. Once an OEM designs another supplier's product into one of its product platforms, it will be more difficult for the combined company to achieve future design wins with that OEM product platform because changing suppliers involves significant cost, time, effort and risk for that OEM. Also, achieving a design win with a customer does not ensure that the combined company will receive significant revenues from that customer. Even after a design win, the customer is not obligated to purchase the combined company's products and can choose at any time to reduce or cease use of the combined company's products, for example, if its own products are not commercially successful or for any other reason. The combined company may be unable to achieve design wins or to convert design wins into actual sales. BECAUSE OF THE LENGTHY SALES CYCLES OF MANY OF THE COMBINED COMPANY'S PRODUCTS, IT MAY INCUR SIGNIFICANT EXPENSES BEFORE IT GENERATES ANY REVENUES RELATED TO THOSE PRODUCTS. The combined company's customers may need three to six months to test and evaluate its products and an additional three to six months to begin volume production of equipment that incorporates the combined company's products. The lengthy period of time required increases the possibility that a customer may decide to cancel or change product plans, which could reduce or eliminate sales to that customer. As a result of this lengthy sales cycle, the combined company may incur significant research and development, and selling, general and administrative expenses before it generates the related revenues for 26 these products, and it may never generate the anticipated revenues if its customer cancels or changes its product plans. UNCERTAINTIES INVOLVING THE ORDERING AND SHIPMENT OF THE COMBINED COMPANY'S PRODUCTS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT ITS BUSINESS. The combined company's sales will typically be made pursuant to individual purchase orders and not under long-term supply arrangements with its customers. Customers of the combined company may cancel orders prior to shipment. In addition, the combined company will sell a portion of its products through distributors, some of whom will have rights to return unsold products. Sales to distributors accounted for an insignificant portion of Washington/Mexicali net revenues in each of fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002 and approximately 12% and 6% of Alpha's net revenues in fiscal 2001 and the first nine months of fiscal 2002, respectively. The combined company may purchase and manufacture inventory based on estimates of customer demand for its products, which is difficult to predict. This difficulty may be compounded when the combined company sells to OEMs indirectly through distributors or contract manufacturers, or both, as the combined company's forecasts of demand will then be based on estimates provided by multiple parties. In addition, the combined company's customers may change their inventory practices on short notice for any reason. The cancellation or deferral of product orders, the return of previously sold products or overproduction due to the failure of anticipated orders to materialize could result in the combined company holding excess or obsolete inventory, which could result in write-downs of inventory. During 2001, the wireless communications electronics markets which the Washington Business and Alpha address were characterized by dramatic decreases in end-user demand and high levels of channel inventories which reduced visibility into future demand for their products. As a result of sharply reduced demand, Washington/Mexicali recorded $58.7 million of inventory write-downs in fiscal 2001. If these conditions were to recur in the future, they could adversely affect the combined company's business. THE COMBINED COMPANY'S RELIANCE ON A SMALL NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS FOR A LARGE PORTION OF ITS SALES COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE COMBINED COMPANY'S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. A significant portion of the combined company's sales will be concentrated among a limited number of customers. If the combined company lost one or more of these major customers, or if one or more major customers significantly decreased its orders, the combined company's business would be materially and adversely affected. Sales to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. represented approximately 44% and 48% of Washington/Mexicali net revenues from third parties (excluding sales to Conexant) in fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, respectively. Sales to Nokia Corporation represented approximately 12% and 11% of Washington/Mexicali net revenues from third parties in fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, respectively. In addition, sales to Conexant represented approximately 17% and 6% of Washington/Mexicali net revenues in fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, respectively. Sales to Motorola, Inc. represented approximately 26% and 32% of Alpha net revenues in fiscal 2001 and the first nine months of fiscal 2002, respectively. On a pro forma basis, for the twelve months ended September 30, 2001 and for the three months ended December 31, 2001, sales to each of these customers as a percentage of net revenues of the combined company would have been as follows: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., approximately 21% and 34%, respectively; Nokia Corporation, approximately 6% and 8%, respectively; Conexant, approximately 10% and 4%, respectively; and Motorola, Inc., approximately 13% and 15%, respectively. The combined company's future operating results will depend on the success of these customers and the combined company's success in selling products to them. THE COMBINED COMPANY FACES A RISK THAT CAPITAL NEEDED FOR ITS BUSINESS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE WHEN IT NEEDS IT. It is likely the combined company will need to obtain sources of financing in the near future. We expect that the combined company will be required to raise capital to satisfy its working capital needs after the merger and to repay the short-term note delivered to Conexant in payment of the purchase price owed to Conexant under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement and the U.S. asset purchase 27 agreement. We expect that the combined company will seek to raise capital through a public or private offering of equity, debt or some combination thereof within six months after the closing of the Mexicali transaction. See "The Mexicali Sale". Under the terms of the short-term note to be delivered to Conexant at the closing of the Mexicali transaction, the combined company must use 100% of the proceeds from asset sales or other dispositions of property by the combined company or from the issuance of debt or equity to prepay the amount outstanding under the note until paid in full. Conditions existing in the U.S. capital markets when the combined company seeks financing will affect its ability to raise capital, as well as the terms of any financing. The combined company may not be able to raise enough capital to meet its capital needs on a timely basis or at all. Failure to obtain capital when required will have a material adverse effect on the combined company. In addition, any strategic investments and acquisitions that the combined company may make to help it grow its business may require additional capital resources. We cannot assure you that the capital required to fund these investments and acquisitions will be available in the future. THE COMBINED COMPANY'S MANUFACTURING PROCESSES WILL BE EXTREMELY COMPLEX AND SPECIALIZED. The combined company's manufacturing operations will be complex and subject to disruption due to causes beyond its control. The fabrication of integrated circuits is an extremely complex and precise process consisting of hundreds of separate steps. It requires production in a highly controlled, clean environment. Minor impurities, errors in any step of the fabrication process, defects in the masks used to print circuits on a wafer or a number of other factors can cause a substantial percentage of wafers to be rejected or numerous die on each wafer not to function. The combined company's operating results will be highly dependent upon its ability to produce integrated circuits at acceptable manufacturing yields. The combined company's operations may be affected by lengthy or recurring disruptions of operations at any of its production facilities or those of its subcontractors. These disruptions may include labor strikes, work stoppages, electrical power outages, fire, earthquake, flooding or other natural disasters. Certain of the combined company's manufacturing facilities will be located near major earthquake fault lines, including its Newbury Park and Sunnyvale, California and Mexicali, Mexico facilities. The combined company does not intend to maintain earthquake insurance coverage on these facilities. Disruptions of the combined company's manufacturing operations could cause significant delays in shipments until it could shift the products from an affected facility or subcontractor to another facility or subcontractor. In the event of these types of delays, we cannot assure you that the required alternate capacity, particularly wafer production capacity, would be available on a timely basis or at all. Even if alternate wafer production capacity is available, the combined company may not be able to obtain it on favorable terms, which could result in higher costs and/or a loss of customers. The combined company may be unable to obtain sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet demand, either at its own facilities or through external manufacturing or similar arrangements with others. Due to the highly specialized nature of the gallium arsenide integrated circuit manufacturing process, in the event of a disruption at the Newbury Park or Sunnyvale, California or Woburn, Massachusetts semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities, alternate gallium arsenide production capacity would not be immediately available from third-party sources. Although the Washington Business has a multi-year agreement with a semiconductor foundry that guarantees it access to additional gallium arsenide wafer production capacity, a disruption of operations at the Newbury Park, Sunnyvale or Woburn wafer fabrication facilities or the interruption in the supply of epitaxial wafers used in its gallium arsenide semiconductor manufacturing process could have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations. THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE MANUFACTURING YIELDS THAT CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO ITS GROSS MARGIN AND PROFITABILITY. Minor deviations in the manufacturing process can cause substantial manufacturing yield loss, and in some cases, cause production to be suspended. Manufacturing yields for new products will initially tend to 28 be lower as the combined company completes product development and commences volume manufacturing, and will typically increase as the combined company brings the product to full production. The combined company's forward product pricing will include this assumption of improving manufacturing yields and, as a result, material variances between projected and actual manufacturing yields will have a direct effect on the combined company's gross margin and profitability. The difficulty of forecasting manufacturing yields accurately and maintaining cost competitiveness through improving manufacturing yields will continue to be magnified by the increasing process complexity of manufacturing semiconductor products. The combined company's manufacturing operations also will face pressures arising from the compression of product life cycles which will require the combined company to manufacture new products faster and for shorter periods while maintaining acceptable manufacturing yields and quality without, in many cases, reaching the longer-term, high-volume manufacturing conducive to higher manufacturing yields and declining costs. THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL BE DEPENDENT UPON THIRD PARTIES FOR THE MANUFACTURE, ASSEMBLY AND TEST OF ITS PRODUCTS. The combined company will rely upon independent wafer fabrication facilities, called foundries, including the Newport foundry joint venture, to provide silicon-based products and to supplement its gallium arsenide wafer manufacturing capacity. There are significant risks associated with reliance on third-party foundries, including: - the lack of ensured wafer supply, potential wafer shortages and higher wafer prices; - limited control over delivery schedules, manufacturing yields, production costs and product quality; and - the inaccessibility of, or delays in obtaining access to, key process technologies. Although the combined company will have long-term supply arrangements to obtain additional external manufacturing capacity, the third-party foundries it uses may allocate their limited capacity to the production requirements of other customers. If the combined company chooses to use a new foundry, it will typically take an extended period of time to complete the qualification process before the combined company can begin shipping products from the new foundry. The foundries may experience financial difficulties, be unable to deliver products to the combined company in a timely manner or suffer damage or destruction to their facilities, particularly since some of them are located in earthquake zones. If any disruption of manufacturing capacity occurs, the combined company may not have alternative manufacturing sources immediately available. The combined company may therefore experience difficulties or delays in securing an adequate supply of its products, which could impair its ability to meet its customers' needs and have a material adverse effect on its operating results. The combined company also intends to utilize subcontractors to package, assemble and test a portion of the combined company's products. Because the combined company will rely on others to package, assemble or test its products, the combined company will be subject to many of the same risks as are described above with respect to foundries. THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL BE DEPENDENT UPON THIRD PARTIES FOR THE SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS. We believe the combined company will have adequate sources for the supply of raw materials and components for its manufacturing needs with suppliers located around the world. However, each of the Washington Business and Alpha is currently dependent on the same two suppliers for epitaxial wafers used in the gallium arsenide semiconductor manufacturing processes at their respective manufacturing facilities. Although in the past the number of qualified alternative suppliers for wafers has been limited and the process of qualifying a new wafer supplier has required a substantial lead-time, more epitaxial wafer capacity has recently become available and the supplier qualification process has become less lengthy and complex. Nevertheless, while Washington/Mexicali and Alpha historically have not experienced any significant difficulties in obtaining an adequate supply of raw materials, including epitaxial wafers, and components necessary for their manufacturing operations, we cannot assure you that the combined 29 company will not lose a significant supplier or that a supplier will be able to meet performance and quality specifications or delivery schedules. THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE RISKS OF DOING BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY. For fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, approximately 91% and 97%, respectively, of Washington/Mexicali net revenues from third parties were from customers located outside the United States, primarily countries located in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. For fiscal 2001 and the first nine months of fiscal 2002, approximately 49% and 67%, respectively, of Alpha's net revenues were from these customers. In addition, the combined company will have facilities and suppliers located outside the United States, including the assembly and test facility in Mexicali, Mexico and third-party packaging, assembly and test facilities and foundries located in the Asia-Pacific region. The combined company's international sales and operations will be subject to a number of risks inherent in selling and operating abroad. These include, but are not limited to, risks regarding: - currency exchange rate fluctuations; - local economic and political conditions; - disruptions of capital and trading markets; - restrictive governmental actions (such as restrictions on transfer of funds and trade protection measures, including export duties and quotas and customs duties and tariffs); - changes in legal or regulatory requirements; - limitations on the repatriation of funds; - difficulty in obtaining distribution and support; - the laws and policies of the United States and other countries affecting trade, foreign investment and loans, and import or export licensing requirements; - tax laws; and - limitations on the combined company's ability under local laws to protect its intellectual property. Because most of the combined company's international sales, other than sales to Japan (which are denominated principally in Japanese yen), will be denominated in U.S. dollars, the combined company's products could become less competitive in international markets if the value of the U.S. dollar increases relative to foreign currencies. Moreover, the combined company may be competitively disadvantaged relative to its competitors located outside the United States who may benefit from a devaluation of their local currency. We cannot assure you that the factors described above will not have a material adverse effect on the combined company's ability to increase or maintain its international sales. The past operating performance of each of Washington/Mexicali and Alpha has been affected by adverse economic conditions in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, the South Korean government's decision in 2000 to impose a ban on South Korean cellular service providers subsidizing new digital cellular handsets curtailed demand in the South Korean market for digital cellular handsets using the CDMA wireless standard. In fiscal 2001, sales to customers in the Asia-Pacific region, principally South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong, represented approximately 77% (including South Korea, which represented approximately 66%) of Washington/Mexicali net revenues from third parties and approximately 20% of Alpha's net revenues. THE COMBINED COMPANY'S OPERATING RESULTS MAY BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY SUBSTANTIAL QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL FLUCTUATIONS AND MARKET DOWNTURNS. The revenues, earnings and other operating results of Washington/Mexicali and Alpha have fluctuated in the past and the combined company's revenues, earnings and other operating results may fluctuate in the future. These fluctuations are due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond the combined company's control. These factors include, among others: - changes in end-user demand for the products manufactured and sold by the combined company's customers, principally digital cellular handsets; 30 - the effects of competitive pricing pressures, including decreases in average selling prices of the combined company's products; - production capacity levels and fluctuations in manufacturing yields; - availability and cost of products from the combined company's suppliers; - the gain or loss of significant customers; - the combined company's ability to develop, introduce and market new products and technologies on a timely basis; - new product and technology introductions by competitors; - changes in the mix of products produced and sold; - market acceptance of the products of the combined company and its customers; - intellectual property disputes; - seasonal customer demand; - the timing of receipt, reduction or cancellation of significant orders by customers; and - the timing and extent of product development costs. The foregoing factors are difficult to forecast, and these, as well as other factors, could materially adversely affect the combined company's quarterly or annual operating results. If the combined company's operating results fail to meet the expectations of analysts or investors, it could materially and adversely affect the price of the combined company's common stock. THE COMBINED COMPANY'S GALLIUM ARSENIDE SEMICONDUCTORS MAY NOT CONTINUE TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH SILICON ALTERNATIVES. The combined company will manufacture and sell gallium arsenide semiconductors, principally power amplifiers and switches. The production of gallium arsenide integrated circuits is more costly than the production of silicon circuits. As a result, the combined company must offer gallium arsenide products that provide superior performance to that of silicon for specific applications to be competitive with silicon products. If the combined company does not continue to offer products that provide sufficiently superior performance to offset the cost differential, its operating results may be materially and adversely affected. It is expected that the costs of producing gallium arsenide integrated circuits will continue to exceed the costs associated with the production of silicon circuits. The costs differ because of higher costs of raw materials for gallium arsenide and higher unit costs associated with smaller-sized wafers and lower production volumes. Silicon semiconductor technologies are widely-used process technologies for certain integrated circuits and these technologies continue to improve in performance. We cannot assure you that the combined company will continue to identify products and markets that require performance superior to that offered by silicon solutions. THE VALUE OF THE COMBINED COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY MARKET VOLATILITY. The trading price of the combined company's common stock may fluctuate significantly. This price may be influenced by many factors, including: - the combined company's performance and prospects; - the performance and prospects of the combined company's major customers; - the depth and liquidity of the market for the combined company's common stock; - investor perception of the combined company and the industry in which it operates; - changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by analysts; - general financial and other market conditions; and - domestic and international economic conditions. 31 Public stock markets have experienced, and are currently experiencing, extreme price and trading volume volatility, particularly in the technology sectors of the market. This volatility has significantly affected the market prices of securities of many technology companies for reasons frequently unrelated to or disproportionately impacted by the operating performance of these companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the combined company's common stock. SALES OF COMBINED COMPANY COMMON STOCK BY CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE COMBINED COMPANY'S STOCK PRICE. As a result of the merger, Conexant stockholders will hold approximately 67% of the combined company common stock outstanding immediately after the merger, on a fully diluted basis. Conexant believes that as much as 12.5% of its outstanding common stock may be held by index funds tied to the Standard & Poor's 500, Nasdaq 100 and Russell 1000 indices. Alpha common stock is not currently included in these indices. In addition, Conexant believes that its common stock is also held by institutional investors bound by certain investing guidelines. As the combined company common stock is not expected to be included in these indices and may not meet the investing guidelines of some of these institutional investors after the merger, the index funds and certain institutional investors may be required to sell in the public market the shares of combined company common stock they receive in the merger. We are unable to predict whether a sufficient number of buyers would be available in the market to absorb these potential sales, which, if substantial, could materially adversely affect the market price of combined company common stock. THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CLAIMS OF INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OR DEMANDS THAT IT LICENSE THIRD-PARTY TECHNOLOGY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT EXPENSE AND LOSS OF ITS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. The semiconductor industry is characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights. From time to time, third parties have asserted and may in the future assert patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights to technologies that are important to the combined company's business and have demanded and may in the future demand that the combined company license their technology. Any litigation to determine the validity of claims that the combined company's products infringe or may infringe these rights, including claims arising from the combined company's contractual indemnification of its customers, regardless of their merit or resolution, could be costly and divert the efforts and attention of the combined company's management and technical personnel. Regardless of the merits of any specific claim, we cannot assure you that the combined company would prevail in litigation because of the complex technical issues and inherent uncertainties in intellectual property litigation. If litigation were to result in an adverse ruling, the combined company could be required to: - pay substantial damages; - cease the manufacture, import, use, sale or offer for sale of infringing products; - discontinue the use of infringing technology; - expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology; or - license technology from the third party claiming infringement, which license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. IF THE COMBINED COMPANY IS NOT SUCCESSFUL IN PROTECTING ITS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, IT MAY HARM ITS ABILITY TO COMPETE. The combined company will rely on patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and other intellectual property laws, as well as nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements and other methods, to protect its proprietary technologies, devices, algorithms and processes. In addition, the combined company will often incorporate the intellectual property of its customers, suppliers or other third parties into its designs, and the combined company will have obligations with respect to the non-use and non-disclosure of such third- party intellectual property. In the past, the Washington Business has found it necessary to engage in litigation or like activities to enforce its intellectual property rights, to protect its trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others, including its customers. Similar litigation 32 may arise in the future, which could require the combined company to expend significant resources and to divert the efforts and attention of its management and technical personnel from its business operations. We cannot assure you that: - the steps the combined company takes to prevent misappropriation, infringement or other violation of its intellectual property or the intellectual property of its customers, suppliers or other third parties will be successful; - any existing or future patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented; or - any of the measures described above would provide meaningful protection. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use the combined company's technology without authorization, develop similar technology independently or design around its patents. If any of the combined company's patents fails to protect its technology, it would make it easier for the combined company's competitors to offer similar products. In addition, effective patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited for certain technologies and in certain foreign countries. THE COMBINED COMPANY'S SUCCESS DEPENDS, IN PART, ON ITS ABILITY TO EFFECT SUITABLE INVESTMENTS, ALLIANCES AND ACQUISITIONS, AND THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY INTEGRATING COMPANIES IT ACQUIRES. Although the combined company intends to invest significant resources in internal research and development activities, the complexity and rapidity of technological changes and the significant expense of internal research and development make it impractical for the combined company to pursue development of all technological solutions on its own. On an ongoing basis, the combined company intends to review investment, alliance and acquisition prospects that would complement its product offerings, augment its market coverage or enhance its technological capabilities. However, we cannot assure you that the combined company will be able to identify and consummate suitable investment, alliance or acquisition transactions in the future. Moreover, if the combined company consummates such transactions, they could result in: - issuances of equity securities dilutive to the combined company's stockholders; - large one-time write-offs; - the incurrence of substantial debt and assumption of unknown liabilities; - the potential loss of key employees from the acquired company; - amortization expenses related to intangible assets; and - the diversion of management's attention from other business concerns. Additionally, in periods following an acquisition, the combined company will be required to evaluate goodwill and acquisition-related intangible assets for impairment. When such assets are found to be impaired, they will be written down to estimated fair value, with a charge against earnings. Integrating acquired organizations and their products and services may be difficult, expensive, time-consuming and a strain on the combined company's resources and its relationship with employees and customers and ultimately may not be successful. THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY BE AFFECTED BY SIGNIFICANT RESTRICTIONS WITH RESPECT TO ISSUANCE OF ITS EQUITY SECURITIES FOR TWO YEARS AFTER THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION. Even if the spin-off transaction otherwise qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Sections 355 and 368 of the Internal Revenue Code, the distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction may be disqualified as tax-free to Conexant under Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code if 50% or more of the stock of Conexant or the combined company is acquired as part of a plan (or series of related transactions) that includes the 33 spin-off transaction. For this purpose, any acquisitions of Conexant stock or combined company stock within two years before or after the spin-off transaction are presumed to be part of such a plan, although Conexant or the combined company may be able to rebut that presumption. The merger will be treated as resulting in a deemed acquisition by Alpha stockholders of approximately 33% of Washington common stock. The process for determining whether a change of ownership has occurred under the tax rules is complex. Section 355(e) is a relatively new provision of law. Accordingly, little guidance exists regarding its interpretation. In particular, there is uncertainty over the analysis to be used to determine whether transactions are part of a plan (or series of related transactions). In addition, such a determination is inherently factual and subject to the interpretation of the facts and circumstances of a particular case. If an acquisition of Conexant stock or combined company stock triggers the application of Section 355(e), Conexant would recognize taxable gain but the spin-off transaction would generally be tax-free to Conexant stockholders. Under the tax allocation agreement to be entered into among Conexant, Washington and Alpha, the combined company would be required to indemnify Conexant against that taxable gain if it were triggered by actions by or in respect of the combined company (including its subsidiaries) or its stockholders. See "Agreements Relating to the Spin-Off Transaction -- Tax Allocation Agreement". Because of the change in control limitation imposed by Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, the combined company may be limited in the amount of stock that it can issue to make acquisitions or to raise additional capital in the two years subsequent to the merger. Also, the combined company's indemnity obligation to Conexant might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control during this two year period that stockholders of the combined company may consider favorable. THE COMBINED COMPANY MAY BE LIABLE FOR PENALTIES UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT ITS BUSINESS. The Washington Business, the Mexicali operations and Alpha have used, and the combined company will continue to use, a variety of chemicals in manufacturing operations and have been or will be subject to a wide range of environmental protection regulations in the United States and Mexico. While the Washington Business, the Mexicali operations and Alpha have not experienced any material adverse effect on their operations as a result of such regulations, we cannot assure you that current or future regulations would not have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Washington Business is engaged in remediation of groundwater contamination at its Newbury Park, California facility. The Washington Business currently estimates the remaining costs for this remediation to be approximately $0.8 million and the Washington Business has accrued for these costs as of December 31, 2001. Environmental regulations often require parties to fund remedial action regardless of fault. Consequently, it is often difficult to estimate the future impact of environmental matters, including potential liabilities. We cannot assure you that the amount of expense and capital expenditures that might be required to satisfy environmental liabilities, to complete remedial actions and to continue to comply with applicable environmental laws will not have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations. CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE COMBINED COMPANY'S ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS AND DELAWARE LAW MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR SOMEONE TO ACQUIRE CONTROL OF THE COMBINED COMPANY. The combined company will have certain anti-takeover measures that may affect the combined company's common stock. The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, its second amended and restated by-laws and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain several provisions that would make more difficult an acquisition of control of the combined company in a transaction not approved by the combined company's board of directors. The combined 34 company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated by-laws include provisions such as: - the division of the combined company's board of directors into three classes to be elected on a staggered basis, one class each year; - the ability of the combined company's board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without further authorization of stockholders; - a prohibition on stockholder action by written consent; - elimination of the right of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders; - a requirement that stockholders provide advance notice of any stockholder nominations of directors or any proposal of new business to be considered at any meeting of stockholders; - a requirement that the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the combined company's shares be obtained to amend or repeal any provision of the second amended and restated by-laws or the provision of the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation relating to amendments to the by-laws; - a requirement that the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the combined company's shares be obtained to amend or repeal the provisions of the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation relating to the election and removal of directors, the classified board or the right to act by written consent; - a requirement that the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the combined company's shares be obtained for business combinations not approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors in office prior to the time the other party to the business combination becomes the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the shares of the combined company; - a fair price provision; and - a requirement that the affirmative vote of at least 90% of the combined company's shares be obtained to amend or repeal the fair price provision. In addition to the provisions in the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated by-laws, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally provides that a corporation shall not engage in any business combination with any interested stockholder during the three-year period following the time that such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless a majority of the directors then in office approves either the business combination or the transaction that results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder or specified stockholder approval requirements are met. See "Description of the Combined Company's Capital Stock -- Certain Provisions in the Combined Company's Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended By-Laws". 35 SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This proxy statement/prospectus-information statement includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believes", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "could", "seek", "intends", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates" or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed in "Risk Factors". Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those reflected in forward-looking statements relating to the operations and business of the combined company include: - the cyclical nature of the wireless communications semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the combined company's products and its customers' products; - general economic and business conditions that adversely affect the combined company or its suppliers, distributors or customers; - demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; - successful development of new products and the timing of new product introductions; - the successful integration of Alpha, the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations and future acquisitions; - the availability and extent of utilization of manufacturing capacity and raw materials; - pricing pressures and other competitive factors; - fluctuations in manufacturing yields; - product obsolescence; - the combined company's ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection of the related intellectual property; - the combined company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; - the disproportionate impact of the combined company's business relationships with large customers; - the uncertainties of litigation; and - other risks and uncertainties, including those set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement and those detailed from time to time in the combined company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should read this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement and the documents incorporated by reference into it completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from expectations. All forward-looking statements made in this proxy statement/ prospectus-information statement are qualified by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, and Alpha, Conexant and the combined company do not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results over time. 36 THE ALPHA SPECIAL MEETING DATE, TIME AND PLACE The Alpha special meeting will be held on June 13, 2002 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Renaissance Bedford Hotel, 44 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, Massachusetts. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION The purposes of the special meeting are for Alpha stockholders to consider and vote upon: - a proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement and the merger contemplated by the merger agreement; - a proposal to approve an amendment to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of Alpha common stock that may be issued under the plan; - a proposal to approve an amendment to Alpha's Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of Alpha common stock that may be issued under the plan; and - any other matter that may properly come before the special meeting. Alpha knows of no other matters to be brought before the special meeting. THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER. ALPHA BELIEVES THE AMENDMENTS TO ALPHA'S 1996 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AND DIRECTORS' 2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN ARE ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND THE ADDITION OF NEW OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS THAT WILL OCCUR AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER. THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSALS TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENTS TO ALPHA'S 1996 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AND DIRECTORS' 2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN. RECORD DATE; VOTING INFORMATION; QUORUM The Alpha board of directors has fixed the close of business on April 22, 2002 as the record date for determining the holders of Alpha common stock entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. Only holders of record of Alpha common stock at the close of business on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. As of the record date, approximately 44,264,906 shares of Alpha common stock were issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting. Alpha's amended and restated by-laws provide that each share of Alpha common stock shall entitle the holder to one vote on each matter to be considered at the special meeting. If you are a record holder of Alpha common stock on the record date, you may vote your shares of Alpha common stock in person at the special meeting or by proxy as described below under "-- Voting by Proxy". The presence in person or by proxy at the special meeting of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Alpha common stock entitled to vote will constitute a quorum for the special meeting. Properly signed proxies that are marked "abstain" are known as abstentions. Properly signed proxies that are held by brokers in street name on behalf of customers who have not provided their broker with specific voting instructions on nonroutine matters are known as broker non-votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for the purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the special meeting. 37 REQUIRED VOTES The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Alpha common stock entitled to vote on the merger proposal is required to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger. For purposes of the vote upon the merger proposal, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes properly cast is required to approve the proposals to amend Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan. For purposes of the vote upon the proposals to amend Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote. VOTING BY PROXY Alpha stockholders who vote their shares of Alpha common stock by signing a proxy and returning it in time for the special meeting will have their shares voted as indicated on their proxy card. If a proxy is properly executed but does not contain voting instructions, the proxy will be voted FOR approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger and FOR approval of the amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan. If other matters are properly presented before the special meeting, the persons named in the proxy will have authority to vote in accordance with their judgment on any other such matter, including, without limitation, any proposal to adjourn or postpone the meeting or otherwise concerning the conduct of the meeting. Alpha does not currently expect that any matter other than as described in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement will be brought before the special meeting. If your broker holds your shares of Alpha common stock in street name, you must either direct your broker on how to vote your shares or obtain a proxy from your broker to vote in person at the special meeting. If you are a participant in Alpha's 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan, you will receive a proxy card for the shares of Alpha common stock you own through the 401(k) Plan. That proxy card will serve as a voting instruction card for the trustee of the 401(k) Plan, and your 401(k) Plan shares will be voted as you instruct. If you do not sign and return your proxy card to indicate your instructions, the 401(k) Plan trustee will vote your 401(k) Plan shares in the same proportion as shares for which instructions are received from other 401(k) Plan participants. REVOCATION OF PROXIES Without affecting any vote previously taken, if you are a record holder of Alpha common stock, you may revoke your proxy in any of the following ways: - sending a written notice to Alpha's corporate secretary that is received prior to the special meeting stating that you are revoking your proxy; - signing a new, later-dated proxy card and returning it by mail to Alpha's transfer agent so that it is received prior to the special meeting; or - attending the special meeting and voting in person. Simply attending the special meeting will not revoke your proxy. If you instructed a broker to vote your shares and wish to change your instructions, you must follow your broker's directions for changing those instructions. If an adjournment occurs and no new record date is set, it will have no effect on the ability of Alpha stockholders of record as of the record date to exercise their voting rights or to revoke any previously delivered proxies. VOTING BY ALPHA MANAGEMENT As of the record date for the special meeting of Alpha stockholders, Alpha directors and executive officers as a group owned and were entitled to vote 265,227 shares of Alpha common stock, representing 38 approximately 0.6% of the outstanding voting power of Alpha common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. All of the directors and executive officers of Alpha that are entitled to vote at the Alpha special meeting have indicated that they intend to vote their shares of Alpha common stock in favor of approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger and in favor of the amendments to Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan and Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan. In addition, each of the directors and certain executive officers of Alpha entered into a stockholders agreement with Conexant pursuant to which the director or executive officer agreed to vote his shares in favor of approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger and against any action or proposal, including any competing or superior proposals, that could reasonably be expected to result in the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the obligations of the parties in the merger agreement with respect to the merger or otherwise prevent, interfere with or delay the consummation of the merger. As of the record date for the special meeting of Alpha stockholders, Alpha directors and executive officers who have entered into the stockholders agreements held approximately 0.54% of the voting power of the outstanding Alpha common stock. NO DISSENTERS' OR APPRAISAL RIGHTS Alpha stockholders will not be entitled to exercise dissenters' or appraisal rights or to demand payment for their shares in connection with the merger because Alpha common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market. Under Delaware law, no appraisal rights are available for shares of any class or series of stock which, as of the record date fixed to determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting of stockholders to act upon any merger agreement, were listed on a national securities exchange or traded on the Nasdaq National Market. SOLICITATION OF PROXIES This proxy statement/prospectus-information statement is being furnished to Alpha stockholders in connection with the Alpha board of directors' solicitation of proxies from the holders of Alpha common stock for use at the special meeting. In addition to solicitation by mail, Alpha may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, telecopy or e-mail. Alpha also has engaged a professional proxy solicitation firm, Morrow & Co., Inc., to assist it in soliciting proxies. Alpha will pay to Morrow & Co., Inc. a fee of $8,500 plus expenses for its services and will bear all costs of the proxy solicitation. 39 THE MERGER The discussion in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement of the merger and the principal terms of the merger agreement is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A and is incorporated by reference into this section of the proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. GENERAL Alpha and Conexant have agreed to merge the Washington Business with Alpha's business pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement. In connection with the merger, Conexant will contribute the Washington Business to Washington pursuant to the terms of the distribution agreement. Immediately prior to the merger, Conexant will distribute all of the outstanding shares of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders on a one share-for-one share basis. Washington will then merge with and into Alpha in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, and Alpha will be the surviving company in the merger. All shares of Washington common stock issued in the distribution will be immediately converted in the merger into the right to receive 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock in exchange for each share of Washington common stock and the Washington shares will be canceled and will cease to exist. After the merger, Conexant stockholders will not have any rights in the shares of Washington common stock other than the right to receive the shares of combined company common stock. Alpha stockholders will continue to hold their existing shares of Alpha common stock as shares of the combined company after the merger and will not receive any new shares in the merger. Immediately after consummation of the merger, approximately 67% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis, will be owned by Conexant stockholders and approximately 33% will be owned by Alpha stockholders. No vote of Conexant stockholders is required or being sought in connection with the spin-off transaction or the merger. Conexant, as sole stockholder of Washington, has approved and adopted the merger agreement and the merger. Following the merger, the combined company will operate the combined business operations of Alpha and the Washington Business and will adopt a new corporate name. The corporate name change will be effected by a means that will not require the approval of the stockholders of the combined company. The combined company will have joint headquarters in Woburn, Massachusetts and Newport Beach, California. The fiscal year of the combined company will end on the Sunday closest to September 30. We encourage you to read carefully the merger agreement and the distribution agreement, which are attached as Annexes A and B, respectively, because they set forth the terms of the merger, the contribution of the Washington Business to Washington and the distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders. Upon completion of the merger, the combined company will purchase from Conexant: - Conexant's semiconductor assembly and test facility located in Mexicali, Mexico and certain related assets, pursuant to the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement; and - Conexant's package design team that supports the Mexicali facility, pursuant to the U.S. asset purchase agreement. The combined company will pay Conexant $150 million for the purchase of Conexant's Mexicali facility, the package design team and certain related assets. The satisfaction of the conditions to closing set forth in the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement is a condition to the obligations of Alpha and Washington to complete the merger. 40 BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER In August 2001, as part of its ongoing review of its long-term strategic plans, Alpha met with U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, its financial advisor, to discuss strategic alternatives available to Alpha, including a possible business combination with Conexant's wireless communications business. On August 20, 2001, Alpha, through U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, contacted Conexant, through its financial advisor, Credit Suisse First Boston, regarding a possible business combination between Alpha and Conexant's wireless communications business. Thereafter Conexant had several discussions with Credit Suisse First Boston regarding Conexant's overall business strategy and various strategic alternatives for its wireless communication business, including a possible business combination with Alpha. On or about September 7, 2001, David J. Aldrich, president and chief executive officer of Alpha, and Dwight W. Decker, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Conexant, agreed to meet in person for a preliminary high-level discussion regarding the possible strategic merits of a combination between Alpha and Conexant's wireless communications business. On September 13, 2001, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Decker met in Newport Beach, California. In their meeting, Messrs. Aldrich and Decker observed that the products of Alpha's business and of Conexant's wireless communications business were largely complementary. At this time, there was no discussion of any particular structure for a potential business combination. During the next several weeks, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Decker had additional preliminary discussions relating to Alpha's business and Conexant's wireless communications business and a possible business combination between them. In the course of these discussions, Alpha suggested as a possible business combination structure an acquisition by Alpha of Conexant's wireless communications business for a combination of cash and Alpha stock. On September 27, 2001, Credit Suisse First Boston, on behalf of Conexant, contacted U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, on behalf of Alpha, regarding alternative proposed terms of a possible business combination between Alpha and Conexant's wireless communications business, which terms included a potential structure involving a spin-off of Conexant's wireless communications business followed by a merger of that business with Alpha. On September 28, 2001, Alpha and Conexant executed a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement with respect to the exchange of non-public information for purposes of further exploring a potential transaction. The Mutual Confidentiality Agreement did not restrict Alpha or Conexant from pursuing other transactions. On October 10, 2001, at a meeting of the Conexant board of directors held by telephone conference call, members of Conexant's management and representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston reported on the preliminary discussions with Alpha and a potential business combination between Alpha and Conexant's wireless communications business. The Conexant board of directors authorized Conexant's management to proceed with the conduct of due diligence with respect to a potential transaction involving Alpha. On October 10 and 11, 2001, members of Alpha's management, including Mr. Aldrich, Paul E. Vincent, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer and secretary of Alpha, and Jean-Pierre Gillard, vice president of marketing and development of Alpha, together with representatives of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, met in Newport Beach, California, with members of Conexant's management, including Mr. Decker, Balakrishnan S. Iyer, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Conexant, and Moiz M. Beguwala, senior vice president and general manager -- wireless communications of Conexant, and representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston. Alpha presented an overview of its operations and business plan and Conexant presented an overview of its wireless communications operations and business plan. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed that they would each have separate internal discussions regarding the possibility of a strategic relationship before having further discussions between the two companies. On October 23 and 24, 2001, management teams from Alpha and Conexant, along with their respective financial advisors, met in Bedford, Massachusetts, to review and discuss Alpha's business and Conexant's wireless communications business. 41 On October 25, 2001, at a meeting of the Alpha board of directors, Mr. Aldrich and representatives of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray updated the directors concerning the various discussions with Conexant and the current status and nature of the proposals and the strategic opportunity presented by a possible combination between Alpha and Conexant's wireless communications business. The Alpha board of directors and representatives of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray discussed various topics, including the complementary nature of the products of Alpha and Washington, the potential management team of the combined company, the potential board composition of the combined company, possible valuation methodologies and the overall strategic rationale for a business combination. The Alpha board of directors authorized Alpha's management to continue exploring a potential transaction with Conexant. From October 25, 2001 through December 16, 2001, Alpha's senior management and its financial advisor engaged in continued discussions with representatives of Conexant and its financial advisor. During the same period, Alpha, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Alpha's special legal counsel, and Conexant, Credit Suisse First Boston and Chadbourne & Parke LLP, Conexant's legal counsel, had telephone calls and in-person due diligence meetings regarding the respective businesses, operations, financial condition and results of operations of each of Alpha and Conexant's wireless communications business, discussions regarding the roles of the respective management teams after a possible business combination and preparation and negotiation of agreements outlining the proposed terms of a possible business combination. At a meeting of the board of directors of Conexant held on November 1 and 2, 2001, members of Conexant's management reported on the operations and business plan of Conexant's wireless communications business and updated the board on the status of Conexant's discussions with Alpha. On November 2 and 3, 2001, management teams from Alpha and Conexant, along with representatives of their respective financial advisors, met again in Newport Beach, California, to further review specific areas of each of their businesses and to discuss the potential combination of Alpha and Conexant's wireless communications business. Present at these meetings for Alpha, among others, were Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Vincent and Mr. Gillard. Present at these meetings for Conexant, among others, were Mr. Decker, Mr. Iyer and Mr. Beguwala. On November 7, 2001, Conexant's financial advisor contacted Alpha's financial advisor to propose the purchase by Alpha of the Mexicali operations for a purchase price of $190 million in connection with a possible business combination. From November 8 to November 28, 2001, representatives of Alpha and Conexant, together with their financial advisors and legal counsel, continued negotiating the terms of a potential business combination. During this time, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Decker held several discussions regarding their continued interest in a potential business combination and the terms under which such a combination might take place. On November 16, 2001, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, on behalf of Alpha, contacted Credit Suisse First Boston, on behalf of Conexant, to propose the inclusion of certain assets utilized by Conexant's package design team, as well as certain intellectual property, in the Mexicali operations to be purchased by Alpha and to propose a purchase price for the Mexicali operations of $123 million. On November 19 and November 28, 2001, the Alpha board of directors met by telephone conference call to review the status of Alpha's discussions with Conexant. At the conclusion of each meeting, the Alpha board of directors authorized Mr. Aldrich to continue gathering information concerning a potential business combination with Conexant's wireless communications business. On or about November 21, 2001, Alpha and Conexant mutually determined to pursue negotiations of a transaction whereby Conexant would contribute its wireless communications business (excluding certain assets and liabilities) to Washington and distribute all of the outstanding shares of Washington common stock to the stockholders of Conexant on a one share-for-one share basis, immediately after which Washington would merge with and into Alpha. The discussions included proposals on the relative stock ownership by Conexant stockholders and Alpha stockholders of the outstanding shares of common stock of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis, following the merger. Additionally, the discussions also 42 contemplated that, following the consummation of the merger, the combined company would purchase the Mexicali operations for $150 million. While no appraisals or independent valuations were obtained by Conexant or Alpha with respect to the Mexicali operations, Conexant and Alpha believe that the purchase price that resulted from their arms length negotiations represented the fair market value of the Mexicali operations. The Mexicali operations were proposed to be acquired by the combined company after the merger, rather than being included in the Washington Business spun-off to Conexant stockholders, because Conexant desired to divest the Mexicali operations for cash consideration. On November 28, 2001, Conexant's board of directors met by telephone conference call to review the transaction structure and terms. At that meeting, the Conexant board of directors authorized Conexant's management to proceed with the negotiation of definitive agreements with respect to a proposed transaction, subject to further board review and approval. On December 4, 2001, the Alpha board of directors met by telephone conference call to review the status of Alpha's discussions with Conexant. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Alpha board of directors authorized Mr. Aldrich to continue discussions concerning a possible business combination with Conexant's wireless communications business. From December 5, 2001 to December 7, 2001, Mr. Aldrich and other members of Alpha's senior management held various meetings with members of the senior management of Conexant and its wireless communications business in Newport Beach, California to review further the potential benefits of a combination between Alpha and Conexant's wireless communications business. On December 12, 2001, the Alpha board of directors met to discuss the status of the negotiations with Conexant. A representative from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP reviewed and discussed with the Alpha board of directors the fiduciary duties of directors in considering a strategic business combination and further discussed the material terms of the current drafts of a merger agreement and other transaction agreements. Also at this meeting, the Alpha board of directors discussed with U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray various valuation methodologies that would be utilized in connection with U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray's evaluation of the proposed consideration to be paid by Alpha in the merger. After extensive discussions, the Alpha board of directors concluded that a merger with Conexant's wireless communications business and the acquisition of Conexant's Mexicali operations would make strong strategic sense. On December 13 and 14, 2001, representatives of Alpha, Conexant and their legal counsel and financial advisors met at the offices of Chadbourne & Parke LLP in New York City to negotiate a merger agreement and other transaction agreements. Negotiations with respect to the definitive agreements continued through December 16, 2001. On December 15, 2001, the Conexant board of directors met by telephone conference call with members of Conexant's management and representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston and Chadbourne & Parke LLP to discuss the proposed final terms of the business combination transaction, including the merger exchange ratio. After presentations by Credit Suisse First Boston, Conexant's management and Chadbourne & Parke LLP, and after further discussion, the Conexant board of directors, by unanimous vote of those present, approved and adopted the merger agreement and the merger, approved the related transactions and agreements and authorized Conexant's management to resolve any remaining issues consistent with discussions and to execute the merger agreement and the related transaction documents. On December 16, 2001, the Alpha board of directors met by telephone conference call with management and representatives of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP to discuss the final terms of the proposed transaction, which terms were substantially the same as those discussed on or about November 21, 2001, and included the final determination of the post-merger relative ownership of combined company common stock, on a fully diluted basis, of approximately 67% by Conexant stockholders and approximately 33% by Alpha stockholders. Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Vincent and a representative from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP reviewed the material terms and conditions of the transaction documents, as negotiated, and discussed with the Alpha board of directors the 43 differences between those terms and conditions and those outlined at the December 12 meeting of the board. A representative from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP reviewed with the Alpha board of directors the documentation to be executed in connection with the proposed transaction and the board's fiduciary duties to Alpha stockholders. Representatives of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray then reviewed its financial presentation concerning the proposed merger consideration with the Alpha board of directors, copies of which had been provided to the directors in advance of the meeting. At this time, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray rendered an oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, factors and limitations set forth in its written opinion, the consideration to be paid by Alpha in the merger was fair from a financial point of view to Alpha and its stockholders (other than Conexant, Washington and their affiliates). The Alpha board of directors carefully considered the benefits and risks to Alpha and its stockholders of the proposed transaction, unanimously determined that the transaction was in the best interest of Alpha stockholders, unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement and merger and unanimously resolved to recommend that the Alpha stockholders vote to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger. In addition, the Alpha board of directors authorized Alpha's management to resolve any remaining issues consistent with the discussions and to execute the merger agreement and the related transaction documents. Later that night, Conexant, Washington and Alpha entered into the merger agreement and other transaction documents. On the morning of December 17, 2001, Alpha and Conexant issued a joint press release announcing the transaction. As of April 12, 2002, Alpha, Conexant and Washington executed an amendment to the merger agreement incorporating a change to the exchange ratio in order to adjust for certain options issued to employees of Conexant's Mindspeed Technologies business that will not be adjusted in the spin-off transaction, pursuant to the employee matters agreement, and the merger, pursuant to the merger agreement, in the same manner as other Conexant options and the holders of these Mindspeed options will not receive options to purchase shares of the combined company in respect thereof. The revised exchange ratio was calculated to maintain the same proportional ownership of the combined company immediately after the merger by Conexant stockholders and Alpha stockholders as would have existed if these options had been excluded from the parties' original calculations. ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATION TO ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS; REASONS FOR THE MERGER THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER IS ADVISABLE AND FAIR TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF, ALPHA AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, THE ALPHA BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER. The Alpha board of directors, in reaching its decision to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger, consulted with Alpha's management, as well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered a variety of factors, including the following: - information concerning the business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects of each of Alpha and the Washington Business as separate entities and on a combined basis, including their revenues, their complementary businesses and the potential for revenue enhancement and cost savings; - the enhanced strategic and market position of the combined company beyond that achievable by Alpha alone; - the increased scale, scope and diversity of operations, product lines, served markets and customers that could be achieved by combining Alpha and the Washington Business; - the increase in the market capitalization of the combined company, which should allow the combined company to have increased access to debt and equity markets; - the combined company's anticipated future financial performance; 44 - the opportunity for Alpha stockholders to participate in a larger company with a more diversified product line, a broader customer base and enhanced technology capabilities, and, as stockholders of the combined company, to benefit from future growth of the combined company; - the structure of the merger as a generally tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes; - the terms of the merger agreement, including composition of the board of directors and the management structure of the combined company; - the obligations of Alpha with respect to non-solicitation and the provisions of the merger agreement relating to non-solicitation of alternative proposals, termination of the merger agreement and payment of a termination fee under the circumstances described in the merger agreement, and the impact that those obligations may have on potential third-party acquirers and on the ability of Alpha to respond to any potential third-party offer; - the likelihood of the merger being approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities; and - the strategic advantages of acquiring the Mexicali operations following consummation of the merger. The Alpha board also considered the opinion of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, its financial advisor, that, as of the date of the opinion and based upon and subject to the assumptions, factors and limitations set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be paid by Alpha to the holders of Washington common stock in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to Alpha and its stockholders (other than Conexant, Washington and their affiliates). The Alpha board of directors also identified and considered certain countervailing factors in its deliberations concerning the merger, including: - the possibility that the expected benefits from the merger might not be fully realized; - the challenges of separating the Washington Business from Conexant and integrating the Washington Business with Alpha; - the possible disruption of Alpha's business that might result from the announcement of the merger and the diversion of management's attention in connection with the merger; - the substantial dilution to Alpha's existing stockholders as a result of the issuance of combined company common stock in the merger; - the combined company's potential liabilities to Conexant under the tax allocation agreement; and - the possibility that the merger may not be consummated and the potential adverse consequences if the merger is not completed. The foregoing discusses the material factors considered by the Alpha board of directors and is not exhaustive of all factors considered by the Alpha board of directors. Moreover, in view of the variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger agreement and the merger, the Alpha board of directors considered the factors as a whole and did not find it practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise assign relative weight to the specific factors considered in reaching its determination to approve the merger agreement and the merger. In addition, each member of the Alpha board of directors may have given differing weights to different factors. OPINION OF ALPHA'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR Alpha retained U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray to act as its financial advisor in connection with the Alpha board's consideration of the merger and the related transactions. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray delivered to the board of directors of Alpha at a meeting of the Alpha board held on December 16, 2001 its oral opinion (subsequently confirmed in writing), as of that date and based upon and subject to the assumptions, factors and limitations set forth in its written opinion and 45 described below, that the consideration to be paid by Alpha to the holders of Washington common stock in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to Alpha and its stockholders (other than Conexant, Washington and their affiliates). A copy of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray's written opinion is attached as Annex C and is incorporated into this section of the proxy statement/prospectus-information statement by reference. While U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray rendered its opinion and provided certain analyses to the Alpha board of directors, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray was not requested to and did not make any recommendation to the board as to the specific form or amount of the consideration to be paid by Alpha in the proposed merger, which was determined through negotiations between Alpha and Conexant. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray's written opinion, which was directed to the Alpha board of directors, addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the consideration proposed to be paid to stockholders of Washington in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement, and does not address Alpha's underlying business decision to proceed with or effect the merger or the structure thereof, the relative merits of the merger compared to any alternative business strategy or transaction in which Alpha might engage, or whether any alternative transaction might produce superior benefits to Alpha or its stockholders and does not constitute a recommendation to any Alpha stockholder as to how to vote or any action an Alpha stockholder should take with respect to the proposed merger. In arriving at its opinion, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray's review included: - a draft of the merger agreement (including draft term sheets for the Newport supply agreement and the Newbury supply agreement attached thereto) dated December 15, 2001; - a draft of the distribution agreement dated December 15, 2001; - a draft of the tax allocation agreement dated December 16, 2001; - a draft of the employee matters agreement dated December 16, 2001; - a draft of the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement dated December 15, 2001; - a draft of the U.S. asset purchase agreement dated December 16, 2001; - financial and other information, including financial forecasts, relating to the business, earnings, cash flows, assets, liabilities and prospects of Alpha, Conexant and the Washington Business that was publicly available or furnished to or discussed with U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray by management of Alpha and Conexant; - publicly available market and securities data of Alpha and Conexant and of selected public companies deemed comparable to Alpha and the Washington Business; and - to the extent publicly available, financial information relating to selected transactions deemed comparable to the proposed merger. In addition, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray visited the headquarters of Alpha and Conexant and conducted discussions with members of senior management of both Alpha and Conexant concerning the anticipated financial condition, operating performance and balance sheet characteristics of Alpha and the Washington Business following the merger and their views of the strategic rationale of the merger. The following is a summary of the material analyses and other information that U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray prepared and relied on in delivering its opinion to the board of directors of Alpha: IMPLIED CONSIDERATION U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray calculated an implied transaction value of $2.067 billion, after giving effect to the exchange ratio, the resulting implied value of Alpha stock consideration (based on the closing price of Alpha common stock on December 13, 2001 of $21.58), the anticipated outstanding Washington common shares and common share equivalents, and the implied cost of the Mexicali facility being acquired by Alpha allocable to existing Alpha stockholders. Based on information provided by management 46 of Conexant and Alpha indicating the net debt of Washington in the transaction was not meaningful, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray used the $2.067 billion transaction value for purposes of the equity and enterprise value of Washington in its analysis. WASHINGTON Comparable Company Analysis. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray analyzed financial information and valuation ratios relating to publicly traded companies in the semiconductor industry deemed comparable to Washington. This group comprised Alpha, ANADIGICS, Inc., RF Micro Devices, Inc., Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. and TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray applied the resulting multiples of selected valuation data to derive aggregate equity values for Washington. All multiples were based on closing stock prices of the comparable companies on December 13, 2001. All forward-looking data for the comparable companies was based on publicly available Wall Street research analyst estimates. This analysis produced implied aggregate equity values for Washington ranging from a low of $930 million to a high of $4.999 billion, with median implied aggregate equity values of $1.142 billion to $2.580 billion and mean implied aggregate equity values of $1.343 billion to $3.196 billion. Comparable Acquisition Analysis. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray reviewed ten acquisition transactions that it deemed comparable to the transaction between Alpha and Washington. It selected these transactions by searching Securities and Exchange Commission filings, news stories, press releases, industry and popular press reports, databases and other sources and by applying the following criteria: - transactions that were announced between January 1, 1999 and December 13, 2001; - transactions involving target companies in the communications and analog semiconductor industry deemed comparable to Washington; - transactions with a transaction value greater than $750 million; - transactions in which 100% of the target company was acquired; and - transactions that were not repurchases or hostile transactions. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray performed its analysis on the following transactions: U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray applied the resulting multiples of selected valuation data to derive implied aggregate equity values of Washington from a low of $341 million to a high of $7.253 billion, with median implied aggregate equity values of $633 million to $3.439 billion and mean implied aggregate equity values of $990 million to $3.997 billion. Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray performed a discounted cash flow analysis for Washington in which it calculated the present value of the projected hypothetical future cash flows of Washington based on Conexant management's estimates. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray estimated a range of theoretical values for Washington based on the net present value of its implied annual cash flows 47
ACQUIRING COMPANY TARGET COMPANY TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. Sawtek, Inc. Marvell Technology Group Ltd. Galileo Technology Ltd. Applied Micro Circuits Corporation MMC Networks, Inc. PMC - Sierra, Inc. Quantum Effect Devices, Inc. Conexant Systems, Inc. Maker Communications, Inc. Intel Corporation DSP Communications, Inc. Intel Corporation Level One Communications, Incorporated Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. Dallas Semiconductor Corporation Texas Instruments Incorporated Burr-Brown Corporation Texas Instruments Incorporated Unitrode Corporation and a terminal value for Washington in 2006 calculated based upon a multiple of revenue. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray applied a range of discount rates of 25% to 29% and a range of terminal value multiples of 6.0x to 7.5x of forecasted 2006 revenue. This analysis resulted in implied aggregate equity values of Washington ranging from a low of $1.673 billion to a high of $2.460 billion. ALPHA Market Analysis. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray reviewed general background information concerning Alpha, including, the price performance of Alpha common stock over the previous twelve months relative to Conexant, the Nasdaq Stock Market, a group of companies operating in the wireless integrated circuit market, a group of companies operating in the high-speed transceiver market and a group of companies operating in the communication integrated circuit market, and the stock price and trading history of Alpha common stock over selected periods. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray presented the closing prices of Alpha common stock on December 13, 2001 and for the periods preceding that date set forth in the following table:
Closing price on December 13, 2001.......................... $21.58 Comparable Company Analysis. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray analyzed financial information and valuation ratios relating to publicly traded companies in the semiconductor industry deemed comparable to Alpha. This group comprised ANADIGICS, Inc., Conexant, RF Micro Devices, Inc., Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. and TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray applied the resulting multiples of selected valuation data to derive implied equity values per share of Alpha common stock. All multiples were based on closing stock prices of Alpha and the comparable companies on December 13, 2001. All forward-looking data for the comparable companies was based on publicly available Wall Street research analyst estimates. This analysis produced implied per share equity values for Alpha ranging from a low of $10.26 to a high of $48.74, with the median implied per share values of $11.42 to $26.68 and mean implied per share values of $11.42 to $32.15. Comparable Acquisition Analysis. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray reviewed the current trading price for Alpha common stock against the values implied by the ten comparable semiconductor transactions described above. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray applied the resulting multiples of selected valuation data to derive implied per share equity values of Alpha common stock from a low of $3.75 to a high of $85.49, with median implied per share equity values of $6.96 to $34.80 and mean implied per share equity values of $10.88 to $44.36. Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray performed a discounted cash flow analysis for Alpha in which it calculated the present value of the projected hypothetical future cash flows of Alpha based on publicly available Wall Street estimates. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray estimated a range of theoretical values for Alpha based on the net present value of its implied annual cash flows and a terminal value for Alpha in 2006 calculated based upon a multiple of revenue. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray applied a range of discount rates of 25% to 29% and a range of terminal value multiples of 6.0x to 7.5x of forecasted 2006 revenue. This analysis resulted in implied per share equity values of Alpha common stock ranging from a low of $20.62 to a high of $28.37. 48
HIGH LOW ------ ------ One week.................................................... $25.92 $21.58 One month................................................... $28.52 $21.58 Three months................................................ $30.05 $16.55 Six months.................................................. $40.36 $16.55 Year-to-date................................................ $40.36 $13.56 PRO FORMA ANALYSES U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray analyzed pro forma effects resulting from the impact of the transaction on the projected earnings per share of the combined company for calendar year 2002 based on publicly available Wall Street research analyst estimates for Alpha and Conexant management's projections for the Washington Business. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray compared the earnings per share of Alpha common stock, on a stand-alone basis, to the earnings per share of the common stock of the combined company on a pro forma basis for calendar year 2002. Without including any synergies that the combined company may realize following consummation of the transaction, but excluding the effect of any transaction expenses or one-time costs related to the merger, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray determined that the merger could be accretive to the projected stand-alone earnings per share of Alpha based on the publicly available Wall Street estimates. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray analyzed the expected contributions of each of Alpha and Washington to revenue, gross profit, operating income, pretax income and net income of the combined company for calendar years 2001 and 2002 based on the same Wall Street estimates for Alpha discussed above and Conexant management's estimates for Washington, and without including possible synergies and other transaction related expenses. The analysis indicated that Alpha would contribute to the combined entity revenue of 39.1% and 29.6% and gross profit of 33.7% and 28.1% for calendar years 2001 and 2002, respectively. In addition, the analysis indicated that Alpha would contribute to the combined entity operating income of 11.9%, pretax income of 33.7% and net income of 33.7% in calendar year 2002. CONEXANT MARKET ANALYSIS U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray reviewed general background information concerning Conexant, including, the price performance of Conexant common stock over the previous twelve months relative to Alpha, the Nasdaq Stock Market, a group of companies operating in the wireless integrated circuit market, a group of companies operating in the high-speed transceiver market and a group of companies operating in the communication integrated circuit market, and the stock price and trading history over selected periods of Conexant common stock. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray presented the closing prices of Conexant common stock on December 13, 2001 and for the periods preceding that date set forth in the following table:
Closing price on December 13, 2001.......................... $15.77 Giving effect to the outstanding debt and cash of Conexant, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray calculated an implied enterprise value (equity value plus debt less cash) for Conexant of $4.6937 billion. In addition, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray presented the following multiples of selected valuation data:
HIGH LOW ------ ------ One week.................................................... $17.30 $15.77 One month................................................... $17.50 $12.47 Three months................................................ $17.50 $ 7.33 Six months.................................................. $17.50 $ 7.33 Year-to-date................................................ $19.94 $ 7.07 - --------------- nm = not meaningful 49
