-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
Originator-Key-Asymmetric:
 MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen
 TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB
MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA,
 T9ePgnl9J1wB3M7duXl7zPbNxcgThXQX4ya4ihIIY06G1bKGYiS9coIWG9v9BQEb
 5mHCC5jLSryU61akGbR82w==

<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001047469-08-003668.txt : 20080328
<SEC-HEADER>0001047469-08-003668.hdr.sgml : 20080328
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20080328170140
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001047469-08-003668
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	DEF 14A
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20080509
FILED AS OF DATE:		20080328
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20080328
EFFECTIVENESS DATE:		20080328

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MIDDLEBY CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000769520
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	REFRIGERATION & SERVICE INDUSTRY MACHINERY [3580]
		IRS NUMBER:				363352497
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		DEF 14A
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-09973
		FILM NUMBER:		08720288

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1400 TOASTMASTER DRIVE
		CITY:			ELGIN
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60120
		BUSINESS PHONE:		8477413300

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1400 TOASTMASTER DRIVE
		CITY:			ELGIN
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60120
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>DEF 14A
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a2184133zdef14a.htm
<DESCRIPTION>DEF 14A
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#08ZBA72201_1">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
<font size=3> -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document</font>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=4><B> SCHEDULE 14A</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of<BR>
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;) </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="73%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=3 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Filed by the Registrant <FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#253;</FONT></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=3 style="font-family:arial;"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>Filed by a Party other than the Registrant <FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=3 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Check the appropriate box:</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="95%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Preliminary Proxy Statement</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="95%" style="font-family:arial;"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#253;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="95%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Definitive Proxy Statement</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="95%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Definitive Additional Materials</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="95%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Soliciting Material Pursuant to &sect;240.14a-12<BR></FONT>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="77%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=5 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=5 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=5 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>N/A</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=5 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=5 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#253;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
No fee required.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and&nbsp;0-11.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Total fee paid:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule&nbsp;0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Amount Previously Paid:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Filing Party:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Date Filed:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=494311,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]BA72201A.;5',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>
<IMG SRC="g173536.jpg" ALT="GRAPHIC" WIDTH="342" HEIGHT="22">
  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>1400 Toastmaster Drive<BR>
Elgin, Illinois 60120  </I></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>March&nbsp;28, 2008 </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Notice
of Annual Stockholders' Meeting: </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>You
are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") of The Middleby Corporation (the "Company") will be held at the Company's principal executive offices located at 1400
Toastmaster Drive, Elgin, Illinois 60120 at 10:30&nbsp;a.m., local time, on Friday, May&nbsp;9, 2008, for the following purposes: </FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>To
elect eight directors to hold office until the 2009 Annual Meeting.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>To
consider and act on a proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche&nbsp;LLP as independent public accountants of the Company for the current fiscal year ending
January&nbsp;3, 2009.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>To
consider and act on a proposal to approve an amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>To
consider and act on a proposal to approve an amendment to the Executive Officer Incentive Plan.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>To
transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March&nbsp;21, 2008 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>You
are invited to attend the Meeting in person. If you attend the Meeting in person, you may vote your shares by bringing valid photo identification and delivering your completed proxy card or ballot
at the Meeting. Please note that if you hold your shares through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must also bring a form of legal proxy, which you must request from such nominee, in order to vote
at the Meeting. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Whether
or not you plan to attend the Meeting in person, we urge you to return your proxy promptly in accordance with the following instructions. If you own shares in your own name, you may vote
(i)&nbsp;by signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, (ii)&nbsp;by telephone or (iii)&nbsp;electronically via the Internet, as described in
further detail on the proxy card. If you own shares through a bank, broker or other nominee, please execute your vote by following the instructions provided by such nominee. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<DIV ALIGN="CENTER"><TABLE WIDTH="80%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>By Order of the Board of Directors</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><BR>
&nbsp;</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
MARTIN&nbsp;M. LINDSAY<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Treasurer</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><BR><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials for the<BR>
Annual Meeting of&nbsp;Stockholders&nbsp;to&nbsp;Be Held on Friday May&nbsp;9,&nbsp;2008.</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><BR>
This Proxy Statement and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended&nbsp;December&nbsp;29,&nbsp;2007&nbsp;are&nbsp;available in the Investor Relations section on the
Company's&nbsp;website&nbsp;at&nbsp;www.middleby.com.</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE></DIV>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=2,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=240752,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]BC72201A.;22',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_de72201_1_1"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>
<IMG SRC="g173536.jpg" ALT="GRAPHIC" WIDTH="342" HEIGHT="22">
  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>1400 Toastmaster Drive<BR>
Elgin, Illinois 60120</I></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de72201_2008_annual_meeting_of_stockho__20002049"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS<BR>  May&nbsp;9, 2008<BR>  PROXY STATEMENT    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de72201_general"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de72201_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>GENERAL    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy are furnished to stockholders of The Middleby Corporation (the "Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") for use at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") to be held at the Company's principal executive offices located at 1400 Toastmaster Drive,
Elgin, Illinois 60120, at 10:30&nbsp;a.m., local time, on Friday, May&nbsp;9, 2008, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting. This Proxy Statement, the form of proxy
included herewith, and the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007, are being mailed to stockholders on or about March&nbsp;28, 2008. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Stockholders
of record at the close of business on March&nbsp;21, 2008 (the "Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. On such date there were 16,958,626 outstanding shares
of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company ("Common Stock"). In deciding all questions, each holder of Common Stock will be entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy, for each share
held on the Record Date. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Stockholders
who are entitled to vote at the Meeting may vote by proxy pursuant to the following methods: (i)&nbsp;stockholders who own shares in their own name may vote in person at the Meeting by
bringing valid photo identification and delivering your proxy card at the Meeting, or by mail, telephone or electronically via the Internet, pursuant to the instructions on the proxy card enclosed
with this Proxy Statement or (ii)&nbsp;stockholders who own shares through a bank, broker or other nominee should follow the instructions provided by such nominee. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
election inspectors appointed for the Meeting will determine the presence of a quorum and tabulate the votes cast by proxy or in person at the Meeting. The presence, in person or represented by
proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum. A quorum is necessary for the transaction of
business at the Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Generally, broker non-votes occur on a proposal
when a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter or when a broker has such discretionary authority but does not
exercise such discretion. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
eight nominees for election to the Board who receive the greatest number of votes cast for the election of directors by the shares present, in person or represented by proxy, will be elected to
the Board. For the election of directors, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of neither a vote FOR nor a vote AGAINST the nominee and thus will have no effect on the
outcome. Approval of the proposal to ratify the Company's appointment of independent public accountants, the proposal to </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=3,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=435103,FOLIO='1',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DE72201A.;9',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<A NAME="page_de72201_1_2"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>approve
an amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, and the proposal to approve an amendment to the Executive Officer Incentive Plan requires the vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting
by holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting. For these other matters, abstentions will be treated as a vote AGAINST approval of such matters.
Broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast either FOR or AGAINST approval of such matters and therefore broker non-votes will not have an effect on the outcome of the
votes. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Properly
executed proxies will be voted in the manner directed by the stockholders. If no direction is made, such proxies will be voted as follows: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Proposal
No.&nbsp;1&#151;Election of Directors"; FOR the election of each of the named nominees as a director of the Company;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Proposal
No.&nbsp;2&#151;Ratification of Selection of Independent Public Accountants"; FOR the ratification of the selection of Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche&nbsp;LLP
as the Company's independent public accountants for the current fiscal year ending January&nbsp;3, 2009;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Proposal
No.&nbsp;3&#151;Approval of an amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan"; FOR approval of the amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Proposal
No.&nbsp;4&#151;Approval of an amendment to the Executive Officer Incentive Plan"; FOR approval of an amendment to the Executive Officer Incentive Plan; </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Any
proxy may be revoked by the stockholder at any time prior to the voting thereof by notice in writing to the Secretary of the Company, either prior to the Meeting (at the above Elgin address) or at
the Meeting if the stockholder attends in person or a later dated proxy will revoke a prior dated proxy. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors knows of no other business which
will be presented for consideration at the Meeting. If other proper matters are presented at the Meeting, however, it is the intention of the proxy holders named in the enclosed form of proxy to take
such actions as shall be in accordance with their best judgment. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=4,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=29380,FOLIO='2',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DE72201A.;9',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<A NAME="page_de72201_1_3"> </A>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de72201_proposal_no._1_#151;election_of_directors"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de72201_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PROPOSAL NO. 1&#151;ELECTION OF DIRECTORS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Eight directors are to be elected by a plurality of the stockholder votes cast at the Meeting to serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors
shall be duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. The following persons have been nominated: </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Age</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="55%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Principal Occupation(s)<BR>
During Past Five Years<BR>
and Other Public Directorships</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Director of Company or Predecessor Since</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="20%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>51</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of the Company and its principal subsidiary, Middleby Marshall&nbsp;Inc. ("MM") since December&nbsp;23, 2004. President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and MM from 2001 to 2004. Chief Operating Officer of the Company and MM from 2000 to 2001. Group President of Middleby Cooking Systems Group from 1999 to 2000. President of Southbend, a Middleby company, from 1996 to 1999.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="20%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Robert B. Lamb</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
66</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Clinical Professor of Management at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University since 1977. Has served as adviser to U.S. and foreign corporations, commercial banks, investment banks and government agencies. Director of Bondholders
Communication Corporation. Member of the Board of Editors, The Municipal Finance Journal, since 1985.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
2005</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="20%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Ryan Levenson</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
32</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Principal of Privet Fund Management&nbsp;LLC, 2007 to current. Managing Partner of Haynes Manor Capital,&nbsp;LLC, investment group from 2003 to 2007. Vice President of Business Development of MSI, a subsidiary of Lighten Up,&nbsp;LLC, from 2003 to
2006. Investment Analyst for Cramer, Rosenthal, McGlynn, hedge fund, from 2001 to 2003.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
2006</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="20%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
John R. Miller III</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
67</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of E.O.P,&nbsp;Inc., publisher of special market trade magazines since 1968. Director Emeritus of First National Bank of Long Island and its holding company, the First of Long Island Corporation.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1978</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="20%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Gordon O'Brien</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
42</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Principal and Managing Director of American Capital Strategies since 1998. Vice President of Pennington Partners/PENMAN Partners, a private equity firm, from 1995 to 1998. A Board member of numerous private companies as a representative of American
Capital Strategies.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
2005</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="20%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Philip G. Putnam</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
67</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Managing Director, Fulcrum Securities since 2008. Managing Director, Flagstone Capital,&nbsp;LLC, investment bankers, from 2000 to 2007. Executive Vice President, Brean Murray&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Co.&nbsp;Inc., investment bankers, from 1996 to
2000.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1978</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- insert table folio -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=5,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=232137,FOLIO='3',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DE72201A.;9',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<A NAME="page_de72201_1_4"> </A>
<!-- end of table folio -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="20%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Sabin C. Streeter</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
66</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Adjunct Professor and Executive-in-Residence at Columbia Business School since 1997. Managing Director and Vice President of Donaldson, Lufkin&nbsp;&amp; Jenrette Securities Corp., investment bankers, from 1976 to 1997. Director of Curtis
Instruments.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1987</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="20%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Robert L. Yohe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
71</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Retired Vice Chairman and Director of Olin Corporation, a chemicals manufacturer, from 1993 to 1994, and from 1985 to 1992, President of Olin Chemicals, a division of Olin Corporation. Director of Calgon Carbon Corporation and
Marsulex&nbsp;Inc.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1996</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Each
of the nominees has consented to serve as a director if elected. The Board of Directors knows of no reason why any of the foregoing nominees will be unavailable to serve, but, in the event of any
such unavailability, the proxies received will be voted for such substitute nominees as the Board of Directors may recommend. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Vote Required for Approval; Board Recommendation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Nominees for election to the Board of Directors who receive the greatest number of votes cast for the election of directors by the shares present, in person or represented by
proxy, will be elected to the Board of Directors. With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast FOR or withheld AGAINST each nominee. Votes that are withheld will have no effect on the
outcome of the election because directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Stockholders eligible to vote at the Meeting do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the
election of directors. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE ABOVE NAMED NOMINEES AS A DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.</B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Committees; Board Meetings  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") held four meetings during the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007, and each director attended at least 75% of all
Board and applicable Committee meetings. Although the Company does not have a formal attendance policy, the Company encourages all directors to attend the annual meetings of stockholders. All of the
Company's directors at the time attended the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Current directors, Messrs.&nbsp;Putnam, Streeter, Yohe, Miller, O'Brien, Lamb, and Levenson, have been determined by
the Board of Directors to be "independent directors" as such term is defined under Rule&nbsp;4200(a)(15) of the The Nasdaq Stock Market,&nbsp;Inc. ("Nasdaq"). The Board is comprised of a majority
of independent directors. The Company currently has an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Audit Committee was comprised of Messrs.&nbsp;Putnam (Chairman), Streeter, Lamb, and Levensen. During the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007, the Audit Committee met four times for the
purposes of (i)&nbsp;approving the selection of the Company's independent auditors; (ii)&nbsp;reviewing the arrangements for and scope of the audit and pre-approving permitted
non-audit services; (iii)&nbsp;reviewing the Company's interim and annual financial statements or other results of the audit; (iv)&nbsp;reviewing the Company's internal accounting
procedures and controls and the recommendations of the Company's independent auditors; and (v)&nbsp;reviewing the external audit process. All of the members of the Audit Committee have been
determined by the Board of Directors to be financially sophisticated as required by Nasdaq </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=4,SEQ=6,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=974041,FOLIO='4',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DE72201A.;9',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<A NAME="page_de72201_1_5"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Rule&nbsp;4350(d)
and to be "audit committee financial experts" as such term is defined in Item&nbsp;407(d)(5) of Regulation&nbsp;S-K promulgated by the SEC. All of the members of
the Audit Committee have been determined by the Board of Directors to meet the additional independence criteria set forth in Nasdaq Rule&nbsp;4350(d). The Audit Committee has a charter which was
