As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2009

Registration No. 333-158273

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



Amendment No. 1 to
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



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

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



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



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



Copies to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

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

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)(3)

  Amount of
Registration Fee(4)

 
Preferred Stock, par value $0.25 per share        
 
Depositary shares        
 
Warrants to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units        
 
Rights to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units        
 
Debt securities        
 
Units        
 
Common Stock, par value $0.25 per share, issuable upon conversion or exchange of preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities        
 
Guarantees of debt securities(5)        
 
Total   $400,000,000   $22,320(4)
 
(1)
Not specified as to each class of securities to be registered hereunder pursuant to General Instruction II.D. to Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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

(3)
With respect to debt securities, excluding accrued interest and accrued amortization of discount, if any, to the date of delivery. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price of such debt securities shall be equal to any such greater principal amount due at maturity, such aggregate principal amount not to exceed $400,000,000 less the value of securities previously issued hereunder.

(4)
The registration fee has been calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. $16,740 of the registration fee has been paid previously.

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

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

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


ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR REGISTRANTS

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

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

Subject to Completion, dated May 11, 2009

$400,000,000

GRIFFON CORPORATION

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



        We may from time to time offer to sell any combination of preferred stock; depositary shares; warrants to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units; rights to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities or units; debt securities; and units consisting of any of the foregoing, each as described in this prospectus, in one or more offerings. This prospectus also covers common stock issuable upon conversion or exchange of preferred stock, depositary shares and/or debt securities. The aggregate initial offering price of all securities sold under this prospectus will not exceed $400,000,000. We or one or more of our subsidiaries may unconditionally guarantee any series of debt securities offered by this prospectus, if so and to the extent identified in the related prospectus supplement.

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

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

        Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol "GFF." On May 8, 2009, the closing price of our common stock was $9.88.

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



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



The date of this prospectus is            , 2009.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  i

GRIFFON CORPORATION

  1

RISK FACTORS

  2

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  2

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

  2

USE OF PROCEEDS

  2

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

  3

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

  5

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

  6

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

  8

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

  10

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

  19

BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE

  20

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

  23

LEGAL MATTERS

  24

EXPERTS

  24

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

  24

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  25


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer to sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $400,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, including all documents incorporated herein by reference, together with additional information described under "Where You Can Find More Information."

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

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

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GRIFFON CORPORATION

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

        We recently strengthened our balance sheet by refinancing our senior debt and by raising $248.6 million in gross proceeds from the sale of our common stock. The latter transaction was effected through a common stock rights offering, along with an investment by GS Direct, L.L.C., an affiliate of Goldman Sachs. We intend to use such proceeds for general corporate purposes and to fund our growth.

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

Electronic Information and Communication Systems

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

Garage Doors

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

Specialty Plastic Films

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

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

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RISK FACTORS

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


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

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


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the last five fiscal years and the six months ended March 31, 2009. We have not included a ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends because we had no preferred stock outstanding.

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Six
months
ended
March 31,
2009
 
 
  Year ended September 30,  
 
  2004   2005   2006   2007   2008  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

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


USE OF PROCEEDS

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

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

        We have authority to issue 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.25 per share. As of March 31, 2009, we had no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

General

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

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

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

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

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

Ranking

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

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

Transfer Agent and Registrar

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

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

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

General

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

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

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

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

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

General Terms

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

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

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

Exercise of Warrants

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

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

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

Governing Law

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

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DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

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

General

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

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

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Exercise of Rights

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

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

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

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

Governing Law

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

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

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

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

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

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

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

General

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

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

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

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

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

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Conversion and Exchange

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

Payment and Paying Agents

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

Guarantees

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

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

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

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Events of Default

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

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

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

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs

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

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

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

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

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

Waiver of Default

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

Merger or Consolidation

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

Modification or Waiver

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

Changes Requiring Approval

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

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Changes Not Requiring Approval

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

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

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

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

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

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Further Details Concerning Voting

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

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

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

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

Defeasance

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

Covenant Defeasance

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

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

Legal Defeasance

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

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

Resignation of Trustee

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

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Indenture Provisions—Subordination

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

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

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

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

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

Trustee

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

Certain Considerations Relating to Foreign Currencies

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

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

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

General

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

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

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

Governing Law

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

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BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE

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

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

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

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

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        Because DTC can act only on behalf of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Considerations Relating to Euroclear and Clearstream

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

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

Special Timing Considerations for Transactions in Euroclear and Clearstream

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

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

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


LEGAL MATTERS

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


EXPERTS

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


INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

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

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

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

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

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


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

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

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PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 
  Amount to be Paid  

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

  $ 22,320  

Listing fees

    (1 )

Blue sky qualification fees and expenses

    (1 )

Printing and engraving expenses

    (1 )

Legal fees and expenses

    (1 )

Accounting fees and expenses

    (1 )

Transfer agent and registrar fees

    (1 )

Trust fees and expenses

    (1 )

Rating agency fees

       

Miscellaneous

    (1 )
       

Total

  $ (1 )
       

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

ITEM 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

        (h)   For purposes of this section, references to "the corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this section

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with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

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

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

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

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

        Article V, Section 4 of our amended bylaws provides:

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

        The foregoing provisions of this Article shall be deemed to be a contract between the corporation and each director, officer, employee or agent who serves in such capacity at any time while this Article, and the relevant provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and other applicable law, if any, are in effect, and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts then or theretofore existing or any action, suit or proceeding theretofore or thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part upon any such state of facts."