ENTERPRISE VALUE AS SHARE PRICE AS A A MULTIPLE OF: MULTIPLE OF -------------------- EARNINGS PER CALENDAR YEAR REVENUES EBIT SHARE - ------------- ---------- ------- ------------------ 2000................................................ 2.3x 15.6x 29.2x 2001E............................................... 5.4x nm nm 2002E............................................... 4.6x nm nm In reaching its conclusion as to the fairness of the consideration to be paid in the merger and in its presentation to the Alpha board of directors, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray did not rely on any single analysis or factor described above, assign relative weights to the analyses or factors considered by it, or make any conclusion as to how the results of any given analysis, taken alone, supported its opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selection of portions of its analyses and of the factors considered by it, without considering all of the factors and analyses, would create a misleading view of the processes underlying the opinion. The analyses of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by the analyses. Analyses relating to the value of companies do not purport to be appraisals or valuations or necessarily reflect the price at which companies may actually be sold. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray assumed for purposes of its opinion that the assets and liabilities being conveyed pursuant to the distribution agreement, the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement and the U.S. asset purchase agreement constitute all the material assets and liabilities of the Washington Business. No company or transaction used in any analysis for purposes of comparison is identical to Alpha, Conexant, the Washington Business or the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the comparisons is not mathematical; rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments about differences in the companies to which Alpha, Conexant and the Washington Business were compared and other factors that could affect the public trading value of the companies. For purposes of its opinion, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of the financial statements and other information provided to it by Alpha and Conexant, or otherwise made available to it, and did not assume responsibility for the independent verification of that information. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray relied upon the assurances of the management of Alpha and Conexant that the information provided to it by Alpha and Conexant was prepared on a reasonable basis in accordance with industry practice, the financial planning data and other business outlook information reflects the best currently available estimates and judgment of Alpha and Conexant's respective management, and management was not aware of any information or facts that would make the information provided to U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray incomplete or misleading. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray expressed no opinion as to such financial planning data or the assumptions on which it is based. For purposes of its opinion, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray assumed that neither Conexant nor Alpha is a party to any material pending or probable transaction, including any external financing, recapitalizations, acquisitions or merger discussions, other than the merger and related transactions, and the potential financing by Alpha of the aggregate purchase price under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement and the U.S. asset purchase agreement by means of an offering of equity, debt or some combination thereof. For purposes of its opinion, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray assumed that all the necessary regulatory approvals and consents required for the transaction will be obtained in a manner that will not adversely affect Alpha or Conexant or alter the terms of the transaction. In arriving at its opinion, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray also assumed, based on discussions with management and legal representatives of Alpha, that the transactions will not result in a change in control of Alpha under applicable state law. Accordingly, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray did not evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Alpha and the holders of common stock of Alpha of the consideration payable in the merger in the context of a change in control. In arriving at its opinion, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray did not perform any appraisals or valuations of any specific assets or liabilities of Alpha, Conexant or the Washington Business, including, without limitation, the assets and liabilities being conveyed pursuant to the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement and the U.S. asset purchase agreement, and was not furnished with any such appraisals or valuations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray undertook no independent analysis of any owned real estate, or any pending or threatened litigation, possible unasserted claims or other contingent liabilities, to which either Alpha, Conexant or the Washington Business or their respective affiliates was a party or may be subject and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray's opinion made no assumption concerning and therefore did not consider the possible assertion of claims, outcomes or 50 damages arising out of any such matters. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray made no physical inspection of the properties or assets of Alpha, Conexant or the Washington Business. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray analyzed each of Alpha, Conexant and the Washington Business as a going concern and, accordingly, expressed no opinion as to the liquidation value of any entity. For the purpose of its opinion, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray assumed that Alpha will be provided the necessary support, personnel and transition services pursuant to the transaction documents contemplated in the merger agreement to permit Alpha to operate the combined company in the ordinary course. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray expressed no opinion as to the price at which shares of Alpha common stock have traded or may trade following announcement or consummation of the transactions or at any future time. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray's opinion addressed only the fairness from a financial point of view, to Alpha and the holders of common stock of Alpha of the proposed consideration in the merger and no other transaction terms or arrangements. The opinion is based on information available to U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray and the facts and circumstances and economic, market and other conditions as they existed and were subject to evaluation on the date of the opinion. Events occurring after that date could materially affect the assumptions used in preparing the opinion. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray has not undertaken to and is not obligated to affirm or revise its opinion or otherwise comment on any events occurring after the date it was given. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray assumed that the transactions will be non-taxable for United States federal and state income tax purposes to the respective stockholders of Alpha, Conexant and Washington; and that none of Alpha, Conexant or Washington will recognize material income, gain or loss for United States federal or other income tax purposes as a result of the transactions. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray did not independently verify that such tax treatment will be available in respect of the transactions, and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray expressed no view with respect to the tax treatment that will be required to be applied to the transactions. In addition, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray assumed, with Alpha's consent, that following the consummation of the transactions, no indemnification payments with respect to any taxes or otherwise will be required to be made by Alpha pursuant to the merger agreement, the distribution agreement or the tax allocation agreement. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, as a customary part of its investment banking business, is engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, underwritings and secondary distributions of securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. In the ordinary course of its business, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray and its affiliates may actively trade securities of Alpha and Conexant for their own accounts or the accounts of their customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities. Under the terms of the engagement letter between Alpha and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, Alpha has agreed to pay U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray upon completion of the merger a fee of $10 million for U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray's financial advisory services. Alpha has previously paid U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray a separate fee of $1 million for rendering its opinion. In the event that Alpha requires external sources of financing in connection with the merger or other related transactions and seeks to retain a manager/arranger for such fund raising, Alpha has also agreed to offer U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray the right of first refusal to act as a financial advisor for such fundraising. In the event that U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray accepts such offer, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray will receive a customary fee for its services in connection with such fundraising. Whether or not the transaction is consummated, Alpha has agreed to pay the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray and to indemnify U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray against liabilities incurred. These liabilities include liabilities under the federal securities laws in connection with the engagement of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray by the Alpha board of directors. With the exception of the fees discussed above, in the past two years Alpha has not paid any fees to U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray in connection with the rendering of financial advisory services. 51 REGULATORY APPROVALS U.S. Antitrust Approvals. Alpha and Washington cannot complete the merger until they have filed notifications with the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and the applicable rules of the Federal Trade Commission, and specified waiting periods have expired or terminated. Alpha and Washington filed the required notification and report forms under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division and early termination of the waiting period under this Act was granted on January 29, 2002. Finnish and Swedish Approval. Alpha and Washington cannot complete the merger until they have filed a mandatory pre-closing notification with, and obtained the approval of, the Finnish Competition Authority and the Swedish Competition Authority. Alpha and Washington made the filings to obtain approval of the merger under Finnish law on February 21, 2002, and made the filings to obtain approval of the merger under Swedish law on March 13, 2002. Alpha and Washington received the approvals from the Finnish Competition Authority on March 14, 2002 and from the Swedish Competition Authority on April 9, 2002. Other Approvals. In addition, Alpha and Washington are required to make filings with or obtain approvals in connection with the merger from regulatory authorities in Brazil and in connection with the sale of the Mexicali facility from regulatory authorities in Mexico. These filings have been made with the appropriate authorities and approval from the Mexican regulatory authorities was received on April 25, 2002. The obligations of Alpha and Conexant to complete the merger are subject to, among others, the following conditions: - the absence of any order or injunction having the effect of making the merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting completion of the merger; and - the receipt of all governmental and other regulatory consents, approvals, orders and authorizations, unless not obtaining those consents, approvals, orders or authorizations would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the combined company and its subsidiaries, taken together, after giving effect to the merger. Alpha and Conexant are not aware of any governmental approvals or actions that are required for consummation of the merger other than as described above. If any other governmental approval or action is required, Alpha, Conexant and Washington will seek that additional approval or action. There can be no assurance, however, that they will be able to obtain any such additional approvals or actions. ACCOUNTING TREATMENT The merger will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and Washington will be considered the acquiror of Alpha for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the historical financial statements of Washington/Mexicali will become the historical financial statements of the combined company following the merger. INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER When considering the recommendation of the Alpha board of directors with respect to the merger, Alpha stockholders should be aware that certain Alpha executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of Alpha stockholders. The Alpha board of directors was aware of the interests described below and considered them, among other matters, in making its recommendation. POSITIONS WITH THE COMBINED COMPANY David J. Aldrich, Timothy R. Furey, Thomas C. Leonard and David J. McLachlan, each of whom is currently a director of Alpha, are expected to serve as directors of the combined company following completion of the merger. In addition, Mr. Aldrich, Paul E. Vincent and Liam K. Griffin, each of whom is currently an executive officer of Alpha, and George M. LeVan, who is currently director, human resources 52 of Alpha, are expected to serve as executive officers of the combined company following completion of the merger. See "Management and Operations of the Combined Company After the Merger". ACCELERATION OF ALPHA STOCK OPTIONS Unvested stock options granted under Alpha's stock option plans to current members of the Alpha board of directors who will not serve as directors of the combined company will vest and become exercisable at the completion of the merger, and the exercise period for these options will be extended until the earlier of the maximum term of the options or one year after the director ceases to be a member of the Alpha board of directors. As of April 30, 2002, 214,358 shares of Alpha common stock were subject to unvested options held by these directors. The aggregate value of these options as of April 30, 2002, was approximately $0.8 million. INDEMNIFICATION; DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS LIABILITY INSURANCE The merger agreement provides that the combined company will indemnify and provide advancement of expenses to all past and present directors, officers and employees of Conexant and its subsidiaries (solely with respect to the Washington Business), and of Alpha and its subsidiaries, to the same extent those persons were indemnified or had the right to advancement of expenses on the date of the merger agreement, for acts or omissions occurring on or before the effective time of the merger. The merger agreement further provides that subject to certain limitations, the combined company will maintain for a period of six years after the merger, for the benefit of Alpha's directors and officers, the directors' and officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance policies currently maintained by Alpha or policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured than the current insurance maintained by Alpha with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the effective time of the merger. The combined company will also maintain for a period of six years after the merger, for the benefit of the directors and officers of Conexant (solely with respect to the Washington Business), directors' and officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance policies which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured than the current insurance maintained by Conexant (solely with respect to the Washington Business) with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the effective time of the merger. However, the combined company will not be required to expend in any one year an amount in excess of 200% of the current annual premiums, on a per capita basis, paid by Alpha or Conexant, as applicable, for the insurance described above. OWNERSHIP OF ALPHA COMMON STOCK As of the record date for the special meeting of Alpha stockholders, directors and executive officers of Alpha beneficially owned 265,227 shares of Alpha common stock, entitling them to exercise approximately 0.6% of the voting power of the Alpha common stock entitled to vote at the Alpha special meeting. In addition, each of the directors and certain executive officers of Alpha entered into a stockholders agreement with Conexant pursuant to which the director or executive officer agreed to vote his shares in favor of approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger and against any action or proposal, including any competing or superior proposals, that could reasonably be expected to result in the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the obligations of the parties in the merger agreement with respect to the merger or otherwise prevent, interfere with or delay the consummation of the merger. 53 THE MERGER AGREEMENT The following is a summary of the material terms and provisions of the merger agreement, which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement and incorporated herein by reference. We encourage you to read the entire merger agreement. THE MERGER Under the merger agreement and in accordance with Delaware law, Washington will merge with and into Alpha. As a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Washington will terminate and Alpha will continue as the surviving corporation. MERGER CONSIDERATION The merger agreement provides that each share of Washington common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be converted into 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock. The merger agreement provides that each share of Alpha common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will remain an outstanding share of combined company common stock. TREATMENT OF STOCK OPTIONS In the merger, each outstanding option to purchase Washington common stock resulting from the adjustment to outstanding options to purchase Conexant common stock in connection with the distribution of Washington common stock (see "Agreements Relating to the Spin-Off Transaction -- Employee Matters Agreement") will be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of combined company common stock that is equal to the product of 0.351 multiplied by the number of shares of Washington common stock subject to the unexercised portion of the Washington option immediately before the conversion, rounded down to the nearest whole share. The exercise price per share of each converted option will be equal to the exercise price per share of the Washington option immediately before the conversion divided by 0.351, and rounded up to the nearest whole cent. Based on options to purchase approximately 68,432,550 shares of Conexant common stock outstanding as of March 29, 2002 that will be so adjusted, options to purchase approximately 24,019,825 shares of combined company stock would result from the conversion of Washington options in the merger. Each option to purchase shares of Alpha common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will remain outstanding as an option to purchase shares of combined company common stock, without adjustment. EXCHANGE OF SHARES; TREATMENT OF FRACTIONAL SHARES In connection with the merger, Alpha or the combined company will deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the exchange agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the shares of combined company common stock to be issued in the merger upon conversion of the shares of Washington common stock. Conexant stockholders will receive shares of combined company common stock in book-entry form. As soon as practicable after the effective time of the merger, the exchange agent will mail to Conexant stockholders: - account statements indicating the number of whole shares of combined company common stock owned by each stockholder as a result of the conversion of the shares of Washington common stock in the merger; and - a check representing the amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares of the combined company payable by the combined company to the stockholder. 54 After the effective time of the merger, there will be no transfers on the stock transfer books of Washington of shares of Washington common stock. No fractional shares of combined company common stock will be issued to any holder of shares of Conexant common stock upon consummation of the merger. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued to each stockholder, the combined company will pay in cash an amount equal to the stockholder's proportionate interest in the net proceeds from the sale or sales in the open market of the aggregate fractional combined company shares that otherwise would have been issued in the merger. The exchange agent will sell the aggregate fractional shares at the then prevailing prices on the Nasdaq National Market. Following the effective time, any stockholder whose ownership of combined company common stock is registered in book-entry form may obtain at any time without charge, physical certificates to represent the number of whole shares owned by the stockholder by contacting the combined company's transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. EFFECTIVE TIME The effective time of the merger will be the time and date set forth in the certificate of merger that will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on the closing date of the merger. The closing date of the merger will be a date to be specified by the parties that will not be later than three business days after the satisfaction or waiver (subject to applicable law) of the conditions precedent to the merger set forth in the merger agreement, unless otherwise agreed by Conexant, Washington and Alpha. We anticipate that the merger will be consummated in the second calendar quarter of 2002. However, consummation of the merger could be delayed if there is a delay in obtaining the required regulatory approvals, in obtaining the IRS ruling or in satisfying other conditions to the merger. We cannot assure you whether, and on what date, we will obtain those approvals or that we will consummate the merger. If the merger is not completed on or before September 30, 2002, either Conexant or Alpha may terminate the merger agreement, unless the failure to effect the merger by that date is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to fulfill in any material respect any obligation set forth in the merger agreement. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The merger agreement contains representations and warranties made by Conexant to Alpha regarding Conexant's capacity as a party to the merger agreement, the Washington Business and the capitalization of Conexant and Washington. The merger agreement also contains representations and warranties made by Alpha to Conexant. These representations and warranties of Conexant and Alpha, which are substantially reciprocal, relate to, among other things: - corporate existence, qualification to conduct business and corporate power; - ownership of subsidiaries; - capital structure; - corporate authority to enter into, and perform the obligations under, the merger agreement and enforceability of the merger agreement; - absence of a breach of organizational documents and absence of a material breach of laws or material agreements as a result of the merger; - required governmental approvals; - filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; - financial statements; - information supplied for use in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement; 55 - board of directors approval; - litigation; - compliance with laws; - absence of certain changes or events; - environmental matters; - intellectual property matters; - title to properties; - payment of fees to finders or brokers in connection with the merger; - opinions of financial advisors; - tax matters; - material contracts and restrictive contracts; - employee benefits; - labor relations; - insurance; and - absence of material liens. Alpha has also made representations and warranties to Conexant relating to the required vote of Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger and the inapplicability to the merger of state anti-takeover laws, and Conexant has made representations and warranties to Alpha that it does not beneficially own more than 5% of Alpha's outstanding common stock. Most of the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement are subject to materiality qualifications and/or knowledge qualifications, and none of the representations and warranties survive the effective time of the merger. COVENANTS Each of Conexant and Alpha has undertaken to perform certain covenants in the merger agreement. The principal covenants are as follows: NO SOLICITATION The merger agreement contains detailed provisions prohibiting Conexant and Alpha from seeking an alternative transaction. Under these no solicitation provisions, each of Conexant and Alpha has agreed that it will not, and that it will use reasonable best efforts to ensure that its officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives do not, directly or indirectly: - initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal or offer with respect to, or a transaction to effect, any acquisition proposal, as described below; - have any discussions with, or provide any confidential information or data to, any person relating to an acquisition proposal, or engage in any negotiations concerning an acquisition proposal, or knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement any acquisition proposal; - approve or recommend, or propose publicly to approve or recommend, any acquisition proposal; or - approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement related to any acquisition proposal. 56 An acquisition proposal with respect to Conexant is any inquiry, proposal or offer from any person with respect to any purchase or sale or other disposition of 20% or more of the consolidated assets (including stock of subsidiaries) of the Washington Business. An acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha is any inquiry, proposal or offer from any person with respect to: - a merger, reorganization, share exchange, consolidation, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving Alpha or any of its significant subsidiaries; - any purchase or sale or other disposition of 20% or more of the consolidated assets (including stock of subsidiaries) of Alpha and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or - any purchase or sale of, or tender or exchange offer for, or similar transaction with respect to the equity securities of Alpha that, if completed, would result in any person beneficially owning securities representing 20% or more of the total voting power of Alpha, or of the surviving parent entity in the transaction, or any of its significant subsidiaries. However, the merger agreement does not prevent Alpha or its board of directors from: - engaging in any discussions with, or providing any information to, any person in response to an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha by that person in order to be informed with respect to the acquisition proposal in order to make any determination to withdraw, modify or qualify the recommendation of the Alpha board of directors that Alpha stockholders approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger, if and only to the extent that the Alpha board of directors concludes in good faith there is a reasonable likelihood that the acquisition proposal would constitute a superior Alpha proposal, as described below, and determines in good faith that such action is required by the board's fiduciary duties to Alpha stockholders as a result of the acquisition proposal; or - withdrawing, modifying or qualifying the recommendation of the Alpha board of directors that Alpha stockholders approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger, if and only to the extent that Alpha has received an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha from a third party and the Alpha board of directors concludes in good faith that the acquisition proposal constitutes a superior Alpha proposal, determines in good faith that such action is required by the board's fiduciary duties to Alpha stockholders as a result of the acquisition proposal and provides Conexant with immediate written notice of such action. However, Alpha or its board of directors may take such actions only if and to the extent that: - the Alpha stockholders meeting to vote on the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger has not occurred; - before providing any information or data to any person in connection with the acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha by that person, Alpha or its board of directors receives from that person an executed confidentiality agreement with terms substantially the same as those contained in the confidentiality agreement between Conexant and Alpha; and - before providing any information or data to any person or entering into discussions with any person, Alpha promptly: - notifies Conexant of any inquiries, proposals or offers received from, any information requested by, or any discussions sought to be initiated or continued with, that person or any of its representatives; - notifies Conexant of the name of the person and the material terms and conditions of any inquiries, proposals or offers; and - provides Conexant with a copy of any written inquiry, proposal or offer. 57 In addition, the merger agreement does not prevent Alpha or its board of directors from disclosing to its stockholders a position with respect to a tender offer as required by law. A superior Alpha proposal is a bona fide written acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha (except that for purposes of a superior Alpha proposal, references to 20% in the definition of an acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha are deemed to be references to 50%) made by a person other than a party to the merger agreement which is on terms the Alpha board of directors in good faith concludes, following receipt of the advice of its financial advisors, taking into account, among other things, all legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the proposal and the person making the proposal, would, if consummated, result in a transaction that is more favorable to Alpha stockholders, from a financial point of view, than the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and is reasonably likely to be completed. The board of directors of Alpha may withdraw, modify or qualify its recommendation that Alpha stockholders approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger only as provided in the no solicitation provision of the merger agreement. Notwithstanding a withdrawal, modification or qualification in the recommendation of the Alpha board of directors, Alpha is still required to convene a meeting of its stockholders to vote upon approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger and may not submit to the vote of its stockholders any acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha other than the merger. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING CLOSING Conexant and Alpha each has agreed to restrictions on its activities until the effective time of the merger. In general, Alpha is required to conduct its business, and Conexant and Washington are required to conduct the Washington Business, in the ordinary course, and to use all reasonable efforts to preserve intact the Alpha and Washington business organizations, keep available the services of their current officers and other key employees and preserve their relationships with customers and suppliers with the intention that the ongoing businesses shall not be materially impaired. Each of Conexant (with respect to the Washington Business), Washington and Alpha, subject to agreed upon exceptions set forth in the merger agreement, has agreed to specific restrictions that, without the consent of the other party, prohibit each party from: - entering into any new material lines of business or incurring any capital expenditures other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; - declaring or paying dividends in respect of its capital stock; - splitting, combining or reclassifying its capital stock or issuing securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for its capital stock; - repurchasing, redeeming or otherwise acquiring its capital stock; - issuing, delivering, selling or encumbering any shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable for, or any right to acquire, capital stock other than: - with respect to Alpha, in connection with its benefit plans (subject to specified limits) or in connection with the exercise of options or other stock based awards, or in connection with certain issuances by its subsidiaries; and - with respect to Conexant, in connection with its benefit plans (subject to specified limits), in connection with the exercise of options or other stock based awards, in connection with the conversion of Conexant convertible debt securities, pursuant to the exchange or retraction of exchangeable shares of Conexant's subsidiary, Philsar Semiconductor Inc., or in connection with its stockholder rights agreement. - amending its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other governing documents (other than pursuant to the merger agreement); - making acquisitions of other entities or material assets; 58 - disposing of assets, other than inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; - making loans, advances, capital contributions to, or investments in, any other person other than certain intercompany loans or investments, employee loans, loans made pursuant to existing obligations, loans, advances, capital contributions or investments made in the ordinary course of business which are not material, or loans, advances, capital contributions or investments not in excess of specified amounts; - incurring debt, other than under existing agreements or in the ordinary course of business and which is not material; - increasing the compensation or employee benefits of any director, officer or employee, paying any pension, retirement, savings or profit-sharing allowance to any employee that is not required by any existing plan or agreement, entering into any employment contract, issuing additional stock options beyond specified amounts, or adopting or amending any employee benefit plan or making any contribution, other than regularly scheduled contributions, to a benefit plan other than, in each case, in the ordinary course of business or as required by an existing agreement or applicable law, provided that each party may, without the consent of the other party but after consultation with the other party, enter into retention or similar agreements with its employees on terms, and with such number of employees, as are substantially similar as those entered into by the other party; - changing its accounting methods, except as may be required by changes in generally accepted accounting principles; - changing its fiscal year or making any material tax election or settling or compromising any material income tax liability other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; and - entering into any agreement or arrangement that limits or restricts it or that will limit or restrict the combined company from engaging or competing in any line of business in any geographic area if that resulting restriction would have a material adverse effect on the combined company and its subsidiaries, taken together, after the merger. Each of Conexant, Washington and Alpha has also agreed to use its reasonable best efforts not to take any action that would prevent or impede the spin-off transaction or the merger from qualifying as generally tax-free reorganizations. In addition, Conexant has agreed to certain restrictions on changes to its capital structure, including, without limitation, restrictions on splitting, combining or reclassifying, repurchasing, redeeming or acquiring, or issuing, delivering or selling its capital stock. Conexant and Washington also have agreed that prior to the effective time of the merger, Washington will not conduct any activities other than in connection with its organization and the negotiation and execution of the merger agreement, the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement, the U.S. asset purchase agreement, the facility services agreement, the Newport supply agreement and the Newbury supply agreement and the transactions contemplated by these agreements. Subsequent to execution of the merger agreement, Alpha consented to certain actions taken or proposed to be taken by Conexant that might otherwise be prohibited by the foregoing provisions, including: - in connection with the formation of the Newport foundry joint venture, the issuance by Conexant to the Newport foundry joint venture of a warrant to purchase up to 2.9 million shares of Conexant common stock at a price per share equal to the closing market price of Conexant common stock on the day of the issuance of the warrant and the acceleration of vesting and/or extension of options to purchase an aggregate of approximately 925,000 shares of Conexant common stock held by 59 Conexant employees who are expected to become employees of the Newport foundry joint venture; and - the issuance by Conexant of up to 4.5 million additional shares of Conexant common stock in connection with the conversion or exchange of outstanding convertible subordinated notes of Conexant. In connection with the distribution, the Conexant warrant issued to the Newport foundry joint venture will be adjusted so that in addition to the Conexant warrant, the Newport foundry joint venture will hold a warrant to purchase Washington common stock. The exercise prices of the adjusted Conexant warrant and the Washington warrant will be determined in a manner similar to the adjustments to the exercise prices of Conexant options as described under "Agreements Relating to the Spin-Off Transaction--Employee Matters Agreement". In connection with the merger, in replacement of the Washington warrant, Alpha has agreed to issue to the Newport foundry joint venture a warrant to purchase approximately one million shares of combined company common stock at a price per share determined by dividing the exercise price of the Washington warrant by the exchange ratio in the merger. REASONABLE BEST EFFORTS The merger agreement provides, subject to certain limitations, for the parties to use their reasonable best efforts to take all actions and do all things necessary or advisable under the merger agreement or applicable laws to complete the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as soon as practicable. However, nothing in the merger agreement will require Conexant, Washington, Alpha or the combined company for any reason to sell, hold separate or otherwise dispose of assets, or to conduct its business in a specified manner, if such action is not conditioned on closing the merger or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the combined company after the merger (or, only with respect to Conexant and its subsidiaries, to have a material adverse effect on Conexant and its subsidiaries after giving effect to the distribution of Washington common stock). EMPLOYEE MATTERS The merger agreement provides that after the effective time of the merger, existing Alpha employee benefit plans and employee benefit plans established or assumed by Washington in the distribution of Washington common stock will remain in effect until such time as the combined company otherwise determines, subject to applicable laws and the terms of the plans. Prior to completion of the merger, Conexant and Alpha will cooperate in reviewing, evaluating and analyzing Washington and Alpha benefit plans with a view toward developing appropriate new benefit plans for employees of the combined company. We intend, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to develop new benefit plans that treat similarly situated employees on a substantially equivalent basis, taking into account relevant factors, and that do not discriminate between employees of the combined company who were covered by Washington or Alpha benefit plans. The merger agreement will not prevent the combined company from amending, modifying or terminating any benefit plan or other arrangement in accordance with its terms and applicable law. NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET Alpha has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of combined company common stock to be issued in the merger and the shares of combined company common stock to be reserved for issuance upon exercise of Washington options converted in the merger to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq National Market prior to the closing date of the merger. 60 INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION Following the merger, the combined company will be obligated to: - indemnify and provide advancement of expenses to all past and present directors, officers and employees of Conexant and its subsidiaries (solely with respect to the Washington Business), and of Alpha and its subsidiaries, to the same extent those persons were indemnified or had the right to advancement of expenses on the date of the merger agreement, for acts or omissions occurring on or before the effective time of the merger; - maintain for a period of six years after the merger, for the benefit of Alpha's directors and officers, directors' and officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance policies currently maintained by Alpha, or policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured than the current insurance maintained by Alpha with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the effective time of the merger. However, the combined company will not be required to expend in any one year an amount in excess of 200% of the current annual premiums paid by Alpha, on a per capita basis, for this insurance; and - maintain for a period of six years after the merger, for the benefit of the directors and officers of Conexant (solely with respect to the Washington Business), directors' and officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance policies which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured than the current insurance maintained by Conexant (solely with respect to the Washington Business) with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the effective time of the merger. However, the combined company will not be required to expend in any one year an amount in excess of 200% of the current annual premiums paid by Conexant, on a per capita basis, for this insurance. EXPENSES Conexant and Alpha each has agreed to pay its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the merger and the merger agreement. Conexant and Alpha will, however, share equally the expenses incurred in connection with filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission this proxy statement/ prospectus-information statement and the related registration statement and the costs associated with printing and mailing this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. However, pursuant to the terms of the distribution agreement, if the merger is consummated, Washington will reimburse Conexant for all expenses incurred in connection with the merger and the merger agreement, with the practical effect that, if the merger is consummated, the combined company will bear substantially all expenses incurred in connection with the merger. CONDITIONS The respective obligations of Washington and Alpha to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of various conditions, including: - the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger by Alpha stockholders; - the absence of any law, order or injunction having the effect of making the merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting completion of the merger, and the absence of any proceeding initiated by any governmental entity seeking, and which is reasonably likely to result in, such a law, order or injunction; - the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, which waiting period was terminated on January 29, 2002; - the receipt of all other governmental and regulatory consents, approvals, orders and authorizations required to complete the merger, unless not obtaining those consents, approvals, orders or authorizations would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the combined company and its subsidiaries, taken together, after giving effect to the merger; 61 - the approval for listing on the Nasdaq National Market of the combined company common stock to be issued in the merger; - the effectiveness of the registration statement for the issuance of combined company common stock in the merger; - the consummation of the spin-off transaction in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, the distribution agreement and the tax ruling from the IRS with respect to the tax-free nature of the spin-off transaction, provided that the failure of the spin-off transaction to be consummated will not be a condition to the obligations of Conexant if its breach of the distribution agreement has been the cause of such failure; - the receipt by Conexant of a tax ruling from the IRS with respect to the tax-free nature of the spin-off transaction; and - the satisfaction of the conditions to the obligations of Conexant and Alpha specified in the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement with respect to the transactions contemplated thereby. Alpha's obligation to complete the merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions: - the accuracy of Conexant's representations and warranties set forth in the merger agreement and the distribution agreement, without any qualification or limitation as to materiality or material adverse effect set forth therein, except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Washington Business; - the performance or compliance of each of Conexant and Washington with all agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under the merger agreement that are qualified as to materiality or material adverse effect and the performance or compliance in all material respects with all other agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under the merger agreement that are not so qualified; - receipt from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP of an opinion stating that the merger will constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code; - the delivery by Conexant of a special purpose statement describing Washington's tangible net assets in accordance with the terms of the distribution agreement; - the satisfaction of the conditions to the obligations of Alpha specified in the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement with respect to the transactions contemplated thereby; and - the execution and delivery by Conexant and Washington of the employee matters agreement and the tax allocation agreement, and the execution and delivery by Conexant of the facility services agreement, the Newport supply agreement, the Newbury supply agreement and the transition services agreement. Washington's obligation to complete the merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions: - the accuracy of Alpha's representations and warranties set forth in the merger agreement, without any qualification or limitation as to materiality or material adverse effect set forth therein, except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Alpha and its subsidiaries; - the performance or compliance of Alpha with all agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under the merger agreement that are qualified as to materiality or material adverse effect and the performance or compliance in all material respects with all other agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under the merger agreement that are not so qualified; - receipt from Chadbourne & Parke LLP of an opinion stating that the merger will constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code; 62 - receipt of written evidence reasonably satisfactory to Conexant that Alpha has taken all action necessary to ensure that no officer, director or other employee of Alpha or any of its subsidiaries has received or will become entitled to receive any change of control or other payment or benefit under any employment, severance or other agreement with Alpha, except as disclosed in the merger agreement, that may arise as a result of the approval or consummation of the merger; - the satisfaction of the conditions to the obligations of Conexant specified in the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement with respect to the transactions contemplated thereby; and - the execution and delivery by Alpha of the employee matters agreement, the tax allocation agreement, the facility services agreement, the Newport supply agreement, the Newbury supply agreement and the transition services agreement. Each of Alpha, Conexant and Washington may waive, at their sole discretion, any of the conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger, to the extent permitted by applicable laws. If Alpha, Conexant or Washington waives any of the conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger, the board of directors of Alpha will evaluate the materiality of the waiver to determine whether amendment of this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement and resolicitation of proxies is warranted. In the event that the board of directors of Alpha determines the waiver is material to an Alpha stockholder's decision with respect to the vote regarding the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger, Alpha currently intends to amend and recirculate this proxy statement/ prospectus-information statement to its stockholders and resolicit their proxies. None of Alpha, Conexant and Washington currently intends to waive any conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger. AMENDMENTS The merger agreement may be amended by action of the boards of directors of the parties at any time before or after approval by Alpha stockholders, provided that, after approval by Alpha stockholders, no amendment which by law or under the rules of the Nasdaq National Market requires further stockholder approval may be made to the merger agreement without obtaining such further approval. All amendments to the merger agreement must be in writing signed by each party. TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT TERMINATION BY CONEXANT OR ALPHA Either Conexant or Alpha, by action of its respective board of directors, may terminate the merger agreement at any time prior to the merger if: - Conexant and Alpha agree to terminate by mutual written consent; - the merger has not been completed by September 30, 2002, provided that the terminating party's failure to fulfill in any material respect any obligation under the merger agreement cannot be the cause of the merger not being completed; - an order or ruling of a court or other governmental entity permanently prohibiting the completion of the merger becomes final and non-appealable, provided that the terminating party has used its reasonable best efforts to avoid or remove the prohibition; - a court or other governmental entity fails to issue an order or ruling that is necessary to satisfy specified conditions to the merger and the denial of a request to issue such an order or ruling becomes final and non-appealable, provided that the terminating party has used its reasonable best efforts to obtain the order or ruling; or - Alpha stockholders fail to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger at the Alpha stockholders meeting. 63 TERMINATION BY CONEXANT Conexant, by action of its board of directors, also may terminate the merger agreement at any time prior to the merger if: - the Alpha board of directors: - fails to recommend approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger to Alpha stockholders; - withdraws (or proposes to withdraw) its recommendation to Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger; - modifies or qualifies (or proposes to modify or qualify), in any manner adverse to Conexant or Washington, its recommendation to Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger; or - fails to confirm its recommendation to Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger within five business days of Conexant's request to do so; or - Alpha breaches its obligation to call and hold the Alpha stockholders meeting; or - a tender or exchange offer relating to securities of Alpha has been commenced by a person unaffiliated with Conexant, and Alpha has not sent to its stockholders within ten business days after such tender or exchange offer is first published, sent or given, a statement that Alpha recommends rejection of such tender or exchange offer; or - Alpha breaches or fails to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the merger agreement such that any of the conditions described above with respect to the accuracy of Alpha's representations and warranties or the performance by Alpha of its covenants and agreements is not capable of being satisfied prior to September 30, 2002. TERMINATION BY ALPHA Alpha, by action of its board of directors, also may terminate the merger agreement at any time prior to the merger if Conexant or Washington breaches or fails to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the merger agreement such that any of the conditions described above with respect to the accuracy of Conexant's representations and warranties or the performance by Conexant and Washington of their respective covenants and agreements is not capable of being satisfied prior to September 30, 2002. PAYMENT OF TERMINATION FEE Alpha has agreed to pay Conexant a termination fee of $45 million in the following circumstances: - The merger agreement has been terminated (1) by either Conexant or Alpha because the merger has not been completed by September 30, 2002, and the Alpha stockholders meeting has not occurred, (2) by either Conexant or Alpha because Alpha stockholders fail to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger at the Alpha stockholders meeting or (3) by Conexant because of Alpha's intentional breach or failure to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the merger agreement, and - at any time before such termination (1) an acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha has been publicly announced or (2) if the merger agreement is terminated because the merger has not been completed by September 30, 2002, or because Alpha intentionally breaches or fails to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the merger agreement, an acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha has been publicly announced or otherwise communicated to the senior management, board of directors or stockholders of Alpha, and - within nine months of the termination of the merger agreement, Alpha enters into a definitive agreement with respect to or consummates an acquisition proposal, provided that for purposes 64 of this clause of the merger agreement, references to 20% in the definition of an acquisition proposal with respect to Alpha shall be deemed to be references to 50%; or - Conexant terminates the merger agreement as the result of the Alpha board of directors (1) failing to recommend approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger to Alpha stockholders, (2) withdrawing (or proposing to withdraw) its recommendation to Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger, (3) modifying or qualifying (or proposing to modify or qualify), in any manner adverse to Conexant or Washington, its recommendation to Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger or (4) failing to confirm its recommendation to Alpha stockholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the merger within five business days of Conexant's request to do so; or - Conexant terminates the merger agreement as a result of Alpha breaching its obligations to call and hold the Alpha stockholders meeting; or - Conexant terminates the merger agreement as a result of a tender or exchange offer relating to securities of Alpha having been commenced by a person unaffiliated with Conexant, and Alpha having failed to send to its stockholders within ten business days after such tender or exchange offer is first published, sent or given, a statement that Alpha recommends rejection of such tender or exchange offer. RESTRICTIONS ON RESALES BY AFFILIATES The issuance of the shares of combined company common stock to Conexant stockholders, after giving effect to the distribution of Washington common stock and the merger, has been registered under the Securities Act. Accordingly, the shares of combined company common stock issued in the merger may be traded freely and without restriction by those stockholders not deemed to be affiliates of Washington. Any subsequent transfer of these shares by any person who is an affiliate of Washington at the time that Conexant, as sole stockholder of Washington, approved the merger agreement and the merger or who is an affiliate of the combined company will, under existing law, require: - the further registration under the Securities Act of the transfer of shares of the combined company's common stock by any such affiliate; - compliance with Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act (permitting limited sales under certain circumstances); or - the availability of another exemption from registration. An "affiliate" of Washington or the combined company is a person who directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, Washington or the combined company, respectively. These restrictions are expected to apply to the directors and executive officers of Conexant, Washington and the combined company and any holder of 10% or more of Conexant common stock or combined company common stock (and to certain relatives or the spouse of those persons and any trusts, estates, corporations or other entities in which those persons have a 10% or greater beneficial or equity interest). Stop transfer instructions will be given by the combined company to the transfer agent with respect to the shares of combined company common stock to be received by persons subject to these restrictions, and any certificates for their shares will be appropriately legended. Conexant has agreed in the merger agreement to use its reasonable best efforts to cause each person who is an affiliate of Washington (for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act) to deliver to Alpha a written agreement intended to ensure such compliance with the Securities Act. 65 THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION INTRODUCTION The board of directors of Conexant has approved and authorized the spin-off transaction and the distribution agreement, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the distribution agreement and further action of Conexant's board of directors to establish the distribution record date and the distribution date. Upon satisfaction or waiver, subject to applicable law, of the conditions to the distribution of Washington common stock set forth in the distribution agreement, Conexant will pay on the distribution date a special dividend payable in Washington common stock on a one share-for-one share basis to holders of record of Conexant common stock and Conexant Series B voting preferred stock on the distribution record date. At the time of the distribution of Washington common stock, Washington will own all of the assets, liabilities (including liabilities relating to former operations) and operations which prior to the distribution date comprise the Washington Business. MANNER OF EFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION On the distribution date, Conexant will deliver all outstanding shares of Washington common stock to the distribution agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, for allocation to the holders of record of Conexant common stock and Conexant Series B voting preferred stock as of the close of business on the distribution record date, which will be the date on which the merger becomes effective. In the distribution of Washington common stock, each Conexant stockholder will receive one share of Washington common stock for each share of Conexant common stock or Conexant Series B voting preferred stock held. Based on the number of shares of Conexant common stock and Conexant Series B voting preferred stock outstanding as of March 29, 2002, approximately 257,820,000 shares of Washington common stock will be distributed in the distribution. Ownership of Washington common stock will be registered only in book-entry form. Book-entry registration refers to a method of recording stock ownership in Washington's records in which no share certificates are issued. On the distribution date, each record holder of Conexant common stock or Conexant Series B voting preferred stock will be credited through book-entry in Washington's records with the number of shares of Washington common stock received by the stockholder. Immediately following the distribution of Washington common stock, in the merger each share of Washington common stock will be converted into 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock as described in the merger agreement. Following the merger, Conexant stockholders will receive account statements indicating the number of shares of combined company common stock registered in book-entry form into which their shares of Washington common stock have been converted. Participants in any Conexant savings plan will have their Conexant common stock accounts credited with the number of shares (including fractional shares) of combined company common stock into which the shares of Washington common stock distributed in the distribution in respect of the Conexant common stock held in their Conexant savings plan accounts have been converted in the merger. Individual Conexant savings plan participants, rather than the applicable Conexant savings plans, will have authority to determine if and when shares of combined company common stock held in their Conexant savings plan accounts will be sold, subject to the terms of the applicable savings plan. CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR SHARES OF WASHINGTON COMMON STOCK RECEIVED IN THE DISTRIBUTION, OR TO SURRENDER OR EXCHANGE SHARES OF CONEXANT STOCK OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN ORDER TO BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE WASHINGTON COMMON STOCK OR THE COMBINED COMPANY COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THE SHARES OF WASHINGTON COMMON STOCK WILL BE CONVERTED IN THE MERGER. ALL SHARES OF WASHINGTON COMMON STOCK ISSUED IN THE DISTRIBUTION WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CONVERTED IN THE MERGER INTO THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE 0.351 OF A SHARE OF COMBINED COMPANY COMMON STOCK IN EXCHANGE FOR EACH SHARE OF WASHINGTON COMMON STOCK AND THE WASHINGTON SHARES WILL BE CANCELED AND WILL CEASE TO EXIST. AFTER THE MERGER, CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT HAVE ANY RIGHTS IN THE SHARES OF WASHINGTON COMMON STOCK OTHER THAN THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE THE SHARES OF COMBINED COMPANY COMMON STOCK. The distribution of Washington common stock will not affect the number of outstanding shares of Conexant stock. Conexant stockholders should retain their certificates representing Conexant stock. 66 NO TRADING MARKET There will be no trading market in the shares of Washington common stock distributed to Conexant stockholders and the shares of Washington common stock received by Conexant stockholders in the distribution will not be listed on any stock exchange or automated quotation system. CONDITIONS TO THE COMPLETION OF THE DISTRIBUTION The distribution of Washington common stock is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions set forth in the distribution agreement, including: - Conexant's board of directors' satisfaction that, after giving effect to the contribution, Conexant will not be insolvent or have unreasonably small capital and will have sufficient surplus under Delaware law to permit the distribution of Washington common stock; and - the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the merger under the merger agreement, including receipt of a favorable IRS ruling with respect to the tax-free nature of the spin-off transaction. Conexant's board of directors, in its sole discretion, may waive any and all of the conditions but has no obligation to do so. 67 U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION AND THE MERGER The following discusses the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off transaction and the merger to Alpha, Conexant, Washington and stockholders who hold Alpha common stock or Conexant common stock as a capital asset. The discussion which follows is based on the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations issued under the Internal Revenue Code, and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all as in effect as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion assumes that the spin-off transaction and the merger will be consummated in accordance with the distribution agreement and the merger agreement and as further described in this proxy statement/ prospectus-information statement. This summary is not a complete description of all of the consequences of the spin-off transaction and merger and, in particular, may not address U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to Alpha stockholders and Conexant stockholders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law. Stockholders subject to special treatment include, for example, foreign persons, financial institutions, dealers in securities, traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, holders who acquired their shares pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option or right or otherwise as compensation, and holders who hold Alpha common stock or Conexant common stock as part of a "hedge", "straddle", "conversion" or "constructive sale" transaction. In addition, no information is provided in this proxy statement/ prospectus-information statement with respect to the tax consequences of the spin-off transaction and merger under applicable foreign or state or local laws. ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS AND CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION AND THE MERGER TO THEM, AS APPLICABLE, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS. Consummation of the spin-off transaction is conditioned upon the receipt by Conexant of a tax ruling from the IRS to the effect that the spin-off transaction will qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368 of the Internal Revenue Code. So long as the spin-off transaction qualifies as such a reorganization and the distribution of the Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction is not disqualified as tax-free to Conexant under Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code because of an acquisition of Conexant common stock or combined company common stock by a third party as described below, the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off transaction will be as described below. While the tax ruling generally is binding on the IRS, the tax ruling will be based on, among other things, current law and certain representations as to factual matters made by, among others, Alpha, Conexant and Washington, which, if incorrect, could jeopardize the validity of the tax ruling. Chadbourne & Parke LLP, counsel to Conexant and Washington, has advised Conexant and Washington that, assuming receipt of the tax ruling from the IRS, the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off transaction to Conexant, Conexant stockholders and Washington are as follows: - Conexant will not recognize any taxable gain or loss upon its distribution of the Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction; - no taxable gain or loss will be recognized by a Conexant stockholder solely as the result of the receipt of Washington common stock in the spin-off transaction; - the aggregate tax basis of the Conexant common stock and Washington common stock in the hands of Conexant stockholders immediately after the distribution of the Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Conexant common stock immediately before the distribution, allocated between the common stock of Conexant and Washington in proportion to their relative fair market values on the date the Washington common stock is distributed to Conexant stockholders; and 68 - the holding period of Washington common stock received by Conexant stockholders will include the holding period of their Conexant common stock, provided that their Conexant common stock is held as a capital asset on the date the Washington common stock is distributed to Conexant stockholders. If the spin-off transaction were not to qualify as a reorganization, Conexant would recognize taxable gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of Washington common stock distributed to Conexant stockholders over Conexant's tax basis in Washington common stock. In addition, each Conexant stockholder who receives Washington common stock in the spin-off transaction would generally be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of Washington common stock received. Even if the spin-off transaction otherwise qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Sections 355 and 368 of the Internal Revenue Code, the distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction may be disqualified as tax-free to Conexant under Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code if 50% or more of the stock of Conexant or the combined company is acquired as part of a plan (or series of related transactions) that include the spin-off transaction. For purposes of this test, any acquisitions of Conexant stock or combined company stock within two years before or after the spin-off transaction are presumed to be part of such a plan, although Conexant or the combined company may be able to rebut that presumption. Also for purposes of this test, the merger will be treated as resulting in a deemed acquisition by Alpha stockholders of approximately 33% of Washington common stock. The process for determining whether a change of ownership has occurred under the tax rules is complex. Section 355(e) is a relatively new provision of law. Accordingly, little authoritative guidance exists regarding its interpretation. In particular, there is uncertainty over the analysis to be used to determine whether transactions are part of a plan (or series of related transactions). In addition, such a determination is inherently factual and subject to the interpretation of the facts and circumstances of a particular case. If an acquisition of Conexant stock or combined company stock triggers the application of Section 355(e), Conexant would recognize taxable gain as described above but the spin-off transaction would generally be tax-free to each Conexant stockholder. Under the tax allocation agreement to be entered into among Conexant, Washington and Alpha, the combined company would be required to indemnify Conexant against that taxable gain if it were triggered by actions by or in respect of the combined company (including its subsidiaries) or its stockholders. See "Agreements Relating to the Spin-Off Transaction -- Tax Allocation Agreement". Consummation of the merger is subject to receipt by Conexant and Washington of an opinion of Chadbourne & Parke LLP, counsel to Conexant and Washington, that the merger will constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code and receipt by Alpha of an opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special counsel to Alpha, that the merger will constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code. An opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS or the courts. Further, the foregoing opinions of Chadbourne & Parke LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP will be based on, among other things, current law and certain representations as to factual matters made by, among others, Alpha, Conexant and Washington, which, if incorrect, could jeopardize the conclusions reached by counsel in their opinions. Chadbourne & Parke LLP, counsel to Conexant and Washington, has advised Conexant and Washington that, assuming receipt of the tax ruling from the IRS and the representations from Alpha, Conexant and Washington, the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to Washington and Conexant stockholders are as follows: - Washington will not recognize any taxable gain or loss in the merger; - no taxable gain or loss will be recognized by a Conexant stockholder solely as a result of the receipt of combined company common stock in exchange for the stockholder's Washington common stock in the merger (except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest in common stock of the combined company); 69 - the aggregate tax basis of the combined company common stock in the hands of Conexant stockholders immediately after the merger (including fractional shares deemed received and redeemed as described below) will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the shares of Washington common stock surrendered in exchange for combined company common stock (as determined immediately following the distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders); - the holding period of combined company common stock received by Conexant stockholders in the merger will include the holding period of their Conexant common stock, provided that their Conexant common stock is held as a capital asset on the date of the merger; and - cash received by a Conexant stockholder in lieu of a fractional share interest in common stock of the combined company will be treated as received in redemption of that fractional share interest, and a Conexant stockholder should generally recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes measured by the difference between the amount of cash received and the portion of the tax basis of the shares of Washington common stock allocable to that fractional share of combined company common stock. This gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period for the Washington common stock (as determined above) is greater than one year at the effective time of the merger. Following the spin-off transaction and merger, information with respect to the allocation of tax basis among Conexant common stock, Washington common stock and combined company common stock will be made available to the holders of Conexant common stock. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special counsel to Alpha, has advised Alpha that, assuming receipt of the tax ruling from the IRS and the representations from Alpha, Conexant and Washington, the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to Alpha and Alpha stockholders are as follows: - Alpha will not recognize any taxable gain or loss in the merger; and - no taxable gain or loss will be recognized by an Alpha stockholder in the merger because no Alpha stockholder is exchanging any property in the merger. Each of Alpha and Conexant may waive, in their sole discretion, the conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger that (1) Conexant receive a favorable IRS ruling regarding the spin-off transaction and (2) Conexant and Alpha receive tax opinions of counsel regarding the merger. If Alpha or Conexant waives either of these conditions and the U.S. federal income tax consequences to Alpha stockholders are materially different than as described in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, Alpha will amend and recirculate this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement to its stockholders and resolicit their proxies. Neither Alpha nor Conexant currently intends to waive either of these conditions to their respective obligations to complete the merger. THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION AND THE MERGER UNDER CURRENT LAW AND IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. EACH ALPHA STOCKHOLDER AND CONEXANT STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT HIS OR HER TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION AND MERGER TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS, AND AS TO POSSIBLE PROSPECTIVE OR RETROACTIVE CHANGES IN TAX LAW THAT MAY AFFECT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES DESCRIBED ABOVE. 70 AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE SPIN-OFF TRANSACTION Conexant and Washington have entered into, or prior to the distribution of Washington common stock will enter into, various agreements which will govern the spin-off transaction and various interim and ongoing relationships between Conexant and the combined company, including the following: - the distribution agreement; - an employee matters agreement; - a tax allocation agreement; - a transition services agreement; - the Newport supply agreement; and - the Newbury supply agreement. The material terms of these agreements are summarized below. DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT The distribution agreement between Conexant and Washington provides for, among other things, the principal corporate transactions required to effect the separation of the Washington Business from Conexant, the proposed distribution of Washington common stock and certain other terms governing the relationship between Conexant and Washington with respect to or in consequence of the spin-off transaction. A copy of the distribution agreement is attached as Annex B and is incorporated by reference into this section of the proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. THE CONTRIBUTION The distribution agreement provides for the transfer from Conexant to Washington of specifically identified assets, including stock of certain subsidiaries, and other categories of assets used primarily in or related primarily to the Washington Business. The distribution agreement also provides generally for the assumption by Washington of specifically identified liabilities and liabilities to the extent related to the Washington Business. In addition, Conexant has represented and warranted to Washington that, after giving effect to the spin-off transaction (but not considering any assets or rights held by Alpha or its subsidiaries prior to the effective time of the merger) and after taking into account any services to be provided to the combined company pursuant to the transition services agreement, except for certain specified assets and rights, immediately after the distribution of Washington common stock, the assets and rights held by Washington and its subsidiaries will constitute all of the material assets and rights of Conexant and its subsidiaries (including Washington and its subsidiaries) immediately prior to the distribution of Washington common stock that are necessary to conduct the Washington Business substantially as conducted on the date of the distribution agreement. THE DISTRIBUTION The distribution agreement provides that the distribution of Washington common stock will occur only if certain conditions are satisfied or waived by Conexant's board of directors in its sole discretion, including: - Conexant's board of directors must be reasonably satisfied that, after giving effect to the contribution, Conexant will not be insolvent and will not have unreasonably small capital and that Conexant will have sufficient surplus under Delaware law to permit the distribution of Washington common stock; - there must be no legal restraint preventing the distribution of Washington common stock and no litigation seeking to restrain or challenge the distribution of Washington common stock; and 71 - all conditions to the closing of the merger under the merger agreement, including receipt of a favorable IRS ruling with respect to the tax-free nature of the spin-off transaction (but excluding the consummation of the spin-off transaction), must be satisfied or waived. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS In the contribution, Conexant will transfer to Washington specifically identified patents, trademarks and copyrights and other intellectual property to the extent used primarily in or related primarily to the Washington Business. The distribution agreement also includes non-exclusive, world-wide, irrevocable, royalty-free cross licenses by Conexant to Washington and Alpha and by Washington and Alpha to Conexant of rights under the intellectual property of the licensor. Each of the licensees is prohibited from assigning or granting a sublicense of the licensed intellectual property other than to any entity or business that is a spin-off or similar divestiture of any part of its business and such sublicense will be subject to the same restrictions on assignment and transfer as the original license. If the licensee or a spin-off or similar divested entity or business of the licensee becomes insolvent or is acquired by or merges with a third party, the license or sublicense will automatically terminate as to the licensee or sublicensee, as the case may be. CONEXANT NAME The distribution agreement provides that after the distribution of Washington common stock, Conexant will have all rights in and to the name "Conexant" and all derivatives thereof, except for limited rights of use retained for specified periods of time by Washington. Washington will change the names of its subsidiaries to eliminate the name "Conexant" and all its derivatives. LIABILITIES Under the terms of the distribution agreement, Washington will assume: - all liabilities of Conexant to the extent relating to the Washington Business, including, but not limited to, liabilities for product warranties, for environmental matters, under contracts and relating to former or discontinued businesses of the Washington Business, and excluding tax liabilities that are addressed in the tax allocation agreement; and - certain specifically identified liabilities, including all liabilities relating to litigation matters set forth on a schedule and all liabilities to the extent set forth on a special purpose statement describing Washington's tangible net assets delivered by Conexant to Alpha, other than those satisfied in the ordinary course of business prior to the distribution of Washington common stock. INDEMNIFICATION Under the terms of the distribution agreement, Washington generally will be obligated to indemnify and defend Conexant and its affiliates and representatives for all damages, liabilities or actions arising out of or in connection with: - the liabilities assumed by Washington as part of the contribution; - the breach by Washington of the distribution agreement, the employee matters agreement, the tax allocation agreement or the transition services agreement; and - the use by Washington and its subsidiaries (and, in the case of intellectual property, its sublicensees) of names or intellectual property licensed by Conexant and its subsidiaries other than in accordance with the distribution agreement. 72 Conexant generally will be obligated to indemnify and defend Washington and its affiliates and representatives for all damages, liabilities or actions arising out of or in connection with: - the liabilities of Conexant not assumed by Washington as part of the contribution; - the breach by Conexant of the distribution agreement, the employee matters agreement, the tax allocation agreement or the transition services agreement; - the use by Conexant and its subsidiaries and sublicensees of intellectual property licensed by Washington and its subsidiaries other than in accordance with the distribution agreement; and - the breach of the representation and warranty of Conexant regarding the sufficiency of the assets and rights that will be held by Washington and its subsidiaries immediately after the distribution of Washington common stock to conduct the Washington Business. Conexant will only be obligated to indemnify Washington for damages relating to the breach of the representations and warranty regarding the sufficiency of assets to the extent those damages exceed $1.5 million. Conexant's indemnification obligation for damages relating to that breach will be limited to a maximum amount of $15 million. In lieu of payment of monetary damages for a breach of the sufficiency of assets representation, Conexant has the right, in its sole discretion, to transfer any asset to Washington necessary to cure that breach. EXPENSES Under the terms of the distribution agreement, Washington generally will be obligated to pay all expenses incurred in connection with the spin-off transaction and the merger, except that Conexant will be obligated to pay all expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement, the U.S. asset purchase agreement and the facility services agreement and all expenses relating to the spin-off transaction and the merger to the extent the expenses relate to the operations of Conexant's business after the distribution of Washington common stock. NO SOLICITATION OR HIRE Without the other's consent, Conexant and Washington will not solicit, recruit or hire employees of, or individuals providing contracting services to, the other party until the earlier of December 31, 2003, or six months after such employment or services terminate. These restrictions do not apply to general recruiting efforts carried out through a public or general solicitation. EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT The employee matters agreement allocates among Conexant, Washington and Alpha assets, liabilities, and responsibilities relating to current and former employees of Conexant and the Washington Business and governs certain aspects of the participation by those individuals in stock and other benefit plans of Conexant, Washington and the combined company. The employee matters agreement generally requires Washington or Alpha to assume liabilities related to all current and former employees of the Washington Business, including, but not limited to, under certain savings, incentive compensation, deferred compensation and employee welfare plans. The employee matters agreement also generally requires Washington or Alpha to have in effect certain benefit plans (including employee stock purchase plans) for current and former employees of the Washington Business. Washington or Alpha employee benefit plans generally will assume liabilities relating to Washington's current and former employees under the corresponding Conexant benefit plans. Washington is also required to establish one or more stock option plans, or the split option plans, which will govern the terms and conditions of options to purchase Washington common stock derived from outstanding options to purchase Conexant common stock. Following the distribution of Washington common stock and the merger, each of Conexant and the combined company may modify or terminate its benefit plans in accordance with the terms of the plans 73 and applicable law. Each of the Washington employee welfare plans will provide that all service and other applicable items that, as of the time of distribution, were recognized under the corresponding Conexant benefit plan will be taken into account under that welfare plan. The employee matters agreement provides for the adjustment of outstanding options to purchase Conexant common stock, referred to as Conexant options, granted under stock option plans of Conexant, which are referred to collectively as the Conexant option plans. Conexant options outstanding at the time of the distribution, other than options granted to employees of Conexant's Mindspeed Technologies business on March 30, 2001 and options held by persons in certain foreign locations, or Mindspeed March 30 options, will be adjusted so that immediately following the distribution, each option holder will hold both Conexant options and options to purchase Washington common stock, referred to as Washington options. The number of shares subject to, and the exercise price of, such adjusted options will be adjusted to take into account the distribution of Washington common stock and to ensure that (1) the aggregate economic value (i.e., the difference between the aggregate fair market value of the shares subject to such options and the aggregate per share exercise price thereof) of the resulting Conexant and Washington options immediately after the distribution of Washington common stock is equal to the aggregate economic value of the Conexant options immediately prior to the distribution of Washington common stock and (2) for each resulting option, the ratio of the exercise price to the fair market value of the underlying stock remains the same immediately before and immediately after the distribution. The resulting Washington options and Conexant options will otherwise have substantially the same terms and conditions as the original Conexant options from which they are derived. Mindspeed March 30 options will remain exercisable only for shares of Conexant common stock, with appropriate adjustments to the number of shares subject to, and the exercise prices of, the Mindspeed March 30 options to ensure that (i) the aggregate economic value of the adjusted Mindspeed March 30 option is the same immediately before and immediately after the distribution of Washington common stock and (ii) the ratio of the exercise price to the fair market value of the underlying Conexant common stock remains the same immediately before and immediately after the distribution of Washington common stock. Prior to the distribution, Washington's board of directors will adopt, and Conexant as Washington's sole stockholder will approve, the split option plans, which will cover Washington options resulting from adjustments to Conexant options outstanding at the time of the distribution. The split option plans will also contain specific provisions applicable only to certain options which correspond to the terms of the relevant Conexant option plan under which the corresponding Conexant option was originally granted. No further options to purchase either Washington common stock or combined company common stock are expected to be granted under the split option plans after the distribution date. In the merger, each outstanding Washington option will be converted into an option to purchase combined company common stock and the combined company, as successor to Washington, will assume the split option plans. See "The Merger Agreement -- Treatment of Stock Options". TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT Through the date of the spin-off transaction, the results of operations of the Washington Business have been and will be included in Conexant's consolidated United States federal tax returns. As part of the spin-off transaction and the merger, Conexant, Washington and Alpha will enter into a tax allocation agreement which provides, among other things, for the allocation between Conexant and the combined company of federal, state, local and foreign tax liabilities relating to the Washington Business. In general, Conexant will assume and be responsible for tax liabilities of the Washington Business and Washington for periods prior to the merger and the combined company will assume and be responsible for tax liabilities of the Washington Business for periods after the merger. The tax allocation agreement also allocates liability for any taxes that may arise in connection with separating the Washington Business from Conexant. The tax allocation agreement generally provides that 74 Conexant will be responsible for any such taxes. However, the combined company will be responsible for any taxes imposed on Washington, Conexant or Conexant stockholders as a result of either: - the failure of the spin-off transaction to qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or - the subsequent disqualification of the distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction as a tax-free transaction to Conexant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, if such failure or disqualification is attributable to specific post-spin-off transaction actions by or in respect of the combined company, the combined company's subsidiaries or the combined company's stockholders, including any change of ownership of 50% or more in either the voting power or value of the combined company's stock. The merger will be treated as a deemed acquisition by Alpha stockholders of approximately 33% of Washington common stock. The process for determining whether a change of ownership has occurred under the tax rules is complex. If the combined company does not carefully monitor its compliance with these rules, the combined company might inadvertently cause or permit a change of ownership to occur, triggering its obligation to indemnify Conexant under the tax allocation agreement. The combined company's obligation to indemnify Conexant in the event that a change of ownership causes the distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders in connection with the spin-off transaction not to be tax-free to Conexant could discourage a third party from making a proposal to acquire the combined company. If the combined company were required to pay any of the taxes described above, the payment would be very substantial and would be expected to have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. Though valid as among the parties thereto, the tax allocation agreement is not binding on the IRS and does not affect the liability of each of Alpha, Conexant, Washington and their respective subsidiaries to the IRS for all federal taxes of the consolidated group relating to periods through the date of the spin-off transaction. TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT On or prior to the distribution date, Conexant and Alpha will enter into a transition services agreement under which each of Conexant and the combined company will provide to the other certain specified services. These services generally will be provided until December 31, 2002, unless the parties otherwise agree. The price to be paid by each of Conexant and the combined company for the services will be the actual cost, including out of pocket expenses, of providing the services. Under the transition services agreement, Conexant will provide certain services to the combined company, including services related to: - accounting and payroll; - finance and treasury; - engineering and design services, including technology transfer support relative to certain engineering and design systems included in the Washington Business and for cellular systems and radio frequency products, including Bluetooth(TM) baseband products; - platform technology and other support for the Newbury Park facility; - human resources, including transitional support regarding the implementation or incorporation of the Washington Business's human resources systems, data, practices and procedures; - information technology; - sales; 75 - other support services, including global trade, shipping, storage and logistics services; - manufacturing quality and reliability, including product qualification support for certain products of the Washington Business; - facilities, including provision of various services related to facilities currently utilized by the Washington Business; and - material management and printed wire board assembly services. In addition, the combined company will provide certain services to Conexant, including services related to: - engineering and design services for Conexant's broadband access products, including Bluetooth(TM) radio frequency products; - human resources; - product testing and package qualification consulting; and - facilities, including environmental consulting services. NEWPORT SUPPLY AGREEMENT Under the Newport supply agreement to be entered into with Conexant on or prior to the distribution date, the combined company will obtain services from the Newport foundry joint venture's Newport Beach, California wafer fabrication facility for both production and prototypes of semiconductor products, including services related to: - semiconductor wafer fabrication; - semiconductor wafer probe; and - die bank warehousing and shipping. These services generally will be provided for a term of three years after the distribution date. The price for the services in the first year will be the actual cost of the services. In the second year the price will be the average of (1) the actual cost in the first year and (2) the market price (determined prior to the start of the second year) of the services. In the third year the price will be based on the market price of the services. The combined company's cost of obtaining wafer fabrication services under the Newport supply agreement is initially expected to approximate market prices currently available for similar wafer fabrication services from outside foundries. The market for wafer fabrication services currently is characterized by an abundance of capacity at third-party foundries, many of whom have more favorable cost structures than the Washington Business and the Newport foundry joint venture due to lower labor costs and higher volumes. The combined company believes that currently supply arrangements can be negotiated on terms which are similar to the Newport foundry joint venture's current costs, particularly for supply arrangements covering an expected volume of sales and purchases comparable to those expected under the Newport supply agreement. The pricing provisions under the Newport supply agreement, shifting from cost to market pricing over time, were intended to provide for a period of stability with a gradual transition during the term of the agreement from costs and revenues which initially are similar to actual amounts recently experienced by the Washington Business in the current market environment to pricing at market levels, which in the future may be higher or lower than, or the same as, actual costs. Subsequent to the execution of the merger agreement, in March 2002 Conexant and The Carlyle Group formed the Newport foundry joint venture, a specialty foundry company in which Conexant owns a 45% equity interest and The Carlyle Group owns the remaining 55%. In the transaction, Conexant contributed its Newport Beach, California wafer fabrication facility and certain related intellectual property to the Newport foundry joint venture and entered into a long-term supply arrangement with the Newport 76 foundry joint venture for the supply of silicon-based semiconductor products. During the first three years of the supply agreement, Conexant will have certain minimum volume commitments in each year. The Newport foundry joint venture will provide capacity to meet Conexant's wafer requirements. Under the Newport supply agreement, the combined company will obtain through Conexant silicon-based semiconductor products supplied by the Newport foundry joint venture. Alternatively, the combined company may enter into a direct arrangement on substantially similar terms with the Newport foundry joint venture in lieu of the Newport supply agreement. NEWBURY SUPPLY AGREEMENT Under the Newbury supply agreement to be entered into on or prior to the distribution date, the combined company will provide services to Conexant for both production and prototypes of semiconductor products at the combined company's Newbury Park, California wafer fabrication facility, including services related to: - semiconductor wafer fabrication; - semiconductor wafer probe; - final test; - die processing; and - shipping. These services generally will be provided for a term of three years after the distribution date. The price for the services in the first year will be the actual cost of the services. In the second year the price will be the average of (1) the actual cost in the first year and (2) the market price (determined prior to the start of the second year) of the services. In the third year the price will be based on the market price of the services. The combined company's selling prices for wafer fabrication services provided under the Newbury supply agreement are initially expected to approximate market prices, in part because of current market conditions, including the abundance of capacity at third-party foundries, many of whom have more favorable cost structures due to lower labor costs and higher volumes. 77 THE MEXICALI SALE THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS Conexant currently owns and operates an assembly and test facility located in Mexicali, Mexico through its Mexican subsidiary, Conexant Systems, S.A. de C.V. Conexant's package design team located in Newport Beach, California also supports the operations of the Mexicali facility. The business and operations of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary and the package design team together constitute the Mexicali operations. The Mexicali assembly and test facility consists of approximately 380,000 square feet of owned space and is ISO 9002 certified. As of May 1, 2002, there were approximately 2,000 employees of Conexant supporting the Mexicali operations who will become employees of the combined company in connection with the sale of the stock of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary, the Mexican assets and the U.S. assets described below immediately following the merger. MEXICAN STOCK AND ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES AND ASSETS The Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement provides for the sale by Conexant to the combined company, immediately following the completion of the merger, of all of the stock of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary. In addition, the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement provides for the sale by Conexant to the combined company of the following assets: - all of Conexant's tangible personal property (other than certain books and records) that is used by Conexant's Mexican subsidiary in the conduct of its business and that is located at the Mexicali assembly and test facility on the date of the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement or on the closing date (and certain third party insurance proceeds relating to such property); and - certain contracts entered into by Conexant to the extent relating to assets to be purchased under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement. The assets to be sold under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement do not include Conexant's inventory or intellectual property or certain equipment set forth on a schedule to the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement. PURCHASE PRICE The aggregate purchase price to be paid by the combined company to Conexant under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement for the stock of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary and the Mexican assets and under the U.S. asset purchase agreement for the U.S. assets (see "-- U.S. Asset Purchase Agreement" below) is $150 million. Prior to closing, the combined company and Conexant will agree upon a reasonable allocation of the purchase price among the stock of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary, the Mexican assets and the U.S. assets. We expect that the combined company will pay the purchase price by delivering a short-term promissory note to Conexant on substantially the following terms: - the combined company's obligations will be secured by first priority liens in favor of Conexant on all current and future tangible and intangible assets of the combined company and its subsidiaries (including stock of subsidiaries); - the combined company's obligations will be guaranteed by all of the combined company's direct and indirect, current and future subsidiaries; - 50% of the principal will be due six months after the closing date and the remaining 50% of the principal will be due nine months after the closing date; 78 - interest will be payable at the rate of 10% per annum for the first three months, increasing to 12% per annum for the second three months, and increasing to 15% thereafter, with payments due quarterly in arrears; - during the term of the note the combined company must use 100% of the proceeds from asset sales or other dispositions of property by the combined company and its subsidiaries or from issuance of debt or any equity or equity linked products to prepay the amount outstanding under the note until paid in full; - the combined company may prepay the note at any time; and - the note will contain representations, warranties, covenants and events of default customary for loans of this nature. In connection with the delivery of the promissory note, the combined company will also be required to deliver to Conexant, at the closing, a security agreement granting Conexant a first priority security interest as described above, any filings, instruments or other documents as Conexant may reasonably require to perfect its first priority security interest and customary opinions of counsel to the combined company for secured transactions of this nature reasonably satisfactory to the combined company, Conexant and their respective counsel. The combined company will be required to finance the repayment of the note through a public or private offering of equity, debt or some combination thereof within six months after the closing of the Mexicali transaction. ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES The combined company will assume all liabilities of Conexant under and related to the contracts constituting Mexican assets and all trade payables incurred by Conexant on behalf of the Mexican subsidiary in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with respect to the Mexican assets. The Mexican subsidiary will continue to be responsible for all of its liabilities and obligations (except for certain tax liabilities), including those that relate back to events prior to the closing date. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement contains representations and warranties made by each party to the other party, most of which are subject to materiality and/or knowledge qualifications. The representations and warranties of Conexant relate to, among other things, the following matters: - capitalization of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary; - permits required by the Mexican subsidiary, or by Conexant in respect of its ownership of the subsidiary and its ownership and use of the Mexican assets; - compliance with laws; - absence of certain changes or events; - title to the assets and properties of the Mexican subsidiary and the Mexican assets; - tax matters; - environmental matters; and - sufficiency of assets. The representations and warranties (other than those relating to corporate status, good standing and qualification to do business; authority; governmental approvals; absence of breach; capitalization of the Mexican subsidiary; the Mexicali facility; tax matters; and title, which will survive until the applicable statutes of limitation have expired) will survive for six months following the closing and will then expire. 79 COVENANTS Each of Conexant and Alpha has undertaken to perform certain covenants in the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement. The principal covenants are as follows: Reasonable Best Efforts. The parties have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to take all actions and do all things necessary or advisable under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement and applicable laws to complete the transactions contemplated by the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement as soon as practicable. However, neither party will be required to take any action in addition to the actions required to be taken by the merger agreement to consummate the merger. Conduct of Business Pending Closing. Conexant has agreed to certain restrictions on its activities with respect to its Mexican subsidiary, the business and operations of its Mexican subsidiary and the Mexican assets until the closing of the sale. Intercompany Accounts and Agreements. Conexant and its Mexican subsidiary will settle or eliminate all intercompany receivables, payables and other balances existing immediately prior to the closing between Conexant and/or any of Conexant's subsidiaries (other than its Mexican subsidiary), on the one hand, and Conexant's Mexican subsidiary, on the other hand. Conexant and its Mexican subsidiary will terminate all agreements between Conexant and/or any of Conexant's subsidiaries (other than its Mexican subsidiary), on the one hand, and Conexant's Mexican subsidiary, on the other hand, prior to the closing. CONDITIONS Each of the parties' obligations to complete the transactions contemplated by the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, including: - the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, which waiting period was terminated on January 29, 2002; - the receipt of the required consent or approval of the Mexican Comision Federal de Competencia, which was received on April 25, 2002; - the absence of any law, order or injunction having the effect of making the transactions contemplated by the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement illegal or otherwise prohibiting such transactions; and the absence of any proceeding initiated by any governmental authority seeking, and which is reasonably likely to result in, any such injunction; - the consummation of the merger; - the accuracy of representations and warranties of the other party contained in the merger agreement, without any qualification or limitation as to materiality or material adverse effect set forth therein, except where the failure of such representations and warranties of the other party to be true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of the other party to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement and, in the case of the representations and warranties of Conexant, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary, the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Washington Business and the Mexican assets, taken as a whole; and - the performance and compliance of the other party with all agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement that are qualified as to materiality or material adverse effect and the performance and compliance of the other party in all material respects with all other agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement that are not so qualified. 