approved by the Board of Directors on March&nbsp;4, 2003 and modified as of February&nbsp;25, 2004, a copy of which was attached as Appendix&nbsp;A to the proxy statement for the 2007 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company. The Audit Committee charter is currently available in the "Investor Relations" section of the the Company's website, located at www.middleby.com. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Compensation Committee was comprised of Messrs.&nbsp;Yohe (Chairman), Miller, O'Brien, and Levenson. During the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007, the Compensation Committee met three
times. The function of the Compensation Committee is to make recommendations concerning the compensation of the Chairman of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer, and other executive
officers of the Company. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for administering and making grants to executive officers under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan,
and for administering the Management Incentive Compensation Plan and the Executive Officer Incentive Plan. All of the members of the Compensation Committee have been determined by the Board of
Directors to be independent as defined under applicable Nasdaq listing standards. The Compensation Committee does not have a written charter. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Board does not have a standing nominating committee or a nominating committee charter that addresses the nominations process. In fiscal year 2005, the Board considered a recommendation from
management of the Company that the Board establish a nominating committee comprised solely of non-employee directors, adopt a nominating committee charter and establish a formal policy for
consideration of director candidates submitted by the Company's stockholders. After reviewing management's recommendation, the Board determined that it was not necessary to have a separate nominating
committee or a formal policy for consideration of director candidates submitted by the Company's stockholders at that time. See "Requirements and Procedures for Submission of Stockholder Nominations
of Director Candidates and Proposals of Security Holders" for further information regarding the procedures for recommending a director nominee for consideration. The Board believes that it can
adequately fulfill the functions of a nominating committee without having to appoint an additional committee to perform that function, based upon the limited size of the Board and the current and
anticipated operations and needs of the Company. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>A
majority of the independent directors discuss and evaluate potential director candidates and recommend potential director candidates to the full Board for selection. The full Board then considers
the potential director candidates who have been recommended by a majority of the independent directors. Because the Company's stockholders rarely, if ever, have recommended potential director
candidates, the Board does not have a formal policy for consideration of potential director candidates recommended by the Company's stockholders, but the Board will give due consideration to any and
all such candidates under the same criteria as internally-generated candidates. In selecting director candidates, the Board considers a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's
demonstrated good character and integrity, experience at strategy/policy setting levels, high level experience in dealing with business organizations, ability and willingness to devote time to the
affairs of the Company, financial, technical or other special skills and experience, business contacts and ability to work effectively with other Board members. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Executive
sessions of the independent directors are held in conjunction with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors and as otherwise deemed necessary. Robert L. Yohe is the acting lead
independent director of the Board. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=5,SEQ=7,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=473123,FOLIO='5',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DE72201A.;9',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<A NAME="page_de72201_1_6"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Board has adopted the following procedure for stockholders and other interested parties to communicate with the Board. All such communications should be sent by email to the Chairman of the Board
at the address found on the Company's website, www.middleby.com, or by regular mail to the Chairman of the Board at the Company's principal executive offices in Elgin, Illinois. The Chairman will
collect and organize all such communications, deleting any sales or other solicitations and any communications which contain offensive material. A summary of the communications received will be
periodically provided to the Board, which will determine the disposition of any such communication. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>2007 Middleby Corporation Common Stock Dividend  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>On May&nbsp;3, 2007 the Company's Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the Company's common stock in the form of a stock dividend. The
stock dividend was paid on June&nbsp;15, 2007 to company shareholders of record as of June&nbsp;1, 2007. The Company's common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on June&nbsp;18, 2007.
All references in this proxy statement related to the number of shares owned, grants of restricted stock, grants of stock options, and strike prices associated with option grants have been adjusted to
reflect this stock split. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=6,SEQ=8,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=829039,FOLIO='6',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DE72201A.;9',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_dg72201_1_7"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dg72201_executive_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXECUTIVE OFFICERS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The following is a summary of the professional experience of the executive officers of the Company. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="24%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Age</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="67%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>51</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of the Company and its principal subsidiary, Middleby Marshall&nbsp;Inc. ("MM") since December&nbsp;23, 2004. President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and MM from 2001 to 2004. Chief Operating Officer of the Company and MM from 2000 to 2001. Group President of Middleby Cooking Systems Group from 1999 to 2000. President of Southbend, a Middleby company, from 1996 to 1999.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>38</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and MM since May 2003. Vice President and Corporate Controller of the Company and MM from February 2000 to May 2003. Corporate Controller of the Company and MM
from November 1998 to May 2003.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>David Brewer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>51</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>President, Pitco Frialator,&nbsp;Inc. since July 2007. President, Lantech North America, from June 2005 to July 2007. Vice President of Global Supply Chain, YUM!, from March 2002 to June 2005.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Lyall Newby</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>46</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>President Middleby Worldwide, since 2007. Director, International Supply, Chain Management Equipment and Logistics, YUM! Restaurants, December 1999 to March 2007.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>46</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>President, Blodgett Oven Company, from April, 2007. Vice President and General Manager, Blodgett Oven Company from June 2005 to April 2007. Vice President and Controller from January&nbsp;1, 2001 to June 2005.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>56</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Executive Vice President, Food Processing Group, since March 2008; President, Alkar-RapidPak, from June 2006 to March 2008. General Manager, Middleby Cooking Systems Group, June 2003 to May 2006. General Manager, Vulan
Steam, Illinois Tool Works, January 2001 to May 2003. Vice President, Engineering, Premark International, February 1998 to December 2000.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark A. Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>59</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Division President, since 2004. Vice President and General Manager, Middleby Cooking Systems Group, from 1988 to 2004.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Nazih Ibrahim</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>54</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Division President, Southbend since August 2004. Vice President of Supply Chain Management, from July 2003 to August 2004. Vice President, Materials Management, Franke Group from 1999 to 2003. Vice President, Purchasing,
Stainless Incorporated, from 1995 to 1999.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="24%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Martin M. Lindsay</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>43</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Corporate Treasurer of the Company and MM since February 2002. Assistant Treasurer of the Company and MM from March 1999 to February 2002.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>7</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=9,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=560920,FOLIO='7',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DG72201A.;8',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_di72201_1_8"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="di72201_executive_compensation"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_di72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="di72201_compensation_discussion_and_analysis"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_di72201_2"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Compensation Discussion and Analysis    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the material elements of compensation for The Middleby Corporation executive officers identified in the Summary
Compensation Table as the "Named Executive Officers". </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Board has a Compensation Committee (the "Committee") which, during the course of 2007, was composed of the following outside directors, each of whom is "independent" in accordance with the
governance rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market: Robert L. Yohe, Chairman, Ryan Levenson, Gordon O'Brien and John R. Miller III. The Committee is appointed by, and responsible to, the Board for making
recommendations to the Board, and approving where appropriate, all matters related to executive and non-employee director compensation. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Middleby Business Environment  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Middleby Corporation is a global leader in the foodservice equipment industry. The Company develops, manufactures, markets and services a broad line of equipment used for
commercial food cooking, preparation and processing. The Company's leading brands include Blodgett&reg;, Blodgett Combi&reg;, Blodgett Range&reg;, Bloomfield, CTX&reg;,
Carter Hoffmann, Holman, Houno&reg;, Jade Range, Lang&reg;, MagiKitch'n&reg;, Middleby Marshall&reg;, MP Equipment, Pitco Frialator&reg;,
Southbend&reg;, Star&reg;, Nu-Vu&reg;, Alkar&reg;, RapidPak&reg;, Toastmaster&reg;, and Wells. Middleby's international subsidiary, Middleby
Worldwide, is
a leading exporter and distributor of foodservice and Middleby Philippines Corporation, is a leading supplier of specialty equipment in Asian markets. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Compensation Committee Structure  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Committee is currently comprised of four directors, named above, and at all times will consist of two or more persons, each of whom shall be an "outside director" within