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Item 16.    Exhibits.

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

Exhibit Number   Description
  1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement(1)
  3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Griffon Corporation(2)
  3.2   Amended Bylaws of Griffon Corporation(3)
  4.1   Specimen Certificate for Shares of Common Stock of Griffon Corporation(4)
  4.2   Specimen Preferred Stock Certificate(1)
  4.3   Form of Deposit Agreement(1)
  4.4   Form of Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.3)(1)
  4.5   Form of Warrant Agreement(1)
  4.6   Form of Warrant Certificate(1)
  4.7   Form of Rights Certificate(1)
  4.8   Form of Indenture(5)
  4.9   Form of Debt Security(5)
  4.10   Form of Unit Certificate(1)
  4.11   Form of Unit Agreement(5)
  4.12   Form of Subsidiary Guarantee (included in Exhibit 4.8)(5)
  4.13   Form of Certificate of Designation for Preferred Stock(5)
  5.1   Opinion of Dechert LLP(6)
  12.1   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(6)
  23.1   Consent of Grant Thornton LLP(6)
  23.2   Consent of Dechert LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)(6)
  24.1   Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages hereto)(1)
  25.1   Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1(7)

(1)
Previously filed as the corresponding exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-158273), filed March 30, 2009.

(2)
Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Griffon Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1995 (Commission File No. 1-06620), as amended by Exhibit 3.1 to Griffon Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-06620), both of which Exhibits are incorporated herein by reference.

(3)
Filed as Exhibit 3 to Griffon Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 14, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-06620) and incorporated herein by reference.

(4)
Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Griffon Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed September 26, 2003 (Registration No. 333-109171) and incorporated herein by reference.

(5)
To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a report filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference.

(6)
Filed herewith.

(7)
To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the appropriate rules and regulations thereunder.

ITEM 17.    Undertakings.

        (a)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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

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

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

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

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jericho, State of New York, on May 11, 2009.

  GRIFFON CORPORATION

 

By:

 

/s/ RONALD J. KRAMER

Name:  Ronald J. Kramer
Title:    
Chief Executive Officer

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

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RONALD J. KRAMER

Ronald J. Kramer
  Chief Executive Officer
(
Principal Executive Officer)
  May 11, 2009

/s/ PATRICK L. ALESIA

Patrick L. Alesia

 

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

 

May 11, 2009

*

Harvey R. Blau

 

Chairman of the Board

 

May 11, 2009

*

Henry A. Alpert

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

Bertrand J. Bell

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

Gerald J. Cardinale

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

Blaine V. Fogg

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

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Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
*

Bradley J. Gross
  Director   May 11, 2009

*

Robert Harrison

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

Clarence A. Hill, Jr.

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

Donald J. Kutyna

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

James A. Mitarotonda

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

Martin S. Sussman

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

William H. Waldorf

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

*

Joseph J. Whalen

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

* By:

 

/s/ PATRICK L. ALESIA

Patrick L. Alesia
Attorney- in- Fact

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jericho, State of New York, on May 11, 2009.

    CLOPAY BUILDING PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ STEVEN M. LYNCH

        Name:   Steven M. Lynch
        Title:   President

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

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ STEVEN M. LYNCH

Steven M. Lynch
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  May 11, 2009

/s/ JOEL EBERLEIN

Joel Eberlein

 

Vice President, Finance
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

May 11, 2009

/s/ EUGENE C. COLLERAN

Eugene C. Colleran

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

/s/ FRANKLIN H. SMITH

Franklin H. Smith

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jericho, State of New York, on May 11, 2009.

    CLOPAY PLASTIC PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ GARY A. ABYAD

        Name:   Gary A. Abyad
        Title:   President

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

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ GARY A. ABYAD

Gary A. Abyad
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  May 11, 2009

/s/ PATRICK T. SCHAFER

Patrick T. Schafer

 

Vice President, Global Finance
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

May 11, 2009

/s/ EUGENE C. COLLERAN

Eugene C. Colleran

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

/s/ FRANKLIN H. SMITH

Franklin H. Smith

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jericho, State of New York, on May 11, 2009.

    TELEPHONICS CORPORATION

 

 

By:

 

/s/ JOSEPH BATTAGLIA

        Name:   Joseph Battaglia
        Title:   President

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

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ JOSEPH BATTAGLIA

Joseph Battaglia
  Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  May 11, 2009

/s/ DONALD PASTOR

Donald Pastor

 

Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

May 11, 2009

/s/ PATRICK L. ALESIA

Patrick L. Alesia

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

/s/ RONALD J. KRAMER

Ronald J. Kramer

 

Director

 

May 11, 2009

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