80 Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon consummation of the merger, the closing conditions of each of the parties will be deemed fully satisfied. CLOSING The closing of the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement will take place immediately following the closing of the merger and will be effective immediately following the effective time of the merger. The Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement provides for closing deliveries by the parties, including, among other things, a facility services agreement providing for the supply of assembly and test services after the closing by the combined company to Conexant and for the supply of transition services after the closing by Conexant to the combined company. INDEMNIFICATION Under the terms of the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement, Conexant will be obligated to indemnify and defend Alpha and its affiliates and representatives for all damages, liabilities and actions arising out of or relating to: - the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Conexant contained in the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement; - the liabilities retained by Conexant under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement; and - the assets retained by Conexant under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement, including Conexant's inventory and intellectual property. Alpha will be obligated to indemnify and defend Conexant and its affiliates for all damages, liabilities and actions arising out of or relating to: - the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Alpha contained in the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement; - the liabilities assumed by Alpha under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement; and - any liabilities of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary, except to the extent Conexant would be required to indemnify Alpha for such liability because it arises out of or relates to the breach of a representation or warranty of Conexant. Each party will only be obligated to indemnify the other party for damages relating to breaches of representations and warranties that exceed in the aggregate $1 million. Each indemnifying party's indemnification obligation for damages relating to breaches of representations and warranties is limited to a maximum aggregate amount of $10 million. Each party's obligation to indemnify the other party for breach of any representation or warranty will terminate when the applicable representation or warranty expires under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement. Each party's obligation to indemnify the other party for breach of any covenant or agreement will terminate upon the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitation. Each party's other indemnification obligations will continue without time limitation. TAX MATTERS The Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement provides, among other things, for the allocation between Conexant and the combined company of the federal, state, local and foreign tax liabilities relating to Conexant's Mexican subsidiary and the Mexican assets. The Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement also allocates the liability for any transfer taxes that may arise in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement. 81 TERMINATION If the merger agreement is terminated, the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement will automatically terminate. In addition, the parties may terminate the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement by mutual consent. U.S. ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS The U.S. asset purchase agreement provides for the sale by Conexant to the combined company immediately following the completion of the merger of the following assets utilized by Conexant's package design team employees who are located in Newport Beach, California and who are to be offered employment by Alpha: - certain equipment (and certain third party insurance proceeds relating to such equipment); and - certain intellectual property, subject to a royalty-free license of such intellectual property to Conexant. PURCHASE PRICE; LIABILITIES The aggregate purchase price to be paid by the combined company to Conexant under the U.S. asset purchase agreement for the U.S. assets and under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement for the stock of Conexant's Mexican subsidiary and the Mexican assets is $150 million. We expect that the combined company will pay the purchase price by delivering a promissory note to Conexant substantially on the terms described above under "-- Mexican Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement". The combined company will not assume any liabilities of Conexant related to the U.S. assets. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The U.S. asset purchase agreement contains representations and warranties made by each party to the other party, most of which are subject to materiality and/or knowledge qualifications. The representations and warranties (other than those relating to corporate status, good standing and qualification to do business; authority; governmental approvals; absence of breach; tax matters; and title, which will survive until the applicable statutes of limitation have expired) will survive for six months following the closing and will then expire. COVENANTS Each of the parties has undertaken to perform certain covenants in the U.S. asset purchase agreement. The principal covenants are as follows: Reasonable Best Efforts. The parties have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to take all actions and do all things necessary or advisable under the U.S. asset purchase agreement and applicable laws to complete the transactions contemplated by the U.S. asset purchase agreement as soon as practicable. Neither party will be required to take any action in addition to the actions required to be taken by the merger agreement to consummate the merger. Conduct of Business Pending Closing. Conexant has agreed to certain restrictions on its activities with respect to the package design team and the U.S. assets until the closing of the sale. Employment Arrangements. Alpha has agreed to offer employment to the package design team employees, as of the closing date, with a salary level at least equal to that which the employees received immediately prior to the closing and employee benefits comparable in all material respects and no less favorable, in the aggregate, to those provided to the employees immediately prior to the closing. After the closing, the combined company may modify the salary level of any package design team employee and, in 82 accordance with the terms of the benefit plan and applicable law, may modify any benefit plan benefiting the package design team employees. The parties have agreed that the package design team employees will be deemed to be employees of the Washington Business for purposes of the employee matters agreement. Accordingly, the combined company has agreed to assume and fully perform, pay and discharge all liabilities and obligations relating to the package design team employees of the type assumed by Alpha, Washington or any of Washington's subsidiaries under, and in the same manner as provided in, the employee matters agreement. CONDITIONS Each of the parties' obligations to complete the transactions contemplated by the U.S. asset purchase agreement is subject to the consummation of the merger. CLOSING The closing of the U.S. asset purchase agreement will take place immediately following the closing of the merger and will be effective immediately following the effective time of the merger. INDEMNIFICATION Under the terms of the U.S. asset purchase agreement, Conexant will be obligated to indemnify and defend Alpha and its affiliates and representatives for all damages, liabilities and actions arising out of or relating to the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Conexant contained in the U.S. asset purchase agreement. Alpha will be obligated to indemnify and defend Conexant and its affiliates for all damages, liabilities and actions arising out of or relating to the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Alpha contained in the U.S. asset purchase agreement. Each party will only be obligated to indemnify the other party for damages relating to breaches of representations and warranties that exceed $50,000 in the aggregate. Each party's indemnification obligation for damages relating to breaches of representations and warranties is limited to a maximum aggregate amount of $500,000. Each party's obligation to indemnify the other party for breach of any representation or warranty will terminate when the applicable representation or warranty expires under the U.S. asset purchase agreement. Each party's obligation to indemnify the other party for breach of any covenant or agreement will terminate upon the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitation. TAX MATTERS The U.S. asset purchase agreement provides, among other things, for the allocation between Conexant and the combined company of the federal, state, local and foreign non-income tax liabilities relating to the U.S. assets. The U.S. asset purchase agreement also allocates the liability for any transfer taxes that may arise in connection with the transactions contemplated by the U.S. asset purchase agreement. TERMINATION If the merger agreement is terminated, the U.S. asset purchase agreement will automatically terminate. In addition, the parties may terminate the U.S. asset purchase agreement by mutual consent. FACILITY SERVICES AGREEMENT SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS Conexant and Alpha currently expect that under the facility services agreement to be entered into between Conexant and Alpha prior to the effective time of the merger, after the merger the combined 83 company will provide Conexant with certain semiconductor processing, packaging and testing services, including: - assembly services; - final testing; - post-test processing; and - shipping. These services will be performed at the Mexicali facility and, if Conexant and the combined company agree, at other facilities approved by the combined company. These services generally will be provided for a term of three years after the closing date of the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement. The price for the services in the first year will be the actual cost of the services. In the second year the price for services will be the average of (1) the actual cost in the first year and (2) the market price (determined prior to the start of the second year) of the services. In the third year the price will be based on the market price of the services. During the term of the supply arrangement, Conexant will have the right to purchase products manufactured through the use of technologies developed and qualified for full-scale production at the Mexicali facility at the time of the supply arrangement and, if the parties agree on terms, products manufactured through the use of any new technologies in development at the Mexicali facility at the time of the supply arrangement, but not yet qualified for full scale production. TRANSITION SERVICES Under the facility services agreement, the parties will provide certain transition services to each other with respect to the Mexicali operations. These services generally will be provided until December 31, 2002, unless the parties otherwise agree. The price for the services will be the actual cost, including out-of pocket expenses, of providing the services. The parties expect that these services will include: - general accounting support; - metrology services and test equipment support; - thermal mechanical analysis and measurement of packages; - electrical analysis and measurement for packages; and - electromagnetic impulse measurement and certification services. 84 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ALPHA'S 1996 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN Alpha's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan was adopted by the Alpha board of directors in 1996 and approved by Alpha stockholders in September 1996. Of the 4,200,000 shares of Alpha common stock currently authorized for issuance under the 1996 plan, approximately 597,000 shares remained available for future awards as of the close of business on April 29, 2002. The Alpha board of directors believes that it is in the best interests of Alpha to be able to continue to create equity incentives to assist in attracting, retaining and motivating key employees. Alpha expects to continue to issue awards under the 1996 plan in the form of options to purchase shares of Alpha common stock. The remaining shares authorized for issuance under the 1996 plan are expected to be insufficient for this purpose, largely due to the increase in the number of employees and the addition of new officers and directors that will occur as a result of the merger. Accordingly, the Alpha board of directors has adopted, subject to approval by Alpha stockholders, an amendment to the 1996 plan increasing the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 1996 plan by 1,885,000 shares (from 4,200,000 shares to 6,085,000 shares). THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 1996 PLAN. General. The 1996 plan is administered by the compensation committee of the Alpha board of directors. As of April 29, 2002, all of Alpha's employees were eligible to participate in the 1996 plan. Because grants of awards under the 1996 plan are made at the discretion of the compensation committee, the awards, if any, to be granted to the executive officers of Alpha under the 1996 plan should the plan amendments be approved are not presently determinable. Stock Available for Awards. Without giving effect to the proposed amendment, a maximum of 4,200,000 shares of Alpha common stock are currently authorized for issuance under the 1996 plan. The shares of Alpha common stock to be delivered under the 1996 plan may be either authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. Any shares subject to an option under the 1996 plan which for any reason terminates, is canceled or otherwise expires unexercised, any shares reacquired by Alpha because restrictions on the shares do not lapse, any shares reacquired by Alpha due to restrictions imposed on the shares, any shares returned because payment is made under the 1996 plan by a plan participant in Alpha common stock of equivalent value rather than in cash, and any shares reacquired from a recipient for any other reason are available for further awards under the 1996 plan. Eligibility; Grant of Awards. Subject to the terms of the 1996 plan, and subject to ratification by the Alpha board of directors only if required by applicable law, the Alpha compensation committee has the authority and sole discretion to determine those key employees and other individuals eligible to participate in the 1996 plan, select to whom awards will be granted, determine the size and form of awards and the times that awards are to be granted, establish the terms under which awards will be exercised or transferred, make or alter any restrictions or conditions on any award and adopt such rules and regulations, establish, define and interpret other terms and conditions and make all other determinations necessary or desirable for the administration of the 1996 plan. Under the 1996 plan, Alpha may grant incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, non-qualified stock options, which are not qualified as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and restricted share awards. Incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of Alpha or its subsidiaries. Stock Option Awards; Price; Exercise; Restrictions. Stock options are rights to purchase shares of Alpha common stock at a fixed price for a predetermined period of time. The 1996 plan authorizes the Alpha compensation committee to determine the number of shares of Alpha common stock to be covered by each option, the purchase or exercise price of stock subject to such stock options and the term of each stock option, which, in the case of incentive stock options, may not be longer than ten years after the date of grant. The exercise price may not be less than par value and may not be less than the fair market value at the time of grant in the case of incentive stock options. The aggregate fair market value of the Alpha 85 common stock (at the time of grant of any incentive stock option) with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by any employee during any calendar year under all of Alpha's plans may not exceed $100,000. At the compensation committee's discretion, the Alpha common stock issued pursuant to stock options granted under the 1996 plan may be subject to restrictions on vesting or transferability. Stock Option Awards; Rights in the Event of Termination. In the event of termination of employment (for reasons other than death or permanent and total disability), the option holder may generally exercise stock options vested as of the date of termination for a period of three months after the termination of employment. In the event of a termination of employment for cause, all remaining options cease to be exercisable, whether or not previously vested. In the event of termination of employment by reason of death, the option holder's vested and unvested stock options may generally be exercised for a period of twelve months after the date of death. In the event of termination of employment by reason of permanent and total disability, the option holder may generally exercise stock options vested as of the date of termination for a period of six months after the termination of employment. Restricted Share Awards; Rights in the Event of Termination or Death. Restricted share awards are grants of shares of common stock that are subject to forfeiture under certain conditions. In the event of the recipient's termination of employment with Alpha for any reason other than death, retirement or permanent disability, Alpha may reacquire all or a portion of the restricted shares as to which restrictions have not already lapsed for the recipient's original acquisition price, or, if the original acquisition price was $0, for no value. The restrictions against disposition and the obligation of resale to Alpha will lapse as to any restricted shares that Alpha declines to purchase. Upon the death, retirement or permanent disability of the recipient of a restricted share award, the restrictions against disposition and the obligation of resale to Alpha of the restricted shares as to which such restrictions and obligations have not otherwise lapsed will immediately lapse. Indemnity. Neither the Alpha board of directors nor its compensation committee, nor any member of either, nor any employees of Alpha, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with their responsibilities with respect to the 1996 plan. Alpha will indemnify the members of the Alpha board of directors, the members of the Alpha compensation committee and the employees of Alpha in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including reasonable counsel fees) arising from any such act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination to the full extent permitted by law. Amendment or Termination of the 1996 Plan. The Alpha board of directors may at any time amend, suspend or terminate the 1996 plan; provided that any such amendments relating to the definition of the employees and individuals eligible to participate in the 1996 plan or an increase in the maximum number of shares of Alpha common stock authorized for issuance under the 1996 plan are subject to stockholder approval to the extent required by the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to incentive stock options. No amendment, suspension or termination of the 1996 plan may affect the rights of a participant to whom an award has been granted without such participant's consent. Share Adjustments. If Alpha's outstanding common stock is increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities by reason of a recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares, separation (including a spin-off) or stock dividend, there will be an equitable adjustment in the exercise prices of outstanding options and the number and kind of shares as to which outstanding options shall be exercisable as determined by the Alpha board of directors. If Alpha is a party to any merger or consolidation, any purchase or acquisition of property or stock, or any separation, reorganization or liquidation, the Alpha board of directors (or, if Alpha is not the surviving corporation, the board of directors of the surviving corporation) shall have the power to make arrangements for the substitution of new options for, or the assumption by another corporation of, any options then outstanding under the 1996 plan. Duration of the 1996 Plan. Awards may be made under the 1996 plan for a period of ten years ending on June 14, 2006. The period during which a stock option or other award may be exercised, however, may extend beyond that time. 86 Change of Control Provision. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of Alpha (as defined in the 1996 plan) each outstanding and unvested option will become exercisable. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 1996 Plan. The following general discussion of the federal income tax consequences of options and restricted share awards granted under the 1996 plan is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code as in effect on the date hereof, current regulations thereunder, and existing public and private administrative rulings of the IRS. This discussion is not intended to be a complete discussion of all of the federal income tax consequences of the 1996 plan or of all of the requirements that must be met in order to qualify for the tax treatment described herein. Non-Qualified Stock Options An optionee generally will not be taxed upon the grant of a non-qualified stock option. Rather, at the time of exercise of a non-qualified stock option, the optionee will recognize ordinary income for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares purchased over the option exercise price. Alpha will generally be entitled to a tax deduction at the time and in the same amount that the optionee recognizes ordinary income. If shares acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the sales price and the fair market value of such stock on the date that ordinary income was recognized with respect thereto will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending upon the length of time such shares were held by the optionee. Incentive Stock Options An optionee will not be in receipt of taxable income upon the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. If stock acquired pursuant to the timely exercise of an incentive stock option is later disposed of, the optionee will, except as noted below, recognize long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the sale and the option price. Alpha, under these circumstances, will not be entitled to any federal income tax deduction in connection with either the exercise of the incentive stock option or the sale of such stock by the optionee. Exercise of an incentive stock option will be timely if made during its term and if the optionee remains an employee of Alpha or a subsidiary at all times during the period beginning on the date of grant of the incentive stock option and ending on the date three months before the date of exercise (or one year before the date of exercise in the case of a disabled optionee). If, however, stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option is disposed of by the optionee prior to the expiration of two years from the date of grant of the incentive stock option or within one year from the date the stock is transferred to the optionee upon exercise (a "disqualifying disposition"), any gain realized by the optionee generally will be taxable at the time of the disqualifying disposition at ordinary income rates. In such case, Alpha may claim a federal income tax deduction at the time of the disqualifying disposition for the amount taxable to the optionee as ordinary income. Stock Awards A participant in the 1996 plan generally will not be taxed upon the grant of an award of restricted shares, but rather will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the stock at the time the shares are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (less any amounts paid by the participant). Alpha will be entitled to a deduction at the time when, and in the amount that, the participant recognizes ordinary income. However, a participant may elect (not later than 30 days after acquiring the restricted shares) to recognize ordinary income at the time the restricted shares are awarded in an amount equal to their fair market value at that time (less any amounts paid by the participant), notwithstanding the fact that the shares are subject to restrictions and a substantial risk of forfeiture. If such an election is made, no additional taxable income will be recognized by the participant at the time the restrictions lapse. Alpha will be entitled to a tax deduction at the time when, and to the extent that, income is recognized by such participant. However, if shares in respect of which the election was made are later forfeited, no tax deduction is allowable to the participant for the forfeited shares, and Alpha will be deemed to recognize ordinary income equal to the amount of the deduction allowed to Alpha at the time of the election in respect of the forfeited shares. 87 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ALPHA'S DIRECTORS' 2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN Alpha's Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Alpha board of directors on April 26, 2001 and approved by Alpha stockholders in September 2001. Of the 250,000 shares of Alpha common stock currently authorized for issuance under the 2001 plan to non-employee directors, approximately 145,000 shares remained available for future awards as of the close of business on April 29, 2002. The Alpha board of directors believes that it is in the best interests of Alpha to be able to continue to create equity incentives to assist in attracting, retaining and motivating qualified persons who are not employees of Alpha to serve as directors. Alpha expects to continue to issue awards under the 2001 plan in the form of options to purchase shares of Alpha common stock. Due to the increase in the size of the Alpha board of directors if the merger is consummated, and the addition of several new non-employee directors of the combined company, the remaining shares authorized for issuance under the 2001 plan will be insufficient for this purpose. Accordingly, the Alpha board of directors has adopted, subject to approval by Alpha stockholders, an amendment to the 2001 plan increasing the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2001 plan by 315,000 shares (from 250,000 shares to 565,000 shares). Stock options are a significant part of each director's overall compensation and permit Alpha to seek and retain the services of highly skilled and competent persons to serve as directors. Competition for highly qualified individuals to serve as directors is intense, and to successfully attract and retain the best candidates, Alpha must continue to offer a competitive equity incentive program as an essential component of directors' compensation. Without the proposed authorization of shares available for directors' stock options, Alpha may be unable to continue to attract and retain the best individuals to serve as directors. The 2001 plan is intended to offer an equity incentive to Alpha's non-employee directors by granting the non-employee directors annual options to purchase common stock at a price equal to the stock's fair market value on the date of the option grant. These options therefore only become valuable if the price of Alpha's common stock increases. By providing the directors with the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in Alpha over time and because a benefit is only received through stock performance, stock options align the interests of the directors with those of the stockholders. THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 2001 PLAN. General. The 2001 plan is administered by the Alpha board of directors. Stock Available for Awards. Without giving effect to the proposed amendment, a maximum of 250,000 shares of Alpha common stock are currently authorized for issuance under the 2001 plan. The shares of Alpha common stock to be delivered under the 2001 plan may be either authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares, shares reacquired by Alpha for such purpose or shares previously reserved for issuance upon exercise of directors' options (under the 2001 plan or other plans) which have expired or been terminated. Eligibility; Grant of Awards. Grants of options are made to non-employee directors upon their election and re-election to the Alpha board. Under the 2001 plan, each new non-employee director receives an option to purchase 45,000 shares of Alpha common stock immediately following the earlier of Alpha's annual meeting of stockholders at which the director is first elected by the Alpha stockholders or immediately following the director's initial appointment by the board of directors. In addition, following each annual meeting of stockholders each director who is continuing in office or re-elected receives an option to purchase 15,000 shares of Alpha common stock. The 2001 plan is not intended to be a means of compensating officers of Alpha; directors who are also officers of Alpha are not eligible to participate in the 2001 Plan. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, there were seven non-officer directors of Alpha. Price; Exercise; Restrictions. Stock options are rights to purchase shares of Alpha common stock at a fixed exercise price for a predetermined period of time. The exercise price of all options to be granted under the 2001 plan will be the fair market value of Alpha common stock on the date the option is granted or the par value of the shares of common stock if that is higher. This price must be paid in full 88 upon exercise of the option either in cash or by delivery of shares of common stock (as permitted by the Alpha board of directors), or any combination of cash and stock (as permitted by the Alpha board of directors). All options under the 2001 plan will become exercisable in four equal increments over a period of four years from the date of grant and must be exercised within ten years after the date the option is granted. The options may not be assigned or transferred except by will or under the laws of descent and distribution, or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. During the lifetime of a director, the option may be exercisable only by the director. All of the options granted under the 2001 plan will be non-qualified stock options under the Internal Revenue Code. Rights in the Event of Cessation of Service. In the event of the cessation of service of a director, the director's options may be exercised as follows: (1) in the event of death, all unvested options will become fully vested and all options may be exercised by the heirs of the director for twelve months after the date of death (or until the expiration of the option, if sooner); (2) in the event of a director's permanent and total disability, only vested options may be exercised, and only for a period of six months after the cessation of service (or until the expiration of the option, if sooner); (3) in the event a director ceases to serve as a director for any other reason, except for cause, only vested options may be exercised, and only for a period of three months after the cessation of service (or until the expiration of the option, if sooner). In the event a director is removed from office for cause, all remaining options cease to be exercisable whether or not previously vested. Indemnity. The 2001 plan provides that the Alpha board of directors shall not be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with their responsibilities with respect to the 2001 plan. Alpha agrees to indemnify the directors in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including counsel fees) arising from any such act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination to the full extent permitted by law. Amendment or Termination of the 2001 Plan. The Alpha board of directors may at any time, and from time to time, amend, suspend or terminate the 2001 plan in whole or in part, provided that the provisions of the 2001 plan relating to the amount and price of Alpha common stock to be awarded and the timing of such awards may not be amended more than once every six months other than to comport with changes in the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act or the rules under either statute. No amendment, suspension or termination of the 2001 plan may affect the rights of any participant to whom an option has been granted without such participant's consent. Share Adjustments. If Alpha's outstanding common stock is increased or decreased, or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities by reason of a recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares, separation (including a spin-off) or stock dividend, there will be an equitable adjustment in the exercise prices of outstanding options and the number and kind of shares as to which outstanding options shall be exercisable as determined by the Alpha board of directors. If Alpha is a party to any merger or consolidation, any purchase or acquisition of property or stock, or any separation, reorganization or liquidation, the Alpha board of directors (or, if Alpha is not the surviving corporation, the board of directors of the surviving corporation) shall have the power to make arrangements for the substitution of new options for, or the assumption by another corporation of, any options then outstanding under the 2001 plan. Duration of the 2001 Plan. Awards may be made under the 2001 plan for a period of ten years ending on September 10, 2011. The period during which a stock option or other award may be exercised, however, may extend beyond that time. Change of Control. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of Alpha (as defined in the 2001 plan) each outstanding and unvested option will become exercisable. Federal Tax Consequences of the 2001 Plan. The options granted under the 2001 plan will be non-qualified stock options. An optionee generally will not be taxed upon the grant of a non-qualified stock option. Rather, at the time of exercise of such non-qualified stock option, the optionee will recognize ordinary income for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value 89 of the shares purchased over the option exercise price. Alpha will generally be entitled to a tax deduction at the time and in the same amount that the optionee recognizes ordinary income. If shares acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the sales price and the fair market value of the stock on the date that ordinary income was recognized with respect thereto will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending upon the length of time the shares were held by the optionee. 90 PRICE RANGE OF ALPHA COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS Alpha common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol "AHAA". The number of Alpha stockholders of record as of April 29, 2002 was approximately 950. Alpha has not paid cash dividends on its common stock since fiscal 1986, and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the future. Alpha effected a two-for-one stock split effective April 19, 2000. The following table shows the range of high and low per share sale prices of Alpha common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for the periods indicated and adjusted to reflect the effects of the April 19, 2000 stock split. On December 14, 2001, the last trading day before the announcement of the signing of the merger agreement, the closing sale price of Alpha common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $21.20. On May 9, 2002, the closing sale price of Alpha common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $10.78. Washington is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conexant, and Washington stock is not traded on any stock exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market. 91
HIGH LOW ------- ------- FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 1, 2001 First quarter............................................. $ 23.13 $ 8.94 Second quarter............................................ 28.91 21.50 Third quarter............................................. 33.13 23.88 Fourth quarter............................................ 74.73 27.02 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2002 First quarter............................................. $ 31.34 $ 13.06 Second quarter............................................ 41.45 16.73 Third quarter............................................. 31.84 15.64 Fourth quarter............................................ 24.24 14.05 FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 30, 2003 First quarter (through May 9, 2002)....................... $ 17.54 $ 9.90 HISTORICAL SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS The selected combined financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations" and the Combined Financial Statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. For financial accounting purposes, the sale of the Mexicali operations by Conexant to the combined company will be treated as if Conexant had contributed the Mexicali operations to Washington as part of the spin-off transaction, and the $150 million purchase price will be treated as a return of capital to Conexant. Consequently, the selected combined financial data presented below includes the Mexicali operations for all periods presented. The Washington Business and the Mexicali operations together comprise Washington/Mexicali. The Washington/Mexicali combined statement of operations data for the years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and the Washington/Mexicali combined balance sheet data as of September 30, 2000 and 2001 have been derived from the Combined Financial Statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, which have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose opinion is included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The Washington/Mexicali combined statement of operations data for the three months ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 and the Washington/Mexicali combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2001 have been derived from Washington/Mexicali's unaudited combined financial statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The Washington/Mexicali combined statement of operations data for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 and the Washington/Mexicali combined balance sheet data as of September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999 have been derived from Washington/Mexicali's unaudited combined financial statements which are not presented in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The historical financial information may not be indicative of Washington/Mexicali's future performance and does not reflect what the results of operations and financial position of Washington/Mexicali would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented. 92
THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------- 1997 1998 1999 2000(1) 2001(1) 2000 2001 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- (IN THOUSANDS) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net revenues: Third parties................................ $ 49,201 $ 79,066 $176,015 $312,983 $ 215,502 $ 68,518 $ 88,404 Conexant..................................... 30,818 33,205 40,400 65,433 44,949 16,978 5,356 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Total net revenues..................... 80,019 112,271 216,415 378,416 260,451 85,496 93,760 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Cost of goods sold(2): Third parties................................ 42,950 44,503 96,699 207,450 268,749 76,272 72,729 Conexant..................................... 29,868 33,350 37,840 62,720 42,754 16,244 5,077 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Total cost of goods sold............... 72,818 77,853 134,539 270,170 311,503 92,516 77,806 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Gross margin................................... 7,201 34,418 81,876 108,246 (51,052) (7,020) 15,954 Operating expenses: Research and development..................... 47,156 56,748 66,457 91,616 111,053 26,918 32,181 Selling, general and administrative.......... 13,102 21,211 27,202 52,422 51,267 16,013 10,636 Amortization of intangible assets............ -- -- -- 5,327 15,267 3,737 3,937 Special charges(3)........................... -- 220 1,432 -- 88,876 -- -- Purchased in-process research and development................................ -- -- -- 24,362 -- -- -- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Total operating expenses............... 60,258 78,179 95,091 173,727 266,463 46,668 46,754 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Operating loss................................. (53,057) (43,761) (13,215) (65,481) (317,515) (53,688) (30,800) Other income (expense), net.................... 80 1,559 (54) 142 210 (11) 52 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Loss before income taxes....................... (52,977) (42,202) (13,269) (65,339) (317,305) (53,699) (30,748) Provision for income taxes..................... 1,157 1,082 1,646 1,140 1,619 265 3,549 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Net loss....................................... $(54,134) $(43,284) $(14,915) $(66,479) $(318,924) $(53,964) $(34,297) ======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ======== ======== - --------------- (1) In fiscal 2000, Conexant acquired Philsar Semiconductor Inc., which became part of Washington/ Mexicali. As a result of the acquisition of Philsar, during fiscal 2000 and 2001 Washington/Mexicali recorded $5.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively, in amortization of goodwill and other acquisition-related intangible assets and in fiscal 2000 Washington/Mexicali recorded a charge of $24.4 million related to purchased in-process research and development. (2) In fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali recorded inventory write-downs of $58.7 million. (3) In fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali recorded special charges of $88.9 million, principally related to the impairment of certain wafer fabrication assets and restructuring activities. In fiscal 1998 and 1999, Washington/Mexicali recorded special charges of $0.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively, primarily related to a workforce reduction. 93
SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, 1997 1998 1999 2000(1) 2001(1) 2001 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ------------ (IN THOUSANDS) BALANCE SHEET DATA: Working capital..................................... $ 40,529 $ 17,831 $ 55,374 $135,649 $ 60,540 $ 60,683 Total assets........................................ 155,982 203,313 291,909 501,553 314,287 311,084 Long-term liabilities............................... 1,549 2,063 3,335 3,767 3,806 3,772 Shareholder's net investment........................ 144,332 187,196 275,568 466,416 287,661 274,023 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations should be read together with the Combined Financial Statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. OVERVIEW The Washington Business is a worldwide leader in semiconductor products and systems for wireless communications applications. Its product portfolio is comprised of components, subsystems and system-level semiconductor solutions for wireless voice and data communications applications, supporting the world's most widely adopted wireless standards, including CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). Wireless communications product offerings of the Washington Business include power amplifier modules, radio frequency components and subsystems and cellular systems. The Washington Business operates a gallium arsenide semiconductor wafer fabrication facility in Newbury Park, California to meet a portion of its wafer requirements. The Washington Business has historically provided substantially all of Conexant's requirements for gallium arsenide wafers. Revenues from Conexant for these products totaled $9.6 million and $0.5 million for fiscal 2001 and the first quarter of fiscal 2002, respectively. The Mexicali operations consist of a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Mexicali, Mexico and related operations. The Mexicali operations have historically provided a substantial portion of the Washington Business's and Conexant's requirements for semiconductor assembly and test services. Revenues from Conexant for semiconductor assembly and test services totaled $35.3 million and $4.8 million for fiscal 2001 and the first quarter of fiscal 2002, respectively. Prior to the completion of the spin-off transaction, Conexant and Washington will enter into various agreements providing for the supply of gallium arsenide wafer fabrication and assembly and test services by the combined company to Conexant, initially at substantially the same volumes as historically obtained by Conexant from Washington/Mexicali. Conexant and Washington will also enter into agreements providing for the supply to the combined company of transition services by Conexant and silicon-based wafer fabrication services by the Newport foundry joint venture to which Conexant contributed its Newport Beach, California wafer fabrication facility. Historically, Washington/Mexicali has obtained a portion of its silicon-based semiconductors from the Newport Beach wafer fabrication facility and currently expects that it initially will obtain substantially the same volume under the Newport supply agreement as it historically obtained from Conexant. The wireless communications semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and is characterized by constant and rapid technological change, rapid product obsolescence and price erosion, evolving standards, short product life cycles and wide fluctuations in product supply and demand. The operating results of Washington/Mexicali have been, and may continue to be, negatively affected by substantial quarterly and annual fluctuations and market downturns due to a number of factors, such as changes in demand for end-user equipment, the timing of the receipt, reduction or cancellation of significant customer orders, the gain or loss of significant customers, market acceptance of Washington/Mexicali's products and its customers' products, Washington/Mexicali's ability to develop, introduce and market new products and technologies on a timely basis, availability and cost of products from suppliers, new product and technology introductions by competitors, changes in the mix of products produced and sold, intellectual property disputes, the timing and extent of product development costs and general economic conditions. In the past, average selling prices of established products have generally declined over time and this trend is expected to continue in the future. 94 On an ongoing basis, Washington/Mexicali reviews investment, alliance and acquisition prospects that would complement its existing product offerings, augment its market coverage or enhance its technological capabilities. During fiscal 2000, Conexant acquired Philsar Semiconductor Inc. for aggregate consideration of $110.0 million to accelerate Washington/Mexicali's development efforts and fill technology gaps in its product portfolio. Washington/Mexicali treated the Philsar acquisition as a purchase for financial accounting purposes and its results of operations reflect the operations of Philsar after the date of acquisition. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The Washington Business and the Mexicali operations are currently business units of Conexant. The Washington Business consists of Conexant's wireless communications business, including its Newbury Park gallium arsenide semiconductor wafer fabrication facility, but excluding certain assets and liabilities. The Mexicali operations include Conexant's Mexicali semiconductor assembly and test facility and certain related operations which Conexant will sell to the combined company immediately following the completion of the merger. For financial accounting purposes, the sale of the Mexicali operations by Conexant to the combined company will be treated as if Conexant had contributed the Mexicali operations to Washington as part of the spin-off transaction, and the $150 million purchase price will be treated as a return of capital to Conexant. The combined financial statements include the assets, liabilities, operating results and cash flows of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations, which together represent all of the businesses and assets which Alpha will acquire upon completion of the spin-off transaction, the merger and the Mexicali sale. The combined financial statements presented in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement have been prepared using Conexant's historical bases in the assets and liabilities and the historical operating results of Washington/Mexicali during each respective period. The combined financial statements include allocations of certain Conexant operating expenses for research and development and corporate functions. The operating expense allocations have been determined on bases that management considered to be reasonable reflections of the utilization of services provided to, or the benefit received by, Washington/Mexicali. The allocation methods include specific identification, activity-based analyses, relative revenues or costs, manufacturing capacity utilization and headcount. The combined financial information presented in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement is not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Washington/Mexicali in the future, nor is it necessarily indicative of what the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Washington/Mexicali would have been had it been an independent company for the periods presented. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires Washington/Mexicali to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Among the significant estimates affecting Washington/Mexicali's combined financial statements are those relating to allowances for doubtful accounts, inventories, long-lived assets, income taxes, warranties, restructuring costs and other contingencies. Washington/Mexicali regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions based upon historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. To the extent actual results differ from those estimates, Washington/Mexicali's future results of operations may be affected. Inventories -- Washington/Mexicali writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated 95 market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Impairment of long-lived assets -- Long-lived assets, including fixed assets, goodwill and intangible assets, are continually monitored and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such asset may not be recoverable. The determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition. The estimate of cash flows is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance. Washington/Mexicali's estimates of undiscounted cash flows may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, technological changes, economic conditions, changes to its business model or changes in its operating performance. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value, Washington/ Mexicali recognizes an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Deferred income taxes -- Washington/Mexicali has provided a full valuation reserve related to its substantial deferred tax assets. If sufficient evidence of Washington/Mexicali's ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions becomes apparent, Washington/Mexicali may be required to reduce its valuation allowances, resulting in income tax benefits in Washington/Mexicali's statement of operations. Management of Washington/Mexicali evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and assesses the need for a valuation allowance quarterly. Warranties -- Reserves for estimated product warranty costs are provided at the time revenue is recognized. Although Washington/Mexicali engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, its warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and costs incurred to rework or replace defective product. Should actual product failure rates or costs differ from estimates, additional warranty reserves could be required, which could reduce Washington/Mexicali's gross margins. Allowance for doubtful accounts -- Washington/Mexicali maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of Washington/Mexicali's customers were to deteriorate, its actual losses may exceed its estimates, and additional allowances would be required. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RECENT DEVELOPMENTS During fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali -- like many of its customers and competitors -- was adversely impacted by a broad slowdown affecting the wireless communications sector, including most of the end-markets for its products. Washington/Mexicali's net revenues for fiscal 2001 reflected deterioration in the digital cellular handset market resulting from excess channel inventories due to a slowdown in demand for mobile phones and a slower transition to next-generation phones. The effect of weakened end-customer demand was compounded by higher than normal levels of component inventories among manufacturer, subcontractor and distributor customers. The overall slowdown in the wireless communications markets also impacted Washington/Mexicali's gross margins and operating income. Cost of goods sold for fiscal 2001 was adversely affected by the significant underutilization of manufacturing capacity. Cost of goods sold for fiscal 2001 also reflects $58.7 million of inventory write-downs across Washington/Mexicali's product portfolio resulting from the sharply reduced end-customer demand for digital cellular handsets. In the first quarter of fiscal 2002, Washington/Mexicali's revenues from product sales to third parties increased over 50% sequentially from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, its second consecutive quarter of sequential revenue growth, as a result of renewed demand for its wireless product portfolio. The increased demand is partially due to improvement in the level of excess channel inventories that had adversely affected the digital cellular handset markets during fiscal 2001. 96 EXPENSE REDUCTION AND RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVES In fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali implemented a number of expense reduction and restructuring initiatives to more closely align its cost structure with the then-current business environment. The cost reduction initiatives included workforce reductions, temporary shutdowns of manufacturing facilities and significant reductions in capital spending. Through involuntary severance programs and attrition, Washington/Mexicali reduced its workforce in fiscal 2001 by approximately 800 employees (principally in its manufacturing operations), a 22% reduction from January 2001 levels. In addition, Washington/Mexicali periodically idled its Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility and, for a portion of fiscal 2001, implemented a reduced work week at its Mexicali facility. Washington/Mexicali recorded restructuring charges of $2.7 million in fiscal 2001 related to the workforce reductions completed through September 30, 2001. The restructuring initiatives and other expense reduction actions resulted in a quarterly reduction of operating expenses of approximately $4.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 as compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2001. ASSET IMPAIRMENTS During fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali management determined that the value of the Newbury Park wafer fabrication assets was impaired as a result of then-current and projected business conditions. Accordingly, Washington/Mexicali recorded an impairment charge of $86.2 million to write down the carrying value of the wafer fabrication assets to their estimated fair value. THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 2001 The following table sets forth the results of operations of Washington/Mexicali expressed as a percentage of net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2000 and 2001: 97
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------ 2000 2001 ------ ------ Net revenues................................................ 100.0% 100.0% Cost of goods sold.......................................... 108.2 83.0 ----- ----- Gross margin................................................ (8.2) 17.0 Operating expenses: Research and development.................................. 31.5 34.3 Selling, general and administrative....................... 18.7 11.3 Amortization of intangible assets......................... 4.4 4.2 ----- ----- Total operating expenses............................... 54.6 49.8 ----- ----- Operating loss.............................................. (62.8) (32.8) Other income, net........................................... -- -- ----- ----- Loss before income taxes.................................... (62.8) (32.8) Provision for income taxes.................................. 0.3 3.8 ----- ----- Net loss.................................................... (63.1)% (36.6)% ===== ===== NET REVENUES The Washington Business markets and sells its semiconductor products and system solutions to leading OEMs of communication electronics products, third-party original design manufacturers, or ODMs, and contract manufacturers and indirectly through electronic components distributors. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Nokia Corporation accounted for 48% and 11%, respectively, of net revenues from third parties for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 and sales to the Washington Business's top 10 customers accounted for 95% of net revenues from third parties for the period. Revenues derived from customers located in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe/Middle East/Africa regions were 4%, 92% and 4%, respectively, of net revenues from third parties for the first quarter of fiscal 2002. Washington/Mexicali generally recognizes revenues from product sales directly to its customers and to certain distributors upon shipment and transfer of title. Provision for sales returns is made at the time of sale based on experience. An insignificant portion of product sales are made to electronic component distributors under agreements allowing for price protection and/or a right of return on unsold products. The recognition of revenue on sales to these distributors is deferred until the products are sold by the distributors. Revenues from product sales to third parties, which represented 94% of total net revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2002, increased 29% from the comparable period of fiscal 2001, principally reflecting increased sales of GSM products, including power amplifier modules and complete cellular systems. Washington/Mexicali also experienced increased demand for its power amplifier modules for CDMA and TDMA applications from a number of its key customers. Revenues from wafer fabrication and semiconductor assembly and test services provided to Conexant, which represented 6% of total revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2002, decreased 68% from the comparable period of fiscal 2001. The decrease principally reflects lower demand for assembly and test services from Conexant's Mindspeed Technologies and broadband access businesses due to the broad slowdown affecting most of the communications electronics end-markets for Conexant's products. GROSS MARGIN
THREE MONTHS ENDED ------------------------------------ DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------ ------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) Net revenues: Third parties..................................... $68.5 29% $88.4 Conexant.......................................... 17.0 (68)% 5.4 ----- --- ----- $85.5 $93.8 ===== ===== Gross margin represents net revenues less cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold consists primarily of purchased materials, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with product manufacturing, royalty and other intellectual property costs, warranties and sustaining engineering expenses pertaining to 98
THREE MONTHS ENDED ------------------------------------ DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------ ------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) Gross margin: Third parties..................................... $(7.8) nm $15.7 Percent of net revenues from third parties........ (11)% 18% Conexant.......................................... $ 0.7 (62)% $ 0.3 Percent of net revenues from Conexant............. 4% 5% - --------------- nm = not meaningful products sold. In the past, Washington/Mexicali purchased a portion of its requirements for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor, or CMOS, wafers from Conexant at Conexant's actual cost. In fiscal 2001 and the first quarter of fiscal 2002, approximately 46% and 35%, respectively, of cost of goods sold represented the value of products supplied by Conexant, which were charged to Washington/Mexicali at Conexant's actual cost. Because Washington/Mexicali and Conexant incur substantial fixed costs to maintain their own manufacturing facilities, in periods of lower utilization of these manufacturing facilities, unit costs have increased. Cost of goods sold also includes allocations from Conexant of manufacturing cost variances, process engineering and other manufacturing costs which are not included in the unit costs of Washington/ Mexicali inventories but are expensed as incurred. The improvement in gross margin from third party sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2002, compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2001, reflects increased revenues, improved utilization of Washington/ Mexicali's manufacturing facilities and a decrease in depreciation expense of approximately $3.5 million that resulted from the write-down of the Newbury Park wafer fabrication assets in the third quarter of fiscal 2001. Although recent revenue growth has increased the level of utilization of Washington/ Mexicali's manufacturing facilities, these facilities continue to operate below optimal capacity and underutilization continues to adversely affect Washington/Mexicali's unit cost of goods sold and gross margin. Gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 was also adversely impacted by additional warranty costs of $14.0 million. The additional warranty costs were the result of an agreement with a major customer for the reimbursement of costs the customer incurred in connection with the failure of a product when used in a certain adverse environment. Although Washington/Mexicali developed and sold the product to the customer pursuant to mutually agreed-upon specifications, the product experienced unusual failures when used in an environment in which the product had not been previously tested. The product has since been modified and no additional costs are expected to be incurred in connection with this issue. Gross margin for the fiscal 2002 period benefitted by approximately $7.5 million as a result of the sale of inventories having a historical cost of $7.5 million that were written down to a zero cost basis during fiscal year 2001; such sales resulted from sharply increased demand beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 that was not anticipated at the time of the write-downs. Excluding the effect of the additional warranty cost and the sale of the zero-cost basis inventories, gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 was approximately $22.2 million, or 25% of net revenues from third parties. Gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2001 was adversely affected by inventory write-downs of approximately $5.7 million. The inventory write-downs recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2001 resulted from the sharply reduced end-customer demand Washington/Mexicali experienced, primarily associated with its radio frequency components, as a result of the rapidly changing demand environment for digital cellular handsets during that period. As a result of these market conditions, Washington/Mexicali experienced a significant number of order cancellations and a decline in the volume of new orders, beginning in the fiscal 2001 first quarter and becoming more pronounced in the second quarter. Due to the relatively weak global market for cellular handsets, in the second quarter of fiscal 2001 the Washington Business's revenues from third parties decreased 32% compared with the immediately preceding quarter. Washington/Mexicali assesses the recoverability of inventories through an on-going review of inventory levels in relation to sales backlog and forecasts, product marketing plans and product life cycles. When the inventory on hand exceeds the foreseeable demand, Washington/Mexicali writes down the value of those inventories which, at the time of its review, it expects to be unable to sell. Washington/Mexicali sells its products to communications equipment OEMs that have designed its products into equipment such as cellular handsets. These design wins are gained through a lengthy sales cycle, which includes providing technical support to the OEM customer. Moreover, once a customer has designed a particular supplier's components into a cellular handset, substituting another supplier's components requires substantial design changes which involve significant cost, time, effort and risk. In the event of the loss of business from existing OEM customers, Washington/Mexicali may be unable to secure new customers for its existing products without first achieving new design wins. Consequently, when the quantities of inventory on hand exceed forecasted demand from existing OEM customers into whose products 99 Washington/Mexicali's products have been designed, Washington/Mexicali generally will be unable to sell its excess inventories to others, and the net realizable value of such inventories is generally estimated to be zero. The amount of the write-down is the excess of historical cost over estimated realizable value (generally zero). Once established, these write-downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of the excess inventory. Through December 31, 2001, Washington/Mexicali scrapped inventories having an original cost of approximately $34.5 million and sold an additional $12.0 million of inventories previously written down to a zero cost basis. As of December 31, 2001, Washington/Mexicali continued to hold inventories with an original cost of approximately $12.2 million which were previously written down to a zero cost basis. Washington/Mexicali currently intends to hold these remaining inventories and will sell these inventories if it experiences renewed demand for these products. While there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so, if Washington/Mexicali is able to sell a portion of the inventories which are carried at zero cost basis, its gross margins will be favorably affected. As a result of sharply increased demand beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 that was not anticipated at the time of the writedowns, subsequent to December 31, 2001, Washington/Mexicali sold to OEM customers inventories having an original cost of $1.2 million which had been written down to a zero cost basis in fiscal 2001. To the extent that Washington/Mexicali does not experience renewed demand for the remaining inventories, they will be scrapped as they become obsolete. Washington/Mexicali bases its assessment of the recoverability of its inventories, and the amounts of any write-downs, on currently available information and assumptions about future demand (generally over six months) and market conditions. Demand for Washington/Mexicali's products may fluctuate significantly over time, and actual demand and market conditions may be more or less favorable than those projected by management. In the event that actual demand is lower than originally projected, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Under supply agreements to be entered into prior to completion of the spin-off transaction, the combined company will receive wafer fabrication, wafer probe and certain other services from the Newport foundry joint venture's Newport Beach, California wafer fabrication facility and the combined company will provide wafer fabrication, wafer probe, final test and other services to Conexant at the Newbury Park facility, in each case, for a three-year period after the merger. The combined company will also provide semiconductor assembly and test services to Conexant at the Mexicali facility. The price for the services under the agreements in the first year will be the actual cost of the services. In the second year the price will be the average of (1) the actual cost in the first year and (2) the market price (determined prior to the start of the second year) of the services. In the third year the price will be based on the market price of the services. During the term of the Newport supply agreement, Washington/Mexicali's unit cost of goods supplied by the Newport foundry joint venture will continue to be affected by the level of utilization of the Newport foundry joint venture's Newport Beach, California wafer fabrication facility and other factors outside Washington/Mexicali's control. In addition, Washington/Mexicali's costs will be affected by the extent of its use of outside foundries and the pricing it is able to obtain. During periods of high industry demand for wafer fabrication capacity, Washington/Mexicali may have to pay higher prices to secure wafer fabrication capacity. Washington/Mexicali has historically sold gallium arsenide semiconductors to Conexant at cost and has provided semiconductor assembly and test services to Conexant at approximately 5% over cost. Washington/Mexicali's overall gross margin on sales to Conexant has been approximately 5% of net revenues. 100 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Research and development expenses consist principally of direct personnel costs, costs for pre-production evaluation and testing of new devices and design and test tool costs. Research and development expenses also include allocated costs for shared research and development services provided by Conexant, principally in the areas of advanced semiconductor process development, design automation and advanced package development, for the benefit of several of Conexant's businesses. The increase in research and development expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to the similar period of fiscal 2001 primarily reflects the opening of a new design center in Le Mans, France and higher headcount and personnel-related costs. Subsequent to the first quarter of fiscal 2001, Washington/ Mexicali expanded its customer support engagements as well as development efforts targeted at components and full system solutions using the CDMA2000, GSM, General Packet Radio Services, or GPRS, and third-generation, or 3G, wireless standards in both the digital cellular handset and infrastructure markets. Under a transition services agreement to be entered into on or prior to completion of the spin-off transaction, Conexant will continue to perform various research and development services for the combined company at actual cost until December 31, 2002, unless the parties otherwise agree. To the extent Washington/Mexicali uses these services subsequent to the expiration of the specified term, the pricing is subject to negotiation. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------- 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------- ------ ------------- (IN MILLIONS) Research and development............................. $26.9 20% $32.2 Percent of net revenues.............................. 32% 34% Selling, general and administrative expenses include personnel costs, sales representative commissions, advertising and other marketing costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include allocated general and administrative expenses from Conexant for a variety of shared functions, including legal, accounting, treasury, human resources, real estate, information systems, customer service, sales, marketing, field application engineering and other corporate services. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2001 primarily reflects lower headcount and personnel-related costs resulting from the expense reduction and restructuring actions initiated during fiscal 2001 and lower provisions for uncollectible accounts receivable. The provision for uncollectible accounts receivable of $(1.2) million for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 resulted from collections experience more favorable than previously estimated; in the first quarter of fiscal 2001 the provision reflected an increase in past-due accounts which management estimated would ultimately be uncollectible. Under the transition services agreement, Conexant will continue to perform various services for Washington/Mexicali at actual cost until December 31, 2002, unless the parties otherwise agree. To the extent Washington/Mexicali uses these services subsequent to the expiration of the specified term, the pricing is subject to negotiation. In addition, until the combined company completes the integration of its previously separate operations, it will incur duplicative costs for certain functions. 101
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------- 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------- ------ ------------- (IN MILLIONS) Selling, general and administrative................ $16.0 (34)% $10.6 Percent of net revenues............................ 19% 11% AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS In connection with the fiscal 2000 acquisition of Philsar, Washington/Mexicali recorded an aggregate of $78.2 million of identified intangible assets and goodwill. These assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives (principally 5 years). The higher amortization expense in the fiscal 2002 first quarter primarily resulted from the additional consideration for the acquisition of Philsar paid by Conexant during fiscal 2001 upon the expiration of an indemnification period. The value of the additional consideration paid was added to the recorded amounts of goodwill and is being amortized over the remainder of the original estimated lives of the goodwill. Under the recently-issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which Washington/Mexicali will adopt in the first quarter of fiscal 2003, Washington/Mexicali will cease amortizing goodwill against its results of operations, reducing annual amortization expense by approximately $14 million. However, Washington/Mexicali will be required to evaluate goodwill at least annually for impairment, and to write down the value of goodwill -- with a charge against its results of operations -- when the recorded value of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value. OTHER INCOME, NET Other income, net is comprised primarily of interest income on invested cash balances, gains/losses on the sale of assets, foreign exchange gains/losses and other non-operating income and expense items. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES As a result of its history of operating losses and the expectation of future operating results, Washington/Mexicali determined that it is more likely than not that the income tax benefits which arose during the first quarters of fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2002 will not be realized. Consequently, no income tax benefit has been recognized relating to the operating loss for either period. As of December 31, 2001, Washington/Mexicali has established a valuation allowance of $219.6 million for the deferred tax assets (principally arising from net operating loss carryforwards) which currently are not expected to be realized through the reduction of future income tax payments. The net operating loss carryforwards and other tax benefits relating to the historical operations of Washington/Mexicali will be retained by Conexant in the spin-off transaction, and will not be available to be utilized in the separate tax returns of the combined company. The provision for income taxes for the first quarters of fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2002 consist of foreign income taxes incurred by foreign operations. Washington/Mexicali does not expect to recognize any income tax benefits relating to future operating losses until management determines that such benefits are more likely than not to be realized. 102
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------- 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------- ------ ------------- (IN MILLIONS) Amortization of intangible assets.................. $ 3.7 5% $ 3.9 YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 2000 AND 2001 The following table sets forth Washington/Mexicali's results of operations expressed as a percentage of net revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001: NET REVENUES
1999 2000 2001 ----- ----- ------ Net revenues............................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of goods sold......................................... 62.2 71.4 119.6 ----- ----- ------ Gross margin............................................... 37.8 28.6 (19.6) Operating expenses: Research and development................................. 30.7 24.2 42.6 Selling, general and administrative...................... 12.5 13.9 19.7 Amortization of intangible assets........................ -- 1.4 5.9 Special charges.......................................... 0.7 -- 34.1 Purchased in-process research and development............ -- 6.4 -- ----- ----- ------ Total operating expenses.............................. 43.9 45.9 102.3 ----- ----- ------ Operating loss............................................. (6.1) (17.3) (121.9) Other income (expense), net................................ -- -- 0.1 ----- ----- ------ Loss before income taxes................................... (6.1) (17.3) (121.8) Provision for income taxes................................. 0.8 0.3 0.7 ----- ----- ------ Net loss................................................... (6.9)% (17.6)% (122.5)% ===== ===== ====== Revenues from product sales to third parties for fiscal 2001 declined 31% from fiscal 2000, reflecting a steep decline in global demand for digital cellular handsets and the excess channel inventories among Washington/Mexicali's manufacturer, subcontractor and distributor customers. Net revenues from Washington/Mexicali's digital cellular components, subsystems and system-level products were also adversely affected by a slower transition to next-generation wireless phones. In addition, revenues from products for CDMA applications were adversely affected by the ongoing effects of lower subsidies of new digital cellular handsets. During fiscal 2000, the South Korean government imposed a ban on South Korean cellular service providers subsidizing new digital cellular handsets, which curtailed demand in the South Korean market for CDMA digital cellular handset production and attendant semiconductor component supply. While overall demand remained lower than fiscal 2000 levels throughout the year, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 Washington/Mexicali experienced strong sequential quarterly growth in its revenues, driven by increased sales volume across its product portfolio. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Nokia Corporation accounted for 44% and 12%, respectively, of net revenues from third parties for fiscal 2001 and sales to the Washington Business's top 10 customers accounted for 90% of net revenues from third parties for the period. Revenues derived from customers located in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe/Middle East/Africa regions were 11%, 77% and 12%, respectively, of net revenues from third parties for fiscal 2001. Revenues from wafer fabrication and semiconductor assembly and test services provided to Conexant for fiscal 2001 decreased 31% from fiscal 2000. The decrease principally reflects lower demand for assembly and test services from Conexant's Mindspeed Technologies and broadband access businesses due to the broad slowdown affecting most of the communications electronics end-markets for Conexant's products. 103
1999 CHANGE 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------- ------ ------------- ------ ------------- (IN MILLIONS) Net revenues: Third parties.............. $176.0 78% $313.0 (31)% $215.5 Conexant................... 40.4 62 65.4 (31) 45.0 ------ ------ ------ $216.4 $378.4 $260.5 ====== ====== ====== Revenues from product sales to third parties for fiscal 2000 grew 78% over fiscal 1999, driven by strong overall demand for digital cellular handsets worldwide. In fiscal 1999, Washington/Mexicali commenced efforts to expand its product offerings to include GSM products, which it believed presented a large total addressable market. Washington/Mexicali also considered entry into the GSM market necessary in preparation for eventual migration to 3G digital cellular systems that will incorporate both CDMA and GSM technologies. Washington/Mexicali derived significant revenue growth from the successful launch of its GSM product portfolio, including power amplifiers, radio frequency subsystems and full system solutions. While annual revenues from the CDMA product portfolio also increased, sales of these products declined during the second half of fiscal 2000 as a result of the South Korean government ban on subsidies of new digital cellular handsets by cellular service providers in the South Korean market. Revenues from wafer fabrication and semiconductor assembly and test services provided to Conexant for fiscal 2000 increased 62% from fiscal 1999. The increase principally reflects higher demand for assembly and test services from Conexant's Mindspeed Technologies and broadband access businesses due to the rapid sales growth experienced by those businesses during fiscal 2000. GROSS MARGIN Gross margin from third party sales for fiscal 2001 reflects the impact of the 31% decrease in revenues on a base of relatively fixed manufacturing support costs. Gross margin for fiscal 2001 was also adversely affected by the continued shift in revenue mix toward GSM products, which yielded lower margins as Washington/Mexicali sought to expand and strengthen its position in this highly-competitive market. In bringing its GSM product portfolio to market, Washington/Mexicali focused on high levels of integration and performance, rather than minimizing component cost, which affected its gross margin on sales of GSM products. Washington/Mexicali anticipates that gross margins for its subsystems and systems solutions will improve as Washington/Mexicali transitions to more highly-integrated solutions comprised of fewer separate components. Gross margin for fiscal 2001 was also adversely affected by aggregate inventory write downs of $58.7 million and a $14.0 million increase in warranty costs. The inventory writedowns were comprised of $5.7 million, $45.7 million and $7.3 million recorded in the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2001, respectively. The inventory write-downs resulted from the sharply reduced end-customer demand experienced in fiscal 2001, primarily for Washington/Mexicali's radio frequency components and power amplifier modules. As a result of these market conditions, Washington/Mexicali experienced a significant number of order cancellations and a decline in the volume of new orders during fiscal 2001, beginning in the fiscal 2001 first quarter and becoming more pronounced in the second quarter. Due to the relatively weak global market for cellular handsets, in the second quarter of fiscal 2001 the Washington Business's revenues from third parties decreased 32% compared with the immediately preceding quarter. Washington/Mexicali assesses the recoverability of inventories through an on-going review of inventory levels in relation to sales backlog and forecasts, product marketing plans and product life cycles. When the inventory on hand exceeds the forseeable demand, Washington/Mexicali writes down the value of those inventories which, at the time of its review, it expects to be unable to sell. Washington/Mexicali sells its products to communications equipment OEMs that have designed its products into equipment such as cellular handsets. These design wins are gained through a lengthy sales cycle, which includes providing technical support to the OEM customer. Moreover, once a customer has designed a particular supplier's components into a cellular handset, substituting another supplier's components requires substantial design changes which involve significant cost, time, effort and risk. In the event of the loss of business from existing OEM customers, Washington/Mexicali may be unable to secure new customers for 104
1999 CHANGE 2000 CHANGE 2001 ----- ------ ------ ------ ------ (IN MILLIONS) Gross margin Third parties.............................. $79.3 33% $105.5 (150)% $(53.2) Percent of net revenues from third parties................................. 45% 34% (25)% Conexant................................... $ 2.6 6% $ 2.7 (19)% $ 2.2 Percent of net revenues from Conexant...... 6% 4% 5% its existing products without first achieving new design wins. Consequently, when the quantities of inventory on hand exceed forecasted demand from existing OEM customers into whose products Washington/Mexicali's products have been designed, Washington/Mexicali generally will be unable to sell its excess inventories to others, and the net realizable value of such inventories is generally estimated to be zero. The amount of the write-down is the excess of historical cost over estimated realizable value(generally zero). Once established, these write-downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of the excess inventory. During fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali sold to OEM customers $4.5 million of the inventory that had previously been written down to a zero cost basis; such sales resulted from sharply increased demand beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 that was not anticipated at the time of the writedowns. Washington/Mexicali typically makes sales pursuant to individual purchase orders and not under long-term supply contracts with its customers. Customers may cancel orders prior to shipment. Washington/ Mexicali purchases and manufactures inventory based upon estimates of customer demand, which is difficult to predict. The inventories written down during fiscal 2001 principally consisted of power amplifiers and radio frequency subsystem components which, in many cases, Washington/Mexicali had purchased or manufactured to satisfy expected customer demand. Of the $58.7 million original cost amount of inventories written down to a zero cost basis in fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali scrapped approximately $34.5 million of obsolete inventories during the first quarter of fiscal 2002. As of December 31, 2001, Washington/Mexicali continued to hold inventories with an original cost of approximately $12.2 million which were previously written down to a zero cost basis. Washington/Mexicali currently intends to hold these remaining inventories and will sell these inventories if it experiences renewed demand for these products. While there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so, if Washington/Mexicali is able to sell a portion of the inventories which are carried at a zero cost basis, its gross margins will be favorably affected. As a result of sharply increased demand beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 that was not anticipated at the time of the writedowns, subsequent to December 31, 2001, Washington/Mexicali sold to OEM customers inventories having an original cost of $1.2 million which had been written down to a zero cost basis in fiscal 2001. To the extent that Washington/Mexicali does not experience renewed demand for the remaining inventories, they will be scrapped as they become obsolete. Washington/Mexicali bases its assessment of the recoverability of its inventories, and the amounts of any write-downs, on currently available information and assumptions about future demand (generally over six months) and market conditions. Demand for Washington/Mexicali's products may fluctuate significantly over time, and actual demand and market conditions may be more or less favorable than those projected by management. In the event that actual demand is lower than originally projected, additional inventory write-downs may be required. The gross margin from third party sales of 34% achieved in fiscal 2000 compared with 45% in fiscal 1999 principally reflects the beginning of Washington/Mexicali's revenue mix shift toward GSM products. The GSM product portfolio, and GSM components in particular, accounted for a significant portion of the increase in fiscal 2000 net revenues over fiscal 1999. Gross margins for fiscal 2000 also include higher allocated manufacturing costs from Conexant resulting from increased purchases of CMOS wafer fabrication and other services. Washington/Mexicali has historically sold gallium arsenide semiconductors to Conexant at cost and has provided semiconductor assembly and test services to Conexant at approximately 5% over cost. Consequently, Washington/Mexicali's overall gross margin on sales to Conexant is approximately 5% of net revenues. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 105
1999 CHANGE 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------- ------ ------------- ------ ------------- (IN MILLIONS) Research and development..... $66.5 38% $91.6 21% $111.1 Percent of net revenues...... 31% 24% 43% During fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali focused its research and development investment principally on wireless communications applications such as next generation power amplifiers, radio frequency subsystems and cellular systems. In particular, Washington/Mexicali has focused a significant amount of research and development resources in developing complete network protocol stacks and user interface software in support of its cellular systems initiative. The increase in research and development expenses for fiscal 2001 primarily reflects higher headcount and personnel-related costs to support Washington/ Mexicali's expanded development efforts and the accelerated launch of new products. The higher fiscal 2001 research and development expenses also include costs of approximately $5.6 million resulting from the acquisition of Philsar in fiscal 2000. The increase in research and development expenses for fiscal 2000 compared to fiscal 1999 primarily reflects higher headcount and personnel-related costs to support expanded research and development efforts and approximately $1.6 million of costs resulting from the acquisition of Philsar. Key product development efforts targeted were a dual-band GSM power amplifier multi-chip module and a Bluetooth(TM) radio frequency transceiver. Research and development efforts were also focused on the development of next-generation radio frequency solutions using silicon germanium process technologies. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2001 compared to fiscal 2000 reflects the favorable impact of the expense reduction and restructuring actions initiated during fiscal 2001 as well as a $4.0 million decrease in the provision for uncollectible accounts receivable. The lower provision for uncollectible accounts receivable resulted from collections experience more favorable than previously estimated and a 38% decrease in the balance of accounts receivable. These factors were largely offset by a $2.2 million increase in allocated costs for shared functions provided by Conexant in fiscal 2001 and the inclusion of the selling, general and administrative costs of Philsar (acquired in May 2000) for the entire fiscal year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2000 as compared to fiscal 1999 was due primarily to increased personnel and related costs resulting from the continued expansion of Washington/Mexicali's sales and marketing functions to support the sales growth experienced during fiscal 1999 and fiscal 2000. The increase also reflects higher sales representative commissions, driven by revenue growth, and the addition of approximately $1.1 million of selling, general and administrative costs associated with Philsar, which was acquired during fiscal 2000. Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2000 also included provisions of $3.5 million for accounts receivable from slow-paying customers which Washington/Mexicali expected to be uncollectible. In addition, allocated general and administrative costs for shared business support functions increased $13.8 million as a result of the continued development of Conexant's corporate infrastructure to support Conexant's and Washington/Mexicali's growth. AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS
1999 CHANGE 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------- ------ ------------- ------ ------------- (IN MILLIONS) Selling, general and administrative............. $27.2 93% $52.4 (2)% $51.3 Percent of net revenues...... 13% 14% 20% 106
1999 CHANGE 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------- ------ ------------- ------ ------------- (IN MILLIONS) Amortization of intangible assets......................... $ -- nm $ 5.3 nm $ 15.3 Percent of net revenues.......... -- 1% 6% - --------------- nm = not meaningful In connection with the fiscal 2000 acquisition of Philsar, Washington/Mexicali recorded an aggregate of $78.2 million of identified intangible assets and goodwill. These assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives (principally 5 years). The increase in amortization expense in fiscal 2001 compared with fiscal 2000 reflects the inclusion of Philsar in the Washington/Mexicali results of operations for the entire fiscal year. SPECIAL CHARGES Special charges consist of the following: Asset Impairments. During the third quarter of fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali recorded an $86.2 million charge for the impairment of the manufacturing facility and related wafer fabrication machinery and equipment at the Washington Business's Newbury Park facility. This impairment charge was based on a recoverability analysis prepared by management as a result of the dramatic downturn in the market for wireless communications products and the related impact on the then-current and projected business outlook of the Washington Business. Through the third quarter of fiscal 2001, the Washington Business experienced a severe decline in factory utilization at the Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility and decreasing revenues, backlog and new order volume. Management believed these factors, together with its decision to significantly reduce future capital expenditures for advanced process technologies and capacity beyond the then-current levels, indicated that the value of the Newbury Park facility may be impaired and that an impairment analysis should be performed. In performing the analysis for recoverability, management estimated the future cash flows expected to result from the manufacturing activities at the Newbury Park facility over a ten-year period. The estimated future cash flows were based on modest volume increases consistent with management's view of the outlook for the industry, partially offset by declining average selling prices. The declines in average selling prices are consistent with historical trends and management's decision to focus on existing products based on the current technology. Since the estimated undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying value (approximately $106 million based on historical cost) of the related assets, it was concluded that an impairment loss should be recognized. The impairment charge was determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the related assets to their carrying value. The fair value of the assets was determined by computing the present value of the estimated future cash flows using a discount rate of 30%, which management believed was commensurate with the underlying risks associated with the projected cash flows. Washington/Mexicali believes the assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model represented a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the assets. The write-down established a new cost basis for the impaired assets and will reduce annual depreciation expense for fiscal 2002 by approximately $14 million. Restructuring Charges. Through involuntary severance programs and attrition, Washington/Mexicali reduced its workforce by approximately 800 employees (principally in its manufacturing operations), a 22% reduction from January 2001 levels. In addition to the workforce reductions, Washington/Mexicali periodically idled its Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility and, for a portion of fiscal 2001, implemented a reduced work week at its Mexicali semiconductor assembly and test facility. Washington/Mexicali recorded restructuring charges of $2.7 million for the workforce reductions completed through fiscal 2001, based upon estimates of the cost of severance benefits for the approximately 250 affected employees. Substantially all amounts accrued for these actions are expected to be paid within one year. Cash payments to complete the restructuring actions will be funded from available cash reserves and funds from operations, and are not expected to significantly impact Washington/Mexicali's liquidity. 107
1999 CHANGE 2000 CHANGE 2001 ------------- ------ ------------- ------ ------------- (IN MILLIONS) Asset impairments................ $ -- nm $ -- nm $86.2 Restructuring charges............ 1.4 nm -- nm 2.7 ----- ----- ----- $ 1.4 $ -- $88.9 ===== ===== ===== - --------------- nm = not meaningful Activity and liability balances related to the fiscal 2001 restructuring actions are as follows (in thousands): The fiscal 2001 restructuring initiatives and other expense reduction actions resulted in a quarterly reduction of operating expenses of approximately $4.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 as compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2001. In fiscal 1999, Washington/Mexicali recorded additional restructuring charges of $1.4 million to complete a workforce reduction which was commenced in 1998. The fiscal 1999 restructuring charges primarily relate to costs of a voluntary early retirement program for employees who elected early retirement during fiscal 1999. PURCHASED IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT In connection with the fiscal 2000 acquisition of Philsar, Washington/Mexicali recorded a $24.4 million charge for the fair value of purchased in-process research and development, or IPRD. The following table summarizes the significant assumptions underlying the valuations of the Philsar in-process research and development at the time of the acquisition.