the meaning of Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"). The Committee includes a chairperson, makes rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it deems
advisable and keeps minutes of Committee meetings. All determinations of the Committee are made by a majority of its members either present in person or participating by conference telephone at a
meeting or by written consent. The Committee may delegate to one or more of its members or to one or more agents such duties as it may deem advisable, and the Committee or any person to whom it has
delegated duties may employ the services of one or more individuals to render advice with respect to any responsibility of the Committee. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>For
additional information on the members, structure, scope of authority and operation of the Committee, see "Committees; Board Meetings" and "Proposal 1&#151;Election of Directors." </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Committee makes all decisions over total compensation for Named Executive Officers and other members of senior management, which involves decisions regarding base salary, annual
cash-based incentive plan bonuses, and long term equity incentive plan awards. The Committee's recommendations for compensation arrangements of the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer and President (the "CEO") are presented to the full Board of Directors for approval. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>8</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=10,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=758337,FOLIO='8',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DI72201A.;15',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;19:51' -->
<A NAME="page_di72201_1_9"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Compensation Programs Objectives  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Company's compensation and benefits programs are influenced by the Company's business culture and are designed to maximize strategic Company goals. The Company's
compensation program objectives are as follows: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Attract and Retain Executive Talent</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;The Committee intends to provide compensation packages that will attract and
retain qualified executive talent and deliver increasing rewards for extraordinary performance;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Link Executive Compensation with Operating Performance</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;The Committee structures a portion of the compensation for
Named Executive Officers and senior management to vary with the Company's financial and operating performance. This requires that a significant portion of executive compensation is
"at-risk" and linked to the achievement of both corporate and individual goals, in order to increase stockholder value;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Link Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation with Stockholder Interests</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;The Committee believes
that granting long term equity based awards using stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, or performance units, aligns the interests of Company executives with those of
stockholders and furthers the Company's goal of executive retention by using time-based vesting of equity awards.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Performance-based compensation to Comply with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;Performance-based compensation provided to Named Executive Officers and senior management should comply with the requirements that qualify the compensation as
tax deductible to the Company, unless the Company determines under particular circumstances that it is in the Company's best interest to provide compensation that is not tax deductible. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Compensation Decision Making Process  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The CEO annually reviews the operating performance of each executive officer. Elements of executive reviews include an analysis of actual operating performance versus
pre-determined operating performance targets, measures taken to improve efficiency of operations within the executive's area of responsibility and assessment of the executive's commitment
to the Company's core operating principles. Based on the CEO review, the CEO develops a recommendation to the Committee for each executive's annual base salary, annual performance incentive plan
structure, and the basis for long term equity based grants. The Committee uses the same methodology for the annual base salary and performance-based bonus structure of the CEO. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>With
respect to annual cash bonus awards, the Committee determines the minimum amount of operating performance that must be achieved each year in order for an annual performance bonus to be paid.
Target levels are set to be in line with the Company's annual budget and are presented by the CEO to the Board of Directors for review and approval. The total compensation of Named Executive Officers
and senior management of the Company are set at levels intended to be competitive with amounts paid to executive officers and senior managers with comparable qualifications, experience, and
responsibilities at other businesses of similar type or market capitalization, with an emphasis on pay for performance. The Compensation Committee, however, does not benchmark compensation against
that of other companies. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>9</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=11,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=437474,FOLIO='9',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DI72201A.;15',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;19:51' -->
<A NAME="page_di72201_1_10"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>The Elements of the Company's Compensation Program  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Company's compensation program is divided into three elements: (1)&nbsp;base salary, (2)&nbsp;annual performance incentive programs, and (3)&nbsp;long term
equity-based incentive programs. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Base Salary  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The base salary element of the compensation program sets executive base salaries at levels estimated to be below that of the median for executives in comparable positions at
other similarly sized companies. Annual non-executive salary increases are budgeted based on the current business environment and the individual's level of responsibility and merit within
the Company. For 2007 the range of non-executive salary increases was between 2% and 4.5% of base salary. The table below sets forth the base salary levels and associated changes for Named
Executive Officers for the 2007 fiscal year. Increase in base salary for Messrs&nbsp;Bassoul and FitzGerald was in recognition of increased responsibilities associated with growth in acquired
operating subsidiaries, Mr.&nbsp;Albert's increase in base pay was in recognition of additional responsibilities assumed within the Food Processing business segment, Mr.&nbsp;Sieron's increase in
base pay was in recognition for increased responsibilities as President of Middleby Cooking Systems Group, and Mr.&nbsp;Mick's increase in base salary is due to his 2007 promotion to President of GS
Blodgett Corporation. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="59%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Named Executive Officer<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>2006 Base Salary</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>2007 Base Salary</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>% Change</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="59%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>770,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>900,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>17</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="59%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>250,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>300,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>20</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="59%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>169,200</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>18</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="59%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>161,035</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>24</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="59%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>127,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>57</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Annual Performance-Based Incentive Programs  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Management Incentive Compensation Plan  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Management Incentive Compensation Plan ("MICP") is intended to provide an incentive for superior performance and to motivate eligible employees ("MICP Participants") toward
the highest level of achievement and business results, to tie their goals and interests to those of the Company and its stockholders, and to enable the Company to attract and retain highly qualified
executive
officers. Each of the Named Executive Officers is eligible to participate in the MICP if selected by the Committee for participation, and all of the Named Executive Officers participated in the MICP
in 2007. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Payment
of MICP bonuses are made subject to the attainment of pre-established written performance goals approved by the Committee prior to the 90<SUP>th</SUP>&nbsp;day following the
beginning of the Company's fiscal year. For 2007, the performance goals were based upon attaining certain levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") for the
fiscal year. The Named Executive Officers had the opportunity to earn bonuses under the MICP based on the following: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>A
minimum EBITDA goal that must be achieved prior to the payment of the MICP Participant's target MICP bonus. The MICP will not pay bonuses to MICP Participants if actual
EBITDA performance is below the minimum EBITDA goal.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Tiered
performance goals above the minimum EBITDA goal, which if met lead to an incrementally higher annual bonus. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>10</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=12,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=530341,FOLIO='10',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DI72201A.;15',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;19:51' -->
<A NAME="page_di72201_1_11"> </A>
<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>A
maximum EBITDA that, if achieved or surpassed will result in the payment of the maximum MICP bonus available to the MICP Participant. For 2007 the EBITDA goal resulting in
maximum pay for maximum performance was equal to a 13.9% increase in EBITDA over the prior year's results for Messrs.&nbsp;Bassoul and FitzGerald; a 27% increase in EBITDA targets relating to
Middleby Cooking Systems Group over the prior year's results in the case of Mr.&nbsp;Sieron; a 19% increase in EBITDA targets relating to GS Blodgett Corporation over the prior year's results in the
case of Mr.&nbsp;Mick; and a 48% increase in EBITDA targets relating to Alkar RapidPak,&nbsp;LLC over the prior year's results in the case of Mr.&nbsp;Albert. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
amount of the MICP bonus for MICP Participants at each EBITDA performance goal level is consistent with that individual's role and responsibility within the Company. The Grants of
Plan-Based Awards Table below shows the amounts which could have been earned by the Named Executive Officers under the MICP at target and maximum performance. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>EBITDA
is determined by the Committee in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, subject to adjustment to reflect the impact of specific extraordinary items not reflected in the MICP
Participant goals. Under the MICP, the EBITDA calculation does not include foreign exchange gains/losses and does include all bonuses and incentive compensation payable, including MICP payments, to
Company employees for the applicable year. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Payments
of MICP bonuses, if any, are made after the completion of the Company's fiscal year end audit and only after the Committee certifies, in writing, that the EBITDA goals with respect to which
MICP payments are to be made have been attained. The bonus awarded to each Named Executive Officer in respect of 2007 performance under the MICP is reflected in the "Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table below. The Company achieved the maximum EBITDA goal discussed above under the MICP in 2007 and, as a result, Messrs.&nbsp;Bassoul,
FitzGerald, Albert, and Mick, respectively, received the maximum MICP bonus for the year as follows: $3,500,000, $600,000, $250,000, and $220,000. Mr.&nbsp;Sieron's 2007 MICP bonus was adjusted in
the discretion of the Committee as permitted by the plan to take into account the negative operating impact as a result of an employee strike that occurred in 2007. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Stock ownership requirement.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The MICP plan supports the Company's desire for Named Executive Officers and senior executives to maintain a
minimum percentage of base salary in the form of Middleby Corporation common stock ownership. Unexercised stock options are not considered in calculating the stock ownership requirement. The base
salary percentages are set by the Committee annually and are set at levels consistent with the individual's level of responsibility within the Company. If an MICP Participant meets or exceeds their
stock ownership requirement, then they are eligible to receive 100% of their MICP bonus. If an MICP Participant does not meets their stock ownership requirement, then a maximum of
one-third of their MICP bonus will be used to purchase common stock on the MICP Participant's behalf. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>11</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=4,SEQ=13,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=767347,FOLIO='11',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DI72201A.;15',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;19:51' -->
<A NAME="page_di72201_1_12"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Stock
ownership requirements of the Named Executive Officers as of December&nbsp;29, 2007 are as follows: </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="47%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Named Executive Officer<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Stock Ownership Requirement (multiple of base salary)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Stock Ownership Requirement (shares)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Actual Stock Ownership (shares)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3&nbsp;&times;&nbsp;base salary</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>35,207</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>715,000(1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2&nbsp;&times;&nbsp;base salary</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>7,824</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>194,062(2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2&nbsp;&times;&nbsp;base salary</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>5,216</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>28,500(3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2&nbsp;&times;&nbsp;base salary</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>5,216</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>80,100(4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2&nbsp;&times;&nbsp;base salary</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>5,216</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>15,924(5</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Footnotes:  </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Does
not include 630,712 vested unexercised options.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Does
not include 29,992 vested unexercised options.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Does
not include 5,000 vested unexercised options.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Does
not include 33,004 vested unexercised options.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Does
not include 5,000 vested unexercised options. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Executive Officer Incentive Plan  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Executive Officer Incentive Plan ("EOIP") is an annual cash-based incentive plan that operates with the purpose of reinforcing corporate, organizational and
business development goals; to promote the achievement of year-to-year financial and other core business objectives; and to reward the performance of the Company's key
employees in fulfilling their individual responsibilities. The EOIP provides an essential component of the total compensation package offered to Named Executive Officers. It reflects the importance
placed by the Company on motivating employees to achieve superior results over the long term and paying employees based on that kind of achievement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>EOIP
awards are granted to key employees (the "EOIP Participants") of the Company who are selected by the Committee in its sole discretion. In determining the EOIP Participants to whom EOIP awards are
granted, the Company considers key employees who exhibit extraordinary performance in achieving year-to-year financial goals and further exceed the core business objectives of
the Company. For 2007, the CEO and CFO participated in the EOIP. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Remaining
performance periods for EOIP awards are as follows: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>January&nbsp;1,
2008 to December&nbsp;31, 2008
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>January&nbsp;1,
2009 to December&nbsp;31, 2009
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>January&nbsp;1,
2010 to December&nbsp;31, 2010 </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>At
the beginning of each performance period the Committee will establish performance goals applicable to the EOIP award. Performance goals may include a threshold level of performance below which an
EOIP bonus will not be earned, levels of performance at which a specified EOIP bonus will be earned, and a maximum level of performance beyond which no additional EOIP bonus will be earned. For 2007,
the performance goals selected by the Committee related to earnings per share. The EOIP Participant could earn a target bonus amount in the event of an increase in EPS of 9% over the prior year's
result. The EOIP further provided incremental incentives for EPS targets between 9% and 17.5% over the prior year's results. The Middleby Corporation attained an EPS of $3.11 per share for 2007 versus
an EPS of </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>12</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=5,SEQ=14,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=91084,FOLIO='12',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DI72201A.;15',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;19:51' -->
<A NAME="page_di72201_1_13"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$2.57
per share in 2006, which far surpassed the maximum goal under the EOIP. As a result, each of Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul and Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald earned the maximum bonus awarded under the EOIP of
$2,010,445 and $335,074, respectively. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Payment
of an EOIP award is made only if performance goals as specified by the Committee are attained and if the EOIP Participant is employed by the Company on the last day of the applicable
performance period. Under the terms of the plan, an EOIP award for a performance period may not exceed $3.5&nbsp;million per award. This limit will be increased to $4.5&nbsp;million if
stockholders approve an amendment to the EOIP presented in this Proxy Statement as Proposal 4. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, decrease the amount payable to an EOIP participant upon
achievement of performance goals, but in no event may the Committee increase the EOIP amount otherwise payable to the EOIP participant. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Long Term Equity-Based Incentive Programs  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan") is an equity-based incentive plan that encourages Named Executive Officers and senior management of the Company and its
subsidiaries to have common stock ownership in the Company and further aligns the interests of Named Executive Officers and senior management with those of stockholders. The Committee is authorized to
make grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or performance stock under the 1998 Plan. In 2007, awards of 285,000 restricted common shares of The Middleby Corporation were
granted to senior management of the Company including the Named Executive Officers. The 2007
awards included time and performance based vesting parameters. Effective February&nbsp;14, 2008, the 1998 Plan expired and, after that date, could no longer be used for grants of any kind. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2007 Plan") is an equity-based incentive plan that encourages Named Executive Officers, Board members and senior management of the Company and its subsidiaries to
have common stock ownership in the Company and further aligns the interests of Named Executive Officers and senior management with those of stockholders. The Committee is authorized to make grants of
stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or performance stock under the 2007 Plan. In 2007, awards of 197,000 restricted common shares of The Middleby Corporation were granted to
Named Executive Officers and Board members of the Company. The 2007 awards included time and performance based vesting parameters. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Generally,
the Committee determines the overall size of the long-term incentive award for each executive officer, including the CEO and CFO, and makes an equity grant at its first meeting
of a fiscal year. The CEO will make recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding award levels for executive officers other than the CFO. However, the Committee may also make grants at
varying times of the year, generally in connection with new employment arrangements or promotions, or based on the availability of shares under Company's stockholder-approved long-term
equity compensation plans. The Committee has made such awards without regard to the release of the Company's financial results for the year or the release of any other material non-public
information. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>No Backdating.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company does not backdate options or grant options retroactively. All grants to any Company employee are approved by the
Committee and are presented to the full Board for final approval. The exercise price of an option is set at the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock, which is equal to the closing market