Charged to costs and expenses............................... $2,667 Cash payments............................................... (1,943) ------ Restructuring balance, September 30, 2001................... 724 Cash payments............................................... (461) ------ Restructuring balance, December 31, 2001.................... $ 263 ====== Washington/Mexicali believes the discount rate applied to the in-process research and development projects reflects the specific risks associated with the projects. Washington/Mexicali is responsible for the amounts determined for in-process research and development and believes the amounts are representative of fair values and do not exceed the amounts an independent party would pay for these projects at the date of acquisition. Three in-process research and development projects, representing 75% of the value assigned to in-process research and development, were directed toward the development of Bluetooth(TM) radio frequency transceivers. These projects ranged from 62% to 78% complete and averaged approximately 72% complete. In fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali completed two of these projects. The third project was suspended to permit development resources to be directed to projects which Washington/Mexicali believed were better aligned with expected future demand. The product resulting from the acquired transceiver projects and Washington/Mexicali's subsequent development efforts is a portfolio of 2.4 GHz frequency-hopping spread spectrum radio frequency transceivers optimized for use in Bluetooth-enabled systems. To date, Washington/Mexicali has not derived any revenues from these products. Washington/Mexicali believes major communications electronics OEMs have been slow to incorporate Bluetooth short-range wireless connectivity into their products. This trend, combined with the broad slowdown that has affected the wireless communications sector, has led to slower than anticipated growth in demand for Bluetooth-enabled systems. However, Washington/Mexicali believes its transceivers are particularly well-suited for use in devices such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants that require extended battery life and small size and is actively pursuing design wins with communications electronics OEMs. In the event that Bluetooth-enabled systems in general, and Washington/Mexicali's products in particular, do not gain acceptance, Washington/ Mexicali's return on its investment in Philsar will be adversely affected. The remaining two in-process research and development projects, directed toward the development of a Bluetooth baseband controller and an integrated Bluetooth single-chip solution, represented 4% and 21%, respectively, of the value assigned to in-process research and development. During fiscal 2000, 108
ESTIMATED COSTS WEIGHTED DATE TO COMPLETE DISCOUNT RATE AVERAGE COST OF ACQUIRED IPRD PROJECTS APPLIED TO IPRD CAPITAL -------- ----- --------------- --------------- --------------- (IN MILLIONS) Philsar................. May 2000 $24.4 $5.4 30% 20% Washington/Mexicali transferred these development efforts to Conexant. In the spin-off transaction and the merger, Conexant will retain all rights to the Bluetooth baseband controller and the single-chip solution technology which it has developed or derived from the acquired in-process research and development projects. Consequently, Washington/Mexicali does not expect to derive any revenues from these projects. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes for fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 consists of foreign income taxes incurred by foreign operations. As a result of its history of operating losses and the expectation of future operating results, Washington/Mexicali determined that it is more likely than not that the income tax benefits which arose during fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 will not be realized. Consequently, no income tax benefit has been recognized relating to the operating losses for these periods. As of September 30, 2001, Washington/Mexicali has established a valuation allowance of $207.3 million for the deferred tax assets (principally arising from net operating loss carryforwards) which currently are not expected to be realized through the reduction of future income tax payments. The net operating loss carryforwards and other tax benefits relating to the historical operations of Washington/Mexicali will be retained by Conexant in the spin-off transaction, and will not be available to be utilized in the separate tax returns of the combined company. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table presents Washington/Mexicali's combined operating results for each of the nine fiscal quarters in the period ended December 31, 2001. The information for each of these quarters is derived from unaudited combined interim financial statements that have been prepared on the same basis as the audited combined financial statements of Washington/Mexicali included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. In the opinion of Washington/Mexicali management, all necessary adjustments, which consist only of normal and recurring accruals as well as inventory write-downs, special charges and the write-off of purchased in-process research and development, have been included to fairly present the unaudited quarterly results. This data should be read together with the Combined Financial Statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. 109
THREE MONTHS ENDED ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, 1999 2000 2000 2000 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------- (IN THOUSANDS) Net revenues: Third parties............. $75,470 $82,098 $ 78,494 $ 76,921 $ 68,518 $ 46,583 $ 42,310 $ 58,091 $ 88,404 Conexant.................. 15,875 16,760 15,393 17,405 16,978 10,920 8,735 8,316 5,356 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Total net revenues........... 91,345 98,858 93,887 94,326 85,496 57,503 51,045 66,407 93,760 Cost of goods sold: Third parties............. 42,970 50,696 51,917 61,867 76,272 93,577 55,137 43,763 72,729 Conexant.................. 15,080 16,023 14,712 16,905 16,244 10,352 8,322 7,836 5,077 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Total cost of goods sold............... 58,050 66,719 66,629 78,772 92,516 103,929 63,459 51,599 77,806 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Gross margin............... 33,295 32,139 27,258 15,554 (7,020) (46,426) (12,414) 14,808 15,954 Operating expenses: Research and development............. 20,058 22,324 23,998 25,236 26,918 29,465 26,571 28,099 32,181 Selling, general and administrative.......... 11,367 11,375 11,874 17,806 16,013 18,075 12,681 4,498 10,636 Amortization of intangible assets.................. -- -- 1,304 4,023 3,737 3,807 3,808 3,915 3,937 Special charges(1)........ -- -- -- -- -- 1,846 86,627 403 -- Purchased in-process research and development............. -- -- 24,362 -- -- -- -- -- -- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Total operating expenses........... 31,425 33,699 61,538 47,065 46,668 53,193 129,687 36,915 46,754 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Operating income (loss).... 1,870 (1,560) (34,280) (31,511) (53,688) (99,619) (142,101) (22,107) (30,800) Other income (expense), net....................... 33 34 18 57 (11) 63 23 135 52 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Income (loss) before income taxes..................... 1,903 (1,526) (34,262) (31,454) (53,699) (99,556) (142,078) (21,972) (30,748) Provision (benefit) for income taxes.............. 870 852 153 (735) 265 604 347 403 3,549 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Net income (loss).......... $ 1,033 $(2,378) $(34,415) $(30,719) $(53,964) $(100,160) $(142,425) $(22,375) $(34,297) ======= ======= ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ======== ======== - --------------- (1) Special charges are comprised of the impairment of certain wafer fabrication assets aggregating $86.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2001 and other restructuring activities for the periods presented. Washington/Mexicali's quarterly revenues increased through the second quarter of fiscal 2000, but commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 2000 quarterly revenues declined as a result of reduced global demand for digital cellular handsets. The decline in quarterly revenues, together with lower utilization of Washington/Mexicali's and Conexant's manufacturing facilities and the inventory write-downs caused a deterioration in gross margins as a percentage of net revenues. Research and development expenses generally increased through the quarterly periods presented, reflecting Washington/Mexicali's sustained investment in product development. Quarterly selling, general and administrative expenses generally increased, but declined beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 as a result of the cost reduction initiatives. Operating expenses (both research and development and selling, general and administrative) increased as a percentage of net revenues through the third quarter of fiscal 2001 primarily as a result of the decline in net revenues. In the third quarter of fiscal 2000, Washington/Mexicali recorded the in-process research and development charge and commenced amortization of intangible assets upon completion of Conexant's acquisition of Philsar. Washington/Mexicali did not recognize any tax benefit relating to its operating losses in any of the quarters presented; the provision for income taxes for each quarter consisted of foreign income taxes incurred by foreign operations. The historical quarterly financial information set forth above presents the results of operations of Washington/Mexicali while it was part of Conexant. The historical quarterly results of operations are not necessarily indicative of Washington/Mexicali's future performance and do not reflect the results Washington/Mexicali would have achieved had it been an independent company during the periods presented. In the past, Washington/Mexicali's quarterly operating results have fluctuated due to a number of factors, many of which are outside Washington/Mexicali's control. These include changes in the overall demand for digital cellular handsets, changes in product mix, the timing of new product introductions, the timing of receipt, reduction or cancellation of significant orders by customers, and other factors that have had a significant impact on Washington/Mexicali's revenues and gross margins. In addition, the level of utilization of Washington/Mexicali's and Conexant's wafer fabrication and assembly and test facilities has affected Washington/Mexicali's gross margins. Significant quarterly fluctuations in results of operations have also caused significant fluctuations in Washington/Mexicali's liquidity and working capital, including its cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and inventories. 110
THREE MONTHS ENDED ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, 1999 2000 2000 2000 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------- AS A PERCENTAGE OF NET REVENUES: Net revenues............... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of goods sold......... 63.6 67.5 71.0 83.5 108.2 180.7 124.3 77.7 83.0 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Gross margin............... 36.4 32.5 29.0 16.5 (8.2) (80.7) (24.3) 22.3 17.0 Operating expenses: Research and development............. 22.0 22.6 25.6 26.8 31.5 51.2 52.1 42.3 34.3 Selling, general and administrative.......... 12.4 11.5 12.6 18.8 18.7 31.5 24.8 6.8 11.3 Amortization of intangible assets.................. -- -- 1.4 4.3 4.4 6.6 7.5 5.9 4.2 Special charges(1)........ -- -- -- -- -- 3.2 169.7 0.6 -- Purchased in-process research and development............. -- -- 25.9 -- -- -- -- -- -- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Total operating expenses........... 34.4 34.1 65.5 49.9 54.6 92.5 254.1 55.6 49.8 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Operating income (loss).... 2.0 (1.6) (36.5) (33.4) (62.8) (173.2) (278.4) (33.3) (32.8) Other income (expense), net....................... 0.1 0.1 -- 0.1 -- 0.1 0.1 0.2 -- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Income (loss) before income taxes..................... 2.1 (1.5) (36.5) (33.3) (62.8) (173.1) (278.3) (33.1) (32.8) Provision (benefit) for income taxes.............. 1.0 0.9 0.2 (0.7) 0.3 1.1 0.7 0.6 3.8 ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Net income (loss).......... 1.1% (2.4)% (36.7)% (32.6)% (63.1)% (174.2)% (279.0)% (33.7)% (36.6)% ======= ======= ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ======== ======== LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Historically, Conexant has managed cash on a centralized basis. Cash receipts associated with Washington/Mexicali's business were generally collected by Conexant, and Conexant generally made disbursements on behalf of Washington/Mexicali. Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001 totaled $2.0 million and $4.7 million, respectively, representing cash balances held by foreign operations. Working capital at December 31, 2001 was approximately $60.7 million compared to $60.5 million at September 30, 2001. In connection with the spin-off transaction, Conexant will transfer to Washington the assets and liabilities which relate to the Washington Business, except for the Washington Business's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and certain other assets and liabilities which Conexant will retain. Cash used in operating activities was $16.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2002, compared to cash used in operating activities of $31.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2001. Operating cash flows for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 reflect a net loss of $34.3 million, offset by non-cash charges (depreciation and amortization, special charges and other) of $14.8 million and a net decrease in the non-cash components of working capital of approximately $3.2 million. Before the effect of the working capital changes, cash used in operating activities was $19.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to $28.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2001. The first quarter fiscal 2002 working capital decreases include a $12.0 million increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. These working capital decreases were partially offset by a $5.7 million increase in net inventories, a $1.6 million increase in net receivables, a $1.5 million reduction of accounts payable, and other working capital changes. Cash used in investing activities consisted of capital expenditures of $1.6 million and $18.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively. The capital expenditures for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 reflect a significant reduction from annual capital expenditures of $51.1 million in fiscal 2001, a key component of the cost reduction initiatives implemented by Washington/Mexicali in fiscal 2001. Cash provided by financing activities consisted of net transfers from Conexant of $20.6 million and $55.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively. Cash used in operating activities was $89.4 million for fiscal 2001, compared to cash used in operating activities of $53.8 million for fiscal 2000 and $7.1 million for fiscal 1999. Fiscal 2001 operating cash flows reflect a net loss of $318.9 million, offset by non-cash charges (depreciation and amortization, special charges and other) of $220.8 million, and a net decrease in the non-cash components of working capital of $8.7 million. Before the effect of working capital changes, cash used in operating activities was $98.1 million for fiscal 2001, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $31.6 million for fiscal 2000 and $30.4 million for fiscal 1999. The fiscal 2001 working capital decreases include a $27.3 million decrease in net receivables, principally due to lower quarterly sales. These working capital decreases were partially offset by a $8.4 million increase in net inventories, a $8.6 million reduction of current liabilities resulting from lower materials purchases and decreased capital spending, and other working capital changes. Cash used in investing activities consisted of capital expenditures of $51.1 million in fiscal 2001, $100.4 million in fiscal 2000 and $94.3 million in fiscal 1999. In fiscal 2000, the capital expenditures were partially offset by the cash balance of an acquired business of $7.7 million. During fiscal years 1998 through 2001, Washington/Mexicali made a series of capital investments which increased the capacity of its Newbury Park gallium arsenide wafer fabrication facility. Washington/ Mexicali made these investments to support then-current and anticipated future growth in sales of its wireless communications products, such as power amplifiers, that use the gallium arsenide process. During the same period, Washington/Mexicali made a series of capital investments at the Mexicali facility to expand its integrated circuit assembly capacity, including the addition of assembly lines using surface 111 mount technology processes for the production of multi-chip modules, which the Mexicali facility principally produces for the Washington Business. The capital investments also increased the Mexicali facility's test capacity, including radio frequency capable equipment for testing wireless communications products. Washington/Mexicali invested in the Mexicali facility to support then-current and anticipated future growth in sales of its wireless communications products and to support increasing demand for assembly and test services from Conexant. Capital investments for the Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility totaled $35.5 million, $27.3 million and $0.2 million during fiscal 2000, fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, respectively. A significant portion of the fiscal 2001 capital investments were made to continue or complete capital investment programs that Washington/Mexicali had initiated during fiscal 2000. During the second quarter of fiscal 2001, in response to the broad slowdown affecting the wireless communications sector, including Conexant and the Washington Business, Washington/Mexicali sharply curtailed its capital expenditure programs. Cash provided by financing activities consisted of net transfers from Conexant of $138.3 million in fiscal 2001, $148.7 million in fiscal 2000 and $103.5 million in fiscal 1999. Ongoing changes in end-user demand and fluctuations in the levels of channel inventories have reduced visibility into future demand and Washington/Mexicali expects that these and other factors will continue to affect its revenues in fiscal 2002. Washington/Mexicali also believes that ongoing underutilization of its manufacturing capacity will adversely affect its gross margin and operating profit. Consequently, Washington/Mexicali anticipates that it will continue to experience negative cash flows from operations in the near term. Historically, Washington/Mexicali has relied on funding from Conexant together with cash generated from operations to fund its operations, research and development efforts and capital expenditures. Although reduced capital expenditures are a key component of the cost reduction initiatives, a focused program of capital expenditures will be required to sustain Washington/Mexicali's current manufacturing capabilities, including its specialty-process wafer fabrication facilities. Washington/Mexicali may also consider acquisition opportunities to extend its technology portfolio and design expertise and to expand its product offerings. Following the spin-off transaction and the merger, Washington/Mexicali will be dependent on the combined company to provide the capital resources needed to fund its operations, research and development efforts and capital expenditures and to increase its working capital or complete any acquisitions. There can be no assurance that the combined company will be able to provide the necessary capital resources to Washington/Mexicali. For example, it is expected that the combined company will be required to raise capital to satisfy its working capital needs after the merger and to repay the short-term note delivered to Conexant in payment of the purchase price owed to Conexant under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement and the U.S. asset purchase agreement. The combined company will likely seek to raise capital through a public or private offering of equity, debt or some combination thereof within six months after the closing of the Mexicali transaction. See "The Mexicali Sale". Moreover, under the terms of the short-term note, the combined company must use 100% of the proceeds from asset sales or other dispositions of property by the combined company or from the issuance of debt or equity to prepay the amount outstanding under the note until paid in full. In addition, the combined company may be limited in the amount of stock that it can issue to raise additional capital in the two years subsequent to the merger because of the change in control limitation imposed by Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. See "Risk Factors -- The combined company may be affected by significant restrictions with respect to issuance of its equity securities for two years after the spin-off transaction". QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Washington/Mexicali's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents. Washington/ Mexicali's main investment objectives are the preservation of investment capital and the maximization of 112 after-tax returns on its investment portfolio. Consequently, Washington/Mexicali invests with only high-credit-quality issuers and limits the amount of its credit exposure to any one issuer. Washington/Mexicali's cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these instruments. As of December 31, 2001, the carrying value of Washington/ Mexicali's cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. Washington/Mexicali does not expect that changes in foreign currency exchange rates will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations, as the majority of its revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars. When exposures to foreign exchange risk arise, Washington/Mexicali may use hedging strategies, including foreign currency forward exchange contracts, to manage its foreign exchange risk. As of December 31, 2001, Washington/Mexicali had no obligations under any forward exchange contracts. Washington/Mexicali limits its use of derivative financial instruments to specific risk management strategies. Washington/Mexicali does not use derivative instruments for speculative or investment purposes. IMPACT OF RECENTLY-ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". SFAS 141 requires that all business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method and provides new criteria for recording intangible assets separately from goodwill. Existing goodwill and intangible assets will be evaluated against these new criteria, which may result in certain intangible assets being subsumed into goodwill. SFAS 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives will not be amortized into results of operations, but instead will be evaluated at least annually for impairment and written down when the recorded value exceeds the estimated fair value. Washington/Mexicali will adopt the provisions of each statement that apply to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to June 30, 2001 as of the beginning of fiscal 2003. However, SFAS 142 is immediately applicable to any goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. Upon adoption, Washington/Mexicali will cease amortizing goodwill against its results of operations, reducing annual amortization expense by approximately $14 million. Washington/Mexicali is evaluating the full impact of adopting the new standards. In addition, impairment reviews may result in charges against earnings to write down the value of goodwill. In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", which supersedes previous guidance on financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and for segments of a business to be disposed of. Adoption of SFAS 144 is required no later than the beginning of fiscal 2003. Management does not expect the adoption of SFAS 144 to have a significant impact on the combined financial position or results of operations of Washington/Mexicali. However, future impairment reviews may result in charges against earnings to write down the value of long-lived assets. 113 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS The following Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information for the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations gives effect to the spin-off transaction as if it had occurred on December 31, 2001. The Washington/Mexicali historical financial information set forth below has been derived from the unaudited combined financial statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. In the spin-off transaction, Conexant will retain certain assets and liabilities of Washington/Mexicali. Pro forma adjustments to reflect the retention of these assets and liabilities are included in the following Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet. The retention of these assets and liabilities will have no pro forma effect on the Washington/Mexicali combined statements of operations and, therefore, no pro forma adjustments are made to the Washington/Mexicali historical combined statements of operations to give effect to the spin-off transaction. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations" and the Combined Financial Statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial position of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations had the spin-off transaction occurred on the date specified, nor is it necessarily indicative of the combined financial position that may be expected in the future. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31, 2001 114
ADJUSTMENTS HISTORICAL FOR THE PRO FORMA WASHINGTON/ SPIN-OFF WASHINGTON/ MEXICALI TRANSACTION MEXICALI ----------- ----------- ----------- (IN THOUSANDS) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents............................ $ 4,747 $ (4,747)(1) $ -- Receivables, net..................................... 43,565 (43,565)(1) -- Inventories.......................................... 43,030 -- 43,030 Other current assets................................. 2,630 (1,140)(1) 1,490 -------- --------- -------- Total current assets......................... 93,972 (49,452) 44,520 Property, plant and equipment, net..................... 159,195 -- 159,195 Goodwill and intangible assets, net.................... 53,669 -- 53,669 Other assets........................................... 4,248 (272)(1) 3,976 -------- --------- -------- Total assets................................. $311,084 $ (49,724) $261,360 ======== ========= ======== NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET Pro forma adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2001 are as follows: (1) In the spin-off transaction, Conexant will retain certain assets and liabilities of Washington/Mexicali. The assets include cash and cash equivalents, receivables and certain other assets included in "other current assets" and "other assets" on Washington/Mexicali's historical unaudited combined balance sheet. In addition, Conexant will remain obligated for payment of Washington/Mexicali's accounts payable. (2) The retention of certain assets and liabilities by Conexant is reflected as a reduction of Conexant's net investment in Washington/Mexicali. 115
ADJUSTMENTS HISTORICAL FOR THE PRO FORMA WASHINGTON/ SPIN-OFF WASHINGTON/ MEXICALI TRANSACTION MEXICALI ----------- ----------- ----------- (IN THOUSANDS) Current liabilities: Accounts payable..................................... $ 1,121 $ (1,121)(1) $ -- Accrued compensation and benefits.................... 13,652 -- 13,652 Other current liabilities............................ 18,516 -- 18,516 -------- --------- -------- Total current liabilities.................... 33,289 (1,121) 32,168 Long-term liabilities.................................. 3,772 -- 3,772 -------- --------- -------- Total liabilities............................ 37,061 (1,121) 35,940 Conexant's net investment.............................. 274,023 (48,603)(2) 225,420 -------- --------- -------- Total liabilities and Conexant's net investment................................. $311,084 $ (49,724) $261,360 ======== ========= ======== COMBINED COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following tables present selected pro forma condensed combined statements of operations and balance sheet information of Alpha and the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations. The information is presented as if the spin-off transaction and the merger had occurred on October 1, 2000 for statement of operations data and on December 31, 2001 for balance sheet data. The pro forma data assume that the combined company will exchange 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock for each share of Washington common stock in the merger and will pay an aggregate of $150 million for the Mexicali operations. For financial accounting purposes, the sale of the Mexicali operations by Conexant to the combined company will be treated as if Conexant had contributed the Mexicali operations to Washington as part of the spin-off transaction, and the $150 million aggregate purchase price paid by the combined company to Conexant will be accounted for as a return of capital to Conexant. Pursuant to the merger agreement, it is a condition to the obligations of Alpha, Conexant and Washington to complete the merger that each of the conditions to the closing of the acquisition of the Mexicali operations by the combined company (other than the condition that the merger has been completed) has been satisfied. Pursuant to the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement, it is a condition to the obligations of Alpha and Conexant to complete the purchase and sale of the Mexican assets that the merger has been completed. The merger is being accounted for as a purchase business combination as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations. Because Conexant stockholders will own a majority of the outstanding shares of the combined company upon completion of the merger, the merger will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition in which Alpha will survive as the combined company. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, in the merger Alpha is treated as the acquired company and Washington is treated as the acquiring company and the historical financial statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations will become those of the combined company after the merger. Under reverse acquisition accounting, the purchase price of Alpha is based upon the fair market value of Alpha common stock and the fair value of Alpha stock options. The purchase price of Alpha will be allocated to the assets and liabilities of Alpha assumed by Washington, as the acquiring company for accounting purposes, based on their estimated fair market values at the acquisition date. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the spin-off transaction and the merger had been consummated at the beginning of the periods or on the dates indicated, nor is it necessarily reflective of any future operating results or financial position. The pro forma adjustments are preliminary and have been made solely for purposes of developing the pro forma information. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not include any adjustments related to any potential cost savings or one-time charges that may result from the merger. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects a preliminary allocation of the purchase price which is subject to change based on finalization of the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the closing of the merger. In the pro forma condensed combined financial information, Alpha's historical information as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2001 was derived from Alpha's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 30, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2002. Alpha's historical data for the twelve months ended September 30, 2001, was derived from its unaudited quarterly financial statements. The Washington/Mexicali historical statement of operations information for the year ended September 30, 2001 has been derived from the audited combined financial statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The Washington/Mexicali historical statement of operations information for the three months ended December 31, 2001 has been derived from the unaudited combined financial statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The Washington/Mexicali adjusted historical balance sheet information as of December 31, 2001 has been derived from the unaudited 116 pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The Combined Company Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations", the Combined Financial Statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement and Alpha's historical financial information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. 117 COMBINED COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. 118
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL WASHINGTON/ PRO FORMA PRO FORMA ALPHA MEXICALI ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED ---------- ----------- ----------- --------- (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Net sales.................................. $197,901 $ 260,451 $ (42)(1) $ 458,310 Cost of sales.............................. 121,811 311,503 (22)(1) 439,706 1,162 (2) 2,352 (4) 2,900 (3) Research and development expenses.......... 39,026 111,053 371 (2) 152,722 2,272 (4) Selling, general and administrative expenses................................. 33,494 51,267 280 (2) 88,529 3,488 (4) Amortization of intangible assets.......... -- 15,267 3,060 (3) 18,327 Special charges............................ -- 88,876 -- 88,876 -------- --------- -------- --------- Operating income (loss).................... 3,570 (317,515) (15,905) (329,850) Other income (expense), net................ 8,098 210 (19,500)(5) (11,192) -------- --------- -------- --------- Income (loss) before income taxes.......... 11,668 (317,305) (35,405) (341,042) Provision (benefit) for income taxes....... 3,700 1,619 (3,700)(6) 1,619 -------- --------- -------- --------- Net income (loss).......................... $ 7,968 $(318,924) $(31,705) $(342,661) ======== ========= ======== ========= Basic earnings (loss) per share............ $ 0.18 $ (2.65) ======== ========= Diluted earnings (loss) per share.......... $ 0.18 $ (2.65) ======== ========= Shares used in computing: Basic earnings (loss) per share....... 43,550 129,444(7) Diluted earnings (loss) per share..... 45,130 129,444(7) COMBINED COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. 119
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL WASHINGTON/ PRO FORMA PRO FORMA ALPHA MEXICALI ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED ---------- ----------- ----------- --------- (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Net sales.................................. $33,090 $ 93,760 $ -- $126,850 Cost of sales.............................. 21,935 77,806 291(2) 101,345 588(4) 725(3) Research and development expenses.......... 9,557 32,181 93(2) 42,399 568(4) Selling, general and administrative expenses................................. 5,546 10,636 70(2) 17,124 872(4) Amortization of intangible assets.......... -- 3,937 765(3) 4,702 Special charges............................ 2,128 -- -- 2,128 ------- -------- -------- -------- Operating loss............................. (6,076) (30,800) (3,972) (40,848) Other income (expense), net................ 1,181 52 (5,625)(5) (4,392) ------- -------- -------- -------- Loss before income taxes................... (4,895) (30,748) (9,597) (45,240) Provision (benefit) for income taxes....... (1,615) 3,549 1,615(6) 3,549 ------- -------- -------- -------- Net loss................................... $(3,280) $(34,297) $(11,212) $(48,789) ======= ======== ======== ======== Basic loss per share....................... $ (0.07) $ (0.37) ======= ======== Diluted loss per share..................... $ (0.07) $ (0.37) ======= ======== Shares used in computing: Basic loss per share.................. 44,162 133,443(7) Diluted loss per share................ 44,162 133,443(7) COMBINED COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001 - --------------- (a) Historical Washington/Mexicali as adjusted is derived from the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. 120
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL WASHINGTON/MEXICALI PRO FORMA PRO FORMA ALPHA AS ADJUSTED(A) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED ---------- ------------------- ----------- ---------- (IN THOUSANDS) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents...... $ 45,888 $ -- $ (27,000)(11) $ 3,888 (15,000)(9) Short-term investments......... 83,622 -- -- 83,622 Accounts receivable, net....... 27,112 -- -- 27,112 Inventories.................... 10,223 43,030 1,700(8) 54,953 Prepaid expenses and other current assets.............. 19,398 1,490 (8,599)(8) 12,289 -------- -------- ---------- ---------- Total current assets... 186,243 44,520 (48,899) 181,864 Property, plant and equipment, net............................ 131,359 159,195 9,589(8) 300,143 Intangible assets................ -- 4,760 36,400(8) 43,360 2,200(8) Goodwill, net.................... -- 48,909 783,937(8) 832,846 Other assets..................... 7,302 3,976 -- 11,278 -------- -------- ---------- ---------- Total assets..................... $324,904 $261,360 $ 783,227 $1,369,491 ======== ======== ========== ========== Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt........................ $ 129 $ -- $ -- $ 129 Short-term debt................ -- -- 150,000(10) 150,000 Accounts payable............... 12,185 -- -- 12,185 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities......... 7,450 32,168 -- 39,618 -------- -------- ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities.......... 19,764 32,168 150,000 201,932 Long-term debt................... 139 -- -- 139 Other long-term liabilities...... 5,203 3,772 (2,742)(8) 6,233 Stockholders' equity............. 299,798 225,420 (299,798)(8) 1,161,187 1,152,330(8) (53,500)(8) (13,063)(8)(12) (150,000)(10) -------- -------- ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........... $324,904 $261,360 $ 783,227 $1,369,491 ======== ======== ========== ========== NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTE 1 -- PURCHASE PRICE The purchase consideration of the merger is assumed to be approximately $1.18 billion, based on the sum of the fair market value of the outstanding Alpha common stock and the fair value of Alpha stock options and the warrant to the Newport foundry joint venture. These estimates are preliminary and will depend upon the actual number of shares of Alpha common stock and Alpha stock options outstanding as of the date of the closing of the merger. The fair market value of the shares of Alpha common stock used in determining the purchase price was $23.79 per share, which reflects the average of the closing prices of Alpha common stock on December 17, 2001, the date the merger was announced, and on the three business days before and after this announcement. Conexant stockholders will receive 0.351 of a share of combined company common stock for each share of Washington common stock issued to them in the distribution. This is a fixed exchange ratio and will not be adjusted in the event of any increase or decrease in the current market price of Alpha. Alpha stockholders will continue to hold their existing shares of Alpha common stock as shares of the combined company after the merger and will not receive any new shares in the merger. The fair value of Alpha stock options and the warrant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk free rate of return of approximately 3.5%, expected lives of approximately three years, expected dividend rate of 0%, and volatility of approximately 120%. The purchase consideration is summarized as follows (in thousands): The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects a preliminary allocation of the purchase price and represents Alpha's expectations of the significant liabilities and tangible and intangible assets that will be recognized in connection with the merger. The items which could change are amortized intangible assets, goodwill and deferred compensation as the final computation of these values depends on the actual number of shares of Alpha common stock and stock options outstanding and the market price of Alpha's stock as of the date of consummation of the merger. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price assuming the transaction occurred on December 31, 2001 is summarized below (in thousands):
Fair market value of Alpha common stock......... $1,051,142 Fair value of Alpha stock options and warrant... 101,188 Estimated transaction costs of Washington....... 27,000 ---------- Total........................................... $1,179,330 ========== The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired has been classified as goodwill. 121
Working capital............................................. $ 144,580 Property, plant and equipment............................... 140,948 Other long-term assets...................................... 7,302 Amortized intangible assets................................. 36,400 Unamortized intangible assets............................... 2,200 Goodwill.................................................... 783,937 In-process research and development......................... 53,500 Long-term debt.............................................. (139) Other long-term liabilities................................. (2,461) Deferred compensation....................................... 13,063 ---------- Net assets acquired......................................... $1,179,330 ========== Amortized intangible assets are comprised of the following (in thousands): The amortization period for each of the above intangibles is ten years, except for the warrant which is being amortized over a two year period. The preliminary value assigned to Current Technology for Alpha's Semiconductor and Ceramics Segments was determined by management using the income approach. Under the income approach, the fair value reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated by the products incorporating the current technology. The preliminary value assigned to Customer Relationships for Alpha's Semiconductor and Ceramics Segments was determined by management using the cost approach. The cost approach determines the value of an asset as an estimate of the current cost to purchase or replace the asset. The warrant was valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model. Unamortized intangible assets are comprised of the following (in thousands):
Current Technology -- Semiconductor Segment........ $15,300 Current Technology -- Ceramics Segment............. 2,600 Customer Relationships -- Semiconductor Segment.... 8,600 Customer Relationships -- Ceramics Segment......... 4,100 Warrant............................................ 5,800 ------- Total amortized intangible assets.................. $36,400 ======= The preliminary value assigned to Trademark- Ceramics Segment was determined using the income approach. The type of income approach was the relief from royalty methodology. Under the relief from royalty methodology, an estimate is made as to the appropriate royalty income that would be negotiated in an arm's length transaction if the subject intangible asset were licensed from an independent third-party owner. Approximately $53.5 million of the purchase price has been allocated to in-process research and development and will be written off to expense at the time of closing. See Note 4. Upon completion of the merger, the stock options held by certain current Alpha directors who will not be directors of the combined company will vest. This will be recorded as a one-time charge to expense at the time of the closing and is expected to approximate $0.8 million. The pro forma condensed combined financial information is intended for information purposes, and does not purport to represent what the combined company's results of operations or financial position would actually have been had the transaction in fact occurred at an earlier date, or project the results for any future date or period. Upon completion of the merger, the actual financial position and results of operations of the combined company will differ, perhaps significantly, from the pro forma amounts reflected in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement due to a variety of factors, including changes in operating results between the date of the pro forma condensed combined financial data and the date on which the merger is completed and thereafter, and those factors discussed under "Risk Factors". NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS The following adjustments are reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations to reflect the estimated impact of the merger on the historical combined results of Alpha and Washington/Mexicali: (1) To eliminate sales and cost of sales for transactions between Alpha and Washington/Mexicali. 122
Trademark -- Ceramics Segment....................... $2,200 ------ $2,200 ====== (2) To record the incremental depreciation expense resulting from the preliminary adjustment to record Alpha property, plant and equipment at estimated fair values using the straight-line method and assuming a weighted-average estimated useful life of four years. (3) To record the incremental amortization expense resulting from the preliminary adjustment to record Alpha amortized intangible assets at estimated fair value utilizing the straight-line method over a useful life of two to ten years. (4) To record the amortization of unearned compensation related to unvested stock options held by Alpha employees at the time of the closing. (5) To record the interest expense on the short-term promissory note from the combined company to Conexant, assuming the combined company uses the short-term promissory note to finance the $150 million aggregate purchase price to be paid by the combined company to Conexant for the Mexicali operations. The rates of 13% and 15% for the twelve months ended September 30, 2001 and the three months ended December 31, 2001, respectively, used in these calculations reflect the terms of the note provided under the Mexican stock and asset purchase agreement. The combined company intends to obtain alternative financing as soon as practicable upon completion of the merger. It is expected that the interest rate on this alternative financing will be substantially lower than the rate used in this pro forma presentation. For each 1% decrease in the interest rate, the impact would be to increase income before income taxes by $1.5 million and $0.375 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2001 and for the three months ended December 31, 2001, respectively. (6) To record the income tax effects of the merger and of the pro forma adjustments. (7) Pro forma per share data is based on the number of Alpha common shares that would have been outstanding had the merger occurred on the date presented. In order to compute the number of shares used in the calculation of pro forma basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, the weighted- average number of Conexant shares multiplied by the exchange ratio of 0.351 per share was added to the weighted-average number of Alpha shares outstanding. The weighted-average number of shares outstanding for Conexant was 244,711,000 and 254,362,000 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2001 and for the three months ended December 31, 2001, respectively. Potentially dilutive securities are not taken into account when their effect would be anti-dilutive. A reconciliation of shares used to compute historical basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share to shares used to compute pro forma basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows (in thousands): 123
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPT. 30, 2001 DEC. 31, 2001 ------------------- ------------------ Shares used to compute Alpha historical basic earnings (loss) per share........ 43,550 44,162 Shares issued in merger.................. 85,894 89,281 ------- ------- Shares used to compute pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share.............. 129,444 133,443 ======= ======= Shares used to compute Alpha historical diluted earnings (loss) per share...... 45,130 44,162 Potentially dilutive securities.......... (1,580) -- Shares issued in merger.................. 85,894 89,281 ------- ------- Shares used to compute pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share.............. 129,444 133,443 ======= ======= The following adjustments are reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet to reflect the estimated impact of the merger on the historical combined results of Alpha and Washington/Mexicali: (8) These pro forma adjustments reflect the allocation to the assets and liabilities of Alpha of the difference between the market value of Alpha and the book value of Alpha (the excess purchase price). The market value of Alpha is assumed to be the sum of the fair market value of the outstanding Alpha common stock and the fair value of the Alpha outstanding stock options and the warrant. Alpha's book value is assumed to be its stockholders' equity, less estimated transaction fees. The following data is in thousands (except per share data): This excess purchase price has been allocated to the assets and liabilities of Alpha as follows:
Market value of Alpha: Shares of Alpha common stock outstanding.................. 44,184 Average market price per share of Alpha common stock...... $ 23.79 ---------- Market value of Alpha common stock........................ $1,051,142 Fair value of Alpha outstanding stock options and warrant................................................ $ 101,188 ---------- Market value of Alpha.................................. $1,152,330 Book value of Alpha: Stockholders' equity at December 31, 2001................. $ 299,798 Estimated remaining transaction fees...................... $ (15,000) ---------- Book value of Alpha.................................... $ 284,798 Estimated transaction costs of Washington................... $ 27,000 ---------- Excess purchase price....................................... $ 894,532 ========== (9) To record Alpha's estimated direct merger costs, consisting primarily of fees for investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, and regulatory filing fees. Alpha's fees are estimated to be $17 million, of which $2 million has already been paid. (10) To record a return of capital to Conexant. The amount consists of the issuance of $150 million in short-term debt and Conexant's transfer of the Mexicali Operations. (11) To record $27 million of estimated transaction costs, consisting primarily of fees for investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, and regulatory filing fees, for which Alpha has agreed to reimburse Conexant. (12) The deferred compensation of $13,063,000 was calculated as the aggregate of the difference between the market price of Alpha's common stock and the exercise price of all unvested options as 124
Inventories................................................. $ 1,700 Property, plant and equipment............................... 9,589 Goodwill.................................................... 783,937 Amortized intangible assets................................. 36,400 Unamortized intangible assets............................... 2,200 In-process research and development......................... 53,500 Deferred tax liability...................................... 2,742 Deferred tax asset.......................................... (8,599) Deferred compensation....................................... 13,063 -------- Total............................................. $894,532 ======== of December 31, 2001 for all options with exercise prices lower than the fair market value of Alpha's common stock as of December 31, 2001. NOTE 3 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION Alpha's historical information as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2001 was derived from Alpha's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 30, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2002. Alpha's historical data for the twelve months ended September 30, 2001 was derived from its unaudited quarterly financial statements. The historical income tax information was calculated based on an estimated annual effective rate of 32% for the twelve months ended September 30, 2001 and 33% for the three months ended December 30, 2001. Upon completion of the merger, the stock options held by certain current Alpha directors who will not be directors of the combined company will vest. This will be recorded as a one-time charge to expense by Alpha at the time of the closing of the merger and is expected to approximate $0.8 million. Additionally, upon completion of the merger, the combined company will record an estimated charge of $53.5 million for in-process research and development. Alpha anticipates that this amount will be charged to expense in the period immediately following the merger. These charges are not reflected in the pro forma data as the charges are non-recurring and have no significant continuing impact. NOTE 4 -- IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT As of December 31, 2001, Alpha was in the process of developing new technologies in its semiconductor and ceramics segments. The objective of the in-process research and development effort is to develop new semiconductor processes, ceramic materials and related products to satisfy customer requirements in the wireless and broadband markets. SEMICONDUCTOR The semiconductor segment was involved in several projects that have been aggregated into the following categories based on the respective technologies: Power Amplifier Power amplifiers are designed and manufactured for use in different types of wireless handsets. The main performance attributes of these amplifiers are efficiency, power output, voltage of operation and distortion. Current research and development is focused on expanding the offering to all types of wireless standards, improving performance by process and circuit improvements and offering more integrated solutions. Control Products Control products consist of switches and switch filters that are used in wireless applications for channeling the signal. Most applications are in the handset market enabling multi-mode, multi-band handsets. Current research and development is focused on performance improvement and cost reduction by reducing chip size and increasing functionality. Broadband The products in this grouping consist of radio frequency and millimeter wave semiconductors and components designed and manufactured specifically to address the needs of the high-speed, wireline and wireless internet access. Current and long-term research and development is focused on performance enhancement of speed and bandwidth as well as cost reduction and integration. 125 Silicon Diode These products use silicon processes to fabricate diodes (two terminal semiconductor devices) for use in a variety of radio frequency and wireless applications. Current research and development is focused on reducing the size of the device, improving performance and reducing cost. CERAMICS The ceramics segment was involved in projects which relate to the design and manufacture of ceramic-based components such as resonators and filters for the wireless infrastructure market. Current research and development is focused on performance enhancements through improved formulations and electric designs. The fair value assigned to each of the significant projects and estimated time to complete are reported below. The estimated costs to complete for these projects, which are estimated at $11.6 million, are expected to be spent evenly for the remainder of their respective development cycles. The material risks associated with the successful completion of the in-process technology are associated with Alpha's ability to successfully finish the creation of viable prototypes and successful design of the chips, masks and manufacturing processes required. Alpha expects to benefit from the in-process projects as the individual products that contain the in-process technology are put into production and sold to end-users. The release dates for each of the products within the product families are varied. The fair value of the in-process research and development was determined using the income approach. Under the income approach, the fair value reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated by the products incorporating the in-process research and development, if successful. The projected cash flows were discounted to approximate fair value. The discount rate applicable to the cash flows of each project reflects the stage of completion and other risks inherent in each project. The discount rate used in the valuation of in-process research and development was 30 percent. 126
FAIR HOURS TO PRODUCT VALUE COMPLETE - ------- ------- -------- (IN THOUSANDS) Power Amplifiers.......................................... $16,200 27.1 Control Products.......................................... 17,800 15.3 Broadband................................................. 16,400 29.1 Silicon Diode............................................. 3,000 5.0 Ceramics.................................................. 100 5.2 ------- ---- $53,500 81.7 ======= ==== INFORMATION ABOUT ALPHA Alpha Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, manufactures and markets proprietary radio frequency and microwave integrated circuit products and solutions primarily for wireless communications. Alpha's products include modules, integrated circuits and discrete components, as well as components based on electrical ceramic and ferrite technology. The primary applications for Alpha's products are wireless handsets and wireless base station equipment, together with wireless local area network, wide area network and local loop applications. PRODUCTS AND APPLICATIONS Alpha offers a broad array of products, including gallium arsenide semiconductor integrated circuit switches, controls and power amplifiers, silicon discrete semiconductors, ceramic based components and multi-chip modules. A typical wireless handset contains radio frequency and baseband components. Alpha is focused on providing radio frequency components that convert, switch, process and amplify the high frequency signals that carry the information to be transmitted or received. Power Amplifiers. Wireless communications systems require amplification to transmit and receive signals. The power amplifier gives the radio signal the energy to travel farther. The power efficiency of gallium arsenide semiconductor based power amplifiers offer superior performance to silicon solutions. Alpha has been an innovator of gallium arsenide semiconductor based power amplifier products. Alpha was the first merchant semiconductor company to offer a three-volt, high-efficiency power amplifier integrated circuit based on pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor process, or PHEMT, for the GSM wireless standard operating at three different frequencies. Alpha was also the first merchant semiconductor company to deliver a three-volt metal semiconductor field effect transistor, or MESFET, gallium arsenide semiconductor based power amplifier integrated circuit. Alpha's power amplifier business is supported by Alpha's experience with gallium arsenide heterojunction bipolar transistor, or HBT, gallium arsenide PHEMT and gallium arsenide MESFET semiconductor processes. Integrated Circuit Switches and Controls. Switching and control functions route and adjust signal levels between the receiver and transmitter and other processing devices. The number of switching functions increases with the design complexity of the handset. Alpha's gallium arsenide integrated circuit switches are used in handsets to provide lower signal loss and better signal isolation than comparable products. Alpha's high-efficiency gallium arsenide switch integrated circuits integrate logic elements, making the circuits easier for Alpha's customers to use. Discrete Semiconductors. Discrete semiconductors, especially diodes, are used for signal tuning and switching functions in the handset. Alpha draws on its microwave frequency and millimeter wave frequency experience to produce diodes with enhanced circuit performance. Alpha manufactures these products in high volumes for several handset manufacturers. Multi-Chip Modules. Multi-chip modules combine semiconductor devices, such as integrated circuits and discrete semiconductors, in a single module-based platform. The result is an easy-to-manufacture solution that enables wireless manufacturers to reduce design complexity and dramatically shorten their product development cycle. Ceramic Products. Alpha's ceramic products play a critical role in processing communications signals. Ceramic materials allow improved power efficiency and miniaturization in wireless communications infrastructure. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Alpha's products and markets are subject to continued technological advances. Recognizing this, Alpha maintains a high level of research and development activities to remain competitive in certain areas and to be an industry leader in other areas. Alpha maintains close collaborative relationships with many of its customers to help it identify market demands and target its development efforts to meet those demands. Alpha is focusing its development efforts on new products, design tools and manufacturing processes in its semiconductor products segment using its core technologies. 127 Alpha's research and development expenditures for fiscal 1999, 2000 and 2001 and the first nine months of fiscal 2002 were approximately $15.9 million, $25.3 million, $36.0 million and $29.3 million, respectively. RAW MATERIALS Raw materials for Alpha's products and manufacturing processes are generally available from several sources. It is Alpha's policy not to depend on a sole source of supply. However, there are limited situations where Alpha procures certain components and services for its products from single or limited sources. Alpha purchases these materials and services on a purchase order basis. Alpha does not carry significant inventories and has long-term supply contracts with only a limited number of its vendors. MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION; CUSTOMERS Alpha sells its products through independent manufacturers' representatives and distribution partners and through a direct sales staff. Alpha also distributes its products through a global organization that is franchised throughout portions of the world, and through two organizations that focus primarily on the North American market. Alpha maintains an internal marketing organization that is responsible for developing sales and advertising literature, such as product announcements, catalogs, brochures and magazine articles in trade and other publications. During fiscal 2001 and the first nine months of fiscal 2002, Motorola, Inc. accounted for approximately 26% and 32%, respectively, of Alpha's total net revenues. BACKLOG Alpha's policy is to book only the next three months of commercial orders consistent with customer short-term requirements. Many commercial orders cover substantially more than three months of performance, but such orders can be easily modified or canceled by the customer and Alpha believes it is a better practice to limit bookings in this manner. On this basis, Alpha believes all orders in its backlog to be firm. However, current market conditions make predictions about future operations particularly difficult. While Alpha believes all orders in its backlog to be firm, Alpha's operating results have been materially and adversely affected in the past by deferral and cancellation of orders as a result of changes in customer requirements. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS In Alpha's opinion, compliance with federal, state, and local environmental protection regulations does not and will not have a material effect on Alpha's capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position. EMPLOYEES As of April 29, 2002, Alpha employed approximately 935 persons. PROPERTIES The following information describes the major facilities Alpha owns and leases. Alpha believes it has adequate production capacity to meet its current business needs. - Alpha owns a 158,000 square foot building in Woburn, Massachusetts. This facility houses Alpha's primary gallium arsenide semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication facility and its corporate headquarters. - Alpha owns a 125,000 square foot facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts. This facility was purchased in September 2000 and provides manufacturing and office space. Operations at this site include design engineering as well as gallium arsenide semiconductor integrated circuit, silicon semiconductor and multi-chip module assembly and testing. 128 - Alpha leases a 27,000 square foot building in Sunnyvale, California. This facility was acquired in April 2000 and houses Alpha's second gallium arsenide semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication facility. - Alpha owns a 92,000 square foot facility in Adamstown, Maryland. This facility is occupied by a subsidiary, and is Alpha's primary electrical ceramic product manufacturing facility. - Alpha leases a 33,000 square foot facility in Frederick, Maryland. This building is used to manufacture ceramic components, including filters. Alpha also maintains design centers in Fremont, California and near Chicago, Illinois and regional sales support offices in England and Hong Kong. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Alpha does not have any material pending legal proceedings. From time to time various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been, and may in the future be, instituted or asserted against Alpha, including those pertaining to patent infringement, intellectual property, environmental, product liability, safety and health, employment and contractual matters. The outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to Alpha. Intellectual property disputes often have a risk of injunctive relief and there can be no assurance that a license will be granted. Injunctive relief could materially and adversely affect the financial condition or results of operations of Alpha. OTHER INFORMATION Information relating to Alpha's executive compensation, compensation plans (including stock option plans), voting securities, including the principal holders of those securities, and other matters as to Alpha is included or incorporated by reference in Alpha's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2001, which is incorporated by reference into this section of the proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. Alpha and Conexant stockholders may obtain a copy of this document and other filings made by Alpha with the Securities and Exchange Commission by contacting Alpha at its address or telephone number indicated under "Where You Can Find More Information". 129 INFORMATION ABOUT THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS The Washington Business's product portfolio is comprised of components, subsystems and system-level semiconductor solutions for wireless voice and data communications applications, supporting the world's most widely-adopted wireless standards, including CDMA, TDMA and GSM. Wireless communications product offerings of the Washington Business include: - power amplifier modules; - radio frequency components and subsystems; and - cellular systems. A mobile phone's power amplifier provides the radio signal that connects the handset to a base station, and its power efficiency is the most important factor in determining a mobile phone's battery life and talk time. Based on a gallium arsenide HBT manufacturing process and packaged in state-of-the-art modules, the Washington Business's power amplifiers are compact, power efficient, highly-integrated solutions that enable mobile phones with extended talk and standby times. In order to provide customers with design flexibility, the Washington Business's power amplifiers meet or exceed stringent performance requirements and may be used with a variety of handset battery voltages. The Washington Business's power amplifiers enabled the first CDMA wireless standard handsets and are considered market leaders with respect to packaging, efficiency and performance. In addition, the Washington Business has developed power amplifier modules for the TDMA and GSM wireless standards. The Washington Business has introduced a suite of power amplifiers for next generation mobile phones supporting Internet access based on the CDMA2000 wireless standard for use in CDMA networks, the general packet radio services, or GPRS, wireless standard for use in GSM networks, and the enhanced data for GSM evolution, or EDGE, wireless standard. Broadly supported around the world, these emerging standards, known as 2.5G standards, provide an intermediate level of high speed wireless data transmission and easy migration paths from the current generation CDMA, TDMA and GSM wireless standards to future third generation, or 3G, wireless data transmission standards, including wideband CDMA, or WCDMA, for even higher speed wireless multimedia voice and data services. In addition, the Washington Business offers radio frequency transceiver subsystems for CDMA, TDMA and GSM applications, including a highly integrated single-chip transceiver targeting higher speed GPRS applications. By eliminating intermediate frequency conversion steps, this direct-conversion solution significantly reduces the number of external components required to build a mobile phone. Proprietary design techniques employed in the transceiver also allow the device to be used with a variety of baseband processors. The Washington Business has developed a spread spectrum radio frequency transceiver operating at the 2.4 GHz frequency that is optimized for use in Bluetooth(TM)-enabled systems which support short-range (30 feet or less) wireless data connectivity applications. This portfolio is compliant with the Bluetooth(TM) Special Interest Group specification 1.1 and is targeted for use in mobile phones and personal digital assistants that require extended battery life and small size. The Washington Business has also developed and launched complete cellular systems combining key hardware and software functions for GSM and GPRS mobile phones. The hardware portion of this solution implements digital and analog baseband processing, multi-band power amplification, power management and radio frequency transceiver functionality. The software portion consists of a network- approved protocol stack and user interface software. The Washington Business provides a reference design and a comprehensive suite of design support services and tools to aid OEM customers through the development process. A number of the Washington Business's customers' mobile phones have been type-certified by various network service providers around the world. 130 Capitalizing on its strong radio frequency capabilities, the Washington Business has developed a suite of components for cellular/personal communications service wireless infrastructure applications, including front-end receivers, interface quadrature modulators and power amplifier drivers. In connection with the spin-off transaction, the Washington Business will be contributed to Washington, a newly formed Delaware corporation that has not conducted any activities other than those incident to its formation and the matters contemplated by the merger agreement. Washington is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conexant. The current officers and directors of Washington are Dwight W. Decker, Director and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Balakrishnan S. Iyer, Director and Vice President and Treasurer; and Dennis E. O'Reilly, Director and Vice President and Secretary. In the merger, these officers and directors will cease to be officers and directors of Washington pursuant to the merger agreement. Prior to the merger of Washington with and into Alpha, Conexant will distribute all of the outstanding shares of Washington common stock on a one share-for-one share basis to Conexant stockholders. See "The Spin-Off Transaction -- Introduction" and "Agreements Relating to the Spin-Off Transaction -- Distribution Agreement -- The Contribution". RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Washington Business has significant research, development, engineering and product design capabilities. At May 1, 2002, there were approximately 500 employees of Conexant engaged in research and development who will become employees of the Washington Business. The Washington Business performs research and product development activities at its offices in Newport Beach, California and at eleven design centers throughout the world. The Washington Business's design centers provide design engineering and product application support as well as after-sales customer service. The design centers are strategically located around the world to take advantage of key technical and engineering resources worldwide and to be in proximity to several of the Washington Business's OEM customers. The Washington Business's current research and development efforts are focused on key components, radio frequency subsystems and cellular systems for emerging CDMA2000, GPRS and EDGE applications, as well as 3G WCDMA systems that provide greater bandwidth and will enable new possibilities for accessing the Internet using wireless communications platforms. Washington/Mexicali spent approximately $66.5 million, $91.6 million, $111.1 million and $32.2 million in fiscal 1999, 2000, 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, respectively, on research and development activities, representing 38%, 29%, 52% and 36%, respectively, of Washington/Mexicali net revenues from third parties for those periods. MANUFACTURING The Washington Business operates a gallium arsenide semiconductor fabrication facility in Newbury Park, California. The Washington Business obtains assembly and test services from Conexant's integrated circuit assembly and test facility in Mexicali, Mexico and also has arrangements with Conexant and third parties outside the United States for the production, assembly and testing of certain semiconductor products. The Washington Business has a long-term supply arrangement with a foundry located in Taiwan for the supply of gallium arsenide semiconductor products, which will expire in 2009 and contains no provision for early termination of the arrangements by the foundry. In addition, the Washington Business currently obtains silicon-based semiconductor products under Conexant's arrangement with another foundry and in connection with the spin-off transaction, expects to enter into its own arrangement with the foundry on substantially similar terms as under the Conexant arrangement. The Washington Business's international subcontract manufacturing arrangements, including those with Conexant's Mexicali assembly and test facility, are subject to a number of risks of operating abroad. After the merger, pursuant to the terms of the Mexicali sale agreements, the combined company will purchase from Conexant the Mexicali assembly and test facility. See "The Mexicali Sale". The Washington Business obtains CMOS wafer manufacturing and certain specialty wafer manufacturing services from the Newport foundry joint venture's Newport Beach, California semi- 131 conductor fabrication facility and has entered into long-term supply agreements with foundry partners to obtain external CMOS wafer manufacturing capacity and specialty-process wafer manufacturing capacity. The Washington Business's Newbury Park, California gallium arsenide semiconductor fabrication facility uses the following semiconductor manufacturing processes: - HBT, a process technology used in the manufacture of amplifiers and other discrete and integrated circuits for wireless handset and infrastructure applications; - InGaP HBT, a variant of the HBT process technology that uses indium gallium phosphide semiconductor materials in the manufacture of power amplifiers and front-end modules for wireless handset and infrastructure applications; and - MESFET, a process technology used in the manufacture of amplifiers, switches, mixers, attenuators and other radio frequency components in wireless infrastructure applications. Gallium arsenide semiconductors are particularly well suited for mobile communications products such as power amplifiers. This facility is ISO 9002 certified. RAW MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES Conexant believes that the Washington Business has adequate sources for the supply of raw materials and components for its manufacturing needs through suppliers located around the world. Raw wafers and other raw materials used in the production of the Washington Business's CMOS products are available from several suppliers; however, the Washington Business is currently dependent on two suppliers for epitaxial wafers used in the gallium arsenide manufacturing process at its Newbury Park, California facility. CUSTOMERS, MARKETING AND SALES The Washington Business markets and sells its semiconductor products and system solutions directly to leading OEMs, original design manufacturers and contract manufacturers, including the following: Sales to Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. represented approximately 44% and 48% of Washington/Mexicali net revenues from third parties in fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, respectively. Sales to Nokia Corporation represented approximately 12% and 11% of Washington/Mexicali net revenues from third parties in fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, respectively. In addition, sales to Conexant represented approximately 17% and 6% of Washington/Mexicali total net revenues in fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, respectively. For fiscal 2001 and the first three months of fiscal 2002, approximately 91% and 97%, respectively, of Washington/Mexicali net revenues from third parties were from customers located outside the United States, primarily countries located in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. In fiscal 2001, sales to customers in the Asia-Pacific region, principally South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong, represented approximately 77% (including South Korea, which represented approximately 66%) of Washington/ Mexicali net revenues from third parties. The Washington Business has a worldwide sales organization comprised of approximately 60 employees as of May 1, 2002 with five domestic and twelve international sales offices. To complement its direct sales and customer support efforts, the Washington Business also sells its products through approximately 25 independent manufacturers' representatives and approximately 32 distributors and dealers. In addition, the Washington Business's design and applications engineering staff is actively involved with customers during all phases of design and production and provides customer support through its worldwide sales offices, which are generally in close proximity to customers' facilities. 132
Appeal Telecom Co., Ltd Kyocera Wireless Corp. Nokia Corporation Benq Corporation LG International Corporation Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Ezze Mobile Tech, Inc. Motorola, Inc. Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB The Washington Business continues to seek close technical collaboration with its customers during the design phase of new customer programs to facilitate integration of its products into the programs, to improve its ability to rapidly reach high manufacturing volumes and to position it to be a primary supplier for new programs. BACKLOG The Washington Business's sales are made primarily pursuant to purchase orders for delivery of products, with such purchase orders acknowledged by the Washington Business according to its own terms and conditions. Due to industry practice, which allows customers to cancel orders with limited advance notice prior to shipment, the Washington Business believes that backlog as of any particular date is not a reliable indicator of future revenue levels. COMPETITION The wireless communications semiconductor industry in general, and the markets in which the Washington Business competes in particular, are intensely competitive. The Washington Business competes worldwide with a number of U.S. and international suppliers that are both larger and smaller than it in terms of resources and market share. The Washington Business anticipates that additional competitors will enter its markets and expects intense product competition to continue. The specific bases on which the Washington Business competes vary by market. The Washington Business believes that the principal competitive factors for semiconductor suppliers in its market are: - time-to-market; - new product innovation; - product quality, reliability and performance; - level of integration; - price and total system cost; - compliance with industry standards; - design and engineering capabilities; - strategic relationships with customers; - customer support; and - protection of intellectual property. The Washington Business believes that it competes favorably with respect to each of these factors. Competitors of the Washington Business include Agere Systems Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., ANADIGICS, Inc., Analog Devices, Inc., Cambridge Silicon Radio, Hitachi Ltd., Infineon Technologies A.G., Motorola, Inc., National Semiconductor Corporation, Philips Electronics N.V., Qualcomm Incorporated, RF Micro Devices, Inc., Texas Instruments Incorporated and TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS In the spin-off transaction, Conexant will transfer to Washington specifically identified patents, trademarks and copyrights and other intellectual property to the extent used primarily in or related primarily to the Washington Business. The distribution agreement also includes non-exclusive, world-wide, irrevocable, royalty-free cross licenses by Conexant to Washington and Alpha and by Washington and Alpha to Conexant of rights under the intellectual property of the licensor. See "Agreements Relating to the Spin-Off Transaction -- Distribution Agreement -- Intellectual Property Matters". After the spin-off transaction, Washington will own or be licensed under numerous U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications related to the Washington Business's manufacturing operations and other activities, and a 133 number of trademarks applicable only to certain of the Washington Business's products. While in the aggregate patents, patent applications, licenses and trademarks of the Washington Business are considered material to the operations of the Washington Business, they are not of such importance that the loss or termination of any one of them would materially affect the business or financial condition of the Washington Business. Various claims of patent infringement have been made against Conexant with respect to the Washington Business. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, Washington will assume all liabilities of Conexant in respect of intellectual property matters to the extent related to current and former operations of the Washington Business. See "Agreements Relating to the Spin-Off Transaction -- Distribution Agreement -- The Contribution". Conexant believes that none of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Washington Business. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION Federal, state and local requirements relating to the discharge of substances into the environment, the disposal of hazardous wastes, and other activities affecting the environment have had an impact on the Washington Business's manufacturing operations and will continue to have an impact on the combined company's manufacturing operations. Thus far, compliance with environmental requirements and resolution of environmental claims have been accomplished without material effect on the Washington Business's liquidity and capital resources, competitive position or financial condition. In connection with the spin-off transaction, Washington will assume all liabilities in respect of environmental matters related to the current and former operations of the Washington Business, including the remediation of groundwater contamination at the Newbury Park, California facility. Conexant currently estimates the remaining costs for this remediation to be approximately $0.8 million and the Washington Business has accrued for these costs as of December 31, 2001. CYCLICALITY; SEASONALITY The wireless communications semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and is characterized by constant and rapid technological change, rapid product obsolescence and price erosion, evolving technical standards, short product life cycles and wide fluctuations in product supply and demand. From time to time these and other factors, together with changes in general economic conditions, cause significant upturns and downturns in the industry, and in the Washington Business in particular. Periods of industry downturns -- as the Washington Business experienced through most of calendar year 2001 -- have been characterized by diminished product demand, production overcapacity, high inventory levels and accelerated erosion of average selling prices. These factors cause substantial fluctuations in the Washington Business's revenues and results of operations. The Washington Business has experienced these cyclical fluctuations in its business in the past and may experience cyclical fluctuations in the future. Sales of products of the Washington Business are subject to seasonal fluctuation related to the increase in sales of products which include the Washington Business's customers' products, such as mobile phones, generally associated with the holiday season in December. The Washington Business's sales of semiconductor products and system solutions used in these products generally increase beginning in August and September and continue at a higher level through the end of the calendar year. EMPLOYEES As of May 1, 2002, there were approximately 1,300 full-time employees of Conexant who will become employees of the Washington Business. The Washington Business believes its future success will depend in large part upon its ability to continue to attract, motivate, develop and retain highly skilled and dedicated employees. 134 PROPERTIES As of May 1, 2002, the general offices of the Washington Business were located in Newport Beach, California and Newbury Park, California and consisted of approximately 189,000 square feet of leased floor space. The Washington Business operated one manufacturing facility in Newbury Park, California consisting of approximately 117,000 square feet of owned floor space and 67,000 square feet of leased floor space. It also had eleven design centers and sixteen independent sales offices with an aggregate leased floor space of approximately 144,000 square feet. In the opinion of management, the properties of the Washington Business have been well maintained, are in sound operating condition and contain all the equipment and facilities necessary to operate at present levels. A summary of floor space of the Washington Business's facilities at May 1, 2002 is as follows (in thousands of square feet): Certain of the Washington Business's facilities, including the Newbury Park, California facility, are located near major earthquake fault lines. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Washington Business does not currently have any material pending legal proceedings. Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against Conexant, Washington or their respective subsidiaries, including those pertaining to product liability, intellectual property, environmental, safety and health, and employment matters. In connection with the spin-off transaction, Washington will assume responsibility for all then current and future litigation (including environmental and intellectual property proceedings) against Conexant or its subsidiaries in respect of the operations of the Washington Business. The outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to the Washington Business. Many intellectual property disputes have a risk of injunctive relief and there can be no assurance that a license will be granted. Injunctive relief could materially and adversely affect the financial condition or results of operations of the Washington Business. Based on its evaluation of matters that are pending or asserted, and taking into account the Washington Business's reserves for such matters, management of the Washington Business believes the disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Washington Business's financial condition or results of operations. 135