price of such stock on the date of grant and this method has been consistently applied. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Pension Plans and Post-Employment Benefits  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant to his employment agreement, the CEO is entitled to a nonqualified defined benefit pension benefit as follows: Upon the CEO's retirement on or after the date on which
he attains the age of 55 (the </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>13</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=6,SEQ=15,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=350696,FOLIO='13',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DI72201A.;15',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;19:51' -->
<A NAME="page_di72201_1_14"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Age
55 Retirement Benefit"), but in no event prior thereto, he shall be fully vested in a monthly retirement benefit equal to one-twelfth of 50% of his then current base salary, payable
for the remainder of his life. If the CEO retires after the date on which he attains the age of 60 (the "Age 60 Retirement Benefit"), he shall be fully vested in a monthly retirement benefit equal to
one-twelfth of 62.5% of his then current base salary, in lieu of the age 55 Retirement Benefit, payable for the remainder of his life. If the CEO retires after the date on which he attains
the age of 65, he shall be fully vested in a monthly retirement benefit equal to one-twelfth of 75% of his then current base salary, in lieu of the age 60 Retirement Benefit, payable for
the remainder of his life. The estimated monthly retirement benefit payable to the CEO is based on his compensation level as of December&nbsp;29, 2007 would be $37,500 at the retirement age of 55,
$46,875 at the retirement age of 60, and $56,250 at the retirement age of 65. The amount of the CEO's nonqualified retirement benefit would be offset by the amount of the CEO's accrued benefits under
the tax-qualified plans maintained by the Company, other than any portion of such benefits that are attributable to the CEO's own contributions to the qualified plans. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
CEO and his dependents are entitled to continue to participate in all health and medical plans and programs which the Company maintains for its senior executives and their families for life,
subject to any Medicare coverage being the primary coverage. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Perquisites  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Named Executive Officers of the Company and senior executives of the Company are offered limited perquisites. In general, executives in sales oriented positions are offered an
automobile expense reimbursement that varies by individual, but, in no event exceeds ten thousand dollars per fiscal year. The CEO is provided the use of a Company automobile, with the associated
income taxes added to annual income, and is reimbursed for the cost of annual income tax planning services. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>2008 Actions  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Company made awards of restricted stock pursuant to the terms of the Company's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan in 2008, including awards in the following amounts to the following
Named Executive Officers on February&nbsp;13, 2008: Mr.&nbsp;Sieron, 7,500 shares, Mr.&nbsp;Mick 15,000 shares and Mr.&nbsp;Albert 10,000 shares. These 2008 awards, including those made to the
Named Executive Officers will only become vested based on the achievement of specified significant increases in the market price of Middleby common stock over a five year period. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Compensation Recovery Policy  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Company maintains a compensation recovery policy with respect to its equity awards. The equity awards made in 2008 (described above) are contingent upon the employee's
execution of a non-competition and confidentiality agreement. If the terms of the agreement are violated by the employee, the employee is obligated to return any stock certificates
transferred to the employee in respect of the award, or, if the shares underlying the restricted stock award have been sold or otherwise disposed of by the employee, the employee is obligated to repay
the Company an amount equal to the fair market value (as defined in the agreement) of the shares. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Accounting and Tax Implications of Executive Compensation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Current federal tax law imposes an annual individual limit of $1&nbsp;million on the deductibility of the Company's compensation payments to the CEO and its four most highly
compensated other executive officers. Performance-based compensation that satisfies the conditions of Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code is excluded for purposes of this limitation. The 2007 awards
made to the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers pursuant to the MICP, as well as the awards made pursuant to the EOIP to the CEO and CFO, were subject to, and made in accordance
with, the Committee's pre-established </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>14</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=7,SEQ=16,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=637589,FOLIO='14',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DI72201A.;15',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;19:51' -->
<A NAME="page_di72201_1_15"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>performance
goals. The 2008 restricted stock grants described above were designed to comply with the requirements of Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="di72201_report_of_the_compensation_com__rep02532"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_di72201_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Compensation Committee, comprised of independent directors, reviewed and discussed the above Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&amp;A") with the Company's management.
Based on the review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommends to the Company's Board of Directors that the CD&amp;A be included in these proxy materials. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="76%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="31%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="66%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Compensation Committee<BR>
Robert L. Yohe, Chairman,<BR>
Ryan Levenson, Gordon O'Brien and John R. Miller III</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>15</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=8,SEQ=17,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=214712,FOLIO='15',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DI72201A.;15',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;19:51' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_dk72201_1_16"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dk72201_summary_compensation_table"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dk72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation for services to the Company in all capacities received by the following
persons collectively referred to as the Company's "Named Executive Officers": (i)&nbsp;the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (ii)&nbsp;the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and
(iii)&nbsp;the three most highly compensated executive officers of the Company (other than the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer) in respect of fiscal years 2007 and 2006 to
the extent such person was a Named Executive Officer in the fiscal year. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name and Principal Position<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Fiscal Year</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Salary<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Bonus<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Stock Awards<BR>
($)(1)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Option Awards<BR>
($)(1)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Change in Pension Value and NonQualified Deferred Compensation Earnings<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>All Other Compensation<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Total<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Selim A. Bassoul<BR></FONT> <FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><I>Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2007<BR>
<BR>
2006</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">900,000<BR>
<BR>
770,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">4,655,104<BR>
<BR>
2,893,400</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">255,187<BR>
<BR>
419,432</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">5,510,445<BR>
<BR>
4,842,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)<BR><BR>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">1,087,104<BR>
<BR>
977,581</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(4)<BR><BR>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">55,438<BR>
<BR>
49,951</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)<BR><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">12,463,278<BR>
<BR>
9,952,364</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Timothy J. FitzGerald<BR></FONT> <FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><I>Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2007<BR>
<BR>
2006</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">300,000<BR>
<BR>
250,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">1,333,354<BR>
<BR>
537,200</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">5,753<BR>
<BR>
15,010</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">935,074<BR>
<BR>
823,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(6)<BR><BR>(7)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">6,105<BR>
<BR>
5,986</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(8)<BR><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2,580,286<BR>
<BR>
1,631,196</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Magdy Albert<BR></FONT> <FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><I>Executive Vice President, Food Processing Group</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2007</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">83,720</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">47,765</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">250,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(12)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2,005</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(9)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">583,490</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mark Sieron,<BR></FONT> <FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><I>President, Middleby Cooking Systems Group</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2007<BR>
<BR>
2006</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">200,000<BR>
<BR>
161,035</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">167,440<BR>
<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">116,245<BR>
<BR>
107,973</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">150,000<BR>
<BR>
313,621</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(12)<BR><BR>(12)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">15,823<BR>
15,957</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(10)<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">649,508<BR>
<BR>
598,586</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Gary Mick<BR></FONT> <FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><I>President, GS Blodgett Corporation</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2007</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">83,720</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">51,617</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">220,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(12)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">6,447</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(11)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">561,784</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=26 style="font-family:arial;"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>NOTES:</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Amounts
in this column represent the dollar amount of the expense recognized in connection with equity-based awards to Named Executive Officers under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and
2007 Stock Incentive Plan for financial reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007 and December&nbsp;30, 2006, as applicable. The amount of the expense was determined in
accordance with SFAS No.&nbsp;123R, </FONT><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><I>Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation</I></FONT><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">, which requires the Company to expense the value of equity-based awards
ratably over the vesting period of the equity award. Please refer to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements", Note&nbsp;(4)&#151;"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies",
Note&nbsp;(o)&#151;"Share Based Compensation" included in the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K as filed with the SEC on February&nbsp;27, 2008 or the Company's
2006 Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K as filed with the SEC on March&nbsp;15, 2007, as applicable, for a discussion of the assumptions used to calculate these amounts.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's
2007 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation consists of $3,500,000 paid under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan and $2,010,445 paid under the
Executive Officer Incentive Plan. Details of both incentive plans are outlined in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's
2006 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation consists of $3,500,000 paid under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan and $1,342,000 paid under the
Executive Officer Incentive Plan. Details of both incentive plans are outlined in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
is entitled to a nonqualified defined benefit pension benefit as follows: Upon Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's retirement on or after the date on which he attains the age of
55 (the "Age 55 Retirement Benefit"), but in no event prior thereto, he shall be fully vested in a monthly retirement benefit equal to one-twelfth of 50% of his then current base salary,
payable for the remainder of his life. If Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul retires after the date on which he attains the age of 60 (the "Age 60 Retirement Benefit"), he shall be fully vested in a monthly
retirement benefit equal to one-twelfth of 62.5% of his then current base salary, in lieu of the age 55 Retirement Benefit, payable for the remainder of his life. If Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
retires after the date on which he attains the age of 65, he shall be fully vested in a monthly retirement benefit equal to one-twelfth of 75% of his then current base salary, in lieu of
the age 60 Retirement Benefit, payable for the remainder of his life. The present value of accumulated pension benefits assumes a retirement age of 55, an interest rate of 5.75%, retirement income of
$1.65&nbsp;million, and a length of pension payout of 30&nbsp;years.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">All
Other Compensation amounts in 2007 for Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul include $30,000 in director's fees for services to the Company and it's subsidiaries, $17,907 for a Company-provided
automobile, $4,500 in Company 401k matching funds, a $1,375 Company contribution to a Health Savings account, and $1,655.94 in Company paid Life Insurance benefits. The incremental cost to the Company
with respect to the Company-owned automobile provided to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul is estimated to be less than the $17,907 included in the table representing the taxable income imputed to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
for personal use of the automobile. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>16</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=18,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=6984,FOLIO='16',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DK72201A.;22',USER='EYOUNG',CD='26-MAR-2008;10:45' -->
<A NAME="page_dk72201_1_17"> </A>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(6)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's
2007 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation consisted of $600,000 that was paid out of the Management Incentive Compensation Plan and $335,074 that
was paid out of the Executive Officer Incentive Plan. Details of both incentive plans are outlined in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(7)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's
2006 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation consisted of $600,000 that was paid out of the Management Incentive Compensation Plan and $223,000 that
was paid out of the Executive Officer Incentive Plan. Details of both incentive plans are outlined in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(8)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">All
Other Compensation amounts in 2007 for Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald include $4,500 in Company 401(k) matching funds, a $1,375 Company contribution to a Health Savings account, and $230
in Company paid Life Insurance benefits.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(9)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">All
Other Compensation amounts in 2007 for Mr.&nbsp;Albert include $1,231 in Company 401k matching funds and $774 in Company paid Life Insurance benefits.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(10)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">All
Other Compensation amounts in 2007 for Mr.&nbsp;Sieron include $9,230 for a Company provided automobile expense allowance, $4,500 in Company 401k matching funds, a $1,375
Company contribution to a Health Savings account, and $718 in Company paid Life Insurance benefits.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(11)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">All
Other Compensation amounts in 2007 for Mr.&nbsp;Mick include $4,500 in Company 401(k) matching funds, a $1,375 Company contribution to a Health Savings account, and $572 in
Company paid Life Insurance benefits.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(12)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Reporting
person's incentive plan compensation consists solely of Management Incentive Compensation Plan payments. The Management Incentive Compensation Plan is outlined in detail in
the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy. </FONT></DD></DL>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Employment Agreements  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Selim A. Bassoul  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Company and MM entered into an employment agreement with Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul dated as of December&nbsp;23, 2004. The agreement provides, among other things, for
Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul to serve as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of the Company and of MM for a term ending March&nbsp;1, 2012. Under the agreement, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
receives an annual base salary of $900,000. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
employment agreement further provides that Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul is eligible to participate in the Company's Management Incentive Compensation Plan. Under the terms of such plan, if the Company
attains certain pre-established performance goals, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul shall be entitled to receive (i)&nbsp;a target bonus equal to 100% of his base salary as in effect at the beginning
of the fiscal year to which the award relates and (ii)&nbsp;for each year, an additional performance bonus determined on a scale based on the amount by which the Company's earnings before income
taxes and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as determined under the plan exceeds the pre-established performance goal. The maximum annual bonus that Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul may be
eligible to receive under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan is $3,500,000. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
employment agreement provides for an aggregate grant, in split-adjusted terms, to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul of 600,000 shares of restricted stock (the "Restricted Stock") pursuant to the terms of the
1998 Stock Incentive Plan. The Restricted Stock was granted in three separate tranches as follows: (i)&nbsp;200,000 shares of Restricted Stock were granted on December&nbsp;23, 2004,
(ii)&nbsp;200,000 shares of Restricted Stock were granted on January&nbsp;5, 2005, and (iii)&nbsp;200,000 shares of Restricted Stock were granted on May&nbsp;12, 2005. The Restricted Stock is
non-transferable and shall be forfeitable subject to the following vesting conditions: 120,000 shares of the Restricted Stock vested on December&nbsp;31, 2005; 120,000 shares of the
Restricted Stock vested on December&nbsp;31, 2006; 120,000 shares of the Restricted Stock vested on December&nbsp;31, 2007; 120,000 shares of the Restricted Stock shall vest on December&nbsp;31,
2008; and 120,000 shares of the Restricted Stock shall vest on December&nbsp;31, 2009, in each case subject to the continued employment of Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul on such date. Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul is
entitled to vote and receive declared dividends with respect to all shares of Restricted Stock shares granted to him, irrespective of whether they are vested or not. The restricted stock will
immediately vest if: (a)&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul terminates his employment because of a material diminution in duties, (b)&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's employment is terminated other than for cause
(as defined in the employment agreement), or (c)&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul terminates his employment within six months following a "change in control" of the Company, as defined in the employment
agreement. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>17</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=19,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=620641,FOLIO='17',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DK72201A.;22',USER='EYOUNG',CD='26-MAR-2008;10:45' -->
<A NAME="page_dk72201_1_18"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
terms of the employment agreement relating to the termination of Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's employment are discussed below, under the heading "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control." </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's
employment agreement also provides for a Company-provided automobile and a nonqualified retirement benefit, which is described in the "Pension Benefits at 2007 Fiscal Year End"
section of this Proxy Statement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Timothy J. FitzGerald  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Company and MM entered into an employment agreement with Timothy J. FitzGerald, the Company's Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, which superseded both a severance
agreement dated March&nbsp;1, 2004 and a retention agreement dated July&nbsp;22, 2004. The employment agreement has a five-year term and will continue until March&nbsp;1, 2010,