OWNED LEASED TYPE OF FACILITY FACILITIES FACILITIES TOTAL - ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----- Manufacturing............................................... 117 67 184 General office space........................................ -- 189 189 Sales offices............................................... -- 30 30 Design centers.............................................. -- 114 114 --- --- --- Total..................................................... 117 400 517 === === === INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMBINED COMPANY INDUSTRY BACKGROUND Cellular services and personal communications services are increasingly expanding beyond traditional voice services, with emerging mobile communications technologies offering consumers and businesses wireless access to data and information across a wide range of applications. High-speed mobile access has the potential to enhance dramatically use of the Internet, thereby facilitating the growth of electronic commerce. At the center of these developments is the continuing evolution of the mobile phone and the corresponding growth of the wireless communications infrastructure. The cellular handset market has grown considerably over the past five years with unit sales of approximately 400 million units in 2001, according to Gartner Dataquest, a market research firm, up 500% over 1996 levels. As additional wireless cellular capacity became available, an intensely competitive pricing environment for wireless services developed at the same time that lower-priced, feature-rich mobile phones were being introduced, contributing substantially to the growth of new subscribers. We expect this trend to continue, enabling further wireless expansion and increased market penetration worldwide. Market penetration measures the portion of users or subscribers within the entire population of a specified geographic area. In the United States, market research firm EMC is forecasting that wireless penetration will grow from approximately 46% in 2001 to almost 75% by 2005. On a worldwide basis, market penetration of wireless phones was nearly 16% in 2001 and could approach 30% by 2005, based on data from EMC. We believe this anticipated dramatic market growth will create significant demand for mobile phones as well as for wireless infrastructure equipment to meet future network capacity requirements. New mobile phones with improved battery life and features are being introduced at a rapid rate, made possible by significant technological advances that make earlier models obsolete after only one or two years. According to Strategy Analytics, roughly half of the cellular handsets sold in 2001 worldwide were replacements of previous models. We expect this replacement market to continue to contribute to growth for the digital cellular handset industry, led by the transition to next generation services, such as CDMA2000, GPRS and EDGE wireless standards, which support wireless data capacity, and the further transition to third generation services which will enable even higher bandwidth applications, including streaming video, digital audio and digital camera functionality. In addition, in emerging markets where wireline infrastructure is inadequate or limited, digital wireless networks are providing a viable and economic alternative that can be rapidly deployed. In response to this rapidly changing market, handset OEMs are significantly shortening product development cycles, seeking simplified architectures and streamlining manufacturing processes. Traditional OEMs are shifting to low-cost suppliers around the world. In turn, original design manufacturers and contract manufacturers, who lack radio frequency and systems-level expertise, are entering the high volume mobile phone market to support OEMs, as well as to develop handset platforms of their own. Original design manufacturers supply complete handsets to OEMs, while contract manufacturers supply substantially all the finished components of the handset. Original design manufacturers and contract manufacturers can manage low-cost manufacturing and assembly of handsets, freeing OEMs to focus on the higher value marketing and distribution aspects of their business. Established handset manufacturers and new market entrants alike are demanding full semiconductor system solutions that include the complete radio frequency system as well as all baseband processing, protocol stack and user interface software, plus comprehensive reference designs and development platforms. With these solutions, traditional handset OEMs can accelerate time-to-market cycles with lower investment in engineering and system design. These semiconductor system solutions also enable original design manufacturers to enter the high volume handset market without the need to make significant investments in radio frequency and systems level expertise. Similarly, cellular and personal communications services network operators are developing and deploying next generation services. These service providers are incorporating packet-switching capability in their networks to deliver data communications and Internet access to digital cellular and other wireless devices. Over the long-term, service providers are seeking to establish a global network that can be 136 accessed by subscribers at any time, anywhere in the world and that can provide subscribers with multimedia services. In order to meet this goal, OEMs who supply wireless infrastructure base stations to network operators are increasingly relying on mobile communications semiconductor suppliers who can provide highly integrated radio frequency and mixed signal processing functionality. In addition, as service providers migrate cellular subscribers to data intensive next generation 2.5G and third generation 3G applications, base stations that transmit and receive signals in the backbone of cellular and personal communications services systems will be under further capacity constraints. To meet the related demand, OEMs will be challenged to increase base station transceiver performance and functionality, while reducing size, power consumption and overall system costs. These market trends are creating a potentially significant opportunity for a broad-based wireless semiconductor supplier with a comprehensive product portfolio supported by specialized wireless manufacturing process technologies and a full range of systems-level expertise. BUSINESS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY Upon completion of the merger, we believe the combined company will be a leading company focused exclusively on supplying radio frequency and complete semiconductor systems solutions for mobile communications applications. The combined company will supply components, subsystems and system-level semiconductor solutions for wireless voice and data communications applications, supporting the world's most widely adopted wireless standards, including CDMA, TDMA and GSM. Combining the wireless technology and product portfolios of the Washington Business and Alpha will position the combined company to provide integrated radio frequency products and complete semiconductor and software solutions for advanced and next generation wireless communications applications. The combined company will possess a broad wireless technology capability and one of the most complete wireless communications product portfolios, coupled with customer relationships with all major handset and infrastructure manufacturers. The combined company expects to continue to make substantial investments in research and development to participate in the formulation of industry standards. The combined company's product portfolio will include almost every key semiconductor integrated circuit found within a digital cellular handset, including: - baseband processors, digital devices that act as the cellular handset's central processor; - couplers and detectors, devices used to measure radio frequency signals; - detection diodes, diodes used in radio frequency applications; - mixed signal processors, devices that convert analog signals into digital signals and vice versa; - power management integrated circuits, circuits that charge and monitor the cellular handset's battery; - radio frequency integrated circuit power amplifiers and modules, devices that amplify a signal to provide energy for the signal to reach the base station; - radio frequency integrated circuit switches and switch filters, circuits that switch radio frequency signals and incorporate some signal filtering functionality; - radio frequency transceivers, devices that perform both the radio frequency transmit and receive functions; - switching diodes, diodes used for channeling the cellular handset's power for switching purposes; - synthesizers, circuits that tune to the correct channel to receive the radio frequency signal from the base station; and - tuning diodes, diodes that are used to make voltage controlled oscillators or other frequency tuning circuits. 137 In the radio frequency integrated circuit market, the combined company's product portfolio will include combination switch and filter products, multi-chip power amplifier modules and highly integrated transceivers. We believe that the combination of Alpha's discrete component, switch filter and power amplifier technology with the Washington Business's direct conversion transceiver will enable the combined company to provide a radio frequency system with an unmatched level of integration. We believe that the combined company will be positioned to deliver the world's most comprehensive cellular systems for next generation handsets, including the complete radio frequency system as well as all baseband processing, protocol stack and user interface software. The following diagram illustrates the products of the combined company that are used in a digital cellular handset: [DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATION: INTERIOR OF A CELLULAR HANDSET IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS SUPPLIED BY ALPHA AND THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS, INCLUDING COUPLERS AND DETECTORS, RF IC POWER AMPLIFIERS AND MODULES, POWER MANAGEMENT ICs, SYNTHESIZERS, VARACTOR DIODES, MIXED SIGNAL PROCESSOR, BASEBAND PROCESSOR, PIN DIODES, RF IC SWITCHES AND SWITCH FILTERS, SCHOTTKY DIODES AND RF TRANSCEIVERS] At the same time, the combined company will be able to offer a broad product portfolio addressing next generation wireless infrastructure applications, including: - amplifiers and amplifier drivers, devices used to amplify the radio frequency signal to a higher power level; - attenuators, devices used to reduce radio frequency signal levels; - ceramic resonators, ceramic devices used to generate or filter radio frequency signals for various radio and other applications; - coaxial resonators, devices used in wireless applications to generate or filter radio frequency signals; - couplers and detectors, devices used to measure radio frequency signals; - diodes, components used in detectors, mixers, switches and other applications; - filters, circuits used in radio applications to filter unwanted signals at a specific range of frequencies; - frequency synthesizers, devices used for generating signals which are mixed with higher or lower frequency radio frequency signals for conversion upwards or downwards or modulation or demodulation of signals; - front-end receivers, radio frequency integrated circuits that convert the received radio frequency signal in a base station to a lower intermediate frequency; - modulators, radio frequency integrated circuits which, when used with a local oscillator, modulate and convert the incoming baseband signal to a higher frequency signal; 138 - magnetic products, components with magnetic properties; - switches, devices used to switch a signal on or off to transmit the signal to a specific path in the circuit; and - vector modulators, devices used in a base station power amplifier system's distortion cancellation circuitry. The following diagram illustrates the combined company's product offerings for wireless infrastructure applications: [DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATION: BASE STATION SURROUNDED BY COMPONENTS SUPPLIED BY ALPHA AND THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS, INCLUDING DIODES, COAXIAL RESONATORS, MAGNETIC PRODUCTS, DETECTORS/COUPLERS, PA DRIVERS, CERAMIC RESONATORS, FRONT-END RECEIVERS, FILTERS, FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZERS, VECTOR MODULATORS, IQ MODULATORS, AMPLIFIERS, SWITCHES AND ATTENUATORS] These components support a variety of radio frequency and mixed signal processing functions within the wireless infrastructure, including down-conversion, switching, signal conditioning and power management. The combined company will have a comprehensive radio frequency and mixed signal processing and packaging portfolio, extensive circuit design libraries and a proven track record in component and system design. We believe that these capabilities will position the combined company to address the growing need of wireless infrastructure manufacturers for base station products with increased transceiver performance and functionality and reduced size, power consumption and overall system costs. The combination of the Washington Business's wireless infrastructure portfolio with Alpha's strong existing customer and channel relationships is expected to enable the combined company to expand its market presence in the wireless infrastructure market. The combined company also will supply a variety of advanced components for integration into cable access and wireless networking applications. Among the components will be amplification and switching solutions, multi-chip modules and discrete ceramic solutions. 139 MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY AFTER THE MERGER BOARD OF DIRECTORS The board of directors of Alpha will change as a result of the merger. At the effective time of the merger, the board of directors of the combined company will consist of nine directors. Four directors of the combined company will be selected from among Alpha's current directors and four directors will be selected by Conexant. Alpha and Conexant will jointly select the remaining director. We have listed below biographical information for each person who is currently expected to be a member of the board of directors of the combined company. ALPHA DESIGNEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DAVID J. ALDRICH, age 45, was elected chief executive officer, president and director of Alpha in April 2000. From September 1999 to April 2000, Mr. Aldrich served as president and chief operating officer of Alpha. From May 1996 to May 1999, when he was appointed executive vice president, Mr. Aldrich served as vice president and general manager of the semiconductor products segment. Mr. Aldrich joined Alpha in 1995 as vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Aldrich held senior management positions at M/A-COM, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of radio frequency and microwave semiconductors, components and IP networking solutions, including manager integrated circuits active products, corporate vice president strategic planning, director of finance and administration, and director of strategic initiatives with the microelectronics division. TIMOTHY R. FUREY, age 44, has been chief executive officer of MarketBridge, a privately-owned sales and marketing strategy and technology professional services firm, since 1991. Prior to 1991, Mr. Furey was a consultant with Boston Consulting Group, Strategic Planning Associates, Kaiser Associates and the Marketing Science Institute. THOMAS C. LEONARD, age 67, was elected chairman of the Alpha board of directors in April 2000; he has been a director since August 1996. From September 1999 to April 2000, Mr. Leonard served as chief executive officer of Alpha. From July 1996 to September 1999, he served as president and chief executive officer of Alpha. Mr. Leonard joined Alpha in 1992 as a division general manager and was elected a vice president in 1994. Mr. Leonard has over thirty years' experience in the microwave industry, having held a variety of executive and senior level management and marketing positions at M/A-COM, Inc., Varian Associates, Inc. and Sylvania. Mr. Leonard is a director of the Massachusetts Telecommunications Council. DAVID J. MCLACHLAN, age 63, was the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Genzyme Corporation, a biotechnology company, from 1989 to 1999. Mr. McLachlan is currently a senior adviser to Genzyme's chairman and chief executive officer. Prior to joining Genzyme, Mr. McLachlan served as vice president, finance of Adams-Russell Company, an electronic component supplier and cable television franchise owner. Mr. McLachlan also serves on the boards of directors of Dyax Corporation, a biotechnology company, and HEARx, Ltd., a hearing care services company. CONEXANT DESIGNEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DWIGHT W. DECKER, age 52, has been chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Conexant since November 1998. He served as senior vice president of Rockwell International Corporation (electronic controls and communications) and president, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems from July 1998 to December 1998; senior vice president of Rockwell and president, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems and Electronic Commerce from March 1997 to July 1998; and president, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems from October 1995 to March 1997. Mr. Decker has been a director of Conexant since its incorporation in 1996. DONALD R. BEALL, age 63, is the non-executive chairman of the board of Rockwell Collins, Inc. (avionics and communications). He served as a director of Rockwell International Corporation from February 1978 to February 2001. He was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Rockwell 140 from February 1988 to February 1998 and chief executive officer of Rockwell from February 1988 to September 1997. Mr. Beall has been a director of Conexant since 1998. In addition to being a director of Rockwell Collins and Conexant, Mr. Beall is a director of The Procter & Gamble Company and a former director of Amoco Corporation, ArvinMeritor, Inc., Rockwell and The Times Mirror Company. He is a trustee of California Institute of Technology, a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees at the University of California, Irvine and an overseer of the Hoover Institution. He is also a member of The Business Council and numerous professional, civic and entrepreneurial organizations. MOIZ M. BEGUWALA, age 56, has served as senior vice president and general manager -- wireless communications of Conexant since January 1999. Prior to Conexant's spin-off from Rockwell International Corporation, Mr. Beguwala served as vice president and general manager -- wireless communications division, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Inc. from October 1998 to December 1998; vice president and general manager -- personal computing division, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Inc. from January 1998 to October 1998; and vice president, worldwide sales, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Inc. from October 1995 to January 1998. F. CRAIG FARRILL, age 49, has been managing director and chief technology officer of inOvate Communications Group (wireless communications) since September 2000. Prior thereto, he was chief technology officer of Vodafone AirTouch PLC (wireless communications) from July 1999 to July 2000 and was vice president, strategic technology of AirTouch Communications, Inc. (wireless communications) from June 1996 to July 1999. Mr. Farrill has been a director of Conexant since 1998. He is also a member of the board of directors and a corporate officer of the CDMA Development Group, a digital cellular technology consortium, which he founded in 1993. JOINT DESIGNEE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alpha and Conexant will jointly designate an individual to serve as a member of the board of directors of the combined company. CLASSIFIED BOARD After the merger, the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the board of directors will consist of three classes of directors with overlapping three-year terms, each class having as nearly equal a number of directors as possible. One class of directors is to be elected each year with a term extending to the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after election. It is expected that at the effective time of the merger, the board of directors of Alpha will take action such that the members of Class I, whose terms expire at the 2002 annual meeting of stockholders, will be Mr. Farrill and Mr. Leonard; the members of Class II, whose terms expire at the 2003 annual meeting of stockholders, will be Mr. Beall, Mr. Beguwala and Mr. Furey; and the members of Class III, whose terms expire at the 2004 annual meeting of stockholders, will be Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Decker and Mr. McLachlan. Upon appointment to the board, the jointly selected director is expected to join Class I. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The board of directors of the combined company will initially have the following three committees: Audit Committee. The audit committee will consist of at least three non-employee directors who are independent directors within the meaning of Rule 4200(a)(14) of the Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The audit committee will review the scope and effectiveness of audits of the combined company by the combined company's independent public accountants and internal auditors; review the audit plans of the combined company's independent public accountants and internal auditors; review the combined company's quarterly and annual financial statements before their release; review the adequacy of the combined company's system of internal controls and recommendations of the independent public accountants and of the internal auditors with respect thereto; review and act on the comments and 141 suggestions by the independent public accountants and by the internal auditors with respect to their audit activities; and monitor compliance by the employees of the combined company with the combined company's standards of business conduct policies. Compensation Committee. The compensation committee will consist of at least two non-employee directors. The principal functions of the compensation committee will be to evaluate the performance of the combined company's senior executives and plans for management succession and development, to consider the design and competitiveness of the combined company's compensation plans, to review and approve senior executive compensation and to administer the combined company's compensation plans pursuant to the terms of the respective plans. The members of the committee will be ineligible to participate in any of the plans or programs which are administered by the committee, except for Alpha's Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan. Nominating Committee. The nominating committee is expected to consist only of non-employee directors. The principal functions of the nominating committee will be to consider and recommend to the board of directors qualified candidates for election as directors of the combined company. Stockholders of the combined company will be able to recommend candidates for consideration by the committee by writing to the secretary of the combined company within certain time periods specified in the combined company's amended by-laws, giving the candidate's name, biographical data and qualifications. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS Subject to approval by the combined company's board of directors, we anticipate that non-employee directors of the combined company will be paid a retainer at the rate of $30,000 per year for service on the board of directors. Upon initial election to the board of directors, each non-employee director will be granted an option to purchase 45,000 shares of the combined company's common stock at an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value of the combined company's common stock on the date of grant. Such stock options will become exercisable in four equal installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date the options are granted. In addition, each non-employee director who is reelected or continues in office will be granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of the combined company's common stock immediately after each annual meeting of stockholders of the combined company. Non-employee directors of the combined company will receive fees for attending each meeting of the board of directors: $1,000 per day for attending board meetings in person and $500 per day for participating in board meetings via telephone. Additionally, for service on the committees of the board of directors, the chairman of each committee will receive $2,500 per year and the other members will receive $1,250 per year. MANAGEMENT Certain of the executive officers of Alpha will change as a result of the merger. After completion of the merger, David J. Aldrich, currently president and chief executive officer of Alpha, will be chief executive officer of the combined company. After completion of the merger, Kevin D. Barber, currently senior vice president, operations of Conexant, will be senior vice president, operations of the combined company; Liam K. Griffin, currently vice president, sales of Alpha, will be vice president, sales and marketing of the combined company; George M. LeVan, currently director, human resources of Alpha, will be vice president, human resources of the combined company; and Paul E. Vincent, currently vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer and secretary of Alpha, will be vice president and chief financial officer of the combined company. See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger". We have set forth below certain information about persons expected to be executive officers of the combined company as of the effective time of the merger. DAVID J. ALDRICH, chief executive officer. A brief description of Mr. Aldrich's business experience during the past five years is included in "-- Alpha Designees to the Board of Directors". 142 KEVIN D. BARBER, senior vice president, operations, age 41, has served as senior vice president, operations of Conexant since February 2001; vice president, internal manufacturing from August 2000 to February 2001; vice president, device manufacturing from March 1999 to August 2000; vice president, strategic sourcing from November 1998 to March 1999; and director, material sourcing of Rockwell Semiconductor Systems (now Conexant) from May 1997 to November 1998. LIAM K. GRIFFIN, vice president, sales and marketing, age 35, has served as Alpha's vice president, sales and marketing since July 2001. Previously, Mr. Griffin was employed by Vectron International, a division of Dover Corp., as vice president of worldwide sales from 1997 to 2001, and as vice president of North American sales from 1995 to 1997. His prior experience included positions as a marketing manager at AT&T Microelectronics, Inc. and product and process engineer at AT&T Network Systems. GEORGE M. LEVAN, vice president, human resources, age 56, has managed Alpha's human resources department since becoming employed by Alpha in 1982. Since April 1991, Mr. LeVan has served as Alpha's director, human resources. Before becoming employed by Alpha, he held human resource positions at Data Terminal Systems, Inc., W.R. Grace & Co., Compo Industries, Inc. and RCA. PAUL E. VINCENT, vice president and chief financial officer, age 54, has served as vice president and chief financial officer of Alpha since January 1997, treasurer of Alpha since September 1997 and secretary of Alpha since September 1999. Mr. Vincent joined Alpha in 1979 as controller. Prior to joining Alpha, Mr. Vincent worked at Applicon Incorporated and, prior to that, Arthur Andersen & Co. 143 COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMBINED COMPANY The following tables disclose compensation received by the individuals who will be the chief executive officer and the next four most highly compensated executive officers of the combined company based on compensation received from Alpha or Conexant, as applicable, for the fiscal years indicated. These officers are referred to as named executive officers in other parts of this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. References in this section to Alpha's 2000, 2001 and 2002 fiscal years refer to the fiscal years which ended on April 2, 2000, April 1, 2001 and March 31, 2002, respectively, and references to Conexant's 1999, 2000 and 2001 fiscal years refer to the fiscal years which ended on September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE ALPHA The following table discloses compensation received from Alpha by the named executive officers who are currently employees of Alpha. - --------------- (1) The listed principal position of each named executive officer is the principal position each named executive officer is expected to hold with the combined company. Mr. Aldrich is currently the president and chief executive officer of Alpha. Mr. Vincent is currently vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer and secretary of Alpha. (2) "All Other Compensation" includes service awards and Alpha's contributions to the executive officer's 401(k) plan account (including contributions for the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, which were included in the year of accrual but not distributed until the subsequent fiscal year). (3) "Other Annual Compensation" includes contributions under Alpha's company-wide gain-sharing program. (4) In connection with his joining Alpha in July 2001, Mr. Griffin received a sign-on bonus and a grant of Alpha stock options. 144
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION --------------------------------------------------- AWARDS PAYOUTS ANNUAL COMPENSATION --------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- RESTRICTED STOCK LONG-TERM NAME AND PRINCIPAL FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL STOCK OPTIONS INCENTIVE ALL OTHER POSITION(1) YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(3) AWARDS (SHARES) PAYOUTS COMPENSATION(2) - ------------------ ------ -------- -------- --------------- ---------- -------- --------- --------------- David J. Aldrich 2002 $351,154 $ -- $ -- -- 160,000 -- $8,922 chief executive 2001 336,615 -- -- -- 150,000 -- 8,550 officer 2000 278,269 284,800 -- -- 120,000 -- 6,839 Liam K. Griffin 2002 130,039 25,000(4) -- -- 100,000(4) -- 1,062 vice president, sales and marketing George M. LeVan 2002 144,807 -- -- -- 25,000 -- 7,774 vice president, 2001 129,038 31,590 6,049 -- 18,467 -- 8,155 human resources 2000 122,038 35,053 3,988 -- 18,000 -- 6,643 Paul E. Vincent 2002 226,385 -- -- -- 50,000 -- 8,956 vice president and 2001 217,462 -- -- -- 60,000 -- 9,681 chief financial 2000 190,192 186,400 -- -- 50,000 -- 8,571 officer CONEXANT The following table discloses compensation received from Conexant by the named executive officer who is currently an executive officer of Conexant. - --------------- (1) The listed principal position is the principal position the named executive officer is expected to hold with the combined company. (2) Includes $21,153 paid to Mr. Barber in lieu of vacation. OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR ALPHA The following table provides information about stock options granted by Alpha in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 to named executive officers who are currently employees of Alpha.
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION --------------------------------------------------- AWARDS PAYOUTS ANNUAL COMPENSATION --------------------- --------------------------- -------------------------------------------- RESTRICTED STOCK LONG-TERM NAME AND PRINCIPAL FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL STOCK OPTIONS INCENTIVE ALL OTHER POSITION(1) YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION AWARDS (SHARES) PAYOUTS COMPENSATION - ------------------ ------ -------- -------- ------------ ---------- -------- --------- --------------- Kevin D. Barber........ 2001 $253,919(2) $314,669 $8,543 -- 107,201 -- -- senior vice president, operations Generally, Alpha options vest at a rate of 25% per year commencing one year after the date of grant, provided the holder of the option remains employed by Alpha. Generally, options may not be exercised more than three months after the holder ceases to be employed by Alpha, except in the event of termination by reason of death or permanent and total disability, in which event the option may be exercised for specific periods not exceeding one year following termination. In addition, Alpha has severance agreements with each of Messrs. Aldrich and Vincent, pursuant to which, under certain circumstances, unvested options held by them will vest immediately and they will be entitled to extended periods of exercise of their options. The assumed annual rates of stock price appreciation stated in the table are dictated by the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and are compounded annually for the full term of the options. Actual outcomes may differ. 145
OPTION GRANTS POTENTIAL REALIZABLE ---------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE AT ASSUMED NUMBER OF ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK SECURITIES PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL PRICE APPRECIATION FOR UNDERLYING OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE OR OPTION TERM OPTIONS GRANTED TO ALPHA EMPLOYEES BASE PRICE EXPIRATION ------------------------ NAME (SHARES) IN FISCAL 2002 (PER SHARE) DATE 5% 10% - ---- --------------- ------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- David J. Aldrich 160,000 5.79% $13.56 4/4/2011 $1,364,752 $3,458,549 Liam K. Griffin 100,000 3.62% 24.78 9/7/2011 1,558,401 3,949,249 George M. LeVan 25,000 0.90% 13.56 4/4/2011 213,242 540,398 Paul E. Vincent 50,000 1.81% 13.56 4/4/2011 426,485 1,080,796 CONEXANT The following table provides information about stock options granted by Conexant in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 to the named executive officer who is currently an executive officer of Conexant. AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES ALPHA The following table provides information about option exercises during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 by the named executive officers who are currently employees of Alpha and the value of their unexercised options as of the end of that fiscal year, based on the closing price of Alpha common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on March 28, 2002 ($15.25).
OPTION GRANTS POTENTIAL REALIZABLE ---------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE AT ASSUMED NUMBER OF PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK SECURITIES OPTIONS GRANTED PRICE APPRECIATION FOR UNDERLYING TO CONEXANT EXERCISE OR OPTION TERM OPTIONS GRANTED EMPLOYEES BASE PRICE EXPIRATION ---------------------- NAME (SHARES) IN FISCAL 2001 (PER SHARE) DATE 5% 10% - ---- --------------- ------------------- ----------- ---------- --------- --------- Kevin D. Barber 33,564 0.12% $ 8.9375 3/30/2011 $188,655 $478,088 7,201 0.02% 21.8750 10/27/2010 99,065 251,049 66,436 0.23% 8.9375 3/30/2009 283,500 679,031 The values of unexercised options in the foregoing table are based on the difference between the $15.25 closing price of Alpha's common stock at the end of the 2002 fiscal year on the Nasdaq National Market and the respective option exercise price. CONEXANT The following table provides information about option exercises during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 by the named executive officer who is currently an executive officer of Conexant and the value of his unexercised options as of the end of that fiscal year, based on the closing price of Conexant common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on September 28, 2001 ($8.30).
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS HELD AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS SHARES MARCH 31, 2002 AT MARCH 31, 2001 ACQUIRED VALUE ----------------------------- --------------------------- NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE - ---- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- David J. Aldrich 55,000 $1,588,806 124,500 389,500 $481,116 $800,530 Liam K. Griffin -- -- -- 100,000 -- -- George M. LeVan 12,000 426,476 26,017 55,950 171,123 116,298 Paul E. Vincent 24,400 645,343 39,000 149,000 292,488 359,342 146
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS HELD AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT SHARES SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 ACQUIRED VALUE --------------------------- --------------------------- NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE - ---- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Kevin D. Barber -- -- 63,812 118,389 -- -- OWNERSHIP OF COMBINED COMPANY COMMON STOCK The table below sets forth the projected beneficial ownership of the combined company's common stock immediately after the completion of the merger and is derived from information relating to the beneficial ownership of Alpha common stock and Conexant common stock as of April 15, 2002. The table sets forth the projected beneficial ownership of the combined company's common stock by the following individuals or entities: - each person who will beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the combined company's common stock immediately after completion of the merger; - the individuals who will be the chief executive officer and the other four most highly compensated executive officers of the combined company; - the individuals who will be the directors of the combined company; and - the individuals who will be the directors and executive officers of the combined company as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as otherwise indicated, each person or entity named in the table is expected to have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of the combined company's common stock shown as beneficially owned, subject to applicable community property laws. As of April 29, 2002, 44,265,003 shares of Alpha common stock were issued and outstanding. The percentage of beneficial ownership set forth below gives effect to the issuance of an estimated 94,065,894 shares of combined company common stock in the merger and is based on 138,330,897 shares of combined company common stock estimated to be outstanding immediately following completion of the merger. In computing the number of shares of combined company common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of combined company common stock that will be subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or that are exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2002 are deemed outstanding. These shares are not, however, deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. - --------------- * Less than one percent. (1) Indicates the projected number of shares of combined company common stock issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2002. (2) Amounts shown are based on Conexant share ownership and Conexant shares subject to options, which will equal the Washington share ownership and Washington shares subject to options 147
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER OF SHARES SUBJECT TO OPTIONS(1) PERCENT - ---------------- ---------------- --------------------- ------- David J. Aldrich.................................. 52,673 199,250 * Kevin D. Barber(2)................................ 4,107(3,4) 44,699 * Donald R. Beall(2)................................ 233,909(3,5) 235,716 * Moiz M. Beguwala(2)............................... 15,261(3,4) 244,821 * Dwight W. Decker(2)............................... 60,647(3,4) 903,328 * F. Craig Farrill(2)............................... 2,510(6) 26,325 * Timothy R. Furey.................................. -- 54,750 * Liam K. Griffin................................... -- -- -- Thomas C. Leonard................................. 62,340 56,250 * George M. LeVan................................... 6,504 39,867 * David J. McLachlan................................ 2,600 11,250 * Paul E. Vincent................................... 72,316 69,000 * All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons).................................... 512,867 1,885,256 1.72% immediately after the distribution of Washington common stock, multiplied by 0.351, the exchange ratio in the merger. (3) Includes the projected number of shares of combined company common stock issuable in respect of shares of Conexant common stock held under the savings plans of Conexant and Rockwell Automation, Inc. as of April 15, 2002. (4) Includes the projected number of shares of combined company common stock issuable in respect of shares of Conexant common stock that may be issued as restricted stock under the Conexant Systems, Inc. 2001 Performance Share Plan prior to the distribution of Washington common stock as follows: 2,587; 3,274; 14,311; and 20,172 for Messrs. Barber, Beguwala, Decker and the group, respectively. (5) Includes the projected number of shares of combined company common stock as to which beneficial ownership is disclaimed as follows: 7,073 shares of combined company common stock issuable in respect of shares of Conexant common stock held for the benefit of family members and 3,510 shares of combined company common stock issuable in respect of shares of Conexant common stock owned by the Beall Foundation, of which Mr. Beall is President and a director. Does not include 101,161 shares of combined company common stock issuable in respect of shares of Conexant common stock that may be acquired upon exercise of Conexant stock options transferred to family members who are the beneficial owners thereof. (6) Includes the projected 1,319 shares of combined company common stock issuable in respect of shares of Conexant common stock granted to Mr. Farrill as restricted stock under the Conexant Systems, Inc. Directors Stock Plan. 148 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMBINED COMPANY'S CAPITAL STOCK The following description of the material terms of the capital stock of the combined company includes a summary of certain provisions of the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated by-laws that will become effective at the effective time of the merger. This description is subject to the detailed provisions of, and is qualified by reference to, the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended by-laws, copies of which are attached as Annexes D and E, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this section of the proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. The combined company will be authorized to issue (1) 525,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.25 per share, and (2) 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value. Following completion of the merger, it is anticipated that approximately 138,330,897 shares of combined company common stock will be outstanding. The authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by the combined company's stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the combined company's securities may be listed or traded. If the approval of the combined company's stockholders is not so required, the combined company's board of directors may determine not to seek stockholder approval. Certain of the provisions described below under "-- Certain Provisions in the Combined Company's Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended By-Laws" could have the effect of discouraging transactions that might lead to a change of control of the combined company. For example, the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended by-laws: - establish a classified board of directors; - permit the board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without further authorization of the combined company's stockholders; - prohibit stockholder action by written consent; - require stockholders to provide advance notice of any stockholder nominations of directors or any proposal of new business to be considered at any meeting of stockholders; - require a supermajority vote to amend or repeal certain provisions of the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended by-laws; - preclude stockholders from calling a special meeting of stockholders; - require a supermajority vote for business combinations not approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors in office prior to the time the other party to the business combination became the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the shares of the combined company; and - contain a fair price provision. COMMON STOCK Holders of combined company common stock are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by the combined company's board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. Dividends may not be paid on common stock unless all accrued dividends on preferred stock, if any, have been paid or declared and set aside. In the event of the combined company's liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share pro rata in the assets remaining after payment to creditors and after payment of the liquidation preference plus any unpaid dividends to holders of any outstanding preferred stock. Each holder of combined company common stock will be entitled to one vote for each such share outstanding in the holder's name. No holder of common stock will be entitled to cumulate votes in voting for directors. The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless otherwise determined by the combined company's board of directors, no holder of common 149 stock will have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any stock of any class which the combined company may issue or sell. The shares of combined company common stock to be issued in the merger and the shares of combined company common stock to be reserved for issuance upon exercise of Washington options converted in the merger will be listed on the Nasdaq National Market. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company will be the transfer agent and registrar for the combined company's common stock. Its address is 59 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038, and its telephone number is (800) 937-5449. PREFERRED STOCK The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation permits the combined company to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of combined company preferred stock in one or more series and with rights and preferences that may be fixed or designated by the combined company's board of directors without any further action by the combined company's stockholders. The designation, powers, preferences, rights and qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the preferred stock of each series will be fixed by the certificate of designation relating to such series, which will specify the terms of the preferred stock, including: - the designation of the series, which may be by distinguishing number, letter or title; - the number of shares of the series, which number the board of directors may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in the preferred stock designation) increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding); - whether dividends, if any, shall be cumulative or noncumulative and the dividend rate of the series; - the dates at which dividends, if any, shall be payable; - the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series; - the terms and amount of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series; - the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the combined company; - whether the shares of the series shall be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the combined company or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates as of which such shares shall be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion may be made; - restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series; and - the voting rights, if any, of the holders of shares of the series; provided, that no share of preferred stock of any series will be entitled to more than one vote per share of preferred stock. Although the combined company's board of directors has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could issue a series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt. CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE COMBINED COMPANY'S SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND AMENDED BY-LAWS The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended by-laws contain various provisions intended to: - promote the stability of the combined company's stockholder base; and - render more difficult certain unsolicited or hostile attempts to take the combined company over which could disrupt the combined company, divert the attention of its directors, officers and employees and adversely affect the independence and integrity of the combined company's business. 150 Pursuant to the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the number of directors is fixed by the combined company's board of directors. The combined company's directors are divided into three classes, each class to consist as nearly as possible of one third of the directors. Pursuant to the combined company's amended by-laws, directors elected by stockholders at an annual meeting of stockholders will be elected by a plurality of all votes cast. Currently, the terms of office of the three classes of directors will expire, respectively, at the combined company's 2002, 2003 and 2004 annual meetings. The term of the successors of each such class of directors expires three years from the year of election. The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains a fair price provision pursuant to which a business combination (including, among other things, a merger or consolidation) between the combined company or its subsidiaries and a related person (as defined in the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation), requires approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 90% of the then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, unless the business combination is approved by a majority of the continuing directors (as defined in the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation) and certain fair price criteria and procedural requirements specified in the fair price provision are met. If the business combination does not involve any cash or other property being received by any of the other stockholders, then the fair price criteria discussed below would not apply, and only approval by a majority of the continuing directors would be required. Under the fair price provision, the fair price criteria that must be satisfied to avoid the 90% stockholder voting requirement include the requirement that the consideration paid to the combined company's stockholders in a business combination must be either cash or the same form of consideration used by the related person in acquiring its beneficial ownership of the largest number of shares of the combined company's capital stock acquired by the related person. The related person would be required to meet the fair price criteria with respect to each class of the combined company's capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, whether or not the related person beneficially owned shares of that class prior to proposing the business combination. Under the fair price provision, even if the foregoing fair price criteria are met, the following procedural requirements must be met if the business combination is not to require approval by the holders of at least 90% of the then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class: - after the related person had become a related person and before the consummation of such business combination, (1) the combined company must not have failed to declare and pay full quarterly dividends on any outstanding combined company preferred stock, reduced the annual rate of dividends paid on combined company common stock or failed to increase such annual rate of dividends as necessary to reflect any reclassification, recapitalization, reorganization or any similar transaction which has the effect of reducing the number of outstanding shares of combined company common stock, unless such failure, reduction or reclassification was approved by a majority of the continuing directors and (2) the related person must not have acquired any newly issued shares of combined company capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, directly or indirectly, from the combined company, except as part of the transaction which results in such related person becoming a related person; - the related person must not have received, directly or indirectly (other than proportionately as a stockholder), at any time after becoming a related person, the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance or any tax advantages provided by the combined company; and - a proxy or information statement describing the proposed business combination and complying with the requirements of the Exchange Act must have been mailed to all stockholders of the combined company at least 30 days prior to the consummation of the business combination and such proxy or information statement must have contained a recommendation as to the advisability or inadvisability 151 of the business combination which any of the continuing directors may have furnished in writing to the board of directors. The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the shares of all classes of stock entitled to vote for the election of directors, voting together as a single class, to approve a business combination (including, among other things, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the combined company) that has not been approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors in office prior to the time the other party to the business combination became the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the shares of the combined company entitled to vote for the election of directors. The combined company's amended by-laws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by a resolution adopted by a majority of the entire board of directors. Stockholders are not permitted to call, or to require that the board of directors call, a special meeting of stockholders. Moreover, the business permitted to be conducted at any special meeting of stockholders is limited to the business brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice of the meeting given by the combined company. In addition, the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that any action taken by the combined company's stockholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by written consent instead of a meeting. The combined company's amended by-laws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring other business before meetings of the combined company's stockholders. The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the shares of all classes of stock entitled to vote for the election of directors, voting together as a single class, to: - amend or repeal any provision of the combined company's amended by-laws; - amend or repeal the provision of the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation relating to amendments to the combined company's amended by-laws; or - adopt any provision inconsistent with such provisions. The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the shares of all classes of stock entitled to vote for the election of directors, voting together as a single class, to: - amend or repeal the provisions of the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation relating to the election of directors, the classified board, or the right to act by written consent; or - adopt any provision inconsistent with such provisions. The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 90% of the shares of all classes of stock entitled to vote for the election of directors, voting together as a single class, to: - amend or repeal the fair price provision of the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation; or - adopt any provision inconsistent with such provision. Under the business combination provision discussed above, the combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the shares of all classes of stock entitled to vote for the election of directors, voting together as a single class, to amend, revise or revoke the business combination provision. 152 LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS The Delaware General Corporation Law permits Delaware corporations to eliminate or limit the monetary liability of directors for breach of their fiduciary duty of care, subject to certain limitations. The combined company's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that directors are not liable to the combined company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the combined company or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) for willful or negligent violation of the laws governing the payment of dividends or the purchase or redemption of stock or (4) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents subject to certain limitations. The combined company's amended by-laws and the appendices thereto provide for the indemnification of the combined company's directors, officers, employees and agents to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. The combined company's directors and officers are insured against certain liabilities for actions taken in such capacities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. 153 COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS BEFORE AND AFTER THE MERGER By approving and adopting the merger agreement, Alpha stockholders will be approving the adoption of Alpha's second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and Alpha's amended by-laws as the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the combined company, which will be in the forms attached to this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement as Annexes D and E, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this section of the proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. Accordingly, after completion of the merger, the rights of Alpha stockholders will be governed by these revised documents. The following is a summary of the material differences with respect to the rights of stockholders of Alpha before the merger and the rights of stockholders of the combined company after the merger that arise as a result of the adoption of the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended by-laws in connection with the merger. Each of the changes to Alpha's existing certificate of incorporation and by-laws described below has been modeled on provisions of Conexant's existing certificate of incorporation and by-laws. 154
RIGHTS OF ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS RIGHTS OF COMBINED COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS BEFORE THE MERGER AFTER THE MERGER -------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION OF Pursuant to the certificate of incorporation, Pursuant to the certificate of CAPITAL STOCK Alpha is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of incorporation, the combined company common stock, par value $.25. will be authorized to issue 550,000,000 shares consisting of (i) 525,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.25, and (ii) 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that The same provisions of the Delaware the directors of a corporation may declare and pay General Corporation Law will be dividends upon the shares of the corporation's applicable to the combined company. In capital stock either (i) out of its surplus, as addition, subject to the rights of the defined by the Delaware General Corporation Law, holders of preferred stock, the holders or (ii) in case there is no such surplus, out of of shares of common stock shall be the corporation's net profits for the fiscal year entitled to receive dividends and in which the dividend is declared and/or the distributions in equal amounts per preceding fiscal year. share, payable in cash or otherwise, as may be declared by the board of directors from time to time out of assets or funds of the combined company legally available for dividends or distributions. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that The same provisions of the Delaware in the event of a dissolution of a corporation, General Corporation Law will be after payment of creditors and other claims or applicable to the combined company. In obligations provided for under the Delaware addition, in the event of any General Corporation Law, all of the remaining liquidation, dissolution or winding-up assets of the corporation shall be distributed to of the combined company after the the stockholders of the corporation. payment to creditors and the payment or setting apart for payment to the holders of any preferred stock of the full preferential amounts to which those holders are entitled, all of the remaining assets of the combined company shall belong to and be distributable in equal amounts per share to the holders of common stock. For this purpose, a consolidation or merger of the combined company with any other corporation, or the sale, transfer or lease of all or substantially all its assets shall not constitute or be deemed a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the combined company. 155
RIGHTS OF ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS RIGHTS OF COMBINED COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS BEFORE THE MERGER AFTER THE MERGER -------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- PREFERRED STOCK Under its certificate of incorporation, Alpha is Pursuant to the certificate of not authorized to issue preferred stock without incorporation, the board of directors stockholder approval. of the combined company will be authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of each series; pro- vided, that no share of preferred stock of any series will be entitled to more than one vote per share of preferred stock. Except as may be provided in the certificate of incorporation or in a preferred stock designation, the common stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes, and holders of preferred stock shall not be entitled to receive any notice of any meeting of stockholders at which they are not entitled to vote. The number of authorized shares of preferred stock may be increased or decreased by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of all classes of stock of the combined company entitled to vote for the election of directors, without a vote of the holders of the preferred stock, or any series of preferred stock, unless a vote is required pursuant to any preferred stock designation. AMENDMENT OF Pursuant to the by-laws, the stockholders may Pursuant to the certificate of BY-LAWS amend, alter or repeal the by-laws at any special incorporation, the board of directors or annual meeting of stockholders by a vote of the is authorized to adopt, alter, amend majority of all shares outstanding, unless law, and repeal the by-laws, in any manner the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws not inconsistent with the laws of the requires a higher vote. state of Delaware or the certificate of incorporation, subject to the power of the holders of capital stock of the combined company to adopt, alter, amend or repeal the by-laws made by the board of directors; provided, that any adoption, amendment or repeal by the stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the shares of all classes of stock of the combined company entitled to vote for the election of directors, considered for this purpose as one class of stock. 156
RIGHTS OF ALPHA STOCKHOLDERS RIGHTS OF COMBINED COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS BEFORE THE MERGER AFTER THE MERGER -------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- The directors may amend or alter the by-laws by a majority vote of the directors then in office, except the directors may not amend the by-laws in any manner which: - Changes the stockholder voting requirements for any action; - Alters or abolishes any preferential right or right of redemption applicable to a class or series of stock with shares already outstanding; - Alters the application of the indemnification provisions of the by-laws to any act or transaction that occurs prior to the date of the amendment; - Alters the amendment provision of the by-laws; or - Permits the board of directors to take any action which under law, the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws is required to be taken by the stockholders. Any amendment of the by-laws by the board of directors may be altered or repealed by a majority vote of the stockholders entitled to vote at any annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders. AMENDMENT OF THE The amendment provision of the certificate of Pursuant to the certificate of AMENDMENT PROVISION incorporation may be amended in accordance with incorporation, no section of the OF THE CERTIFICATE the Delaware General Corporation Law, which amendment provision of the certificate OF INCORPORATION provides that, except as otherwise provided in the of incorporation that requires other certificate of incorporation, the certificate of than a majority vote to amend a incorporation may be amended by the affirmative provision of the certificate of vote of a majority of the outstanding stock incorporation may be amended so as to entitled to vote and a majority of the outstanding alter the vote required by such stock of each class entitled to vote as a sepa- section, unless the amendment is itself rate class. approved by the same vote referred to in such section. RIGHTS OF CONEXANT STOCKHOLDERS BEFORE AND AFTER THE MERGER Conexant stockholders will not be required to surrender their Conexant shares in the spin-off transaction or the merger. The distribution of Washington common stock to Conexant stockholders will not cancel or affect the number of outstanding shares of Conexant common stock or the related rights. The rights of Washington stockholders after the merger as stockholders of the combined company will be as set forth above under the heading "Description of the Combined Company's Capital Stock". LEGAL MATTERS The validity of the shares of common stock of the combined company to be issued in connection with the merger will be passed upon by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. It is a condition to the completion of the merger that Alpha and Conexant receive opinions from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Chadbourne & Parke LLP, respectively, with respect to the tax treatment of the merger. EXPERTS KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants, have audited Alpha's consolidated financial statements as of April 1, 2001 and April 2, 2000 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 1, 2001 included in Alpha's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 1, 2001, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. Alpha's financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on the report of KPMG LLP, given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. The combined financial statements of the Washington Business and the Mexicali operations of Conexant Systems, Inc. as of September 30, 2000 and 2001 and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2001 included in this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein, and have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS Alpha currently expects to hold its 2002 annual meeting of stockholders in the third calendar quarter of 2002. Under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to be eligible for inclusion in Alpha's proxy statement for its 2002 annual meeting of stockholders, proposals of stockholders must have been received at Alpha's principal executive offices no later than April 3, 2002 and must otherwise satisfy the conditions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission for such inclusion. In accordance with Alpha's amended and restated by-laws, proposals of stockholders intended for presentation at the 2002 annual meeting of stockholders (but not intended to be included in Alpha's proxy statement for that meeting) may be made only by a stockholder of record who has given notice of the proposal to the Secretary of the company at its principal executive offices no earlier than June 12, 2002 and no later than July 12, 2002. The notice must contain information as specified in Alpha's amended and restated by-laws. Any such proposal received after July 12, 2002 will not be considered "timely" under the federal proxy rules for purposes of determining whether the company may use discretionary authority to vote on such proposal. 157 OTHER MATTERS As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement, Alpha knows of no matters that will be presented for consideration at the Alpha special meeting, other than as described in this proxy statement/prospectus- information statement. If any other matters do properly come before the Alpha special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting and are voted upon, the enclosed proxies will be deemed to confer discretionary authority on the individuals named as proxies to vote the shares represented by those proxies as to any of those other matters. WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION Alpha files reports (including annual reports which contain audited financial statements), proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Illinois. Please call 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Alpha's Securities and Exchange Commission filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at "http://www.sec.gov". Alpha has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-4. This proxy statement/prospectus-information statement is a part of the registration statement and constitutes the prospectus for the common stock of the combined company to be issued to the holders of shares of Washington common stock in the merger. As allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission rules, this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement does not contain all of the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. The Securities and Exchange Commission allows Alpha to "incorporate by reference" information into this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. This means that Alpha can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents contain important information about Alpha and its financial condition. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this proxy statement/prospectus-information statement. Information that Alpha files later with the Securities and Exchange Commission will automatically update and supersede this information. Alpha incorporates by reference the documents listed below and any future filings it will make with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until the date of the Alpha special meeting: - Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2001 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2001; - Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 1, 2001 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2001; - Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2001; - Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 30, 2001 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2002; - Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2001; - Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2002; - Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2002; and 158 - The description of Alpha common stock contained in Item 1 of its Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 1998, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating the description. You may request a copy of these filings at no cost by writing or telephoning Alpha at the following address or telephone number: Alpha Industries, Inc. 20 Sylvan Road Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 Attention: Investor Relations Telephone: (781) 935-5150, extension 4798 IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THESE DOCUMENTS, YOU SHOULD MAKE YOUR REQUEST BY JUNE 3, 2002. ALPHA HAS NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION ABOUT THE MERGER OR ABOUT ALPHA THAT DIFFERS FROM OR ADDS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS-INFORMATION STATEMENT OR THE DOCUMENTS THAT ALPHA PUBLICLY FILES WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THEREFORE, IF ANYONE DOES GIVE YOU DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON IT. IF YOU ARE IN A JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO OFFER TO EXCHANGE OR SELL, OR TO ASK FOR OFFERS TO EXCHANGE OR BUY, THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS-INFORMATION STATEMENT OR TO ASK FOR PROXIES, OR IF YOU ARE A PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DIRECT SUCH ACTIVITIES, THEN THE OFFER PRESENTED BY THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS-INFORMATION STATEMENT DOES NOT EXTEND TO YOU. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS-INFORMATION STATEMENT SPEAKS ONLY AS OF ITS DATE UNLESS THE INFORMATION SPECIFICALLY INDICATES THAT ANOTHER DATE APPLIES. 159 INDEX TO AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE OF THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS F-1
PAGE ---- Independent Auditors' Report................................ F-2 Combined Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2000, September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001 (unaudited)................ F-3 Combined Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and the three months ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 (unaudited).............. F-4 Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and the three months ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 (unaudited).............. F-5 Combined Statements of Conexant's Net Investment and Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and the three months ended December 31, 2001 (unaudited)...................................... F-6 Notes to Combined Financial Statements...................... F-7 Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts............ F-28 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Conexant Systems, Inc. We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations of Conexant Systems, Inc. as of September 30, 2000 and 2001, and the related combined statements of operations, cash flows and Conexant's net investment and comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2001. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed at page F-1. These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations of Conexant Systems, Inc. at September 30, 2000 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule when considered in relation to the basic combined financial statements taken as a whole presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Costa Mesa, California February 14, 2002 F-2 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS) See accompanying notes to combined financial statements. F-3
SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- DECEMBER 31, 2000 2001 2001 -------- -------- ------------ (UNAUDITED) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents................................ $ 4,179 $ 1,998 $ 4,747 Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,792, $3,206 and $2,028 (unaudited) at September 30, 2000, September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001, respectively.......................................... 67,562 40,754 43,565 Inventories.............................................. 89,983 37,383 43,030 Other current assets..................................... 5,295 3,225 2,630 -------- -------- -------- Total current assets.................................. 167,019 83,360 93,972 Property, plant and equipment, net......................... 263,427 169,547 159,195 Goodwill and intangible assets, net........................ 70,817 57,606 53,669 Other assets............................................... 290 3,774 4,248 -------- -------- -------- Total assets.......................................... $501,553 $314,287 $311,084 ======== ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND CONEXANT'S NET INVESTMENT Current liabilities: Accounts payable......................................... $ 5,200 $ 2,653 $ 1,121 Accrued compensation and benefits........................ 19,212 12,363 13,652 Other current liabilities................................ 6,958 7,804 18,516 -------- -------- -------- Total current liabilities............................. 31,370 22,820 33,289 Long-term liabilities...................................... 3,767 3,806 3,772 -------- -------- -------- Total liabilities..................................... 35,137 26,626 37,061 Commitments and contingencies.............................. -- -- -- Conexant's net investment.................................. 466,416 287,661 274,023 -------- -------- -------- Total liabilities and Conexant's net investment....... $501,553 $314,287 $311,084 ======== ======== ======== THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN THOUSANDS) See accompanying notes to combined financial statements. F-4
THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------- ------------------- 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001 -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) Net revenues: Third parties.................................. $176,015 $312,983 $ 215,502 $ 68,518 $ 88,404 Conexant....................................... 40,400 65,433 44,949 16,978 5,356 -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Total net revenues........................... 216,415 378,416 260,451 85,496 93,760 -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Cost of goods sold: Third parties.................................. 96,699 207,450 268,749 76,272 72,729 Conexant....................................... 37,840 62,720 42,754 16,244 5,077 -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Total cost of goods sold..................... 134,539 270,170 311,503 92,516 77,806 -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Gross margin..................................... 81,876 108,246 (51,052) (7,020) 15,954 Operating expenses: Research and development....................... 66,457 91,616 111,053 26,918 32,181 Selling, general and administrative............ 27,202 52,422 51,267 16,013 10,636 Amortization of intangible assets.............. -- 5,327 15,267 3,737 3,937 Special charges................................ 1,432 -- 88,876 -- -- Purchased in-process research and development.................................. -- 24,362 -- -- -- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Total operating expenses................ 95,091 173,727 266,463 46,668 46,754 -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Operating loss................................... (13,215) (65,481) (317,515) (53,688) (30,800) Other income (expense), net...................... (54) 142 210 (11) 52 -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Loss before income taxes......................... (13,269) (65,339) (317,305) (53,699) (30,748) Provision for income taxes....................... 1,646 1,140 1,619 265 3,549 -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- Net loss......................................... $(14,915) $(66,479) $(318,924) $(53,964) $(34,297) ======== ======== ========= ======== ======== THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See accompanying notes to combined financial statements. F-5
THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------- ------------------- 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001 -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss............................... $(14,915) $ (66,479) $(318,924) $(53,964) $(34,297) Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation......................... 42,468 61,710 58,708 15,018 11,863 Amortization of intangible assets.... -- 5,327 15,267 3,737 3,937 Asset impairments.................... -- -- 86,209 -- -- Provision for losses on accounts receivable........................ (30) 3,538 (468) 1,353 (1,178) Inventory provisions................. 2,530 3,132 60,978 5,844 87 Purchased in-process research and development....................... -- 24,362 -- -- -- Loss on disposition of assets........ 297 4 80 42 60 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition: Receivables....................... (19,606) (39,846) 27,276 (2,384) (1,633) Inventories....................... (10,115) (65,150) (8,378) (4,872) (5,734) Accounts payable.................. (710) 1,961 (2,547) (1,031) (1,532) Accrued expenses and other current liabilities..................... (338) 14,210 (6,003) 3,831 12,001 Other............................. (6,643) 3,401 (1,604) 754 106 -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Net cash used in operating activities................... (7,062) (53,830) (89,406) (31,672) (16,320) -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital expenditures................... (94,331) (100,424) (51,118) (18,200) (1,571) Cash balances of acquired business..... -- 7,655 -- -- -- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities................... (94,331) (92,769) (51,118) (18,200) (1,571) -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net transfers from Conexant............ 103,465 148,706 138,343 55,405 20,640 -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..................... 2,072 2,107 (2,181) 5,533 2,749 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............................ -- 2,072 4,179 4,179 1,998 -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period............................... $ 2,072 $ 4,179 $ 1,998 $ 9,712 $ 4,747 ======== ========= ========= ======== ======== THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CONEXANT'S NET INVESTMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See accompanying notes to combined financial statements. F-6
ACCUMULATED OTHER CONEXANT'S COMPREHENSIVE NET INCOME INVESTMENT (LOSS) TOTAL ---------- ------------- ---------- Balance at September 30, 1998........................... $ 187,196 $ -- $ 187,196 Net loss................................................ (14,915) -- (14,915) Foreign currency translation adjustment................. -- (178) (178) --------- Comprehensive loss.................................... (15,093) Net transfers from Conexant............................. 103,465 -- 103,465 --------- ----- --------- Balance at September 30, 1999........................... 275,746 (178) 275,568 Net loss................................................ (66,479) -- (66,479) Foreign currency translation adjustment................. -- 126 126 --------- Comprehensive loss.................................... (66,353) Contribution of business acquired by Conexant........... 108,495 -- 108,495 Net transfers from Conexant............................. 148,706 -- 148,706 --------- ----- --------- Balance at September 30, 2000........................... 466,468 (52) 466,416 Net loss................................................ (318,924) -- (318,924) Foreign currency translation adjustment................. -- (232) (232) --------- Comprehensive loss.................................... (319,156) Contribution of additional assets related to business acquired.............................................. 2,058 -- 2,058 Net transfers from Conexant............................. 138,343 -- 138,343 --------- ----- --------- Balance at September 30, 2001........................... 287,945 (284) 287,661 Net loss (unaudited).................................... (34,297) -- (34,297) Foreign currency translation adjustment (unaudited)..... -- 19 19 --------- Comprehensive loss (unaudited)........................ (34,278) Net transfers from Conexant (unaudited)................. 20,640 -- 20,640 --------- ----- --------- Balance at December 31, 2001 (unaudited)................ $ 274,288 $(265) $ 274,023 ========= ===== ========= THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION On December 16, 2001, Conexant Systems, Inc. (Conexant) entered into agreements with Washington Sub, Inc. (Washington), currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conexant, and Alpha Industries, Inc. (Alpha), a leading provider of proprietary radio frequency and microwave integrated circuit-based products and solutions, primarily for wireless communications. Alpha's products include modules, integrated circuits and discrete components, as well as components based on electrical ceramic and ferrite technology. Under the agreements, Conexant will contribute to Washington its wireless communications business, including its Newbury Park, California gallium arsenide semiconductor wafer fabrication facility, but excluding certain assets and liabilities (collectively, the Washington Business), and will distribute all the outstanding shares of Washington common stock to the Conexant shareholders (the Spin-off). The common stock of Washington will be distributed on a pro rata basis to the shareholders of Conexant, with each Conexant shareholder receiving one share of Washington common stock for each share of Conexant common stock or Conexant Series B voting preferred stock owned on the record date for the distribution. Immediately thereafter, Washington will merge with and into Alpha (the Merger), with Alpha as the surviving corporation (the combined company). Completion of the Spin-off and the Merger are subject to, among other things, regulatory approvals, a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that the Spin-off qualifies as tax-free and approval of the Merger by Alpha's stockholders. Upon completion of the Merger, the combined company will purchase Conexant's semiconductor assembly and test facility, located in Mexicali, Mexico, and certain related operations (collectively, the Mexicali Operations) for $150 million. Early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 was granted on January 29, 2002. There can be no assurance that the other regulatory approvals, the IRS ruling or the approval of the Merger by Alpha's stockholders will be obtained, or that the Spin-off and the Merger will be successfully completed. For financial accounting purposes, the sale of the Mexicali Operations by Conexant to the combined company will be treated as if Conexant had contributed the Mexicali Operations to Washington as part of the Spin-off, and the $150 million purchase price will be treated as a return of capital to Conexant. The accompanying combined financial statements include the assets, liabilities, operating results and cash flows of the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations. For purposes of these combined financial statements, the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations are collectively referred to as Washington/Mexicali. For financial accounting purposes, the Merger will be accounted for as a purchase of Alpha by Washington in a reverse acquisition. Accordingly, the historical financial statements of Washington/ Mexicali will become the historical financial statements of the combined company after the Merger. The Washington Business is a worldwide leader in semiconductor products and systems for wireless communications applications. Its product portfolio is comprised of components, subsystems and system-level semiconductor solutions for wireless voice and data communications applications, supporting the world's most widely adopted wireless standards, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Wireless communications product offerings of the Washington Business include power amplifier modules, radio frequency components and subsystems and cellular systems. F-7 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Washington was incorporated in Delaware on December 12, 2001. On December 31, 1998, Rockwell International Corporation (Rockwell) distributed all the outstanding shares of Conexant (formerly named Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Inc.) to shareholders of Rockwell in a tax-free spin-off. As a result, Conexant became an independent publicly-traded company owning and operating Rockwell's former semiconductor systems business. The accompanying combined financial statements report the operations that comprise Conexant's Washington Business and Mexicali Operations. For periods prior to Conexant's spin-off from Rockwell, the accompanying combined financial statements report the operations that comprised Washington/Mexicali as part of Rockwell's semiconductor systems business. References to Conexant prior to January 1, 1999 include the semiconductor systems business of Rockwell. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The combined financial statements of Washington/Mexicali have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The combined financial statements have been prepared using Conexant's historical bases in the assets and liabilities and the historical operating results of Washington/Mexicali during each respective period. Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements are reasonable. However, the financial information included herein does not necessarily reflect the combined assets, liabilities, operating results, changes in Conexant's net investment and comprehensive income and cash flows of Washington/Mexicali in the future or what they would have been had Washington/Mexicali been an independent company during the periods presented. Conexant uses a centralized approach to cash management and the financing of its operations. Cash deposits from Washington/Mexicali are generally collected by Conexant on a regular basis and are netted against Conexant's net investment. As a result, none of Conexant's cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities or debt at the corporate level has been allocated to Washington/Mexicali in the combined financial statements. Cash and cash equivalents in the combined financial statements represent amounts held by foreign operations of Washington/Mexicali. Changes in Conexant's net investment represent funding from Conexant for working capital and capital expenditure requirements after giving effect to Washington/Mexicali's transfers to and from Conexant for its cash flows from operations. Historically, Conexant has provided financing for Washington/Mexicali and incurred debt at the parent level. The combined financial statements of Washington/Mexicali do not include an allocation of Conexant's debt or the related interest expense. Therefore, the combined financial statements do not necessarily reflect the financial position and results of operations of Washington/Mexicali had it been an independent company as of the dates, and for the periods, presented. The combined financial statements include allocations of certain Conexant operating expenses for research and development, legal, accounting, treasury, human resources, real estate, information systems, distribution, customer service, sales, marketing, engineering and other corporate services provided by Conexant, including executive salaries and other costs (see Note 11). The operating expense allocations have been determined on bases that management considered to be reasonable reflections of the utilization of services provided to, or the benefit received by, Washington/Mexicali. Management believes that the expenses allocated to Washington/Mexicali are representative of the operating expenses that would have been incurred had Washington/Mexicali operated as an independent company. Following the Spin-off and the Merger, the combined company will perform these functions using its own resources or purchased services, including services obtained from Conexant pursuant to a transition services agreement (see Note 11). F-8 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Combination -- The combined financial statements include all businesses and foreign operations of Conexant that relate to Washington/Mexicali. All accounts and transactions among the entities of Washington/Mexicali have been eliminated in combination. Fiscal Periods -- The combined financial statements have been prepared on a fiscal year basis consistent with that of Conexant, which maintains a fifty-two/fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Friday closest to September 30. Fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 each comprised 52 weeks and ended on October 1, September 29 and September 28, respectively. The first quarter of fiscal 2000 and 2001 ended on December 29 and December 28, respectively. For convenience, the combined financial statements have been shown as ending on the last day of the calendar month. Unaudited Interim Financial Information -- The combined financial information as of December 31, 2001 and for the three months ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 is unaudited and, in the opinion of management, includes all adjustments, consisting of adjustments of a normal recurring nature, as well as the special charges and inventory write-downs, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Washington/Mexicali. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. Use of Estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the combined financial statements and accompanying notes. Among the significant estimates affecting the financial statements are those related to inventories, long-lived assets and income taxes. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Revenue Recognition -- Revenues from product sales are recognized upon shipment and transfer of title, in accordance with the shipping terms specified in the arrangement with the customer. Revenue recognition is deferred in all instances where the earnings process is incomplete. Certain product sales are made to electronic component distributors under agreements allowing for price protection and/or a right of return on unsold products. Recognition of revenue on sales to these distributors is deferred until the products are sold by the distributors to a third party. Deferred revenue in the combined balance sheets was not significant in any of the periods presented. A reserve for sales returns and allowances for non-distributor customers is recorded based on historical experience or specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve. Development revenue is recognized when services are performed and was not significant for any of the periods presented. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" (SAB 101) was adopted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001. The adoption of SAB 101 did not have a significant impact on the combined financial position or results of operations of Washington/Mexicali. Cash and Cash Equivalents -- All highly-liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values. Inventories -- Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed using the average cost method on a currently adjusted standard basis (which approximates actual cost); market is based upon estimated net realizable value. The valuation of inventories at the lower of cost or market F-9 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) requires the use of estimates as to the amounts of current inventories that will be sold. These estimates are dependent on management's assessment of current and expected orders (generally over the next six months) from customers, and orders generally are subject to cancellation with limited advance notice prior to shipment. Property, Plant and Equipment -- Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is based on estimated useful lives (principally 50 years for buildings and 10 to 30 years for building improvements; 5 years for machinery and equipment; and the shorter of the remaining terms of the leases or the estimated economic useful lives of the improvements for land and leasehold improvements). Significant renewals and betterments are capitalized and replaced units are written off. Maintenance and repairs, as well as renewals of a minor amount, are expensed as incurred. Goodwill and Intangible Assets -- Goodwill and intangible assets are the result of a business acquisition completed in fiscal 2000. Business acquisitions are accounted for by assigning the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, including purchased in-process research and development (IPRD) projects, which have not yet reached technological feasibility and have no alternative future use. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values; the excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The value of IPRD is immediately charged to expense upon completion of the acquisition. Goodwill, developed technology and other intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (principally 5 years). Impairment of Long-Lived Assets -- Management continually monitors events or changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets to be held and used, including goodwill and intangible assets, may not be recoverable. The determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition. When impairment is indicated for a long-lived asset, the amount of impairment loss is the excess of net book value over fair value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. During fiscal 2001, the Washington Business recorded an impairment charge as discussed in Note 10. Product Warranties -- Warranties are offered on the sale of certain products and an accrual is recorded for estimated claims at the time of sale. Such accruals are based on historical experience and management's estimate of future claims. Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement -- The foreign operations of Washington/Mexicali are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and foreign currency transaction costs. The functional currency of the foreign operations in South Korea and Finland is the local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are accumulated as a component of other comprehensive income. For the Mexicali Operations and the foreign operations in Canada and France, the functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Inventories; property, plant and equipment; goodwill and intangible assets; cost of goods sold; and depreciation and amortization are remeasured from the foreign currency into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates; other accounts are translated at current exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from these remeasurements are included in income. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recognized currently in income. Derivative Financial Instruments -- Derivative financial instruments are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS 133 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. The accounting for F-10 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative, and its designation as a hedge. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in fair value of derivatives either offset the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings, or are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The change in a derivative's fair value related to the ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. As of September 30, 2000 and 2001, Washington/Mexicali had no derivative financial instruments. Research and Development -- Research and development costs, other than software development costs, are expensed as incurred. Development costs for software to be sold or marketed are capitalized following attainment of technological feasibility. However, no development costs that qualify for capitalization were incurred during any of the periods presented. Stock-Based Compensation -- Washington/Mexicali accounts for employee stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations, and has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Income Taxes -- Historically, the results of operations of the Washington Business have been included in Conexant's (or Rockwell's) consolidated federal and state income tax returns, and the results of operations of the Mexicali Operations have been included in its separate tax returns filed as an independent foreign company. The provision for income taxes is calculated as if the Washington Business and the Mexicali Operations had each filed separate tax returns as independent companies and the resulting amounts combined for inclusion in the combined financial statements. The provision for income taxes is determined in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The balance of the income taxes currently payable (or refundable) has been included in Conexant's net investment in the combined balance sheets. Concentrations -- Financial instruments that potentially subject Washington/Mexicali to concentration of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable. Trade receivables are primarily derived from sales to manufacturers of communications and consumer products. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers' financial condition are performed and collateral, such as letters of credit and bank guarantees, are required whenever deemed necessary. The following customers accounted for 10% or more of trade receivables from third parties: F-11
SEPTEMBER 30, ------------- DECEMBER 31, 2000 2001 2001 ----- ----- ------------ (UNAUDITED) Customer A.................................................. 29% 63% 63% Customer B.................................................. -- 13% -- Customer D.................................................. 16% -- -- Customer E.................................................. 15% -- -- THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) The following customers accounted for 10% or more of net revenues from third parties: Comprehensive Income -- Comprehensive loss presented in the combined statements of Conexant's net investment consists of Washington/Mexicali's net loss and foreign currency translation adjustments. The foreign currency translation adjustments are not recorded net of any tax effect, as management does not expect to incur any tax liability or benefit related thereto. Accumulated other comprehensive loss is included in Conexant's net investment in the combined balance sheets. Supplemental Cash Flow Information -- All income tax payments were made by Conexant on behalf of Washington/Mexicali. Recent Accounting Standards -- In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". SFAS 141 requires that all business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method and provides new criteria for recording intangible assets separately from goodwill. Existing goodwill and intangible assets will be evaluated against these new criteria, which may result in certain intangible assets being subsumed into goodwill. SFAS 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives will not be amortized into results of operations, but instead will be evaluated at least annually for impairment and written down when the recorded value exceeds the estimated fair value. Washington/Mexicali will adopt the provisions of each statement that apply to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to June 30, 2001 as of the beginning of fiscal 2003. However, SFAS 142 is immediately applicable to any goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. Upon adoption, goodwill will cease to be amortized against results of operations, reducing annual amortization expense by approximately $14 million. Management is evaluating the full impact of adopting the new standards. In addition, impairment reviews may result in charges against earnings to write down the value of goodwill. In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", which supersedes previous guidance on financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and for segments of a business to be disposed of. Adoption of SFAS 144 is required no later than the beginning of fiscal 2003. Management does not expect the adoption of SFAS 144 to have a significant impact on the combined financial position or results of operations of Washington/Mexicali. However, future impairment reviews may result in charges against earnings to write down the value of long-lived assets. 3. ACQUISITION In May 2000, Conexant acquired Philsar Semiconductor Inc. (Philsar), which became a part of Conexant's wireless communications business. This acquisition has been accounted for as a contribution to the Washington Business by Conexant and such contribution has been recorded in Conexant's net investment in the combined financial statements. F-12
THREE MONTHS YEAR ENDED ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, -------------------- ------------ 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (UNAUDITED) Customer A........................................ 37% 28% 44% 30% 48% Customer B........................................ 14% -- 12% 16% 11% Customer C........................................ -- 18% -- 23% -- Customer D........................................ 11% 10% -- -- -- THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Philsar is a developer of radio frequency semiconductor solutions for personal wireless connectivity, including emerging standards such as Bluetooth, and radio frequency components for third-generation (3G) digital cellular handsets. To effect the acquisition of Philsar, all of the then-outstanding capital stock of Philsar was exchanged for Philsar securities exchangeable at the option of the holders into an aggregate of approximately 2.5 million shares of Conexant common stock (including 248,000 exchangeable shares issued in fiscal 2001 upon the expiration of an indemnification period). The outstanding Philsar stock options were converted into options to purchase an additional 525,000 shares of Conexant common stock. The total value of the consideration for the Philsar acquisition was $110.0 million. The value of the consideration paid was based on market prices of Conexant common stock at the time of announcement of the acquisition or, in the case of the additional consideration, at the time of resolution of the contingency. The value of the options converted (an average fair value of $36.12 per share) was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, based upon their various exercise prices (which ranged from $5.47 to $9.41) and remaining contractual lives (ranging from 1.4 to 9.8 years) and the following additional assumptions: estimated volatility of 60%, risk-free interest rate of 5.9% and no dividend yield). The value of the consideration has been allocated among the assets and liabilities acquired, including identified intangible assets and IPRD, based upon estimated fair values. The excess of the value of the consideration over the net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill. The tangible assets acquired totaled $8.0 million, net of liabilities of $2.2 million, and included $7.7 million in cash. The total goodwill associated with this acquisition was $71.4 million and such amount is not deductible for tax purposes. In connection with the acquisition of Philsar, $24.4 million was allocated to IPRD and expensed immediately upon completion of the acquisition (as a charge not deductible for tax purposes) because the technological feasibility of products under development had not been established and no future alternative uses existed. The fair value of the IPRD was determined using the income approach. Under the income approach, expected future after-tax cash flows from each of the projects or product families (projects) under development are estimated and discounted to their net present value at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate of return. Each project was analyzed to determine the technological innovations included in the project; the existence and utilization of core technology; the complexity, cost and time to complete the remaining development efforts; the existence of any alternative future use or current technological feasibility; and the stage of completion in development. Future cash flows for each project used in the income approach were estimated based on forecasted revenues and costs, taking into account the expected life cycles of the products and the underlying technology, relevant market sizes and industry trends. The projected revenues used in the income approach were the revenues expected to be generated upon completion of the IPRD projects and the beginning of commercial sales, as estimated by management. The projections assume that the projects will be successful and that the products' development and commercialization meet management's estimated time schedule. The projected gross margins and operating expenses reflect the costs expected to be incurred for production, marketing, and ongoing development of the product families as estimated by management. The IPRD projects were expected to commence generating net cash inflows in fiscal 2001. The projects were then classified as developed technology, IPRD or future development. The estimated future cash flows for each were discounted to approximate fair value. Discount rates of 30% for IPRD and 25% for developed technology were derived from a weighted-average cost of capital analysis, adjusted upward to reflect additional risks inherent in the development process, including the probability of achieving technological success and market acceptance. The IPRD charge includes the fair value of the portion of IPRD completed as of the date of acquisition. The fair values assigned to IPRD to-be- completed and future development are included in goodwill. Management is responsible for the amounts F-13 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) determined for IPRD, as well as developed technology, and believes the amounts are representative of fair values and do not exceed the amounts an independent party would pay for these projects. The results of operations of Philsar are included in the combined financial statements from the date of acquisition. The pro forma combined statement of operations data for fiscal 1999 and 2000 below assumes that the acquisition of Philsar had been completed as of the beginning of each period presented and includes amortization of goodwill and identified intangible assets from that date. However, the impact of the charge for IPRD has been excluded. This pro forma data is presented for informational purposes only, and is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations nor of the results that would have been achieved had the acquisition of Philsar taken place at the beginning of fiscal 1999. 4. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------- 1999 2000 ----------- ----------- (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS) Net revenues................................................ $ 216,873 $ 379,161 Net loss.................................................... $ (34,630) $ (62,326) Cost of goods sold for fiscal 2001 includes inventory write-downs of $58.7 million. These write-downs resulted from the sharply reduced end-customer demand experienced for digital cellular handsets in fiscal 2001. As a result of these market conditions, Washington/Mexicali experienced a significant number of order cancellations and a decline in the volume of new orders during fiscal 2001. The inventories written down during fiscal 2001 principally consisted of power amplifiers and radio frequency subsystem components which, in many cases, had been purchased or manufactured to satisfy expected customer demand. The recoverability of inventories is assessed through an on-going review of inventory levels in relation to sales backlog and forecasts, product marketing plans and product life cycles. When the inventory on hand exceeds the foreseeable demand (generally over six months), the value of such inventory that is not expected to be sold at the time of the review is written down. The amount of the write-down is the excess of historical cost over estimated realizable value (generally zero). Once established, these write-downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of the excess inventory. The assessment of the recoverability of inventories, and the amounts of any write-downs, is based on currently available information and assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Demand for products may fluctuate significantly over time, and actual demand and market conditions may be more or less favorable than those projected by management. In the event that actual demand is lower than originally projected, additional inventory write-downs may be required. F-14
SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- DECEMBER 31, 2000 2001 2001 -------- -------- ------------ (UNAUDITED) Raw materials...................................... $ 13,369 $ 3,626 $ 5,166 Work-in-process.................................... 50,572 19,164 22,520 Finished goods..................................... 26,042 14,593 15,344 -------- -------- -------- $ 89,983 $ 37,383 $ 43,030 ======== ======== ======== THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Some or all of the inventories which have been written down may be retained and made available for sale. In the event that actual demand is higher than originally projected, a portion of these inventories may be able to be sold in the future. Inventories which have been written-down and are identified as obsolete are generally scrapped. Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------- DECEMBER 31, 2000 2001 2001 --------- --------- ------------ (UNAUDITED) Land............................................. $ 5,323 $ 8,336 $ 8,399 Land and leasehold improvements.................. 16,748 11,730 12,823 Buildings........................................ 24,644 18,285 23,987 Machinery and equipment.......................... 470,215 396,268 399,345 Construction in progress......................... 21,667 19,807 10,337 --------- --------- --------- 538,597 454,426 454,891 Accumulated depreciation and amortization........ (275,170) (284,879) (295,696) --------- --------- --------- $ 263,427 $ 169,547 $ 159,195 ========= ========= ========= Other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- DECEMBER 31, 2000 2001 2001 -------- -------- ------------ (UNAUDITED) Goodwill........................................... $ 69,356 $ 71,412 $ 71,412 Developed technology............................... 5,995 5,995 5,995 Other.............................................. 793 793 793 -------- -------- -------- 76,144 78,200 78,200 Accumulated amortization........................... (5,327) (20,594) (24,531) -------- -------- -------- $ 70,817 $ 57,606 $ 53,669 ======== ======== ======== 5. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes in the combined statements of operations is comprised solely of the foreign current tax expense for all periods presented. F-15
SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- DECEMBER 31, 2000 2001 2001 -------- -------- ------------ (UNAUDITED) Warranty........................................... $ -- $ 3,414 $15,120 Other.............................................. 6,958 4,390 3,396 -------- -------- ------- $ 6,958 $ 7,804 $18,516 ======== ======== ======= THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Loss before income taxes consists of the following components (in thousands): A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate to the provision for income taxes follows (in thousands):
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------- 1999 2000 2001 -------- -------- --------- United States....................................... $(18,359) $(67,995) $(323,642) Foreign............................................. 5,090 2,656 6,337 -------- -------- --------- $(13,269) $(65,339) $(317,305) ======== ======== ========= Deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the tax effects of temporary differences related to the following (in thousands):
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------ 1999 2000 2001 ------- -------- --------- U.S. Federal statutory tax at 35%................... $(4,644) $(22,869) $(111,057) State taxes, net of federal effects................. (1,556) (3,283) (11,672) Foreign income taxes in excess of (less than) U.S............................................... (136) 210 (599) Research and development credits.................... (1,388) (3,937) (4,921) Nondeductible amortization of intangible assets..... -- 1,752 5,099 Nondeductible IPRD.................................. -- 8,527 -- Valuation allowance................................. 9,327 19,870 123,466 Other............................................... 43 870 1,303 ------- -------- --------- $ 1,646 $ 1,140 $ 1,619 ======= ======== ========= F-16
SEPTEMBER 30, -------------------- 2000 2001 -------- --------- Current: Inventories............................................... $ 6,813 $ 31,836 Deferred revenue.......................................... 2,340 2,779 Accrued compensation and benefits......................... 1,441 1,872 Product returns, allowances and warranty.................. 210 3,686 Deferred state taxes...................................... (475) (1,822) Other -- net.............................................. 1,607 1,470 -------- --------- Current deferred income taxes.......................... 11,936 39,821 -------- --------- THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Based upon a history of significant operating losses, management has determined that it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Consequently, a valuation allowance has been established for all of the net deferred tax assets. The net change in the valuation allowance for fiscal 1999, 2000 and 2001 was $9.8 million, $30.4 million and $123.6 million, respectively. Approximately $13.8 million of the valuation allowance at September 30, 2001 relates to net operating losses from stock option exercises. Upon realization of the underlying deferred tax assets, the tax benefit will be credited to Conexant's net investment. To the extent that Washington/Mexicali had filed separate tax returns as of September 30, 2001, the U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards would have been approximately $316.3 million, which would expire at various dates through 2021, and aggregate state net operating loss carryforwards would have been approximately $295.3 million, which would expire at various dates through 2011. Washington/Mexicali would also have had U.S. Federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $11.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively. The U.S. Federal credits would expire at various dates through 2021, while the state credits would have no expiration date. California Manufacturers' Investment Credits of approximately $4.8 million would expire at various dates through 2009. The research and development credits and the net operating losses shown above are calculated as if Washington/Mexicali had filed separate tax returns. These tax attributes include certain amounts that will be retained by Conexant and will not be available to be utilized in the separate tax returns of the combined company subsequent to the Merger and the combined company's purchase of the Mexicali Operations. As part of the Spin-off and the Merger, Washington, Conexant and Alpha intend to enter into a tax allocation agreement which will provide, among other things, for the allocation between Conexant and the combined company of certain tax liabilities relating to the Washington Business. In general, Conexant will assume and be responsible for tax liabilities of the Washington Business and Washington for periods prior to the Merger and the combined company will assume and be responsible for tax liabilities of the Washington Business for periods after the Merger. F-17
SEPTEMBER 30, -------------------- 2000 2001 -------- --------- Long-term: Property, plant and equipment............................. 2,536 30,876 Intangible assets......................................... (2,768) (2,337) Retirement benefits and deferred compensation............. 984 1,299 Net operating loss carryforwards.......................... 61,994 125,456 Research and development credits.......................... 9,681 16,918 State investment credits.................................. 4,277 4,801 Deferred state taxes...................................... (5,127) (10,071) Other -- net.............................................. 173 531 -------- --------- Long-term deferred income taxes........................ 71,750 167,473 -------- --------- Total deferred income taxes.......................... 83,686 207,294 Valuation allowance.................................. (83,686) (207,294) -------- --------- Net deferred tax assets.............................. $ -- $ -- ======== ========= THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 6. COMMITMENTS Conexant leases certain facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Land and facility leases expire at various dates through 2007 and contain various provisions for rental adjustments including, in certain cases, adjustments based on increases in the Consumer Price Index. The leases generally contain renewal provisions for varying periods of time. Rental expense allocated to Washington/Mexicali was approximately $1.6 million, $3.7 million, $4.9 million, $1.2 million (unaudited) and $1.3 million (unaudited) during fiscal 1999, 2000, 2001, and the three months ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, respectively. In connection with the Spin-off, the Merger and the sale of the Mexicali Operations, certain Conexant leases associated with Washington/Mexicali will be assumed by the combined company. The future minimum obligations under operating leases associated with Washington/Mexicali and to be assumed by the combined company as of September 30, 2001 are as follows (in thousands): 7. CONTINGENCIES Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against Conexant or its subsidiaries, the Washington Business or the Mexicali Operations, including those pertaining to product liability, intellectual property, environmental, safety and health, and employment matters. In connection with the Spin-off, Washington will assume responsibility for all then current and future litigation (including environmental and intellectual property proceedings) against Conexant or its subsidiaries in respect of the operations of the Washington Business. The outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to Washington/Mexicali. Many intellectual property disputes have a risk of injunctive relief and there can be no assurance that a license will be granted. Injunctive relief could materially and adversely affect the combined financial condition or results of operations of Washington/Mexicali. Based on its evaluation of matters that are pending or asserted, and taking into account any reserves for such matters, management believes the disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the combined financial condition or results of operations of Washington/Mexicali. Conexant has been designated as a potentially responsible party and is engaged in groundwater remediation at its Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility. Management estimated the aggregate remaining costs for this remediation to be approximately $0.6 million and accrued for these costs in the combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2001. F-18
FISCAL YEAR - ----------- 2002........................................................ $ 3,672 2003........................................................ 3,397 2004........................................................ 3,233 2005........................................................ 2,362 2006........................................................ 737 Thereafter.................................................. 1,279 ------- Total future minimum payments............................. $14,680 ======= THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 8. STOCK PLANS STOCK OPTIONS Conexant has stock option plans under which the employees of Washington/Mexicali may be granted options to purchase common stock. Options are generally granted with exercise prices at not less than the fair market value at grant date, generally vest over four years and expire eight to ten years after the grant date. A summary of stock options held by the employees of Washington/Mexicali under Conexant's stock option plans follows (shares in thousands): The following table summarizes Conexant stock options held by the employees of Washington/Mexicali at September 30, 2001 (shares in thousands):
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ---------------------------------------------------------- THREE MONTHS ENDED 1999 2000 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED NUMBER AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE OF EXERCISE OF EXERCISE OF EXERCISE OF EXERCISE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE ------ -------- ------ -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- (UNAUDITED) Outstanding at beginning of period............... -- $ -- 3,593 $11.09 7,485 $35.10 11,723 $26.78 Issued in spin-off from Rockwell................ 1,287 8.32 -- -- -- -- -- -- Granted during period..... 2,435 12.39 3,936 52.91 4,301 12.12 381 11.92 Options assumed in acquisition............. -- -- 525 36.12 -- -- -- -- Exercised................. (129) 8.14 (569) 7.53 (33) 7.99 (12) 8.23 Cancelled................. -- -- -- -- (30) 21.03 (4,678) 49.53 ----- ------ ----- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ Outstanding at end of period.................. 3,593 $11.09 7,485 $35.10 11,723 $26.78 7,414 $11.70 ===== ====== ===== ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== Exercisable at end of period.................. 501 $ 7.60 959 $10.87 2,944 $26.12 2,075 $13.76 ===== ====== ===== ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== In September 2001, Conexant commenced an offer to its employees to voluntarily exchange certain outstanding stock options. Under the terms of the offer, employees holding Conexant stock options having an exercise price equal to or greater than $25.00 per share could exchange their options for new options to purchase an equal number of shares of Conexant's common stock (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances). Employees accepting the exchange offer were also required to exchange all options granted F-19
OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE ----------------------------------- -------------------- AVERAGE WEIGHTED WEIGHTED REMAINING AVERAGE AVERAGE NUMBER CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES OF SHARES LIFE (YEARS) PRICE OF SHARES PRICE - ------------------------ --------- ------------ -------- --------- -------- $ 4.13 -- $ 8.45.................. 801 6.2 $ 8.19 717 $ 8.25 $ 8.50 -- $ 8.93.................. 2,807 9.5 8.92 11 8.75 $ 8.95 -- $ 14.87.................. 2,351 7.7 9.84 928 9.52 $15.00 -- $ 24.87.................. 942 9.0 21.16 34 18.85 $25.00 -- $115.62.................. 4,822 8.5 49.63 1,254 48.97 ------ --- ------ ----- ------ $ 4.13 -- $115.62.................. 11,723 8.5 $26.78 2,944 $26.12 ====== === ====== ===== ====== THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) within six months of the exchange offer. Approximately 4.7 million options held by the employees of Washington/Mexicali, with a weighted-average exercise price of $49.53 per share, were tendered by such employees and on October 2, 2001 those options were accepted and cancelled by Conexant. Conexant undertook to grant new stock options to the affected employees, on a one-for-one basis, at least six months and one day after the acceptance of the old options for exchange and cancellation. The new options will be granted at an exercise price equal to the closing market price of Conexant's common stock on the grant date, and will have vesting and other provisions substantially the same as the cancelled options. Conexant options outstanding as of the Spin-off date, other than options granted to employees of Conexant's Mindspeed Technologies business on March 30, 2001 and options held by persons in certain foreign locations (Mindspeed March 30 options) are expected to be adjusted to become Washington stock options and Conexant stock options at the time of the Spin-off. The exercise prices of the Conexant options and Washington options and the number of shares subject to such options will be adjusted using a formula that will ensure that (1) the aggregate intrinsic value of the options immediately before and after the Spin-off are the same, (2) the ratio of the exercise price per option to the market value per share is the same immediately before and after the Spin-off, and (3) the vesting provisions and option period of the replacement Washington options are the same as the original vesting terms and option period of the Conexant options. Mindspeed March 30 options will remain exercisable only for shares of Conexant common stock, with appropriate adjustments to the number of shares subject to, and the exercise prices of, such Mindspeed March 30 options to ensure that (i) the aggregate economic value of the adjusted Mindspeed March 30 option is the same immediately before and immediately after the Spin-off and (ii) the ratio of the exercise price to the fair market value of the underlying Conexant common stock remains the same immediately before and immediately after the Spin-off. In the Merger, each outstanding option to purchase Washington common stock will be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of Alpha common stock that is equal to the product of 0.351 multiplied by the number of shares of Washington common stock subject to the unexercised portion of the Washington option immediately before the conversion, rounded down to the nearest whole share. The exercise price per share of the converted options will be equal to the exercise price per share of the Washington options immediately before the conversion divided by 0.351, and rounded up to the nearest whole cent. RESTRICTED STOCK Conexant's long-term incentive plans also provide for awards of restricted shares of common stock and other stock-based incentive awards to officers and other employees and certain non-employees. Restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture if employment terminates during the prescribed retention period (generally within two years of the date of award) or, in certain cases, if prescribed performance criteria are not met. The fair value of restricted stock awards is charged to expense over the vesting period. In fiscal 1999, 2000 and 2001, compensation expense of $2.6 million, $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, was recorded for the value of restricted stock awards to employees of Washington/Mexicali. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN Conexant has an employee stock purchase plan which allows eligible employees to purchase shares of Conexant common stock at six-month intervals during a 24-month offering period at 85% of the lower of the fair market value on the first day of the 24-month offering period or on the purchase date. Under the employee stock purchase plan, employees may authorize Conexant to withhold up to 10% of their F-20 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) compensation for each pay period to purchase shares under the plan, subject to certain limitations. Offering periods generally commence on the first trading day of February and August of each year and are generally 24 months in duration, but may be terminated earlier under certain circumstances. ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION As permitted under SFAS 123, Washington/Mexicali has elected to follow APB 25 and related interpretations in accounting for stock-based awards to employees. Under APB 25, no compensation expense is generally recognized with respect to such awards. Pro forma information regarding net loss is required by SFAS 123. This information is required to be determined as if stock-based awards to employees had been accounted for under the fair value method of that Statement. Had compensation cost for stock option awards to employees of Washington/Mexicali under Conexant's stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in fiscal 1999, 2000 and 2001, the pro forma net loss for Washington/Mexicali would have been approximately $19.3 million, $102.9 million and $390.8 million, respectively. For purposes of pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123, the estimated fair value of the options is assumed to be amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The fair value of the options granted has been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because options held by employees and directors have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in the opinion of management, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of these options. In connection with the Spin-off and the Merger, as noted above, the number of shares and the related exercise prices of outstanding stock options held by employees of Washington/Mexicali will be adjusted. Accordingly, the outstanding stock option information and the SFAS 123 disclosures presented above are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would have been presented if the Spin-off and the Merger had occurred at the beginning of any of the periods presented, nor what the amounts will be in the future. 9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Conexant sponsors various benefit plans for its eligible employees, including a 401(k) retirement savings plan, a retirement medical plan and a pension plan. Expenses allocated from Conexant under these employee benefit plans for Washington/Mexicali participants were $0.6 million, $1.3 million and $1.3 million for fiscal 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively. F-21
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------- 1999 2000 2001 ------ ------- ------ Risk-free interest rate..................................... 5.9% 5.9% 3.8% Expected volatility......................................... 60% 60% 85% Dividend yield.............................................. -- -- -- Expected life (years)....................................... 5.0 4.5 4.5 Weighted-average fair value of options granted.............. $7.23 $27.46 $7.96 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 10. SPECIAL CHARGES ASSET IMPAIRMENTS During the third quarter of fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali recorded an $86.2 million charge for the impairment of the manufacturing facility and related wafer fabrication machinery and equipment at the Washington Business's Newbury Park facility. This impairment charge was based on a recoverability analysis prepared by management as a result of the dramatic downturn in the market for wireless communications products and the related impact on the then-current and projected business outlook of the Washington Business. Through the third quarter of fiscal 2001, the Washington Business experienced a severe decline in factory utilization at the Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility and decreasing revenues, backlog and new order volume. Management believed these factors, together with its decision to significantly reduce future capital expenditures for advanced process technologies and capacity beyond the then-current levels, indicated that the value of the Newbury Park facility may be impaired and that an impairment analysis should be performed. In performing the analysis for recoverability, management estimated the future cash flows expected to result from the manufacturing activities at the Newbury Park facility over a ten-year period. The estimated future cash flows were based on modest volume increases consistent with management's view of the outlook for the industry, partially offset by declining average selling prices. The declines in average selling prices are consistent with historical trends and management's decision to focus on existing products based on the current technology. Since the estimated undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying value (approximately $106 million based on historical cost) of the related assets, it was concluded that an impairment loss should be recognized. The impairment charge was determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the related assets to their carrying value. The fair value of the assets was determined by computing the present value of the estimated future cash flows using a discount rate of 30%, which management believed was commensurate with the underlying risks associated with the projected cash flows. Washington/Mexicali believes the assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model represented a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the assets. The write-down established a new cost basis for the impaired assets. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES In connection with a restructuring plan initiated in September 1998, Conexant offered a voluntary early retirement program (VERP) to certain salaried employees. Pension benefits under the VERP are paid from a newly established pension plan (the VERP Plan) of Conexant. Benefits payable under the VERP Plan are equal to the excess of the total early retirement pension benefit over the vested benefit obligation retained by Rockwell under a Rockwell pension plan. Fiscal 1999 restructuring charges include $1.4 million for costs associated with Washington/Mexicali employees who accepted the VERP after September 30, 1998. During fiscal 2001, Washington/Mexicali reduced its workforce by approximately 250 employees, including approximately 230 employees in manufacturing operations. Restructuring charges of $2.7 million were recorded for such actions and were based upon estimates of the cost of severance benefits for the affected employees. Substantially all amounts accrued for these actions are expected to be paid within one year. F-22 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Activity and liability balances related to the fiscal 2001 restructuring actions are as follows (in thousands): 11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Historically, a significant portion of Conexant's semiconductor product assembly and test function has been performed by the Mexicali Operations. In addition, Conexant has purchased certain semiconductor products from the Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility included in the Washington Business. Revenues and related costs of goods sold for products manufactured in the Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility and assembled and tested by the Mexicali Operations for Conexant have been separately presented in the combined statements of operations. Accounts receivable related to sales to Conexant are included in Conexant's net investment. Conexant uses a central approach to cash management and financing its operations. Accordingly, Conexant has provided funding for the working capital and capital expenditure requirements of Washington/Mexicali. This funding consists of Conexant's payment of expenses allocated to Washington/Mexicali and payments made by Conexant on behalf of Washington/Mexicali. This financing by Conexant has been in the form of equity capital advances in Washington/Mexicali and there are no formal repayment or interest arrangements, nor any expectation of any such arrangements in the future. The equity capital advances have been presented separately as additions to Conexant's net investment in the accompanying combined statements of Conexant's net investment and comprehensive income. F-23
Charged to costs and expenses............................... $2,667 Cash payments............................................... (1,943) ------ Restructuring balance, September 30, 2001................... 724 Cash payments (unaudited)................................... (461) ------ Restructuring balance, December 31, 2001 (unaudited)........ $ 263 ====== THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) A summary of the accumulated net transfers from Conexant and the average balances outstanding are as follows (in thousands): The operating costs and expenses of Washington/Mexicali include allocations from Conexant for research and development, legal, accounting, treasury, human resources, real estate, information systems, distribution, customer service, sales, marketing, engineering and other corporate services provided by Conexant, including executive salaries and other costs. Operating costs and expenses for Washington/ Mexicali are allocated based upon specific identification to the extent possible and the remaining common costs are allocated on bases that management considered to be reasonable reflections of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by Washington/Mexicali. A summary of the primary methods used to allocate common costs and expenses are as follows: Cost of goods sold - Percentage of specifically-identified cost of goods sold for Washington/Mexicali to the total of specifically-identified cost of goods sold. Research and development expenses and selling/marketing expenses - Detailed activity-based analyses. - Percentage of specific spending for Washington/Mexicali to the total spending for research and development and selling/marketing expenses, respectively. - Pro rata manufacturing capacity utilization. General and administrative expenses - Percentage of all specifically-identified costs incurred by Washington/Mexicali to the total of all specifically-identified costs by Conexant for cost of goods sold, research and development and selling/marketing expenses. F-24
THREE MONTHS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------- ------------------- 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001 --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) Balance at beginning of period......... $ 284,614 $ 388,079 $ 536,785 $536,785 $675,128 --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Cash collected by Conexant on behalf of Washington/Mexicali.................. (156,379) (276,414) (242,310) (30,918) (85,593) Cash received in connection with business acquisition................. -- (7,655) -- -- -- Sales to Conexant...................... (40,400) (65,433) (44,949) (16,978) (5,356) Purchases from Conexant................ 3,586 51,402 37,470 6,130 20,860 Capital expenditures................... 94,331 100,424 51,118 18,200 1,571 Expenses allocated from Conexant....... 56,767 88,565 104,483 26,456 19,131 Amounts paid by Conexant on behalf of Washington/Mexicali.................. 145,560 257,817 232,531 52,515 70,027 --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Net transfers from Conexant............ 103,465 148,706 138,343 55,405 20,640 --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Balance at end of period............... $ 388,079 $ 536,785 $ 675,128 $592,190 $695,768 ========= ========= ========= ======== ======== Average balance........................ $ 336,347 $ 462,432 $ 605,957 $564,488 $685,448 ========= ========= ========= ======== ======== THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Allocated operating costs included in the combined statements of operations are as follows (in thousands): Conexant and Washington have entered into, or prior to the distribution of Washington common stock will enter into, various agreements which will govern the Spin-off and various interim and ongoing relationships between Conexant and the combined company, including: the contribution and distribution agreement, an employee matters agreement, a tax allocation agreement, a transition services agreement and certain product supply agreements. Distribution Agreement -- The distribution agreement between Conexant and Washington provides for, among other things, the principal corporate transactions required to effect the separation of the Washington Business from Conexant, the proposed distribution of Washington common stock and certain other terms governing the relationship between Conexant and Washington with respect to or in consequence of the Spin-off. Employee Matters Agreement -- The employee matters agreement allocates among Conexant, Washington and Alpha assets, liabilities, and responsibilities relating to current and former employees of Conexant and the Washington Business and governs certain aspects of the participation by those individuals in stock and other benefit plans of Conexant, Washington and Alpha following the Spin-off. Tax Allocation Agreement -- Through the date of the Spin-off, the results of operations of the Washington Business have been and will be included in Conexant's consolidated U.S. Federal income tax returns. As part of the Spin-off and the Merger, Alpha, Conexant and Washington will enter into a tax allocation agreement which provides, among other things, for the allocation between Conexant and the combined company of federal, state, local and foreign tax liabilities relating to the Washington business. The tax allocation agreement also allocates the liability for any taxes that may arise in connection with separating the Washington Business from Conexant. The tax allocation agreement provides, in general, that Conexant will be responsible for any such taxes. However, the combined company will be responsible for any taxes imposed on Washington, Conexant or Conexant shareholders if either the Spin-off fails to qualify as a reorganization for U.S. Federal income tax purposes or the distribution of Washington common stock is disqualified as a tax-free transaction to Conexant for U.S. Federal income tax purposes and such failure or disqualification is attributable to post-Spin-off transaction actions by the combined company, its subsidiaries or its stockholders. Transition Services Agreement -- Under the transition services agreement to be entered into prior to the Spin-off, Conexant will provide certain services to the combined company. In addition the combined company will provide certain services to Conexant. These services generally will be provided until December 31, 2002, unless the parties otherwise agree. The price for the services will be the actual cost of the services. F-25
THREE MONTHS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ ------------------- 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) Cost of goods sold...................... $ 11,513 $ 17,259 $ 35,382 $ 5,053 $ 4,908 Research and development................ 23,346 32,056 31,694 9,074 7,071 Selling, general and administrative..... 21,908 39,250 37,407 12,329 7,152 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- $ 56,767 $ 88,565 $104,483 $ 26,456 $ 19,131 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Newport Supply Agreement -- Under the Newport supply agreement to be entered into prior to the Spin-off, the combined company will obtain wafer fabrication, wafer probe and other services for both production and prototypes of semiconductor products from the Newport Beach, California wafer fabrication facility owned by the foundry joint venture formed by Conexant and The Carlyle Group, to which Conexant contributed the facility in March 2002 and with which Conexant has a supply agreement. These services generally will be provided for a term of three years after the Spin-off. The price for the services in the first year will be the actual cost of the services; in the second year will be the average of (1) the actual cost in the first year and (2) the market price (determined prior to the start of the second year) of the services; and in the third year will be based on the market price of the services. Newbury Supply Agreement -- Under the Newbury supply agreement, the combined company will provide wafer fabrication, wafer probe, final test and other services to Conexant for both production and prototypes of semiconductor products at the Newbury Park wafer fabrication facility. These services generally will be provided for a term of three years after the Spin-off. The price for the services in the first year will be the actual cost of the services; in the second year will be the average of (1) the actual cost in the first year and (2) the market price (determined prior to the start of the second year) of the services; and in the third year will be based on the market price of the services. Conexant and the combined company will also enter into a facility services agreement under which the combined company will provide Conexant with certain semiconductor assembly and test services, and Conexant will provide the combined company with certain transition services with respect to the Mexicali Operations. The assembly and test services will be performed at the Mexicali facility and, if Conexant and the combined company agree, at other facilities approved by the combined company. These services generally will be provided for a term of three years after the closing date of the sale of the Mexicali Operations. The price for the services in the first year will be the actual cost of the services; in the second year will be the average of (1) the actual cost in the first year and (2) the market price (determined prior to the start of the second year) of the services; and in the third year will be based on the market price of the services. During the term of the supply arrangement, Conexant will have the right to purchase products manufactured through the use of any technologies developed and qualified for full-scale production at the Mexicali facility at the time of the supply arrangement and, if the parties agree on terms, products manufactured through the use of any new technologies in development at the Mexicali facility at the time of the supply arrangement, but not yet qualified for full-scale production. The transition services will be provided by Conexant for a specified period of time following the closing date of the sale of the Mexicali Operations. 12. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION The Washington Business operates in one business segment, which designs, develops and sells semiconductor products and system solutions for manufacturers of wireless communications products. The Mexicali Operations consist of a semiconductor assembly and test facility, located in Mexicali, Mexico, which has provided services for both the Washington Business and Conexant. F-26 THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Net revenues from third parties by geographic area are presented based upon the country of destination. Net revenues from third parties by geographic area are as follows (in thousands): Net revenues from third parties by product group are as follows (in thousands):
THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ ------------------- 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) United States............................. $ 50,884 $ 32,726 $ 18,999 $ 5,143 $ 2,523 Other Americas............................ 4,114 8,146 5,455 1,111 978 -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Total Americas.......................... 54,998 40,872 24,454 6,254 3,501 South Korea............................... 108,501 167,269 142,459 32,834 60,970 Other Asia-Pacific........................ 5,275 46,255 23,898 12,617 20,360 -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Total Asia-Pacific...................... 113,776 213,524 166,357 45,451 81,330 Europe, Middle East and Africa............ 7,241 58,587 24,691 16,813 3,573 -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- $176,015 $312,983 $215,502 $68,518 $88,404 ======== ======== ======== ======= ======= Long-lived assets principally consist of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets. Long-lived assets by geographic area are as follows (in thousands):
THREE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ ------------------- 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) Handset components........................ $168,000 $300,013 $205,375 $63,669 $87,720 Infrastructure components................. 8,015 12,970 10,127 4,849 684 -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- $176,015 $312,983 $215,502 $68,518 $88,404 ======== ======== ======== ======= ======= F-27
SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- DECEMBER 31, 2000 2001 2001 -------- -------- ------------ (UNAUDITED) United States...................................... $115,417 $ 44,539 $ 44,160 Mexico............................................. 144,890 126,730 117,261 Canada............................................. 72,235 58,373 54,347 Other.............................................. 1,992 1,285 1,344 -------- -------- -------- $334,534 $230,927 $217,112 ======== ======== ======== SCHEDULE II THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS AND THE MEXICALI OPERATIONS OF CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 2000 AND 2001 (IN THOUSANDS) - --------------- (1) Additions charged to costs and expenses in the allowance for doubtful accounts reflect credit balances recorded in fiscal 1999 and 2001, resulting from reductions in the allowance account associated with overall collections experience more favorable than previously estimated. Deductions in the allowance for doubtful accounts reflect amounts written off. (2) Amount excludes inventory write-downs of $58.7 million charged to cost of goods sold relating to inventory that management expects to be unable to sell. Through December 31, 2001, Washington/ Mexicali scrapped inventories having an original cost of approximately $34.5 million and sold an additional $12.0 million of inventories previously written down to a zero cost basis. As of December 31, 2001, Washington/Mexicali continued to hold inventories with an original cost of approximately $12.2 million which were previously written down to a zero cost basis. F-28
ADDITIONS BALANCE AT CHARGED TO BALANCE AT BEGINNING COSTS AND END OF DESCRIPTION OF YEAR EXPENSES(1) DEDUCTIONS(1) YEAR - ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ---------- Year ended September 30, 1999: Allowance for doubtful accounts.............. $ 436 $ (30) $ -- $ 406 Reserve for sales returns and allowances..... 4,132 479 (3,486) 1,125 Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories............................... 3,437 2,530 -- 5,967 Year ended September 30, 2000: Allowance for doubtful accounts.............. $ 406 $3,538 $ (152) $ 3,792 Reserve for sales returns and allowances..... 1,125 55 (646) 534 Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories............................... 5,967 3,132 -- 9,099 Year ended September 30, 2001: Allowance for doubtful accounts.............. $3,792 $ (468) $ (118) $ 3,206 Reserve for sales returns and allowances..... 534 4,055 -- 4,589 Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories............................... 9,099 2,286(2) -- 11,385 ANNEX A AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION DATED AS OF DECEMBER 16, 2001, AS AMENDED AS OF APRIL 12, 2002, BY AND AMONG CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC., WASHINGTON SUB, INC. AND ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC. A-1 TABLE OF CONTENTS A-2
PAGE ---- ARTICLE I THE MERGER.................................................. A-6 SECTION 1.1 The Merger.................................................. A-6 SECTION 1.2 Closing; Effective Time..................................... A-6 SECTION 1.3 Effects of the Merger....................................... A-6 SECTION 1.4 Conversion of Washington Common Stock....................... A-6 SECTION 1.5 Alpha Common Stock.......................................... A-7 SECTION 1.6 Certificate of Incorporation................................ A-7 SECTION 1.7 By-Laws..................................................... A-7 SECTION 1.8 Officers.................................................... A-7 SECTION 1.9 Board of Directors.......................................... A-7 SECTION 1.10 Name; Corporate Offices..................................... A-7 SECTION 1.11 Fiscal Year................................................. A-8 ARTICLE II OPTIONS..................................................... A-8 SECTION 2.1 Option Conversion........................................... A-8 SECTION 2.2 Incentive Stock Options..................................... A-8 SECTION 2.3 Shares Reserved; Registration............................... A-8 ARTICLE III EXCHANGE OF SHARES.......................................... A-8 SECTION 3.1 Alpha to Make Shares Available.............................. A-8 SECTION 3.2 Exchange of Shares.......................................... A-9 SECTION 3.3 Affiliates.................................................. A-10 ARTICLE IV CERTAIN PRE-MERGER TRANSACTIONS............................. A-10 SECTION 4.1 Ancillary Agreements........................................ A-10 SECTION 4.2 Contribution................................................ A-11 SECTION 4.3 Distribution................................................ A-11 ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.............................. A-11 SECTION 5.1 Representations and Warranties of Alpha..................... A-11 SECTION 5.2 Representations and Warranties of Conexant.................. A-19 ARTICLE VI COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS................... A-28 SECTION 6.1 Covenants of Alpha.......................................... A-28 SECTION 6.2 Covenants of Conexant and Washington........................ A-30 SECTION 6.3 Reports; SEC Reports........................................ A-33 SECTION 6.4 Control of Other Party's Business........................... A-33 ARTICLE VII ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS....................................... A-33 SECTION 7.1 Preparation of Proxy Statement; Stockholders Meeting........ A-33 SECTION 7.2 Combined Company Board of Directors and Management.......... A-35 SECTION 7.3 Access to Information....................................... A-35 SECTION 7.4 Reasonable Best Efforts..................................... A-35 SECTION 7.5 Acquisition Proposals....................................... A-36 SECTION 7.6 Employee Benefits Matters................................... A-38 SECTION 7.7 Fees and Expenses........................................... A-39 SECTION 7.8 Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance...... A-39 A-3
PAGE ---- SECTION 7.9 Public Announcements........................................ A-40 SECTION 7.10 Accounting Matters.......................................... A-40 SECTION 7.11 Listing of Shares of Alpha Common Stock..................... A-41 SECTION 7.12 Affiliates.................................................. A-41 SECTION 7.13 Section 16 Matters.......................................... A-41 SECTION 7.14 Takeover Statutes........................................... A-41 SECTION 7.15 Advice of Changes........................................... A-41 SECTION 7.16 Shareholders Agreement...................................... A-41 SECTION 7.17 Tax Ruling.................................................. A-41 SECTION 7.18 Option Acceleration......................................... A-42 SECTION 7.19 Employment and Severance Arrangements....................... A-42 SECTION 7.20 Transition Services Agreement............................... A-42 ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT........................................ A-42 SECTION 8.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the A-42 Merger...................................................... SECTION 8.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Alpha............... A-43 SECTION 8.3 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Washington.......... A-44 ARTICLE IX TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT................................... A-45 SECTION 9.1 Termination................................................. A-45 SECTION 9.2 Effect of Termination....................................... A-46 SECTION 9.3 Amendment................................................... A-46 SECTION 9.4 Extension; Waiver........................................... A-47 ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS.......................................... A-47 SECTION 10.1 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and A-47 Agreements.................................................. SECTION 10.2 Notices..................................................... A-47 SECTION 10.3 Interpretation.............................................. A-48 SECTION 10.4 Counterparts................................................ A-48 SECTION 10.5 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries.............. A-48 SECTION 10.6 Governing Law............................................... A-48 SECTION 10.7 Severability................................................ A-48 SECTION 10.8 Assignment.................................................. A-49 SECTION 10.9 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers......................... A-49 SECTION 10.10 Enforcement................................................. A-49 SECTION 10.11 Definitions................................................. A-49 SECTION 10.12 Disclosure Schedule......................................... A-53 EXHIBITS A-4
Exhibit A -- Form of Contribution and Distribution Agreement Exhibit B -- Form of Amended and Restated Certificate Exhibit C -- Form of By-Laws Exhibit D -- Form of Certificate of Merger Exhibit E -- Certain Alpha Agreements Exhibit F -- Form of Tax Allocation Agreement Exhibit G -- Form of Employee Matters Agreement Exhibit H -- Form of Affiliate Agreement Exhibit I -- Parties to Shareholder Agreement Exhibit J -- Form of Shareholder Agreement Exhibit K -- Terms of Newport Supply Agreement Exhibit L -- Terms of Newbury Supply Agreement AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION, dated as of December 16, 2001, as amended as of April 12, 2002 (this "Agreement"), by and among CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Conexant"), WASHINGTON SUB, INC., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conexant ("Washington"), and ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Alpha"). W I T N E S S E T H : WHEREAS, simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Conexant and Washington are entering into a contribution and distribution agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Distribution Agreement") pursuant to which (a) all the Washington Assets (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) will be assigned to Washington and/or to one or more of the Washington Subsidiaries (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) and all of the Washington Liabilities (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) will be assumed by Washington and/or by one or more of the Washington Subsidiaries, all as provided in the Distribution Agreement (the "Contribution") and (b) all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Washington (the "Washington Common Stock") will be distributed on a pro rata basis to Conexant's stockholders as provided in the Distribution Agreement (the "Distribution"); WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Conexant, Washington and Alpha deem it advisable and in the best interests of each corporation and its respective stockholders that Washington and Alpha enter into a merger transaction in order to advance the long-term strategic business interests of Conexant, Washington and Alpha; WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Conexant, Washington and Alpha have determined to consummate such merger transaction by means of the business combination transaction provided for herein in which, immediately following the Distribution Washington will, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, merge with and into Alpha (the "Merger"), with Alpha being the surviving corporation (hereinafter sometimes referred to in such capacity as the "Combined Company") in the Merger; WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement intend that the Contribution and the Distribution qualify under Sections 355 and 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), as a reorganization, that the Merger qualify under Section 368 of the Code as a reorganization and that this Agreement shall constitute a "plan of reorganization" for purposes of Sections 354 and 361 of the Code; WHEREAS, the parties desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the Merger and also to prescribe certain conditions to the Merger; WHEREAS, capitalized terms used in this Agreement will have the respective meanings set forth (i) in Section 10.11 or (ii) in the Sections of this Agreement or in the relevant Reorganization Agreement (as defined in Section 10.11) set forth opposite such terms in Section 10.11; and WHEREAS, subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement as of December 16, 2001, Alpha, Conexant and Washington agreed effective as of April 12, 2002 to amend this Agreement to (a) incorporate a change in the Exchange Ratio (as defined in Section 1.4(a)) in order to adjust for certain options issued to employees of Conexant's Mindspeed Technologies business that will not be adjusted in the Distribution, pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement (as defined in Section 4.1), and the Merger, pursuant to this Agreement, in the same manner as other Conexant Stock Options (as defined in Section 5.2(b)(i)), and the holders of which will not receive Converted Options (as defined in Section 10.11) in respect thereof, and (b) amend Sections 1.8 and 10.3, it being understood and agreed by the parties that in all other respects, this Agreement shall remain in effect in the form executed and delivered by the parties as of December 16, 2001. The revised Exchange Ratio was calculated to maintain the same proportional ownership of the Combined Company immediately following the Merger by holders of Conexant Common Stock (as defined in Section 5.2(b)(i)) and the holders of Alpha Common Stock (as A-5 defined in Section 1.4(a)) as would have existed if these options had been excluded from the parties' original calculations. ARTICLE I THE MERGER SECTION 1.1 The Merger. Upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL"), at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2(b)), Washington shall merge with and into Alpha. Alpha shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger and shall continue its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Delaware. Upon consummation of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Washington shall terminate. SECTION 1.2 Closing; Effective Time. (a) The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place as soon as practicable, but in any event within three Business Days, after the satisfaction or waiver (subject to Applicable Laws) of the conditions (excluding conditions that, by their nature, cannot be satisfied until the Closing Date (as defined below)) set forth in Article VIII, unless this Agreement has been theretofore terminated pursuant to its terms or unless another time or date is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto (the actual time and date of the Closing being referred to herein as the "Closing Date"). The Closing shall be held at the offices of Chadbourne & Parke LLP, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York, unless another place is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto. (b) The Merger shall become effective as set forth in the certificate of merger relating thereto substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D that shall be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Secretary") on the Closing Date (the "Certificate of Merger"). The term "Effective Time" shall be the date and time when the Merger becomes effective, as set forth in the Certificate of Merger. The Effective Time shall occur immediately after the Time of Distribution (as defined in the Distribution Agreement). SECTION 1.3 Effects of the Merger. At and after the Effective Time, the Merger shall have the effects set forth in the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all of the properties, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of Washington shall vest in Alpha, and all debts, liabilities and duties of Washington shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of Alpha. SECTION 1.4 Conversion of Washington Common Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Washington, Alpha or the holders of any capital stock of Washington or Alpha: (a) Subject to Section 3.2(d), each share of Washington Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (after giving effect to the Distribution), other than shares of Washington Common Stock held in Washington's treasury or owned by Alpha or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of Washington or Alpha, shall automatically be converted into the right to receive 0.351 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of common stock, par value $.25 per share, of Alpha (including the associated preferred share purchase rights, the "Alpha Common Stock"). If (i) between the date hereof and the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of Alpha Common Stock, (ii) between the date hereof and the Time of Distribution, the outstanding shares of Conexant Common Stock (as defined in Section 5.2(b)(i)) or (iii) following the Time of Distribution and prior to the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of Washington Common Stock, shall have been increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities (or a record date within any such period shall have been established for any of the foregoing) as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in capitalization (other than solely as a result of the Distribution or the Merger, but including any A-6 increase or decrease in the outstanding shares of Conexant Common Stock as a result of the issuance of any security in accordance with the Conexant Rights Agreement (as defined in Section 5.2(b)(i)), an appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall be made to the Exchange Ratio to the extent necessary to reflect such reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or similar change in capitalization. (b) All shares of Washington Common Stock converted into the right to receive Alpha Common Stock pursuant to this Article I shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist, and each certificate or book-entry credit previously evidencing any such shares of Washington Common Stock (a "Washington Certificate") shall thereafter evidence only the right to receive (i) the number of whole shares of Alpha Common Stock (which shall be in uncertificated book-entry form unless a physical certificate is requested) and (ii) cash in lieu of fractional shares of Alpha Common Stock into which the shares of Washington Common Stock formerly evidenced by such Washington Certificate have been converted pursuant to this Section 1.4 and Section 3.2(d), without any interest thereon. (c) All shares of Washington Common Stock held in Washington's treasury or owned by Alpha, or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of Washington or Alpha shall be canceled and shall cease to exist and no shares of Alpha Common Stock or other consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor. SECTION 1.5 Alpha Common Stock. At and after the Effective Time, each share of Alpha Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain an issued and outstanding share of common stock of the Combined Company and shall not be affected by the Merger. SECTION 1.6 Certificate of Incorporation. At the Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation of the Combined Company shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, with such changes thereto as shall be mutually agreed upon by Conexant and Alpha (the "Restated Certificate"), until thereafter amended in accordance with the terms thereof and Applicable Laws (as defined in Section 10.11). SECTION 1.7 By-Laws. At the Effective Time, the by-laws of the Combined Company shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, with such changes as may be mutually agreed upon by Conexant and Alpha (the "By-Laws"), until thereafter amended in accordance with the terms thereof, the Restated Certificate and Applicable Laws. SECTION 1.8 Officers. At the Effective Time, David J. Aldrich shall be Chief Executive Officer of the Combined Company and otherwise the initial officers of the Combined Company shall be as Conexant and Alpha shall agree prior to the Effective Time, and such officers shall hold office until their respective successors are duly appointed and qualified, or their earlier death, resignation or removal. SECTION 1.9 Board of Directors. At the Effective Time, until duly changed in compliance with the Restated Certificate, the By-Laws and Applicable Laws, the Board of Directors of the Combined Company shall consist of either nine or eleven persons (as agreed by Conexant and Alpha prior to the Effective Time), including (a) four (in the case of a nine-person Board of Directors) or five (in the case of an eleven-person Board of Directors) persons (one of whom shall be Chairman of the Board of the Combined Company) to be named by the Board of Directors of Conexant, (b) four (in the case of a nine-person Board of Directors) or five (in the case of an eleven-person Board of Directors) persons to be named by the Board of Directors of Alpha and (c) one person to be jointly named by the Boards of Directors of Conexant and Alpha. The directors named by Conexant and Alpha shall be allocated proportionately among the classes of the Board of Directors of the Combined Company as shall be agreed between Conexant and Alpha prior to the Effective Time. SECTION 1.10 Name; Corporate Offices. (a) At the Effective Time, the name of the Combined Company shall be as agreed by Conexant and Alpha prior to the Effective Time. (b) At the Effective Time, the Combined Company shall have joint headquarters located in Newport Beach, California and Woburn, Massachusetts. A-7 SECTION 1.11 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Combined Company will initially end on September 30 of each year. ARTICLE II OPTIONS SECTION 2.1 Option Conversion. At or prior to the Effective Time, Washington and Alpha will take all action necessary such that each Washington Option (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement) that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior thereto (after giving effect to the adjustments to Conexant Stock Options (as defined in Section 5.2(b)(i)) to be effected in connection with the Distribution as provided for in the Employee Matters Agreement) shall cease to represent a right to acquire shares of Washington Common Stock and shall, as of the Effective Time, automatically be converted into a Converted Option exercisable for a number of shares of Alpha Common Stock and at an exercise price determined as provided below (and otherwise subject to the terms of the appropriate Washington Stock Plan (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement) governing such option and the agreements evidencing grants thereunder): (i) The number of shares of Alpha Common Stock to be subject to the Converted Option shall be equal to the product of the number of shares of Washington Common Stock subject to the unexercised portion of the Washington Option (as adjusted in connection with the Distribution) multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, provided that any fractional shares of Alpha Common Stock resulting from such multiplication shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share; and (ii) The exercise price per share of Alpha Common Stock under the Converted Option shall be equal to the exercise price per share of Washington Common Stock under the Washington Option (as adjusted in connection with the Distribution) divided by the Exchange Ratio, provided that such exercise price shall be rounded up to the nearest whole cent. SECTION 2.2 Incentive Stock Options. The adjustment provided herein with respect to any options that are "incentive stock options" (as defined in Section 422 of the Code) shall be and is intended to be effected in a manner that is consistent with Section 424(a) of the Code. Except as set forth in this Section 2.2, the duration and other terms of such Converted Option shall be the same as the Washington Option, except that all references to Washington shall be deemed to be references to the Combined Company (but taking into account any changes thereto provided for in the Washington Stock Plans by reason of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby). SECTION 2.3 Shares Reserved; Registration. Following the Effective Time, the Combined Company shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of Alpha Common Stock for delivery upon exercise of the Converted Options pursuant to the terms set forth in this Article II. As soon as practicable but in any event not later than five days following the Effective Time, the shares of Alpha Common Stock subject to the Converted Options will be covered by an effective registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor form) or another appropriate form and the Combined Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement for so long as the Converted Options remain outstanding. ARTICLE III EXCHANGE OF SHARES SECTION 3.1 Alpha to Make Shares Available. From time to time, prior to, at or after the Effective Time, Alpha shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with a bank or trust company appointed by Conexant and reasonably acceptable to Alpha (the "Exchange Agent"), for the benefit of the holders of the Washington Certificates, for exchange in accordance with this Article III, the shares of Alpha Common Stock to be issued pursuant to Section 1.4 and delivered pursuant to Section 3.2(a) in A-8 exchange for Washington Certificates (such shares of Alpha Common Stock, together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto, the "Exchange Fund"). SECTION 3.2 Exchange of Shares. (a) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall make book-entry credits as of the Closing Date for each holder of record of Washington Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time for that number of whole shares of Alpha Common Stock into which the shares of Washington Common Stock formerly evidenced by such holder's Washington Certificate shall have been converted pursuant to this Agreement and shall deliver to each such holder (x) an account statement indicating the number of whole shares of Alpha Common Stock that such holder owns of record as of the Effective Time and (y) a check representing the amount of any cash in lieu of fractional shares that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.2(d) in respect of such holder's Washington Certificate. No interest will be paid or accrued on any cash in lieu of fractional shares or on any unpaid dividends and distributions payable to holders of Washington Certificates. (b) If any certificate or book-entry credit evidencing shares of Alpha Common Stock is to be registered in a name other than that in which the Washington Certificate is registered, it shall be a condition of the issuance thereof that an appropriate instrument of transfer of Washington Certificates be delivered and that the person requesting such exchange will have paid to the Exchange Agent in advance any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of a certificate or book-entry credit evidencing shares of Alpha Common Stock in any name other than that of the registered holder of the Washington Certificate formerly held, or required for any other reason, or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not payable. (c) After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of Washington of the shares of Washington Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. (d) (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Alpha Common Stock or book-entry credit of the same shall be issued in exchange for Washington Certificates, no dividend or distribution with respect to Alpha Common Stock shall be payable on or with respect to any such fractional share, and such fractional share interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a stockholder of Alpha. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share, Alpha shall pay to each holder of Washington Certificates who otherwise would be entitled to receive such fractional share an amount in cash determined in the manner provided in clauses (ii) and (iii) of this Section 3.2(d). (ii) As promptly as practicable following the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall determine the excess of (x) the number of full shares of Alpha Common Stock delivered to the Exchange Agent by Alpha pursuant to Section 3.1 for issuance to holders of Washington Certificates pursuant to Section 1.4 over (y) the aggregate number of full shares of Alpha Common Stock to be distributed to holders of Washington Certificates pursuant to this Section 3.2 (such excess being herein referred to as the "Excess Alpha Shares"). As soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent, as agent for such holders of Washington Certificates, shall sell the Excess Alpha Shares at then prevailing prices on the Nasdaq National Market System, all in the manner provided in clause (iii) of this Section 3.2(d). (iii) The sale of the Excess Alpha Shares by the Exchange Agent shall be executed on the Nasdaq National Market System through one or more member firms of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and shall be executed in round lots to the extent practicable. Until the net proceeds of any such sale or sales have been distributed to the holders of Washington Certificates, the Exchange Agent will hold such proceeds in trust for such holders as part of the Exchange Fund. The Combined Company shall pay all commissions, transfer taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs of the Exchange Agent incurred in connection with such sale or sales of Excess Alpha Shares. In addition, the Combined Company shall pay the Exchange Agent's compensation and expenses in A-9 connection with such sale or sales. The Exchange Agent shall determine the portion of such net proceeds to which each holder of Washington Certificates shall be entitled, if any, by multiplying the amount of the aggregate net proceeds by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the fractional share interest to which such holder of Washington Certificates is entitled (after taking into account all Washington Certificates then held by such holder) and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of fractional share interests to which all holders of Washington Certificates are entitled. As soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of Washington Certificates with respect to any fractional share interests, the Exchange Agent shall promptly pay such amounts to such holders of Washington Certificates subject to and in accordance with this Section 3.2. (e) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by holders of Certificates for twelve months after the Effective Time shall be delivered to the Combined Company, and any holders of Washington Certificates who have not theretofore complied with this Article III shall thereafter look only to the Combined Company for payment of the shares of Alpha Common Stock, cash in lieu of any fractional shares and any unpaid dividends and distributions on the Alpha Common Stock deliverable in respect of each share of Washington Common Stock formerly evidenced by such Washington Certificate as determined pursuant to this Agreement, without any interest thereon. Any such portion of the Exchange Fund remaining unclaimed by holders of Washington Certificates five years after the Effective Time (or such earlier date immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any Governmental Entity (as defined in Section 5.1(c)(iii)) shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, become the property of the Combined Company free and clear of any claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto. (f) None of the Combined Company, Conexant, Washington, the Exchange Agent or any other Person shall be liable to any holder of Washington Certificates for any shares of Alpha Common Stock, cash in lieu of fractional shares thereof and any dividend or other distribution with respect thereto delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Applicable Laws. (g) The Exchange Agent shall invest any cash included in the Exchange Fund, as directed by the Combined Company, on a daily basis. Any interest and other income resulting from such investments shall be paid to the Combined Company promptly upon request by the Combined Company. (h) The Combined Company shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Washington Certificates such amounts as the Combined Company or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by the Combined Company or the Exchange Agent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Alpha Common Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the Combined Company or the Exchange Agent. SECTION 3.3 Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no certificates or book-entry credits evidencing shares of Alpha Common Stock or cash shall be issued or delivered pursuant to this Article III to a Person who may be deemed an "affiliate" of Washington in accordance with Section 7.12 hereof for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), until such Person has executed and delivered an Affiliate Agreement (as defined in Section 7.12) pursuant to Section 7.12. ARTICLE IV CERTAIN PRE-MERGER TRANSACTIONS SECTION 4.1 Ancillary Agreements. Prior to the Time of Distribution, Conexant, Washington and Alpha will execute and deliver a tax allocation agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as A-10 Exhibit F (the "Tax Allocation Agreement") and an employee matters agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G (the "Employee Matters Agreement"). Prior to the Effective Time, Conexant and Alpha will execute and deliver a Newport Supply Agreement substantially on the terms attached hereto as Exhibit K (the "Newport Supply Agreement"), a Newbury Supply Agreement substantially on the terms attached hereto as Exhibit L (the "Newbury Supply Agreement") and a Transition Services Agreement in accordance with Section 7.20 (the "Transition Services Agreement"). SECTION 4.2 Contribution. Prior to the Time of Distribution and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement, Conexant and Washington will consummate the Contribution contemplated by Article II of the Distribution Agreement. SECTION 4.3 Distribution. Prior to the Effective Time, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement, Conexant will cause Washington to be recapitalized and effect the Distribution. ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES SECTION 5.1 Representations and Warranties of Alpha. Except as set forth in the Alpha Disclosure Schedule delivered by Alpha to Conexant prior to the execution of this Agreement (the "Alpha Disclosure Schedule") (each section of which, to the extent specified therein, qualifies the correspondingly numbered representation and warranty or covenant of Alpha contained herein and, to the extent it is apparent on the face of such disclosure that such disclosure qualifies another representation and warranty of Alpha contained herein, such other representation and warranty of Alpha), Alpha represents and warrants to Conexant as follows: (a) Organization, Standing and Power; Subsidiaries. (i) Each of Alpha and its Subsidiaries is a corporation or other organization duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (where applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, has the requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as it will be conducted through the Effective Time, except where the failure to be so organized, existing and in good standing or to have such power and authority, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, and is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure so to qualify or to be in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. The copies of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of Alpha which were previously furnished or made available to Conexant are true, complete and correct copies of such documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement. (ii) Exhibit 21 to Alpha's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 1, 2001 includes all the Subsidiaries of Alpha which as of the date of this Agreement are Significant Subsidiaries of Alpha (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")). All the outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each such Significant Subsidiary have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned directly or indirectly by Alpha, free and clear of all material pledges, claims, liens, charges, encumbrances and security interests of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively, "Liens") and free of any other material restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such capital stock or other equity interests, but excluding restrictions under the Securities Act). None of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries directly or indirectly owns any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity or similar interest in, any A-11 corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business association or entity (other than Subsidiaries of Alpha), that is or would reasonably be expected to be material to Alpha and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. (b) Capital Structure. (i) The authorized capital stock of Alpha consists of 100,000,000 shares of Alpha Common Stock. As of December 14, 2001, 44,174,096 shares of Alpha Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no other shares of capital stock of Alpha were issued and outstanding. As of December 14, 2001, 10,370,507 shares of Alpha Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of options outstanding under Alpha Stock Plans. As of December 14, 2001, no shares of Alpha Common Stock were held as treasury shares. Since December 14, 2001 to the date of this Agreement, no shares of capital stock of Alpha or any other securities of Alpha have been issued other than shares of Alpha Common Stock issued pursuant to options or rights outstanding as of December 14, 2001 under the Alpha Stock Plans. All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Alpha are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no class of capital stock of Alpha is entitled to preemptive rights. There are outstanding as of the date hereof no options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock from Alpha other than options and other rights to acquire Alpha Common Stock from Alpha ("Alpha Stock Options") representing in the aggregate the right to purchase 6,619,900 shares of Alpha Common Stock under the Alpha Stock Plans. Section 5.1(b) of the Alpha Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list as of a recent date of all outstanding Alpha Stock Options and the exercise prices thereof. (ii) No bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of Alpha having the right to vote on any matters on which stockholders of Alpha may vote ("Alpha Voting Debt") are issued or outstanding. (iii) Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 5.1(b), as of the date of this Agreement, there are no securities, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is bound obligating Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other voting securities of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries or obligating Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement or undertaking. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding obligations of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries. (c) Authority; No Conflicts. (i) Alpha has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, subject, in the case of the consummation of the Merger, to the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the Required Alpha Vote (as defined in Section 5.1(g)). The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Alpha and the consummation by Alpha of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Alpha, subject in the case of the consummation of the Merger, to the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the Required Alpha Vote. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Alpha and, assuming the due authorization and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of Conexant and Washington, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Alpha, enforceable against Alpha in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and similar Applicable Laws relating to or affecting creditors generally or by general equity principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). A-12 (ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Alpha does not, and the consummation by Alpha of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any breach or violation of, or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of or result by its terms in the termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or the loss of a material benefit under, or the creation of a Lien, charge, "put" or "call" right or other encumbrance on, or the loss of, any assets (any such conflict, breach, violation, default, right of termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration, loss or creation, a "Violation") pursuant to: (A) any provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws or similar organizational documents of Alpha or any Significant Subsidiary of Alpha or (B) except as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Alpha, the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries following the Merger, subject to obtaining or making the Alpha Necessary Consents (as defined in paragraph (iii) below), (I) any loan or credit agreement, note, instrument, mortgage, bond, indenture, lease, benefit plan or other contract, agreement or obligation (a "Contract") to which Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets is bound, or (II) any permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Alpha or any Subsidiary of Alpha or their respective properties or assets. (iii) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any supranational, national, state, municipal, local or foreign government, any instrumentality, subdivision, court, administrative agency or commission or other authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory, taxing, importing or other governmental or quasi-governmental authority (a "Governmental Entity") or any other Person is required by or with respect to Alpha or any Subsidiary of Alpha in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Alpha or the consummation by Alpha of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, except for those required under or in relation to (A) the Required Alpha Vote, (B) the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), (C) state securities or "blue sky" laws, (D) the Securities Act, (E) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), (F) the DGCL with respect to the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Secretary, (G) the rules and regulations of Nasdaq, (H) antitrust or other competition laws of other jurisdictions and (I) such consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings the failure of which to make or obtain, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. Consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings required under or in relation to any of the foregoing clauses (A) through (H) or set forth in Section 5.1(c)(iii) of the Alpha Disclosure Schedule are hereinafter referred to as "Alpha Necessary Consents". (d) Reports and Financial Statements. (i) Alpha has filed all registration statements, prospectuses, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by it with the SEC since January 1, 2000 (collectively, including all exhibits thereto, the "Alpha SEC Reports"). No Subsidiary of Alpha is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. None of the Alpha SEC Reports, as of their respective dates (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Each of the financial statements (including the related notes) included in the Alpha SEC Reports fairly presents, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Alpha and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the respective dates or for the respective periods set forth therein, all in conformity with generally A-13 accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") consistently applied during the periods involved except as otherwise noted therein, and subject, in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments that have not been and are not expected to be material in amount. All Alpha SEC Reports, as of their respective dates (and as of the date of any amendment to the respective Alpha SEC Report), complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. (ii) Except as disclosed in the Alpha SEC Reports filed and publicly available prior to the date hereof (the "Alpha Filed SEC Reports"), since April 1, 2001, Alpha and its Subsidiaries have not incurred any liabilities that are of a nature that would be required to be disclosed on a balance sheet of Alpha and its Subsidiaries or in the footnotes thereto prepared in conformity with GAAP, other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business or that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. (e) Information Supplied. (i) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Alpha for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (A) the Form S-4 (as defined in Section 7.1(a)) will, at the time the Form S-4 is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or supplemented or at the time it becomes effective under the Securities Act, 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 light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (B) the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined in Section 7.1(a)) will, on the date it is first mailed to Conexant stockholders or Alpha stockholders or at the time of the Alpha Stockholders Meeting (as defined in Section 7.1(b)), contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. (ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.1(e), no representation or warranty is made by Alpha with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference in the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus based on information supplied by Conexant or Washington for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein, or based on information with is not included or incorporated by reference in such documents but which should have been disclosed therein pursuant to Section 5.2(e). (f) Board Approval. The Board of Directors of Alpha, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous vote at a meeting duly called and held and, other than as provided for in Section 7.5, not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly (i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are advisable and in the best interests of Alpha and its stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Merger, (iii) resolved to recommend that the stockholders of Alpha approve and adopt this Agreement and the Merger and directed that this Agreement and the Merger be submitted for consideration by Alpha's stockholders at the Alpha Stockholders Meeting and (iv) taken all other action necessary to render (A) the limitations on business combinations contained in Section 203 of the DGCL (or any similar provision) and (B) the provisions of Article Fifteenth of Alpha's Certificate of Incorporation inapplicable to the transactions contemplated hereby. To the Knowledge of Alpha, except for the limitations on business combinations contained in Section 203 of the DGCL (which have been rendered inapplicable), no state takeover statute is applicable or purports to be applicable to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby. (g) Vote Required. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Alpha Common Stock (the "Required Alpha Vote") to approve and adopt this Agreement and the Merger is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of Alpha capital stock necessary to approve or adopt this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby. A-14 (h) Litigation; Compliance with Laws. (i) Except as set forth in the Alpha Filed SEC Reports, there is no suit, action, proceeding or regulatory investigation pending or, to the Knowledge of Alpha, threatened, against or affecting Alpha or any Subsidiary of Alpha or any property or asset of Alpha or any Subsidiary of Alpha which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against Alpha or any Subsidiary of Alpha which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. (ii) Except as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, Alpha and its Subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses, franchises, variances, exemptions, orders and approvals of all Governmental Entities which are necessary for the operation of the businesses of Alpha and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (the "Alpha Permits"), and no suspension or cancellation of any of the Alpha Permits is pending or, to the Knowledge of Alpha, threatened, except for suspensions or cancellations which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. Alpha and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of the Alpha Permits, except where the failure so to comply, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. None of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of, and Alpha and its Subsidiaries have not received any notices of violations with respect to, any Applicable Laws, except for violations which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. (i) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth in the Alpha Filed SEC Reports, since April 1, 2001, Alpha and its Subsidiaries have conducted their business only in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice. Except as set forth in the Alpha Filed SEC Reports, since April 1, 2001, there has not been any event, change, circumstance or development which, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. Since April 1, 2001 through the date of this Agreement, none of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action that, if taken during the period from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time, would constitute a breach of Section 6.1 (other than Section 6.1(a)(i)). (j) Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in the Alpha Filed SEC Reports and except as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, (i) the operations of Alpha and its Subsidiaries have been and are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws (as defined below) and with all Alpha Permits required by applicable Environmental Laws, (ii) there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Alpha, threatened, actions, suits, claims, investigations or other proceedings (collectively, "Actions") under or pursuant to Environmental Laws against Alpha or its Subsidiaries or involving any real property currently owned or, to the Knowledge of Alpha, formerly owned, or currently or formerly operated or leased, by Alpha or its Subsidiaries and (iii) to the Knowledge of Alpha, Alpha and its Subsidiaries are not subject to any Environmental Liabilities (as defined below), and no facts, circumstances or conditions relating to, arising from, associated with or attributable to any real property currently or formerly owned, operated or leased by Alpha or its Subsidiaries or operations thereon would reasonably be expected to result in Environmental Liabilities for Alpha or its Subsidiaries. The representations and warranties in this Section 5.1(j) constitute the sole representations and warranties of Alpha concerning environmental matters in this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, "Environmental Laws" means any and all federal, state, local or municipal laws, rules, orders, regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes, decisions, injunctions, orders, decrees, requirements of any Governmental Entity, any and all common law requirements, rules and A-15 bases of liability regulating or imposing liability or legally binding standards of conduct concerning pollution, Hazardous Materials (as defined below) or protection of human health, safety or the environment, as in effect on or prior to the Closing Date and includes the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq., the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251 et seq., the Clean Air Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq., the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 651 et seq. and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq., as such laws have been amended or supplemented, and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and all analogous state or local statutes. As used in this Agreement, "Environmental Liabilities" with respect to any Person means any and all liabilities of or relating to such Person or any of its Subsidiaries (including any entity which is a predecessor of such Person or any of such Subsidiaries and for which such Person has liability by law or contract), whether vested or unvested, contingent or fixed, which (i) arise under or relate to matters covered or regulated by, or for which liability is imposed under, Environmental Laws and (ii) relate to actions occurring or conditions existing on or prior to the Closing Date. As used in this Agreement, "Hazardous Materials" means any hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes, defined, listed, classified or regulated as such in or under any Environmental Laws and which includes petroleum, petroleum products, friable asbestos, urea formaldehyde and polychlorinated biphenyls. (k) Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in the Alpha Filed SEC Reports and except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries: (i) Alpha and each of its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use (in each case, free and clear of any Liens), all Intellectual Property (as defined below) used in or necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted; (ii) to the Knowledge of Alpha, the use of any Intellectual Property by Alpha and its Subsidiaries does not infringe on or otherwise violate the rights of any Person; (iii) the use of Intellectual Property by or on behalf of Alpha and its Subsidiaries is in accordance with any applicable license pursuant to which Alpha or any Subsidiary acquired the right to use any Intellectual Property; (iv) to the Knowledge of Alpha, no Person is challenging, infringing on or otherwise violating any right of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by and/or licensed to Alpha or its Subsidiaries; and (v) Alpha does not have any Knowledge of any pending claim, order or proceeding with respect to any use of Intellectual Property by Alpha and its Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of Alpha, no Intellectual Property owned and/or licensed by Alpha or its Subsidiaries is being used or enforced in a manner that would reasonably be expected to result in the abandonment, cancellation or unenforceability of such Intellectual Property. For purposes of this Agreement, "Intellectual Property" shall mean trademarks, service marks, brand names, certification marks, trade dress and other indications of origin, the goodwill associated with the foregoing and registrations in any jurisdiction of, and applications in any jurisdiction to register, the foregoing, including any extension, modification or renewal of any such registration or application; inventions, discoveries and ideas, whether patentable or not, in any jurisdiction; patents, applications for patents (including divisions, continuations, continuations in part and renewal applications), and any renewals, extensions or reissues thereof and rights to apply for any of the foregoing, in any jurisdiction; nonpublic information, trade secrets and confidential information and rights in any jurisdiction to limit the use or disclosure thereof by any Person; writings and other works, whether copyrightable or not, in any jurisdiction; and registrations or applications for registration of copyrights in any jurisdiction, and any renewals or extensions thereof; and any similar intellectual property or proprietary rights. (l) Title to Properties. Each of Alpha and its Subsidiaries has good and valid title to, or, in the case of leased properties and assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of its tangible properties and assets, except where the failure to have such good and valid title, or valid leasehold interest, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. A-16 (m) Brokers or Finders. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person is or will be entitled to any broker's or finder's fee or any other similar commission or fee in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries, except U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray (the "Alpha Financial Advisor"), whose fees and expenses will be paid by Alpha in accordance with Alpha's agreement with such firm. (n) Opinion of Alpha Financial Advisor. Alpha has received the opinion of the Alpha Financial Advisor, dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect that, as of such date, the consideration to be paid to Washington's stockholders in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to Alpha and its stockholders. (o) Taxes. (i) Each of Alpha and its Subsidiaries has timely filed or has caused to be timely filed all Tax returns or reports required to be filed by it, or requests for extensions to file such returns or reports have been timely filed, granted and have not expired, and all such returns and reports are complete and correct, except to the extent that such failures to file, to have extensions granted that remain in effect or to be complete or correct, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. Alpha and each of its Subsidiaries has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes shown as due on such returns and the most recent financial statements contained in the Alpha Filed SEC Reports reflect an adequate reserve in accordance with GAAP for all Taxes payable by Alpha and its Subsidiaries for all taxable periods and portions thereof accrued through the date of such financial statements. (ii) No deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed in writing against Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries that are not adequately reserved for, except for deficiencies that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. The U.S. federal income Tax returns of Alpha and each of its Subsidiaries consolidated in such returns have been either examined by and settled with the IRS or closed by virtue of the applicable statute of limitations and no requests for waivers of the time to assess any such Taxes are pending. (iii) None of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action, and Alpha has no Knowledge of any fact, agreement, plan or other circumstance, that is reasonably likely to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. (iv) None of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any Tax sharing or Tax indemnity agreements (other than agreements between or among Alpha and its Subsidiaries). (v) Within the past five years, none of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries has been a "distributing corporation" or a "controlled corporation" in a distribution intended to qualify under Section 355(a) of the Code. (vi) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, none of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to make any payments, or is a party to any contract that could obligate it to make any payments, that would not be deductible by reason of Section 162(m) or Section 280G of the Code. (vii) None of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries has agreed to make, or is required to make, any material adjustment under Section 481(a) of the Code or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law by reason of a change in accounting methods or otherwise. (p) Certain Contracts. As of the date hereof, none of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by (i) any non-competition agreement or any other Contract that limits or otherwise restricts Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates or any successor thereto, A-17 or that would, after the Effective Time, to the Knowledge of Alpha, limit or restrict the Combined Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates or any successor thereto, from engaging or competing in any line of business in any geographic area, which agreements or other Contracts, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Merger or (ii) any employee benefit plan, employee contract or any other material Contract, pursuant to which any benefits will arise or be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. All material Contracts of Alpha and its Subsidiaries are valid and binding on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect except to the extent they have previously expired in accordance with their terms or if the failure to be valid, binding and in full force and effect, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. None of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries has Knowledge of, or has received notice of, any violation or default under (nor to their Knowledge does there exist any condition which with the passage of time or the giving of notice would cause such a violation or default under) the provisions of any Contract of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries, except for violations or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. (q) Employee Benefits. (i) With respect to each Alpha Plan, except for Alpha Plans the liabilities under which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, Alpha has made available to Conexant a true, correct and complete copy of: (A) all plan documents, trust agreements, and insurance contracts and other funding vehicles; (B) the three most recent Annual Reports (Form 5500 Series) and accompanying schedules and exhibits, if any; (C) the current summary plan description and any material modifications thereto, if any (in each case, whether or not required to be furnished under ERISA); (D) the three most recent annual financial reports, if any; (E) the three most recent actuarial reports, if any; (F) the most recent determination letter from the IRS, if any; and (G) the annual compliance testing under Sections 401(a) through 416 of the Code for the three most recently completed plan years, if any. (ii) With respect to each Alpha Plan, Alpha and its Subsidiaries have complied with, and are now in compliance with, all provisions of ERISA, the Code and all other Applicable Laws and regulations applicable to such Alpha Plans and each Alpha Plan has been administered in accordance with its terms, in each case except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. Each Alpha Plan that is required by ERISA to be funded is fully funded in accordance with reasonable actuarial assumptions, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. (iii) All Alpha Plans subject to the Applicable Laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States (A) have been maintained in accordance with all applicable requirements, (B) if they are intended to qualify for special tax treatment meet all requirements for such treatment, and (C) if they are intended to be funded and/or book-reserved are fully funded and/or book-reserved, as appropriate, based upon reasonable actuarial assumptions, in each case except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. (iv) None of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries has any liability under or obligation to any Multiemployer Plan. (r) Labor Relations. As of the date of this Agreement, (i) none of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreement, (ii) except as would not, individually or A-18 in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, no labor organization or group of employees of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries has made a pending demand for recognition or certification, and there are no representation or certification proceedings or petitions seeking a representation proceeding presently pending or, to the Knowledge of Alpha, threatened to be brought or filed, with the National Labor Relations Board or any other domestic or foreign labor relations tribunal or authority and (iii) except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, there are no organizing activities, strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, lockouts, arbitrations or grievances, or other labor disputes pending or, to the Knowledge of Alpha, threatened against or involving Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries. (s) Insurance. Alpha maintains insurance coverage with reputable insurers in such amounts and covering such risks as is deemed reasonably appropriate for its business (taking into account the cost and availability of such insurance). (t) Liens. No Liens exist on any assets of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries, except (i) Liens expressly set forth in the notes to Alpha's audited consolidated financial statements as of April 1, 2001 included in the Alpha Filed SEC Reports, (ii) Liens consisting of zoning or planning restrictions, easements, permits or other restrictions or limitations on the use of real property or irregularities in title thereto which do not materially detract from the value of, or impair the use of, such property by Alpha and its Subsidiaries, (iii) Liens for current taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies on property not yet due or which are being contested in good faith and for which appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP have been created and (iv) Liens which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries. SECTION 5.2 Representations and Warranties of Conexant. Except as set forth in the Conexant Disclosure Schedule delivered by Conexant to Alpha prior to the execution of this Agreement (the "Conexant Disclosure Schedule") (each section of which, to the extent specified therein, qualifies the correspondingly numbered representation and warranty or covenant of Conexant contained herein and, to the extent it is apparent on the face of such disclosure that such disclosure qualifies another representation and warranty of Conexant contained herein, such other representation and warranty of Conexant), Conexant represents and warrants to Alpha as follows: (a) Organization, Standing and Power; Subsidiaries. (i) Conexant and each Subsidiary of Conexant engaged in the Washington Business (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) is a corporation or other organization duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (where applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, except where the failure to be so organized, existing and in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. Each of the Washington Companies (as defined in Section 10.11) has the requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as it will be conducted through the Effective Time, except where the failure to have such power and authority, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, and is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure so to qualify or to be in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. The copies of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of Conexant which were previously furnished or made available to Alpha are true, complete and correct copies of such documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement. (ii) Washington is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Washington is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of A-19 Conexant. The copies of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of Washington which were previously furnished or made available to Alpha are true, complete and correct copies of such documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement. (iii) Section 5.2(a)(iii) of the Conexant Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of the Washington Companies which as of the date of this Agreement would be Significant Subsidiaries of Washington (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the SEC) if the Distribution had occurred immediately prior to the date hereof (the "Washington Significant Subsidiaries"). All the outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each Washington Significant Subsidiary have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned directly or indirectly by Conexant, free and clear of all material Liens and free of any other material restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such capital stock or other equity interests, but excluding restrictions under the Securities Act). None of the Washington Companies directly or indirectly owns any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity or similar interest in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business association or entity (other than Subsidiaries of Conexant) that is or would reasonably be expected to be material to the Washington Business taken as a whole. (b) Capital Structure. (i) The authorized capital stock of Conexant consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Conexant Common Stock"), and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value (the "Conexant Preferred Stock"), 1,500,000 shares of which are designated as "Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock" and one share of which is designated as "Series B Voting Preferred Stock". As of November 30, 2001, (A) 254,423,819 shares of Conexant Common Stock and (B) one share of Conexant Preferred Stock designated as "Series B Voting Preferred Stock" were issued and outstanding and no other shares of capital stock of Conexant were issued and outstanding. As of November 30, 2001, 84,082,811 shares of Conexant Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of options outstanding under Conexant Stock Plans. As of November 30, 2001, no shares of Conexant Common Stock were held as treasury shares. Since November 30, 2001 to the date of this Agreement, no shares of capital stock of Conexant or any other securities of Conexant have been issued other than shares of Conexant Common Stock (and accompanying Conexant Rights (as defined below)) issued pursuant to (w) the Conexant Systems, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan and the Conexant Systems, Inc. Hourly Employees Savings Plan, (x) options or rights outstanding as of November 30, 2001 under Conexant Stock Plans and (y) the exchange or retraction of Exchangeable Shares of Philsar Semiconductor Inc. All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Conexant are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no class of capital stock of Conexant is entitled to preemptive rights. There are outstanding as of the date hereof no options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock from Conexant other than (w) rights (the "Conexant Rights") distributed to the holders of Conexant Common Stock pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated as of November 30, 1998, as amended as of December 9, 1999, between Conexant and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., as Rights Agent (the "Conexant Rights Agreement"), (x) options and other rights to acquire Conexant Common Stock from Conexant ("Conexant Stock Options") representing in the aggregate the right to purchase 51,394,095 shares of Conexant Common Stock under the Conexant Stock Plans, (y) $94,849,000 aggregate principal amount of Conexant's 4 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2006 and $615,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Conexant's 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007 which are, on the date hereof, convertible into Conexant Common Stock at exercise prices of $23.098 and $108, respectively, per share (collectively, the "Conexant Convertible Notes") and (z) Exchangeable Shares of Philsar Semiconductor Inc. which are exchangeable into, or subject to retraction in exchange for, an aggregate of 357,640 shares of Conexant Common Stock. Section 5.2(b) of the Conexant Disclosure Schedule sets forth a A-20 complete and correct list as of a recent date of all outstanding Conexant Stock Options and the exercise prices thereof. (ii) On the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of Washington consists of 1,000 shares of Washington Common Stock, all of which are issued and outstanding. (iii) Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 5.2(b) or as provided for in the Reorganization Agreements, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no securities, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which Conexant or any member of the Washington Group (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) is a party or by which any of them is bound obligating any of Conexant or any member of the Washington Group to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other voting securities of Conexant or any member of the Washington Group or obligating Conexant or any member of the Washington Group to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement or undertaking. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding obligations of Conexant or any member of the Washington Group to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of Conexant or any member of the Washington Group. (c) Authority; No Conflicts. (i) Conexant has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to further action of the Board of Directors of Conexant to establish the Record Date and the Distribution Date (each as defined in the Distribution Agreement) and provided that the effectiveness of the declaration of the Distribution by the Board of Directors of Conexant is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Reorganization Agreements by Conexant and the consummation by Conexant of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Conexant, subject to further action of the Board of Directors of Conexant to establish the Record Date and the Distribution Date and provided that the effectiveness of the declaration of the Distribution by the Board of Directors of Conexant is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement. This Agreement and the Distribution Agreement have been, and the other Reorganization Agreements will be, duly executed and delivered by Conexant and, assuming the due authorization and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement by Alpha, constitute or will constitute valid and binding agreements of Conexant, enforceable against Conexant in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and similar Applicable Laws relating to or affecting creditors generally or by general equity principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). (ii) Washington has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Washington and the consummation by Washington of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Washington. Conexant, as the sole stockholder of Washington, has duly approved and adopted this Agreement and the Merger and has duly approved the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Washington and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Washington, enforceable against Washington in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and similar Applicable Laws relating to or affecting creditors generally and by general equity principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). A-21 (iii) The execution and delivery by Conexant and Washington of this Agreement and the Distribution Agreement do not, the execution and delivery by Conexant and Washington of the other Reorganization Agreements will not, and the consummation by Conexant and Washington of the Contribution, the Distribution, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not result in a Violation pursuant to: (A) any provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws or similar organizational documents of Conexant, Washington or any Washington Significant Subsidiary or (B) except as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business or, to the Knowledge of Conexant, the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries following the Merger, subject to obtaining or making the Conexant Necessary Consents (as defined in paragraph (iv) below), (I) any Contract included in the Washington Assets or by which any of the properties or assets included in the Washington Assets is bound, or (II) any permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to any of the Washington Companies or the properties or assets included in the Washington Assets. (iv) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity or any other Person is required by or with respect to Conexant or any Subsidiary of Conexant in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Reorganization Agreements by Conexant or Washington or the consummation by Conexant or Washington of the Contribution, the Distribution and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except for those required under or in relation to (A) the HSR Act, (B) state securities or "blue sky" laws, (C) the Securities Act, (D) the Exchange Act, (E) the DGCL with respect to the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Secretary, (F) the rules and regulations of Nasdaq, (G) antitrust or other competition laws of other jurisdictions, (H) the further action of the Board of Directors of Conexant to establish the Record Date and the Distribution Date, and the effectiveness of the declaration of the Distribution by the Board of Directors of Conexant (which is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement) and (I) such consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings the failure of which to make or obtain, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. Consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings required under or in relation to any of the foregoing clauses (A) through (H) or set forth in Section 5.2(c)(iv) of the Conexant Disclosure Schedule are hereinafter referred to as the "Conexant Necessary Consents". (v) The Board of Directors of Conexant, by resolutions duly adopted by a unanimous vote of those in attendance at a meeting duly called and held, a quorum being present, has duly (i) determined that this Agreement is advisable and in the best interests of Conexant and its stockholders and (ii) approved this Agreement and the Distribution Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Board of Directors of Washington, by resolutions duly adopted by a unanimous vote at a meeting duly called and held, or by action by unanimous written consent, has duly (i) determined that this Agreement is advisable and in the best interests of Washington and its stockholders and (ii) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. (d) Reports and Financial Statements. (i) No member of the Washington Group is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. With respect to the Washington Business, none of the registration statements, prospectuses, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by Conexant and its Subsidiaries with the SEC since January 1, 2000 (collectively, including all exhibits thereto, the "Conexant SEC Reports"), as of their respective dates (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact A-22 required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. (ii) Included in Section 5.2(d)(ii) of the Conexant Disclosure Schedule are a special purpose statement as of September 30, 2001 of tangible assets and liabilities to be contributed by Conexant and its Subsidiaries to the Washington Group (together with the notes thereto, the "Unaudited Special Purpose Statement of Tangible Net Assets") and a special purpose product line contribution statement with respect to the Washington Business for the year ended September 30, 2001 (together with the notes thereto, and collectively with the Unaudited Special Purpose Statement of Tangible Net Assets, the "Washington Financial Statements"). The Washington Financial Statements fairly present, in all material respects, the tangible assets and liabilities to be contributed by Conexant and its Subsidiaries to the Washington Group as of September 30, 2001 and the product line contribution of the Washington Business for the year ended September 30, 2001. (iii) Except as disclosed in the Conexant SEC Reports filed and publicly available prior to the date hereof (the "Conexant Filed SEC Reports") or in the Washington Financial Statements, since September 30, 2001, Conexant and its Subsidiaries have not incurred any liabilities that are of a nature that would be required to be disclosed on a statement of assets and liabilities of the Washington Business or in the footnotes thereto prepared in conformity with GAAP, other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business or that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. (e) Information Supplied. (i) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Conexant or Washington for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (A) the Form S-4 will, at the time the Form S-4 is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or supplemented or at the time it becomes effective under the Securities Act, 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 light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (B) the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will, on the date it is first mailed to Conexant stockholders or Alpha stockholders or at the time of the Alpha Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. (ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.2(e), no representation or warranty is made by Conexant with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference in the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus based on information supplied by Alpha for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein, or based on information which is not included or incorporated by reference in such documents but which should have been disclosed pursuant to Section 5.1(e). (f) Litigation; Compliance with Laws. (i) Except as set forth in the Conexant Filed SEC Reports or in the Washington Financial Statements, there is no suit, action, proceeding or regulatory investigation pending or, to the Knowledge of Conexant, threatened, against or affecting any of the Washington Companies or any property or asset included in the Washington Assets which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against any of the Washington Companies which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. A-23 (ii) Except as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, the Washington Companies hold all permits, licenses, franchises, variances, exemptions, orders and approvals of all Governmental Entities which are necessary for the operation of the Washington Business, taken as a whole (the "Washington Permits"), and no suspension or cancellation of any of the Washington Permits is pending or, to the Knowledge of Conexant, threatened, except for suspensions or cancellations which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. The Washington Companies are in compliance with the terms of the Washington Permits, except where the failure so to comply, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. None of the Washington Companies is in violation of, and the Washington Companies have not received any notices of violations with respect to, any Applicable Laws, except for violations which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. (g) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth in the Conexant Filed SEC Reports or in the Washington Financial Statements, since September 30, 2001, the Washington Companies have conducted the Washington Business only in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice. Except as set forth in the Conexant Filed SEC Reports, since September 30, 2001, there has not been any event, change, circumstance or development which, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. Since September 30, 2001 through the date of this Agreement, none of the Washington Companies has taken any action that, if taken during the period from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time, would constitute a breach of Section 6.2 (other than Section 6.2(a)(i)). Washington has not conducted any activities other than in connection with the organization of Washington, the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the Reorganization Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. (h) Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in the Conexant Filed SEC Reports or in the Washington Financial Statements and except as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, (i) the operations of the Washington Companies have been and are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and with all Washington Permits required by applicable Environmental Laws, (ii) there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Conexant, threatened, Actions under or pursuant to Environmental Laws against the Washington Companies or involving any real property currently owned or formerly owned, or currently or formerly operated or leased, by the Washington Companies and (iii) to the Knowledge of Conexant, the Washington Companies are not subject to any Environmental Liabilities and no facts, circumstances or conditions relating to, arising from, associated with or attributable to any real property currently or formerly owned, operated or leased by the Washington Companies or operations thereon would reasonably be expected to result in Environmental Liabilities for the Washington Companies. The representations and warranties in this Section 5.2(h) constitute the sole representations and warranties of Conexant concerning environmental matters in this Agreement. (i) Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in the Conexant Filed SEC Reports or in the Washington Financial Statements and except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business: (i) the Washington Companies own, or are licensed to use (in each case, free and clear of any Liens), all Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the conduct of the Washington Business as currently conducted; (ii) to the Knowledge of Conexant, the use of any Intellectual Property by the Washington Companies does not infringe on or otherwise violate the rights of any Person; (iii) the use of Intellectual Property by or on behalf of the Washington Companies is in accordance with any applicable license pursuant to which the Washington Companies acquired the right to use any Intellectual Property; (iv) to the Knowledge of Conexant, no Person is challenging, infringing on or A-24 otherwise violating any right of the Washington Companies with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by and/or licensed to the Washington Companies; and (v) Conexant does not have any Knowledge of any pending claim, order or proceeding with respect to any use of Intellectual Property by the Washington Companies and, to the Knowledge of Conexant, no Intellectual Property owned and/or licensed by the Washington Companies is being used or enforced in a manner that would reasonably be expected to result in the abandonment, cancellation or unenforceability of such Intellectual Property. (j) Title to Properties. Each of the Washington Companies has good and valid title to, or, in the case of leased properties and assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of the tangible properties and assets that are Washington Assets, except where the failure to have such good and valid title, or valid leasehold interest, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. (k) Brokers or Finders. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person is or will be entitled to any broker's or finder's fee or any other similar commission or fee in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Conexant or any of its Subsidiaries, except Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation (the "Conexant Financial Advisor"), whose fees and expenses will be paid by Conexant in accordance with Conexant's agreement with such firm. (l) Opinion of Conexant Financial Advisor. Conexant has received the opinion of the Conexant Financial Advisor, dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect that, as of such date, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of Conexant Common Stock. (m) Taxes. (i) Each of the Washington Companies has timely filed or has caused to be timely filed all Tax returns or reports required to be filed by it with respect to Taxes for which the Washington Group will have liability following the Time of Distribution pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement, or requests for extensions to file such returns or reports have been timely filed, granted and have not expired, and all such returns and reports are complete and correct, except to the extent that such failures to file, to have extensions granted that remain in effect or to be complete or correct, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. The Washington Companies have paid or caused to be paid all Taxes shown as due on such returns, other than Taxes for which the Conexant Group will have liability following the Time of Distribution pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement. (ii) No deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed in writing against the Washington Companies that are not adequately reserved for, except for deficiencies that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business and deficiencies with respect to Taxes for which Conexant will have liability following the Time of Distribution pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement. The U.S. federal income Tax returns required to be filed with respect to Taxes for which the Washington Group will have liability following the Time of Distribution pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement have been either examined by and settled with the IRS or closed by virtue of the applicable statute of limitations and no requests for waivers of the time to assess any such Taxes are pending. (iii) None of Conexant or its Subsidiaries has taken any action, and Conexant has no Knowledge of any fact, agreement, plan or other circumstance, that is reasonably likely to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. A-25 (iv) No member of the Washington Group is a party to any Tax sharing or Tax indemnity agreements (other than agreements between or among members of the Washington Group) that will be in effect after the Time of Distribution. (v) Within the past five years, no member of the Washington Group has been a "distributing corporation" or a "controlled corporation" in a distribution intended to qualify under Section 355(a) of the Code. (vi) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, no member of the Washington Group is obligated to make any payments, or is a party to any contract that could obligate it to make any payments, that would not be deductible by reason of Section 162(m) or Section 280G of the Code. (vii) No member of the Washington Group has agreed to make, or is required to make, any material adjustment under Section 481(a) of the Code or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law by reason of a change in accounting methods or otherwise. (n) Certain Contracts. As of the date hereof, none of the Washington Companies is a party to or bound by (i) any non-competition agreement or any other Contract that will be binding on any member of the Washington Group following the Time of Distribution that limits or otherwise restricts the Washington Companies or any of their respective affiliates or any successor thereto, or that would, after the Effective Time, to the Knowledge of Conexant, limit or restrict the Combined Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates or any successor thereto, from engaging or competing in any line of business in any geographic area, which agreements or other Contracts, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Merger or (ii) any employee benefit plan, employee contract or any other material Contract that will be binding on any member of the Washington Group following the Time of Distribution, pursuant to which any benefits will arise or be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. All material Contracts that will be included in the Washington Assets are valid and binding on the Washington Companies, as applicable, and in full force and effect except to the extent they have previously expired in accordance with their terms or if the failure to be valid, binding and in full force and effect, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. None of the Washington Companies has Knowledge of, or has received notice of, any violation or default under (nor to their Knowledge does there exist any condition which with the passage of time or the giving of notice would cause such a violation or default under) the provisions of any Contract of the Washington Companies that will be included in the Washington Assets, except for violations or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. (o) Employee Benefits. (i) With respect to each Washington Plan, except for Washington Plans the liabilities under which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, Conexant has made available to Alpha a true, correct and complete copy of: (A) all plan documents, trust agreements, and insurance contracts and other funding vehicles; (B) the three most recent Annual Reports (Form 5500 Series) and accompanying schedules and exhibits, if any; (C) the current summary plan description and any material modifications thereto, if any (in each case, whether or not required to be furnished under ERISA); (D) the three most recent annual financial reports, if any; (E) the three most recent actuarial reports, if any; (F) the most recent determination letter from the IRS, if any; and (G) the annual compliance testing under Sections 401(a) through 416 of the Code for the three most recently completed plan years, if any. A-26 (ii) With respect to each Washington Plan, Conexant and its Subsidiaries have complied with, and are now in compliance with, all provisions of ERISA, the Code and all other Applicable Laws and regulations applicable to such Washington Plans and each Washington Plan has been administered in accordance with its terms, in each case except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. Each Washington Plan that is required by ERISA to be funded is fully funded in accordance with reasonable actuarial assumptions, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. (iii) All Washington Plans subject to the Applicable Laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States (A) have been maintained in accordance with all applicable requirements, (B) if they are intended to qualify for special tax treatment meet all requirements for such treatment, and (C) if they are intended to be funded and/or book-reserved are fully funded and/or book-reserved, as appropriate, based upon reasonable actuarial assumptions, in each case except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. (iv) None of the Washington Companies has any liability under or obligation to any Multiemployer Plan that will be included in the Washington Liabilities. (p) Labor Relations. As of the date of this Agreement, (i) none of the Washington Companies is a party to any collective bargaining agreement, (ii) except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, no labor organization or group of employees of the Washington Business has made a pending demand for recognition or certification, and there are no representation or certification proceedings or petitions seeking a representation proceeding presently pending or, to the Knowledge of Conexant, threatened to be brought or filed, with the National Labor Relations Board or any other domestic or foreign labor relations tribunal or authority and (iii) except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, there are no organizing activities, strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, lockouts, arbitrations or grievances, or other labor disputes pending or, to the Knowledge of Conexant, threatened against or involving any of the Washington Companies. (q) Insurance. The Washington Companies maintain insurance coverage with reputable insurers in such amounts and covering such risks as is deemed reasonably appropriate for its business (taking into account the cost and availability of such insurance). (r) Liens. No Liens exist on any of the Washington Assets, except (i) Liens expressly set forth in the Washington Financial Statements, (ii) Liens consisting of zoning or planning restrictions, easements, permits or other restrictions or limitations on the use of real property or irregularities in title thereto which do not materially detract from the value of, or impair the use of, such property in the Washington Business, (iii) Liens for current taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies on property not yet due or which are being contested in good faith and for which appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP have been created and (iv) Liens which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business. (s) Ownership of Alpha Common Stock. Conexant, together with its affiliates and associates (as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act), is not the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Alpha Common Stock. For purposes of this Section 5.2(s), a Person shall be deemed to be the "beneficial owner" of Alpha Common Stock if such Person, directly or indirectly, controls the voting of such Alpha Common Stock or has any options, warrants, conversion or other rights to acquire such Alpha Common Stock. A-27 ARTICLE VI COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS SECTION 6.1 Covenants of Alpha. During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the Effective Time, Alpha agrees as to itself and its Subsidiaries that (except as required or otherwise expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or Section 6.1 (including its subsections) of the Alpha Disclosure Schedule or as required by a Governmental Entity or to the extent that Conexant shall otherwise consent in writing, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed): (a) Ordinary Course. (i) Alpha and its Subsidiaries shall carry on their respective businesses in the ordinary course, in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted, and shall use all reasonable efforts to preserve intact their present business organizations, keep available the services of their current officers and other key employees and preserve their relationships with customers, suppliers and others having business dealings with them to the end that their ongoing businesses shall not be materially impaired at the Effective Time; provided, however, that no action by Alpha or its Subsidiaries with respect to matters specifically addressed by any other provision of this Section 6.1 shall be deemed a breach of this Section 6.1(a)(i) unless such action would constitute a breach of one or more of such other provisions. (ii) Other than in connection with acquisitions permitted by Section 6.1(e) or investments permitted by Section 6.1(g), Alpha shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (A) enter into any new material line of business or (B) incur or commit to any capital expenditures or any obligations or liabilities in connection with any capital expenditures other than capital expenditures and obligations or liabilities in connection therewith incurred or committed to in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. (b) Dividends; Changes in Share Capital. Alpha shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, and shall not propose to, (i) declare or pay any dividends on or make other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of any of its capital stock, except for dividends by any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiaries of Alpha, (ii) split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize or propose the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for, shares of its capital stock, except for any such transaction by a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Alpha which remains a wholly-owned Subsidiary after consummation of such transaction or (iii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of its capital stock. (c) Issuance of Securities. Alpha shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, issue, deliver, sell, pledge or otherwise encumber, or authorize or propose the issuance, delivery, sale, pledge or encumbrance of, any shares of its capital stock of any class, any Alpha Voting Debt or any securities convertible into or exercisable for, or any rights, warrants, calls or options to acquire, any such shares or Alpha Voting Debt, or enter into any commitment, arrangement, undertaking or agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, other than (i) the issuance of Alpha Common Stock upon the exercise of Alpha Stock Options outstanding on the date hereof in accordance with their present terms or pursuant to Alpha Stock Options or other stock based awards granted pursuant to clause (ii) below, (ii) the granting of Alpha Stock Options or other stock based awards under the Alpha Stock Plans in a manner consistent with Alpha's established policies and guidelines in effect on the date hereof relating to the granting of Alpha Stock Options or other stock based awards or (iii) issuances by a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Alpha of capital stock of such Subsidiary to such Subsidiary's parent or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of Alpha. (d) Governing Documents. Except to the extent required to comply with its obligations hereunder or with Applicable Laws, Alpha shall not amend or propose to so amend its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other governing documents. A-28 (e) No Acquisitions. Alpha shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, acquire or agree to acquire by merger or consolidation, or by purchasing a substantial equity interest in or a substantial portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, limited liability entity, joint venture, association or other business organization or division thereof or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any material assets (excluding the acquisition of assets used in the operations of the business of Alpha and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, which assets do not constitute a business unit, division or all or substantially all of the assets of the transferor); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit (x) internal reorganizations or consolidations involving existing Subsidiaries of Alpha or (y) the creation of new direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiaries of Alpha organized to conduct or continue activities otherwise permitted by this Agreement. (f) No Dispositions. Other than (i) internal reorganizations or consolidations involving existing Subsidiaries of Alpha or (ii) as may be required by or in conformance with Applicable Laws in order to permit or facilitate the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, Alpha shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, lease, license or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien or otherwise dispose of, or agree to sell, lease, license or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien or otherwise dispose of, any of its assets (including capital stock of Subsidiaries of Alpha but excluding inventory and obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice). (g) Investments; Indebtedness. Alpha shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person, other than (A) loans or investments by Alpha or a Subsidiary of Alpha to or in Alpha or a Subsidiary of Alpha, (B) pursuant to any contract or other legal obligation of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries as in effect at the date of this Agreement, (C) employee loans or advances for travel, business, relocation or other reimbursable expenses made in the ordinary course of business, (D) loans, advances, capital contributions or investments which in the aggregate do not exceed the amount specified in Section 6.1(g) of the Alpha Disclosure Schedule or (E) loans, advances, capital contributions or investments in the ordinary course of business which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to Alpha and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any indebtedness, issuances of debt securities, guarantees, loans or advances not in existence as of the date of this Agreement except in the ordinary course of business which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to Alpha and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Without limiting Alpha's covenants contained in this Section 6.1, Alpha will consult with Conexant in any efforts by Alpha to obtain financing with respect to Alpha's obligations under the Facility Sale Agreement, provided that Conexant's consent in writing, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, shall be required prior to Alpha agreeing or committing to such financing. Conexant will cooperate with and reasonably assist Alpha, at Alpha's expense, in Alpha's efforts to obtain such financing. (h) Tax-Free Qualification. Alpha shall use its reasonable best efforts not to, and shall use its reasonable best efforts not to permit any of its Subsidiaries to, take any action (including any action otherwise permitted by this Section 6.1) that would prevent or impede the Contribution and Distribution from qualifying as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368 of the Code or the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code. (i) Compensation. Except (x) as set forth in Section 6.1(c), (y) as required by Applicable Laws or by the terms of any collective bargaining agreement or other agreement currently in effect between Alpha or any Subsidiary of Alpha and any executive officer or employee thereof or (z) in the ordinary course of business, Alpha shall not increase the amount of compensation or employee benefits of any director, officer or employee of Alpha or any Subsidiary or business unit of Alpha, pay any pension, retirement, savings or profit-sharing allowance to any employee that is not required by any existing plan or agreement, enter into any Contract with any of its employees regarding his or her employment, compensation or benefits, increase or commit to increase any employee benefits, issue any additional Alpha Stock Options, adopt or amend or make any commitment to adopt or amend A-29 any Alpha Plan or make any contribution, other than regularly scheduled contributions, to any Alpha Plan. Alpha shall not accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any stock options or other stock-based compensation, except as required by Applicable Laws or in the ordinary course of business or in accordance with this Agreement, and any option committed to be granted or granted after the date hereof shall not accelerate as a result of the approval or consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Alpha may, without Conexant's consent but only after consultation with Conexant, enter into retention or other similar agreements with employees of Alpha on terms, and with such number of employees, as are substantially comparable to the severance or other similar agreements to be entered into between the Washington Companies and their employees. (j) Accounting Methods; Income Tax Elections. Except as disclosed in the Alpha Filed SEC Reports, as required by a Governmental Entity or as required by changes in GAAP as concurred in by Alpha's independent public accountants, Alpha shall not make any material change in its methods of accounting in effect at April 1, 2001. Alpha shall not, and shall not permit its Subsidiaries to, (i) change its fiscal year or (ii) make any material Tax election or settle or compromise any material income Tax liability, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. (k) Certain Agreements and Arrangements. Alpha shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any Contracts that limit or otherwise restrict Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates or any successor thereto, or that would, after the Effective Time, limit or restrict the Combined Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates or any successor thereto, from engaging or competing in any line of business in any geographic area which agreements or arrangements, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries following the Merger. (l) No Related Actions. Alpha will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, agree or commit to do any of the foregoing actions. SECTION 6.2 Covenants of Conexant and Washington. During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the Effective Time, Conexant, as to the Washington Companies, and Washington each agrees that (except for the Contribution, the Distribution, as required or otherwise expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, the Reorganization Agreements or Section 6.2 (including its subsections) of the Conexant Disclosure Schedule or as required by a Governmental Entity or to the extent that Alpha shall otherwise consent in writing, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed): (a) Ordinary Course. (i) The Washington Companies shall carry on the Washington Business in the ordinary course, in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted, and shall use all reasonable efforts to preserve intact their present business organizations, keep available the services of their current officers and other key employees of the Washington Business and preserve their relationships with customers, suppliers and others having business dealings with them to the end that the Washington Business shall not be materially impaired at the Effective Time; provided, however, that no action by the Washington Companies with respect to matters specifically addressed by any other provision of this Section 6.2 shall be deemed a breach of this Section 6.2(a)(i) unless such action would constitute a breach of one or more of such other provisions. (ii) Other than in connection with acquisitions permitted by Section 6.2(e) or investments permitted by Section 6.2(g), the Washington Companies shall not (A) enter into any new material line of business that would be part of the Washington Business or (B) incur or commit to any capital expenditures or any obligations or liabilities in connection with any capital expenditures other than capital expenditures and obligations or liabilities in connection therewith incurred or committed to in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. A-30 (b) Dividends; Changes in Share Capital. The members of the Washington Group shall not, and shall not propose to, declare any dividends on or make other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of any of their capital stock that will be payable after the Effective Time, except for dividends payable entirely to members of the Washington Group. Prior to the Time of Distribution, Conexant will not, and following the Time of Distribution and prior to the Effective Time, Washington will not, (i) split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize or propose the issuance of any other securities of Conexant or Washington, as the case may be, in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for, shares of its capital stock or (ii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of its capital stock. (c) Issuance of Securities. (i) Prior to the Time of Distribution, Conexant shall not issue, deliver, sell, pledge or otherwise encumber, or authorize or propose the issuance, delivery, sale, pledge or encumbrance of, any shares of Conexant Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable for, or any rights, warrants, calls or options to acquire, any such shares, or enter into any commitment, arrangement, undertaking or agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, other than (A) the issuance of Conexant Common Stock (and the associated Conexant Rights) (w) pursuant to the Conexant Systems, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan and the Conexant Systems, Inc. Hourly Employees Savings Plan, (x) upon the exercise of Conexant Stock Options outstanding on the date hereof in accordance with their present terms or pursuant to Conexant Stock Options or other stock based awards granted pursuant to clause (B) below, (y) upon conversion of the Conexant Convertible Notes or (z) pursuant to the exchange or retraction of Exchangeable Shares of Philsar Semiconductor Inc., (B) the granting of Conexant Stock Options or other stock based awards under the Conexant Stock Plans in a manner consistent with Conexant's established policies and guidelines in effect on the date hereof relating to the granting of Conexant Stock Options or other stock based awards or (C) issuances in accordance with the Conexant Rights Agreement. (ii) Following the Time of Distribution and prior to the Effective Time, no member of the Washington Group will issue, deliver, sell, pledge or otherwise encumber, or authorize or propose the issuance, delivery, sale, pledge or encumbrance of, any shares of its capital stock of any class or any securities convertible into or exercisable for, or any rights, warrants, calls or options to acquire, any such shares, or enter into any commitment, arrangement, undertaking or agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, other than (A) the granting of options to purchase Washington Common Stock upon conversion of Conexant Stock Options in connection with the Distribution in accordance with the Employee Matters Agreement or (B) issuances by a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Washington of capital stock of such Subsidiary to such Subsidiary's parent or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of Washington. (d) Governing Documents. Except to the extent required to comply with its obligations hereunder or under the Reorganization Agreements or with Applicable Laws, Washington shall not amend or propose to so amend its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other governing documents. (e) No Acquisitions. The Washington Companies shall not acquire or agree to acquire by merger or consolidation, or by purchasing a substantial equity interest in or a substantial portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, limited liability entity, joint venture, association or other business organization or division thereof or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any material assets (excluding the acquisition of assets used in the operations of the Washington Business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, which assets do not constitute a business unit, division or all or substantially all of the assets of the transferor), in each case, that would be part of the Washington Business; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit (x) internal reorganizations or consolidations involving existing Subsidiaries of Conexant or A-31 (y) the creation of new direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiaries of Conexant organized to conduct or continue activities otherwise permitted by this Agreement. (f) No Dispositions. Other than (i) internal reorganizations or consolidations involving existing Subsidiaries of Conexant (with respect to which, to the extent involving Washington Assets or Washington Liabilities, Conexant shall reasonably consult with Alpha) or (ii) as may be required by or in conformance with Applicable Laws in order to permit or facilitate the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Reorganization Agreements, the Washington Companies shall not sell, lease, license or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien or otherwise dispose of, or agree to sell, lease, license or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien or otherwise dispose of, any Assets that would constitute Washington Assets if the Distribution Date were the date hereof (including capital stock of members of the Washington Group, but excluding inventory and obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice). (g) Investments; Indebtedness. The Washington Companies shall not (i) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person that will be included in the Washington Assets, other than (A) loans or investments by a member of the Washington Group to or in another member of the Washington Group, (B) pursuant to any contract or other legal obligation of any of the Washington Companies as in effect at the date of this Agreement, (C) employee loans or advances for travel, business, relocation or other reimbursable expenses made in the ordinary course of business, (D) loans, advances, capital contributions or investments which in the aggregate do not exceed the amount specified in Section 6.2(g) of the Conexant Disclosure Schedule or (E) loans, advances, capital contributions or investments in the ordinary course of business which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Washington Business taken as a whole or (ii) create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any indebtedness, issuances of debt securities, guarantees, loans or advances not in existence as of the date of this Agreement that will be included in the Washington Liabilities except in the ordinary course of business which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Washington Business taken as a whole. (h) Tax-Free Qualification. Conexant and Washington shall use their reasonable best efforts not to, and shall use their reasonable best efforts not to permit any of their Subsidiaries to, take any action (including any action otherwise permitted by this Section 6.2) that would prevent or impede the Contribution and Distribution from qualifying as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368 of the Code or the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code. (i) Compensation. Except (x) as set forth in Section 6.2(c), (y) as required by Applicable Laws or by the terms of any collective bargaining agreement or other agreement currently in effect between any of the Washington Companies and any Washington Employee or (z) in the ordinary course of business, none of the Washington Companies shall increase the amount of compensation or employee benefits of any director or any Washington Employee, pay any pension, retirement, savings or profit-sharing allowance to any Washington Employee that is not required by any existing plan or agreement, enter into any Contract with any Washington Employee regarding his or her employment, compensation or benefits, increase or commit to increase any employee benefits for Washington Employees, issue any additional Conexant Stock Options, adopt or amend or make any commitment to adopt or amend any Washington Plan or make any contribution, other than regularly scheduled contributions, to any Washington Plan for the benefit of Washington Employees. The Washington Companies shall not accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any stock options or other stock-based compensation, except as required by Applicable Laws or in the ordinary course of business or in accordance with this Agreement, and any option committed to be granted or granted after the date hereof shall not accelerate as a result of the approval or consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Washington Companies may, without Alpha's consent but only after consultation with Alpha, enter into retention or other similar agreements with employees of the Washington Business on terms, and with such number of employees, as are substantially comparable to the severance or other similar agreements currently in effect or to be entered into between Alpha and its employees. A-32 (j) Accounting Methods; Income Tax Elections. Except as disclosed in Conexant Filed SEC Reports or the Washington Financial Statements, as required by a Governmental Entity or as required by changes in GAAP as concurred in by their independent public accountants, the Washington Business shall not make any material change in its methods of accounting in effect at September 30, 2001. No member of the Washington Group will (i) change its fiscal year or (ii) make any material Tax election or settle or compromise any material income Tax liability with respect to matters that will be a liability of the Washington Group after the Time of Distribution pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. (k) Certain Agreements and Arrangements. Except as contemplated by the Reorganization Agreements, the Washington Companies shall not enter into any Contracts that will bind any member of the Washington Group after the Time of Distribution that limit or otherwise restrict any of the Washington Companies or any of their respective affiliates or any successor thereto, or that would, after the Effective Time, limit or restrict the Combined Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates or any successor thereto, from engaging or competing in any line of business in any geographic area, which agreements or arrangements, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries following the Merger. (l) No Washington Business Activities. Prior to the Effective Time, Washington will not conduct any activities other than in connection with the organization of Washington, the negotiation and execution of this Agreement, the Reorganization Agreements, the Mexican Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of the date hereof between Conexant and Alpha (the "Facility Sale Agreement"), the U.S. Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of the date hereof between Conexant and Alpha (the "U.S. Asset Purchase Agreement"), the Facility Services Agreement to be entered into prior to the Effective Time between Conexant and Alpha (the "Facility Services Agreement"), the Newport Supply Agreement, the Newbury Supply Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. (m) No Related Actions. None of Conexant or its Subsidiaries (as to the Washington Companies) or Washington will agree or commit to do any of the foregoing actions. SECTION 6.3 Reports; SEC Reports. Each of Conexant (with respect to the Washington Business) and Alpha shall (a) confer on a regular and frequent basis with the other and (b) report to the other (to the extent permitted by law or regulation or any applicable confidentiality agreement) on operational matters. Each of Conexant (with respect to the Washington Business) and Alpha shall file all reports required to be filed by each of them with the SEC between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time and shall deliver to the other parties copies of all such reports promptly after the same are filed. SECTION 6.4 Control of Other Party's Business. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Conexant, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct Alpha's operations prior to the Effective Time. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Alpha, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of the Washington Business prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, each of Conexant and Alpha shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its respective operations. ARTICLE VII ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS SECTION 7.1 Preparation of Proxy Statement; Stockholders Meeting. (a) As promptly as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, Alpha and Conexant shall prepare and Alpha shall file with the SEC proxy materials which shall constitute the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus to be mailed to Alpha's stockholders in connection with the Alpha Stockholders Meeting (such proxy statement/prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto, the "Proxy Statement/ A-33 Prospectus") and Conexant and Alpha shall prepare and Alpha shall file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 with respect to the issuance of Alpha Common Stock in the Merger (the "Form S-4"). The Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be included in and will constitute a part of the Form S-4 as Alpha's prospectus and will be mailed to Conexant's stockholders as an Information Statement in connection with the Distribution. The Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder. Alpha shall use reasonable best efforts to have the Proxy Statement/Prospectus cleared by the SEC as promptly as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC, to have the Form S-4 declared effective by the SEC as promptly as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC and to keep the Form S-4 effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby. Alpha shall, as promptly as practicable after receipt thereof, provide to Conexant copies of any written comments and advise Conexant of any oral comments with respect to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Form S-4 received from the SEC. Alpha shall provide Conexant with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any amendment or supplement to the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus prior to filing such with the SEC, and with a copy of all such filings made with the SEC. Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no amendment or supplement (including by incorporation by reference) to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the Form S-4 shall be made without the approval of both Conexant and Alpha, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Alpha will use reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus to be mailed to Alpha's stockholders, and Conexant will use reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to Conexant's stockholders, in each case as promptly as practicable after the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is cleared by the SEC and the Form S-4 is declared effective under the Securities Act. Alpha shall also take any action (other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified or to file a general consent to service of process) required to be taken under any applicable state securities laws in connection with the issuance of Alpha Common Stock in the Merger and Alpha and Conexant shall furnish all information concerning Alpha, Washington and Conexant and the holders of Conexant Common Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action. Alpha will advise Conexant, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when the Form S-4 has become effective, the issuance of any stop order with respect to the Form S-4, the suspension of the qualification of the Alpha Common Stock issuable in connection with the Merger for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or any request by the SEC for amendment of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the Form S-4. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any information relating to Alpha or Washington, or any of their respective affiliates, officers or directors, should be discovered by Alpha or Conexant which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus so that any of such documents would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party which discovers such information shall promptly notify the other parties hereto and, to the extent required by Applicable Laws, an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be promptly filed with the SEC and disseminated to the stockholders of Alpha and Conexant. (b) Alpha shall duly take all lawful action to call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its stockholders on a date determined in accordance with the mutual agreement of Alpha and Conexant (the "Alpha Stockholders Meeting") for the purpose of obtaining the Required Alpha Vote with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall take all lawful action to solicit the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the Required Alpha Vote, and the Board of Directors of Alpha shall recommend approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of Alpha to the effect as set forth in Section 5.1(f) (the "Alpha Recommendation"), and shall not withdraw, modify or qualify (or propose to withdraw, modify or qualify) such recommendation (a "Change in the Alpha Recommendation"); provided, however, that the Board of Directors of Alpha may make a Change in the Alpha Recommendation pursuant to Section 7.5. Notwithstanding any Change in the Alpha Recommendation, this Agreement shall be submitted to the stockholders of Alpha at the Alpha A-34 Stockholders Meeting for the purpose of approving and adopting this Agreement and the Merger, and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to relieve Alpha of such obligation. SECTION 7.2 Combined Company Board of Directors and Management. At or prior to the Effective Time, the parties will take all action necessary to effectuate the provisions of Sections 1.8 and 1.9. SECTION 7.3 Access to Information. Upon reasonable notice, each of Conexant and Alpha shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to) afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel, financial advisors and other representatives of the other reasonable access during normal business hours, during the period prior to the Effective Time, to all its books, records, properties, plants and personnel (in the case of Conexant and its Subsidiaries, only with respect to the Washington Business) and, during such period, such party shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to) furnish promptly to the other party all information concerning it and its business, properties and personnel (as to Conexant and its Subsidiaries, only with respect to the Washington Business) as such other party may reasonably request; provided, however, that either party may restrict the foregoing access to the extent that (i) any Applicable Laws or Contract requires such party or its Subsidiaries to restrict or prohibit access to any such properties or information or (ii) the information is subject to confidentiality obligations to a third party. The parties will hold any such information obtained pursuant to this Section 7.3 in confidence in accordance with, and will otherwise be subject to, the provisions of the Mutual Confidentiality Agreement dated September 28, 2001 between Conexant and Alpha (as it may be amended or supplemented, the "Confidentiality Agreement"). Any investigation by either Alpha or Conexant shall not affect the representations and warranties contained herein or the conditions to the respective obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger. SECTION 7.4 Reasonable Best Efforts. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each party will use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing or causing to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under this Agreement and Applicable Laws to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as practicable after the date hereof, including (i) taking all reasonable actions to cause the conditions set forth in Article VIII to be satisfied as promptly as reasonably practicable; (ii) preparing and filing as promptly as practicable all documentation to effect all necessary applications, notices, petitions and filings and to obtain as promptly as practicable the Tax Ruling, all Alpha Necessary Consents and Conexant Necessary Consents and all other consents, waivers, licenses, orders, registrations, approvals, permits, rulings, authorizations and clearances necessary or advisable to be obtained from any third party and/or any Governmental Entity in order to consummate the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the "Required Approvals") and (iii) taking all reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain all Required Approvals. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each party hereto agrees to make (i) an appropriate filing of a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable after the date hereof, (ii) appropriate filings, if any are required, with the European Commission and/or other foreign regulatory authorities in accordance with applicable competition, merger control, antitrust, investment or similar Applicable Laws, and (iii) all other necessary filings with other Governmental Entities relating to the Merger, and, in each case, to supply as promptly as practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be requested pursuant to such Applicable Laws or by such authorities and to use reasonable best efforts to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act and the receipt of the Required Approvals under such other Applicable Laws or from such authorities as soon as practicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 7.4 shall require any of Alpha and its Subsidiaries, Conexant and its Subsidiaries, Washington and its Subsidiaries or the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries to sell, hold separate or otherwise dispose of any assets of Alpha, Conexant, Washington, the Combined Company or their respective Subsidiaries (including the capital stock of any Subsidiary) or conduct their business in a specified manner, or agree to do so, whether as a condition to obtaining any approval from a Governmental Entity or any other Person or for any other reason, if such sale, holding separate or other disposition or the conduct of their business in a specified manner is not conditioned on the Closing or, individually or in the A-35 aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Merger (or, only with respect to Conexant and its Subsidiaries, to have a Material Adverse Effect on Conexant and its Subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Distribution). (b) Each of Alpha, on the one hand, and Conexant and Washington, on the other hand, shall, in connection with the efforts referenced in Section 7.4(a) to obtain all Required Approvals, use its reasonable best efforts to (i) cooperate in all respects with each other in connection with any filing or submission and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry, including any proceeding initiated by a private party, (ii) promptly inform the other party of any communication received by such party from, or given by such party to, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (the "DOJ"), the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") or any other Governmental Entity and of any material communication received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private party, in each case regarding any of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (iii) permit the other party to review any communication given by it to, and consult with each other in advance of any meeting or conference with, the DOJ, the FTC or any such other Governmental Entity or, in connection with any proceeding by a private party, with any other Person, and to the extent appropriate or permitted by the DOJ, the FTC or such other applicable Governmental Entity or other Person, give the other party the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences. (c) In furtherance and not in limitation of the covenants of the parties contained in Section 7.4(a) and Section 7.4(b), if any administrative or judicial action or proceeding, including any proceeding by a private party, is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) challenging any transaction contemplated by this Agreement as violative of any Applicable Laws, or if any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, injunction or administrative order is enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by a Governmental Entity which would make the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby illegal or would otherwise prohibit or materially impair or delay the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby, each of Conexant and Alpha shall cooperate in all respects with each other and use its respective reasonable best efforts, including, subject to the last sentence of Section 7.4(a), selling, holding separate or otherwise disposing of any assets of Alpha or its Subsidiaries or the Washington Companies (including the capital stock of any Subsidiary) or conducting their business (in the case of Conexant, only with respect to the Washington Business) in a specified manner, or agreeing to do so, to contest and resist any such action or proceeding and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any decree, judgment, injunction or other order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to have such statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, injunction or administrative order repealed, rescinded or made inapplicable so as to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, nothing in this Section 7.4 shall limit a party's right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(c) so long as such party has complied with its obligations under this Section 7.4. (d) Each of Alpha, Conexant and Washington shall cooperate with each other in obtaining opinions of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel to Alpha, and Chadbourne & Parke LLP, counsel to Conexant and Washington, to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 8.2(c) and Section 8.3(c). In connection therewith, each of Alpha and Conexant shall deliver to such counsel customary representation letters in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such counsel. SECTION 7.5 Acquisition Proposals. (a) Without limiting Alpha's other obligations under this Agreement (including under Article VI hereof), Alpha agrees that from and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, and it shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and its Subsidiaries' officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (including any investment banker, attorney or accountant A-36 retained by it or any of its Subsidiaries) not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitate (including by way of furnishing information) any inquiries or the making of any proposal or offer with respect to, or a transaction to effect, any Alpha Acquisition Proposal (as defined below), (ii) have any discussions with or provide any confidential information or data to any Person relating to an Alpha Acquisition Proposal, or engage in any negotiations concerning an Alpha Acquisition Proposal, or knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement an Alpha Acquisition Proposal, (iii) approve or recommend, or propose publicly to approve or recommend, any Alpha Acquisition Proposal or (iv) approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement related to any Alpha Acquisition Proposal. (b) For purposes of this Agreement, "Alpha Acquisition Proposal" means any inquiry, proposal or offer from any Person with respect to (A) a merger, reorganization, share exchange, consolidation, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving Alpha or any of its Significant Subsidiaries (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the SEC), (B) any purchase or sale or other disposition of 20% or more of the consolidated assets (including stock of its Subsidiaries) of Alpha and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (C) any purchase or sale of, or tender or exchange offer for, or similar transaction with respect to, the equity securities of Alpha that, if consummated, would result in any Person (or the stockholders of such Person) beneficially owning securities representing 20% or more of the total voting power of Alpha (or of the surviving parent entity in such transaction) or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, including in the case of each of clauses (A) through (C), any single or multi-step transaction or series of related transactions (other than a proposal or offer made by Conexant or a Subsidiary thereof). (c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Alpha or its Board of Directors shall be permitted to (i) to the extent applicable, comply with Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to an Alpha Acquisition Proposal, (ii) effect a Change in the Alpha Recommendation or (iii) engage in any discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any Person in response to an unsolicited bona fide written Alpha Acquisition Proposal by any such Person (which has not been withdrawn) in order to be informed with respect thereto in order to make any determination permitted in clause (ii), if and only to the extent that, in any such case referred to in clause (ii) or (iii), (A) the Alpha Stockholders Meeting shall not have occurred, (B) it has received an unsolicited bona fide written Alpha Acquisition Proposal from a third party (which has not been withdrawn) and (x) in the case of clause (ii) above, its Board of Directors concludes in good faith that such Alpha Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Alpha Proposal and (y) in the case of clause (iii) above, its Board of Directors concludes in good faith that there is a reasonable likelihood that such Alpha Acquisition Proposal would constitute a Superior Alpha Proposal, (C) its Board of Directors, after consultation with its outside counsel, determines in good faith that such action is required by its fiduciary duties to stockholders under Applicable Laws as a result of such Alpha Acquisition Proposal, (D) in the case of clause (ii) above, it shall provide Conexant immediate written notice of such action, (E) prior to providing any information or data to any Person in connection with an Alpha Acquisition Proposal by any such Person, it receives from such Person an executed confidentiality agreement containing terms substantially the same as the Confidentiality Agreement and (F) prior to providing any information or data to any Person or entering into discussions or negotiations with any Person, it notifies Conexant promptly of such inquiries, proposals or offers received by, any such information requested from, or any such discussions or negotiations sought to be initiated or continued with, such Person or any of its representatives indicating, in connection with such notice, the name of such Person and the material terms and conditions of any inquiries, proposals or offers, and furnishes to Conexant a copy of any such written inquiry, proposal or offer. Alpha agrees that it will promptly keep Conexant informed of the status and terms of any such proposals or offers and the status and terms of any such discussions or negotiations and will promptly provide Conexant with any such written proposals or offers. Alpha agrees that it will, and will cause its officers, directors and representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations existing as of the date of this Agreement with any Persons conducted heretofore with respect to any Alpha Acquisition Proposal, and request the return or destruction of all non- A-37 public information furnished in connection therewith. Alpha agrees that it will use reasonable best efforts to promptly inform its directors, officers, key employees, agents and representatives of the obligations undertaken by Alpha in this Section 7.5. Nothing in this Section 7.5 shall (x) permit Alpha to terminate this Agreement (except as specifically provided in Article IX) or (y) affect any other obligation of Alpha or Conexant under this Agreement. Alpha shall not submit to the vote of its stockholders any Alpha Acquisition Proposal other than the Merger. (d) For purposes of this Agreement, "Superior Alpha Proposal" means a bona fide written Alpha Acquisition Proposal (for purposes of this definition of "Superior Alpha Proposal", references to 20% in the definition of "Alpha Acquisition Proposal" shall be deemed to be references to 50%) made by a Person other than a party hereto which is on terms which the Board of Directors of Alpha in good faith concludes (following receipt of the advice of its financial advisors), taking into account, among other things, all legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the proposal and the Person making the proposal, (x) would, if consummated, result in a transaction that is more favorable to its stockholders (in their capacities as stockholders), from a financial point of view, than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (y) is reasonably likely to be completed. (e) Without limiting Conexant's other obligations under this Agreement (including under Article VI hereof), Conexant agrees that from and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, and it shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and its Subsidiaries' officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (including any investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by it or any of its Subsidiaries) not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitate (including by way of furnishing information) any inquiries or the making of any proposal or offer with respect to, or a transaction to effect, any Washington Acquisition Proposal (as defined below), (ii) have any discussions with or provide any confidential information or data to any Person relating to a Washington Acquisition Proposal, or engage in any negotiations concerning a Washington Acquisition Proposal, or knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement a Washington Acquisition Proposal, (iii) approve or recommend, or propose publicly to approve or recommend, any Washington Acquisition Proposal or (iv) approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement related to any Washington Acquisition Proposal. (f) For purposes of this Agreement, "Washington Acquisition Proposal" means any inquiry, proposal or offer from any Person with respect to any purchase or sale or other disposition of 20% or more of the consolidated assets (including stock of subsidiaries) of the Washington Business, including any single or multi-step transaction or series of related transactions (other than a proposal or offer made by Alpha or a Subsidiary thereof). SECTION 7.6 Employee Benefits Matters. (a) Continuation and Comparability of Benefits. Subject to the Employee Matters Agreement, from and after the Effective Time, the employee benefit plans established or assumed by Washington pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement and the Alpha Plans in effect as of the date of this Agreement and at the Effective Time shall remain in effect with respect to Washington Participants (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement) and employees and former employees of Alpha and its Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Combined Company Employees"), covered by such plans at the Effective Time, until such time as the Combined Company shall otherwise determine, subject to Applicable Laws and the terms of such plans. Prior to the Effective Time, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, Conexant and Alpha shall cooperate in reviewing, evaluating and analyzing the Washington Plans and the Alpha Plans with a view towards developing appropriate new benefit plans for Combined Company Employees. It is the intention of Conexant and Alpha, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, to develop new benefit plans prior to the Effective Time or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time which, among other things, (i) treat similarly situated employees on a substantially equivalent basis, taking into A-38 account all relevant factors, including duties, geographic location, tenure, qualifications and abilities and (ii) do not discriminate between Combined Company Employees who were covered by Washington Plans, on the one hand, and those covered by Alpha Plans, on the other, at the Effective Time. Nothing in this Section 7.6 shall be interpreted as preventing the Combined Company from amending, modifying or terminating any employee benefit plans established or assumed by Washington pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement or any Alpha Plan or other contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding, in accordance with its terms and Applicable Laws. (b) Pre-Existing Limitations; Deductibles; Service Credit. With respect to any employee benefit plans in which any Combined Company Employees who were employees of Conexant or Alpha (or their Subsidiaries) prior to the Effective Time first become eligible to participate on or after the Effective Time, and in which the Combined Company Employees did not participate prior to the Effective Time (the "New Combined Company Plans"), the Combined Company shall: (A) waive all pre-existing conditions, exclusions and waiting periods with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to the Combined Company Employees and their eligible dependents under any New Combined Company Plans in which such employees may be eligible to participate after the Effective Time, except to the extent such pre-existing conditions, exclusions or waiting periods would apply under the analogous Washington Plan or Alpha Plan, as the case may be; (B) provide each Combined Company Employee and their eligible dependents with credit for any co-payments and deductibles paid prior to the Effective Time under a Washington Plan or an Alpha Plan (to the same extent such credit was given under the analogous employee benefit plan prior to the Effective Time) in satisfying any applicable deductible or out-of-pocket requirements under any New Combined Company Plans in which such employees may be eligible to participate after the Effective Time; and (C) recognize all service of the Combined Company Employees with Conexant and Alpha, and their respective affiliates, for purposes of eligibility to participate, vesting credit, entitlement to benefits and, other than with respect to defined benefit pension plans, benefit accrual, in any New Combined Company Plan in which such employees may be eligible to participate after the Effective Time, to the extent such service is taken into account under the applicable New Combined Company Plan; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to the extent it would result in duplication of benefits. SECTION 7.7 Fees and Expenses. Subject to Section 9.2(c) of this Agreement and Section 4.09 of the Distribution Agreement, whether or not the Merger is consummated, all Expenses (as defined below) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such Expenses, except Expenses incurred in connection with the filing, printing and mailing of the Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which shall be shared equally by Alpha and Conexant. As used in this Agreement, "Expenses" means all out-of-pocket expenses (including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants to a party hereto and its affiliates) incurred by a party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the preparation, printing, filing and mailing of the Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus and the solicitation of stockholder approval and all other matters related to the transactions contemplated hereby. SECTION 7.8 Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance. (a) The Combined Company shall (i) indemnify and hold harmless, and provide advancement of expenses to, all past and present directors, officers and employees of Alpha and its Subsidiaries (in all of their capacities as such), to the same extent such persons are indemnified or have the right to advancement of expenses as of the date of this Agreement by Alpha pursuant to Alpha's certificate of incorporation, by-laws and indemnification agreements, if any, in existence on the date hereof with any such directors, officers and employees of Alpha and its Subsidiaries for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including for acts or omissions occurring in connection with the approval of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby) and (ii) cause to be maintained for a period of six years after the Effective Time the current policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance maintained by Alpha (provided that the Combined A-39 Company may substitute therefor policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured than the current policies maintained by Alpha) with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the Effective Time; provided, however, that in no event shall the Combined Company be required to expend in any one year an amount in excess of 200% of the annual premiums (on a per capita basis) currently paid by Alpha for such insurance; and, provided, further, that if the annual premiums of such insurance coverage exceed such amount, the Combined Company shall be obligated to obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount. (b) The Combined Company shall (i) indemnify and hold harmless, and provide advancement of expenses to, all past and present directors, officers and employees of the Washington Companies (in all of their capacities as such), to the same extent such persons are indemnified or have the right to advancement of expenses as of the date of this Agreement by Conexant pursuant to Conexant's certificate of incorporation, by-laws and indemnification agreements, if any, in existence on the date hereof with any such directors, officers and employees of the Washington Companies for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including for acts or omissions occurring in connection with the approval of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby) and (ii) maintain in effect for each of the applicable persons referred to in clause (i) for a period of six years after the Effective Time policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance of at least the same coverage and amounts as, and containing terms and conditions which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured than, the current policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by Conexant, with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred on or before the Effective Time; provided, however, that in no event shall the Combined Company be required to expend in any one year an amount in excess of 200% of the annual premiums (on a per capita basis) currently paid by Conexant for such insurance; and, provided, further, that if the annual premiums of such insurance coverage exceed such amount, the Combined Company shall be obligated to obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount. (c) The provisions of this Section 7.8 are intended to be for the benefit of and shall be enforceable by each indemnified or insured party referred to above in this Section 7.8. SECTION 7.9 Public Announcements. Alpha and Conexant each shall use reasonable best efforts to develop a joint communications plan and each party shall use reasonable best efforts (i) to ensure that all press releases and other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby shall be consistent with such joint communications plan, and (ii) unless otherwise required by Applicable Laws or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with or rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system, to consult with each other before issuing any press release or, to the extent practicable, otherwise making any public statement with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. SECTION 7.10 Accounting Matters. (a) Alpha shall use reasonable best efforts to cause to be delivered to Conexant two letters from Alpha's independent public accountants, one dated approximately the date on which the Form S-4 shall become effective and one dated the Closing Date, each addressed to Alpha, Conexant and Washington, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Conexant and reasonably customary in scope and substance for comfort letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection with registration statements similar to the Form S-4. (b) Conexant shall use reasonable best efforts to cause to be delivered to Alpha two letters from Washington's independent public accountants, one dated approximately the date on which the Form S-4 shall become effective and one dated the Closing Date, each addressed to Conexant, Alpha and Washington, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Alpha and reasonably customary in scope and substance for comfort letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection with registration statements similar to the Form S-4. A-40 SECTION 7.11 Listing of Shares of Alpha Common Stock. Alpha shall prior to the Effective Time use reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Alpha Common Stock to be issued in the Merger and the shares of Alpha Common Stock to be reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Converted Options to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq National Market System prior to the Closing Date. SECTION 7.12 Affiliates. Not less than 45 days prior to the Effective Time, Conexant shall deliver to Alpha a letter identifying all persons who, in the judgment of Conexant, may be deemed at the time this Agreement is submitted for approval by Conexant as the sole stockholder of Washington, "affiliates" of Washington for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act and applicable SEC rules and regulations, and such list shall be updated as necessary to reflect changes from the date of delivery thereof. Conexant shall use reasonable best efforts to cause each person identified on such list to deliver to Alpha not less than 30 days prior to the Effective Time, a written agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H (an "Affiliate Agreement"). SECTION 7.13 Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, Alpha shall take all such steps as may be required to cause any acquisitions or dispositions of Alpha Common Stock (including derivative securities with respect to Alpha Common Stock) resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by each individual who is or will be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to Alpha to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, such steps to be taken in accordance with applicable SEC rules and regulations and interpretations of the SEC staff. SECTION 7.14 Takeover Statutes. If any "fair price", "moratorium", "control share acquisition" or other form of antitakeover statute or regulation shall become applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, each of Conexant, Alpha and Washington and their respective Boards of Directors shall use all reasonable efforts to grant such approvals and take such actions as are reasonably necessary so that the transactions contemplated hereby may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute or regulation on the transactions contemplated hereby. SECTION 7.15 Advice of Changes. Each of Conexant and Alpha shall as promptly as reasonably practicable after becoming aware thereof advise the others of (a) any representation or warranty made by it contained in this Agreement that is qualified as to materiality becoming untrue or inaccurate in any respect or any such representation or warranty that is not so qualified becoming untrue or inaccurate in any material respect, (b) the failure by it to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under this Agreement or (c) any change or event (i) having, or which would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have, in the case of Alpha, a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, and, in the case of Conexant, a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, or (ii) which has resulted, or which, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen, would result, in any of the conditions set forth in Article VIII not being satisfied; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties or the conditions to the obligations of the parties under this Agreement. SECTION 7.16 Shareholders Agreement. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of the directors and executive officers of Alpha set forth on Exhibit I shall execute and deliver a Shareholders Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit J (the "Shareholders Agreement"). SECTION 7.17 Tax Ruling. In connection with the Distribution, Conexant shall use its reasonable best efforts in seeking, as promptly as practicable, the Tax Ruling. Prior to filing with the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), Conexant shall furnish Alpha with a draft of the ruling request letter with respect to the Tax Ruling and of any substantive supplemental submission in respect thereof. Alpha may review and provide any comments on such drafts and Conexant shall reasonably consider any comments provided in a reasonably prompt manner by Alpha. Conexant shall keep Alpha fully informed of the status of the Tax Ruling request. At Conexant's request, Alpha shall cooperate with and use its reasonable best efforts to assist Conexant in connection with the Tax Ruling request. At Alpha's reasonable request, A-41 Conexant shall cooperate with Alpha and use its reasonable best efforts to seek to obtain, as promptly as practicable, any supplemental Tax Ruling or other guidance from the IRS. SECTION 7.18 Option Acceleration. (a) Except with respect to the acceleration of the vesting and the extension of the exercise period of the Alpha Stock Options set forth in Section 7.18 of the Alpha Disclosure Schedule, Alpha will take all action necessary to prevent the acceleration of the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any stock options, restricted stock or other stock-based compensation (including the Alpha Stock Options, and whether granted under the Alpha Stock Plans or otherwise) as a result of the approval or consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. (b) Washington will take all action necessary to prevent the acceleration of the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any stock options, restricted stock or other stock-based compensation (including the Washington Options and any Converted Options into which they may be converted hereunder, and whether granted under the Conexant Stock Plans, the Washington Stock Plans or otherwise) as a result of the approval or consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. SECTION 7.19 Employment and Severance Arrangements. Except with respect to the acceleration of the vesting and the extension of the exercise period of the Alpha Stock Options set forth in Section 7.18 of the Alpha Disclosure Schedule, Alpha will take all action necessary to ensure that no officer, director or other employee of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries will become entitled to receive any change of control or other payment or benefit under any employment, severance or other agreement with Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries, including those agreements set forth on Exhibit E, that may otherwise arise as a result of the approval or consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. SECTION 7.20 Transition Services Agreement. Promptly following the date hereof, Alpha and Conexant will discuss the scope, nature, term and pricing of the transition services to be provided by Conexant to Alpha following the Effective Time pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement. Alpha and Conexant will negotiate in good faith with respect thereto and prior to the Effective Time will enter into the Transition Services Agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to Alpha and Conexant. The Transition Services Agreement will provide that either party may terminate any services provided under the Transition Services Agreement upon such prior written notice as the parties shall mutually agree prior to the Effective Time. ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT SECTION 8.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger. The respective obligations of Washington and Alpha to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions: (a) Stockholder Approval. Alpha shall have obtained the Required Alpha Vote. (b) No Injunctions or Restraints, Illegality. No Applicable Laws shall have been adopted, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Entity, and no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by a court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction (an "Injunction") shall be in effect, having the effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger. (c) No Pending Governmental Actions. No proceeding initiated by any Governmental Entity seeking, and which is reasonably likely to result in the granting of, an Injunction shall be pending. (d) HSR Act. The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the Merger under the HSR Act shall have been terminated or shall have expired. A-42 (e) EU Antitrust. If required, Alpha and Conexant shall have received in respect of the Merger and any matters arising therefrom confirmation by way of a determination from the European Commission under Regulation 4064/89 (with or without the initiation of proceedings under Article 6(1)(c) thereof) that the Merger and any matters arising therefrom are compatible with the common market. (f) Governmental and Regulatory Approvals. Other than the filings provided for under Section 1.2 and filings pursuant to the HSR Act and, if required, the EC Merger Regulation (which are addressed in Section 8.1(d) and Section 8.1(e)), all consents, approvals, orders or authorizations of, actions of, filings and registrations with and notices to any Governmental Entity (i) required of Alpha, Conexant, Washington or any of their Subsidiaries to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, the failure of which to be obtained or taken would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Combined Company and its Subsidiaries, taken together after giving effect to the Merger or (ii) set forth in Section 8.1(f) of the Alpha Disclosure Schedule or Section 8.1(f) of the Conexant Disclosure Schedule shall have been obtained and shall be in full force and effect. (g) Nasdaq Listing. The shares of Alpha Common Stock to be issued in the Merger and to be reserved for issuance in connection with the Merger shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq National Market System. (h) Effectiveness of the Form S-4. The Form S-4 shall have been declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Form S-4 shall then be in effect and no proceedings for that purpose shall be pending before or threatened by the SEC. (i) Pre-Merger Transactions. The Contribution and the Distribution shall have been consummated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Distribution Agreement (which includes additional conditions to such consummation) and in all material respects in accordance with the Tax Ruling, provided that the failure of the Contribution and the Distribution to be consummated shall not be a condition to the obligations of a party whose breach (or breach by an Affiliate thereof) of the Distribution Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, such failure. (j) Tax Ruling. Conexant shall have received the Tax Ruling and the Tax Ruling shall be in full force and effect and shall not have been modified or amended in any respect adversely affecting the Tax consequences set forth therein. (k) Mexicali Conditions. Each condition to the closing of the Facility Sale Agreement set forth in Article VI thereof (other than in Section 6.4 thereof) shall have been satisfied. SECTION 8.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Alpha. The obligation of Alpha to effect the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Alpha prior to the Effective Time of the following additional conditions: (a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties of Conexant set forth in this Agreement and in Section 2.01(d)(i) of the Distribution Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any qualification or limitation as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth therein), in each case as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent that such representations and warranties speak solely as of another date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Washington Business, and Alpha shall have received a certificate of Conexant executed by an executive officer of Conexant to such effect. (b) Performance of Obligations of Conexant and Washington. Each of Conexant and Washington shall have performed or complied with all agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date that are qualified as to A-43 materiality or Material Adverse Effect and shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all other agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date that are not so qualified, and Alpha shall have received a certificate of Conexant executed by an executive officer of Conexant to such effect. (c) Tax Opinion. Alpha shall have received an opinion from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions, including the validity of the Tax Ruling, set forth in such opinion which are consistent with the state of facts existing at the Effective Time, the Merger will constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code. (d) Net Assets Statement. Conexant shall have delivered the Special Purpose Statement of Tangible Net Assets in accordance with Section 2.01(d)(ii) of the Distribution Agreement. (e) Mexicali Conditions. Each condition to the closing of the Facility Sale Agreement set forth in Section 7.2 thereof shall have been satisfied. (f) Ancillary Agreements. The Employee Matters Agreement and the Tax Allocation Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by Conexant and Washington and the Facility Services Agreement, the Newport Supply Agreement, the Newbury Supply Agreement and the Transition Services Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by Conexant. SECTION 8.3 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Washington. The obligation of Washington to effect the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Conexant prior to the Effective Time of the following additional conditions: (a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties of Alpha set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any qualification or limitation as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth therein), in each case as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent that such representations and warranties speak solely as of another date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Alpha and its Subsidiaries, and Conexant shall have received a certificate of Alpha executed by an executive officer of Alpha to such effect. (b) Performance of Obligations of Alpha. Alpha shall have performed or complied with all agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date that are qualified as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect and shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all other agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date that are not so qualified, and Conexant shall have received a certificate of Alpha executed by an executive officer of Alpha to such effect. (c) Tax Opinion. Conexant and Washington shall have received an opinion from Chadbourne & Parke LLP, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions, including the validity of the Tax Ruling, set forth in such opinion which are consistent with the state of facts existing at the Effective Time, the Merger will constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code. (d) Employment and Severance Arrangements. Conexant shall have received written evidence reasonably satisfactory to Conexant that Alpha has taken all action necessary to ensure that no officer, director or other employee of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries has received or will become entitled to receive any change of control or other payment or benefit under any employment, severance or other agreement with Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries (except with respect to the acceleration of the vesting and the extension of the exercise period of the Alpha Stock Options set forth in Section 7.18 of the Alpha Disclosure Schedule), including those agreements set forth on Exhibit E, that may otherwise arise as a result of the approval or consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. A-44 (e) Mexicali Condition. Each condition to the closing of the Facility Sale Agreement set forth in Section 7.1 thereof shall have been satisfied. (f) Ancillary Agreements. The Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Allocation Agreement, the Facility Services Agreement, the Newport Supply Agreement, the Newbury Supply Agreement and the Transition Services Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by Alpha. ARTICLE IX TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT SECTION 9.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, by action taken or authorized by the Board of Directors of the terminating party or parties, and except as provided below, whether before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Merger by the stockholders of Alpha: (a) by mutual written consent of Conexant and Alpha; (b) by either Conexant or Alpha if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before September 30, 2002 (the "Termination Date"); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill in any material respect any obligation under this Agreement (including such party's obligations set forth in Section 7.4) has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Effective Time to occur on or before the Termination Date; (c) by either Conexant or Alpha if any Governmental Entity (i) shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action (which such party shall have used its reasonable best efforts to resist, resolve or lift, as applicable, in accordance with Section 7.4) permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable or (ii) shall have failed to issue an order, decree or ruling, or to take any other action, necessary to fulfill any conditions set forth in subsections 8.1(d) and (e), and the failure to issue such order, decree, ruling or take such action shall have become final and nonappealable; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.1(c) shall not be available to any party whose failure to comply with Section 7.4 has been the cause of, or resulted in, such action or inaction; (d) by either Conexant or Alpha if the approval by the stockholders of Alpha required for the consummation of the Merger shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the Required Alpha Vote upon the taking of such vote at a duly held meeting of stockholders of Alpha or at any adjournment thereof; (e) by Conexant, if (i) Alpha's Board of Directors shall have (A) failed to make the Alpha Recommendation, (B) withdrawn the Alpha Recommendation, (C) modified or qualified the Alpha Recommendation in any manner adverse to Conexant or Washington or (D) failed to confirm the Alpha Recommendation within five Business Days of Conexant's request to do so (or resolved or proposed to take any such action referred to in clause (A), (B), (C) or (D)), in each case, whether or not permitted by the terms hereof, (ii) Alpha shall have breached its obligations under this Agreement by reason of a failure to call and hold the Alpha Stockholders Meeting in accordance with Section 7.1(b) or a failure to prepare and mail to its stockholders the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in accordance with Section 7.1(a) or (iii) a tender or exchange offer relating to securities of Alpha shall have been commenced by a Person unaffiliated with Conexant, and Alpha shall not have sent to its stockholders pursuant to Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act, within ten Business Days after such tender or exchange offer is first published, sent or given, a statement that Alpha recommends rejection of such tender or exchange offer; (f) by Conexant, if Alpha shall have breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, such that the conditions set A-45 forth in Section 8.3(a) or Section 8.3(b) are not capable of being satisfied on or before the Termination Date; or (g) by Alpha, if Conexant or Washington shall have breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, such that the conditions set forth in Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b) are not capable of being satisfied on or before the Termination Date. SECTION 9.2 Effect of Termination. (a) In the event of termination of this Agreement by either Conexant or Alpha as provided in Section 9.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of Alpha, Conexant or Washington or their respective officers or directors under this Agreement, except that (i) the provisions of Section 5.1(m), Section 5.2(k), the second sentence of Section 7.3, Section 7.7, this Section 9.2 and Article X shall survive such termination, and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement (including Section 7.7), none of Alpha, Conexant or Washington shall be relieved or released from any liabilities or damages arising out of its willful breach of any provision of this Agreement. (b) If: (i) (A)(x) either Conexant or Alpha shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) without the Alpha Stockholder Meeting having occurred or pursuant to Section 9.1(d) or (y) Conexant shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(f) as a result of any intentional breach or failure to perform by Alpha (unless covered by clause (ii) below), and (B) at any time after the date of this Agreement and before such termination an Alpha Acquisition Proposal shall have been publicly announced or, in the case of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(f), publicly announced or otherwise communicated to the senior management, Board of Directors or stockholders of Alpha, and (C) within nine months of such termination Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, or consummates, any Alpha Acquisition Proposal (for purposes of this clause (C), references to 20% in the definition of "Alpha Acquisition Proposal" shall be deemed to be references to 50%); or (ii) Conexant shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(e); then Alpha shall promptly, but in no event later than the date of such termination (or in the case of clause (i), if later, the date Alpha or its Subsidiary enters into such agreement with respect to or consummates such Alpha Acquisition Proposal), pay Conexant an amount equal to Forty-Five Million dollars ($45,000,000), by wire transfer of immediately available funds. (c) The parties acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section 9.2 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that, without these agreements, the parties would not enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if Conexant or Alpha fails promptly to pay any amount due pursuant to this Section 9.2, and, in order to obtain such payment, the other party commences a suit which results in a judgment against such party for the fee set forth in this Section 9.2, such party shall pay to the other party its costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) in connection with such suit, together with interest on the amount of the fee from the date such payment is required to be made until the date such payment is actually made at the prime rate of Citibank, N.A. in effect on the date such payment was required to be made. The parties agree that any remedy or amount payable pursuant to this Section 9.2 shall not preclude any other remedy or amount payable hereunder, and shall not be an exclusive remedy, for any willful breach of any provision of this Agreement. SECTION 9.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, at any time before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with this Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of Alpha, but, after any A-46 such approval, no amendment shall be made which by law or in accordance with the rules of any relevant stock exchange or automated quotation system requires further approval by such stockholders without such further approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto. SECTION 9.4 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, may, to the extent legally allowed, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of other parties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions of other parties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such party. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of those rights. ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS SECTION 10.1 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements. None of the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements, shall survive the Effective Time, except for those covenants and agreements contained herein and therein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Effective Time. SECTION 10.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (b) upon confirmation of receipt if delivered by telecopy or telefacsimile, (c) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service, or (d) on the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing if delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice: (a) if to Conexant or Washington to Conexant Systems, Inc. 4311 Jamboree Road Newport Beach, California 92660-3095 Fax: (949) 483-6388 Attention: Dennis E. O'Reilly Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary with a copy to Chadbourne & Parke LLP 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, New York 10112 Fax: (212) 541-5369 Attention: Peter R. Kolyer, Esq. A-47 (b) if to Alpha to Alpha Industries, Inc. 20 Sylvan Road Woburn, MA 01801 Fax: (617) 824-4426 Attention: Paul E. Vincent Chief Financial Officer with a copy to Alpha Industries, Inc. 20 Sylvan Road Woburn, MA 01801 Fax: (617) 824-4564 Attention: James K. Jacobs, Esq. General Counsel SECTION 10.3 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to a Section of or Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation". All references in this Agreement to "the date of this Agreement", "the date hereof", "a recent date" or similar references shall refer or relate to the date as of which this Agreement was originally executed and delivered (December 16, 2001) and not the date as of which this Agreement was amended (April 12, 2002). SECTION 10.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that the parties need not sign the same counterpart. SECTION 10.5 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries. (a) This Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement, the Reorganization Agreements, the Facility Sale Agreement, the U.S. Asset Purchase Agreement, the Facility Services Agreement, the Newport Supply Agreement, the Newbury Supply Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto and thereto and the other agreements and instruments of the parties delivered in connection herewith and therewith constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. (b) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, other than Section 7.8 (which is intended to be for the benefit of the Persons covered thereby). SECTION 10.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (without giving effect to choice of law principles thereof). SECTION 10.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby, so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon any such determination, the parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon a suitable and equitable substitute provision to effect the original intent of the parties. A-48 SECTION 10.8 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto, in whole or in part (whether by operation of law or otherwise), without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any attempt to make any such assignment without such consent shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and assigns. SECTION 10.9 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers. Each of Alpha, Conexant and Washington irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, any provision hereof, the breach, performance, validity or invalidity hereof or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect hereof brought by another party hereto or its successors or permitted assigns may be brought and determined in any federal or state court located in the State of Delaware, and each of Alpha, Conexant and Washington hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of Alpha, Conexant and Washington hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, any provision hereof or the breach, performance, enforcement, validity or invalidity hereof, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts for any reason other than the failure to lawfully serve process, (b) that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Laws, that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper and (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts. SECTION 10.10 Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. SECTION 10.11 Definitions. As used in this Agreement: (a) "affiliate" means (except as specifically otherwise defined), as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. As used in this definition, "control" (including, with its correlative meanings, "controlled by" and "under common control with") means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise. (b) An "Alpha Plan" means any employee benefit plan, program, policy, practice or other arrangement providing benefits to any current or former employee, officer or director of Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries or any beneficiary or dependent thereof that is sponsored or maintained by Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries or to which Alpha or any of its Subsidiaries contributes or is obligated to contribute, whether or not written, including any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not such plan is subject to ERISA) and any bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, vacation, stock purchase, stock option, severance, employment, change of control or fringe benefit plan, or similar program or agreement. (c) "Alpha Stock Plans" means, collectively, the Alpha Industries, Inc. 1986 Long-Term Incentive Plan; the Alpha Industries, Inc. 1999 Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan; the Alpha Industries, Inc. Long-Term Compensation Plan; the Alpha Industries, Inc. 1994 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors; the Alpha Industries, Inc. 1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors; the Alpha Industries, Inc. 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan; A-49 the Alpha Industries, Inc. Directors' 2001 Stock Option Plan; and the Alpha Industries, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (d) "Applicable Laws" means all applicable laws, statutes, orders, rules, regulations, policies or guidelines promulgated, or judgments, decisions or orders entered, by any Governmental Entity. (e) "beneficial ownership" or "beneficially own" (except as specifically otherwise defined) shall have the meaning under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. (f) "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of any specified Person and any committees thereof. (g) "Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks are required or authorized to close in the City of New York. (h) "Conexant Stock Plans" means, collectively, the Conexant Systems, Inc. 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; the Conexant Systems, Inc. 2001 Performance Share Plan; the Conexant Systems, Inc. 1999 Non-Qualified Stock Purchase Plan; the Conexant Systems, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan; the Conexant Systems, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentives Plan; the Conexant Systems, Inc. 2000 Non-Qualified Stock Plan; the Conexant Systems, Inc. Directors Stock Plan; the Istari Design, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan; the Microcosm Communications Limited Stock Option Plan; the Maker Communications, Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan; the Maker Communications, Inc. 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan; the Maker Communications, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan; the Applied Telecom, Inc. 2000 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan; the Philsar Semiconductor Inc. Stock Option Plan; the Sierra Imaging, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan; the HotRail, Inc. 2000 Equity Plan; the HotRail, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan; the Novanet Semiconductor Ltd. Employee Shares Option Plan; the NetPlane Systems, Inc. Stock Option Plan; and the HyperXS Communications, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan. (i) "Converted Option" means a Washington Option which has been converted into an option to purchase shares of Alpha Common Stock pursuant to the Merger. (j) "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. (k) "Known" or "Knowledge" means, (i) with respect to Conexant, the knowledge of any of Dwight W. Decker, Balakrishnan S. Iyer, Dennis E. O'Reilly, Moiz M. Beguwala and Mohy Abdelgany after reasonable inquiry and (ii) with respect to Alpha, the knowledge of any of Thomas C. Leonard, David J. Aldrich, Paul E. Vincent, Ljubisa Ristic, Michael Dys, David Fryklund and Jean-Pierre Gillard after reasonable inquiry. (l) "Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to any entity or business (or group of entities or businesses taken as a whole), any event, change, circumstance or development that is materially adverse to (i) the ability of such entity or business (or group of entities or businesses taken as a whole) (or, in the case of a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Washington Business, Conexant and its Subsidiaries) to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) the business, financial condition or results of operations of such entity or business (or, if with respect thereto, of such group of entities or businesses taken as a whole), other than, with respect to this clause (ii), any (1) change in the stock price of such entity or business, in and of itself, or (2) event, change, circumstance or development (A) resulting from any action taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (B) relating to the economy or financial markets in general, (C) relating in general to the industries in which such entity or business operates and not specifically relating to such entity or business or (D) relating to any action or omission of Conexant, Alpha or Washington or any Subsidiary of any of them taken with the express prior written consent of the parties hereto. (m) A "Multiemployer Plan" means any "multiemployer plan" within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA. A-50 (n) "Nasdaq" means The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (o) "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability entity, partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization, other entity or group (as defined in the Exchange Act), including any Governmental Entity. (p) "Reorganization Agreements" means collectively, the Distribution Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Allocation Agreement and the Transition Services Agreement. (q) "Subsidiary" when used with respect to any Person means any corporation or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, at least a majority of the securities or other interests of which having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other organization is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or by any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries. (r) "Tax" (and, with correlative meaning, "Taxes" and "Taxable") shall mean (i) any federal, state, local or foreign net income, gross income, receipts, windfall profit, severance, property, production, sales, use, license, excise, franchise, employment, payroll, withholding, alternative or add-on minimum, ad valorem, transfer, stamp, or environmental tax, or any other tax, customs, duty or other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest or penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed by any governmental authority; (ii) any liability for payments of a type described in clause (i) as a result of being a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group; and (iii) any liability for the payment of any amounts as a result of being party to a tax sharing arrangement or as a result of any express or implied obligation to indemnify any Person with respect to the payment of amounts of the type described in clause (i) or clause (ii). (s) "Tax Ruling" means a private letter ruling issued by the IRS in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Conexant and Alpha indicating that the Contribution and the Distribution will qualify as a reorganization under Sections 355 and 368 of the Code. (t) "Washington Companies" means, collectively, Conexant and its Subsidiaries who are engaged in the Washington Business, in each case, solely to the extent related to the Washington Business, it being understood that the term "Washington Companies" shall not be deemed to refer to Conexant and its Subsidiaries to the extent not related to the Washington Business. (u) "Washington Employee" means any employee or former employee of the Washington Business with respect to whom a member of the Washington Group will have liability pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement. (v) A "Washington Plan" means any employee benefit plan, program, policy, practice or other arrangement providing benefits to any Washington Participants or any beneficiary or dependent thereof that is sponsored or maintained by Conexant or any of its Subsidiaries or to which Conexant or any of its Subsidiaries contributes or is obligated to contribute, whether or not written, including any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not such plan is subject to ERISA) and any bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, vacation, stock purchase, stock option, severance, employment, change of control or fringe benefit plan, or similar program or agreement. Each of the following terms is defined in the Section of this Agreement or the agreement set forth opposite such term: A-51
TERM SECTION - ---- ------- Actions................................................. 5.1(j) Affiliate Agreement..................................... 7.12 Agreement............................................... Preamble Alpha................................................... Preamble A-52
TERM SECTION - ---- ------- Alpha Acquisition Proposal.............................. 7.5(b) Alpha Common Stock...................................... 1.4(a) Alpha Disclosure Schedule............................... 5.1 Alpha Filed SEC Reports................................. 5.1(d)(ii) Alpha Financial Advisor................................. 5.1(m) Alpha Necessary Consents................................ 5.1(c)(iii) Alpha Permits........................................... 5.1(h)(ii) Alpha Recommendation.................................... 7.1(b) Alpha SEC Reports....................................... 5.1(d)(i) Alpha Stock Options..................................... 5.1(b)(i) Alpha Stockholders Meeting.............................. 7.1(b) Alpha Voting Debt....................................... 5.1(b)(ii) Assets.................................................. Distribution Agreement By-Laws................................................. 1.7 Certificate of Merger................................... 1.2(b) Change in the Alpha Recommendation...................... 7.1(b) Closing................................................. 1.2(a) Closing Date............................................ 1.2(a) Code.................................................... Recitals Combined Company........................................ Recitals Combined Company Employees.............................. 7.6(a) Conexant................................................ Preamble Conexant Common Stock................................... 5.2(b)(i) Conexant Convertible Notes.............................. 5.2(b)(i) Conexant Disclosure Schedule............................ 5.2 Conexant Filed SEC Reports.............................. 5.2(d)(iii) Conexant Financial Advisor.............................. 5.2(k) Conexant Necessary Consents............................. 5.2(c)(iv) Conexant Preferred Stock................................ 5.2(b)(i) Conexant Rights......................................... 5.2(b)(i) Conexant Rights Agreement............................... 5.2(b)(i) Conexant SEC Reports.................................... 5.2(d)(i) Conexant Stock Options.................................. 5.2(b)(i) Confidentiality Agreement............................... 7.3 Contract................................................ 5.1(c)(ii) Contribution............................................ Recitals Delaware Secretary...................................... 1.2(b) DGCL.................................................... 1.1 Distribution............................................ Recitals Distribution Agreement.................................. Recitals Distribution Date....................................... Distribution Agreement DOJ..................................................... 7.4(b) Effective Time.......................................... 1.2(b) Employee Matters Agreement.............................. 4.1 Environmental Laws...................................... 5.1(j) Environmental Liabilities............................... 5.1(j) Excess Alpha Shares..................................... 3.2(d)(ii) Exchange Act............................................ 5.1(c)(iii) Exchange Agent.......................................... 3.1 Exchange Fund........................................... 3.1 Exchange Ratio.......................................... 1.4(a) SECTION 10.12 Disclosure Schedule. The mere inclusion of an item in the relevant Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation, warranty or covenant shall not be deemed an admission by a A-53
TERM SECTION - ---- ------- Expenses................................................ 7.7 Facility Sale Agreement................................. 6.2(l) Facility Services Agreement............................. 6.2(l) Form S-4................................................ 7.1(a) FTC..................................................... 7.4(b) GAAP.................................................... 5.1(d)(i) Governmental Entity..................................... 5.1(c)(iii) Hazardous Materials..................................... 5.1(j) HSR Act................................................. 5.1(c)(iii) Injunction.............................................. 8.1(b) Intellectual Property................................... 5.1(k) IRS..................................................... 7.17 Liens................................................... 5.1(a)(ii) Merger.................................................. Recitals New Combined Company Plans.............................. 7.6(b) Newbury Supply Agreement................................ 4.1 Newport Supply Agreement................................ 4.1 Proxy Statement/Prospectus.............................. 7.1(a) Record Date............................................. Distribution Agreement Required Approvals...................................... 7.4(a) Required Alpha Vote..................................... 5.1(g) Restated Certificate.................................... 1.6 SEC..................................................... 5.1(a)(ii) Securities Act.......................................... 3.3 Shareholders Agreement.................................. 7.16 Special Purpose Statement of Tangible Net Assets........ Distribution Agreement Superior Alpha Proposal................................. 7.5(d) Tax Allocation Agreement................................ 4.1 Termination Date........................................ 9.1(b) Time of Distribution.................................... Distribution Agreement Transition Services Agreement........................... 4.1 Unaudited Special Purpose Statement of Tangible Net 5.2(d)(ii) Assets................................................ U.S. Asset Purchase Agreement........................... 6.2(l) Violation............................................... 5.1(c)(ii) Washington.............................................. Preamble Washington Acquisition Proposal......................... 7.5(f) Washington Assets....................................... Distribution Agreement Washington Business..................................... Distribution Agreement Washington Certificate.................................. 1.4(b) Washington Common Stock................................. Recitals Washington Financial Statements......................... 5.2(d)(ii) Washington Group........................................ Distribution Agreement Washington Liabilities.................................. Distribution Agreement Washington Option....................................... Employee Matters Agreement Washington Participant.................................. Employee Matters Agreement Washington Permits...................................... 5.2(f)(ii) Washington Significant Subsidiaries..................... 5.2(a)(iii) Washington Stock Plan................................... Employee Matters Agreement Washington Subsidiaries................................. Distribution Agreement party that such item represents a material exception or material fact, event or circumstance or that such item has had or would have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Conexant, Alpha, Washington, any Subsidiary of the foregoing or the Washington Business, as applicable. [remainder of page intentionally left blank] A-54 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement, as amended, to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized. CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. By: /s/ DWIGHT W. DECKER ------------------------------------ Dwight W. Decker Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer WASHINGTON SUB, INC. By: /s/ DWIGHT W. DECKER ------------------------------------ Dwight W. Decker Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC. By: /s/ DAVID J. ALDRICH ------------------------------------ David J. Aldrich President and Chief Executive Officer A-55 (This page intentionally left blank) ANNEX B CONTRIBUTION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. AND WASHINGTON SUB, INC. DECEMBER 16, 2001 B-1