unless Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's employment is earlier terminated under the terms of the employment agreement. Under his employment agreement, Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald is entitled to receive an annual base
salary of $300,000 and is eligible to earn an annual incentive bonus under the Company's Management Incentive Compensation Plan. Pursuant to the Management Incentive Compensation Plan, the performance
bonus for Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald will be paid determined on a scale based on the amount by which the Company's EBITDA (as determined under the plan) exceeds the pre-established performance
goal for Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald for the applicable year. The maximum annual bonus that Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald may be eligible to receive under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan is $600,000. The
Company also granted Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald an aggregate, in split adjusted terms, of 100,000 shares of restricted stock of the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in a restricted
stock agreement further described below. The restricted shares granted to Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald vest ratably over a five year period, commencing on December&nbsp;31, 2005 and will become fully
vested on December&nbsp;31, 2009, generally, as long as Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald remains employed by the Company on each applicable vesting date. The restricted stock will immediately vest if:
(a)&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's employment is terminated other than for cause (as defined in the employment agreement), or (b)&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald terminates his employment within six
months following a change in control of the Company, as defined in the employment agreement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
terms of the employment agreement relating to the termination of Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's employment are discussed below, under the heading "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in
Control." </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>18</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=20,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=239889,FOLIO='18',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DK72201A.;22',USER='EYOUNG',CD='26-MAR-2008;10:45' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_dm72201_1_19"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Grants of Plan-Based Awards  </B></FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The following table sets forth information concerning the grants of restricted stock and options to Named Executive Officers during the 2007 fiscal year. The grant date set
forth below is the date that the Board of Directors granted the award. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dm72201_grants_of_plan-based_awards_in_fiscal_year_2007"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dm72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2007    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" ROWSPAN=4 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="7%" ROWSPAN=4 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>All&nbsp;Other<BR>
Stock<BR>
Awards:<BR>
Number&nbsp;of<BR>
Shares&nbsp;of<BR>
Stock&nbsp;or<BR>
Units<BR>
(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" ROWSPAN=4 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="8%" ROWSPAN=4 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>All&nbsp;Other<BR>
Option<BR>
Awards:<BR>
Number&nbsp;of<BR>
Securities<BR>
Underlying<BR>
Options<BR>
(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" ROWSPAN=2 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=8 ROWSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" ROWSPAN=2 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=5 ROWSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Estimated Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" ROWSPAN=2 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ROWSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Grant&nbsp;Date<BR>
Fair&nbsp;Value&nbsp;of<BR>
Stock&nbsp;and<BR>
Option<BR>
Awards</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Grant Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Threshold<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Target<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Maximum<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Threshold<BR>
(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Target<BR>
(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Maximum<BR>
(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="15%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)<BR>
03-08-07(4)<BR>
05-07-07(5)<BR>
(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">900,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
1,206,267</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">900,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
1,206,267</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">3,500,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
2,010,445</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
139,000<BR>
121,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>$<BR>$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
7,733,960<BR>
8,240,100<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="15%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)<BR>
03-08-07(6)<BR>
05-07-07(7)<BR>
(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">300,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
201,044</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">240,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
201,044</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">600,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
335,074</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
45,000<BR>
55,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>$<BR>$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
2,503,800<BR>
3,745,500<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="15%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)<BR>
03-08-07(8)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">110,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">110,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">250,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
10,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
556,400</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="15%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)<BR>
03-08-07(9)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">100,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">100,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">400,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
20,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
1,112,600</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="15%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)<BR>
03-08-07(10)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">85,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">85,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">220,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
10,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
556,400</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=25 style="font-family:arial;"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">These
columns represent annual cash award opportunities under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan and/or the Executive Officer Incentive Plan. The actual payouts under the
plans for 2007 performance were determined on March&nbsp;6, 2008, and are reflected in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table above.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Pursuant
to the officer's Management Incentive Compensation Plan guidelines.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Pursuant
to the officer's Executive Officer Incentive Plan guidelines.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
was granted 139,000 shares of restricted stock on March&nbsp;8, 2007, which vests over seven years upon the 30-day average price of the Company's common stock
equaling or exceeding $62.50/SH in year 1, $70/SH in year 2, $77.50/SH in year 3, $87.50/SH in year 4, $100/SH in year 5, $100/SH in year 6, and $100/SH in year 7.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
was granted 121,000 shares of restricted stock on May&nbsp;7, 2007, which vests over five years upon the 30-day average price of the Company's common stock
equaling or exceeding $75/SH in year 1, $80/SH in year 2, $85/SH in year 3, $92.50/SH in year 4, $100/SH in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(6)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald
was granted 45,000 shares of restricted stock on March&nbsp;8, 2007, which vests over five years upon the 30-day average price of the Company's common stock
equaling or exceeding $62.50/SH in year 1, $70/SH in year 2, $77.50/SH in year 3, $87.50/SH in year 4, $100/SH in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(7)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald
was granted 55,000 shares of restricted stock on May&nbsp;7, 2007, which vests over five years upon the 30-day average price of the Company's common stock
equaling or exceeding $75/SH in year 1, $80/SH in year 2, $85/SH in year 3, $92.50/SH in year 4, $100/SH in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(8)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Albert
was granted 10,000 shares of restricted stock on March&nbsp;8, 2007, which vests over five years upon the 30-day average price of the Company's common stock
equaling or exceeding $62.50/SH in year 1, $70/SH in year 2, $77.50/SH in year 3, $87.50/SH in year 4, $100/SH in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(9)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Sieron
was granted 20,000 shares of restricted stock on March&nbsp;8, 2007, which vests over five years upon the 30-day average price of the Company's common stock
equaling or exceeding $62.50/SH in year 1, $70/SH in year 2, $77.50/SH in year 3, $87.50/SH in year 4, $100/SH in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(10)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Mick
was granted 10,000 shares of restricted stock on March&nbsp;8, 2007, which vests over five years upon the 30-day average price of the Company's common stock
equaling or exceeding $62.50/SH in year 1, $70/SH in year 2, $77.50/SH in year 3, $87.50/SH in year 4, $100/SH in year 5. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>19</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=21,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=709991,FOLIO='19',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DM72201A.;53',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;20:20' -->
<A NAME="page_dm72201_1_20"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Outstanding Equity Awards at 2007 Fiscal Year End  </B></FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The following table sets forth certain information concerning outstanding stock options and stock awards under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and 2007 Stock Incentive Plan at
fiscal year end, December&nbsp;29, 2007, held by each of the Named Executive Officers. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dm72201_outstanding_equity_awards_at_fiscal_year_end"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dm72201_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=10 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Option Awards</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=9 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Stock Awards</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options<BR>
(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Option Exercise Price<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Option Expiration Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested<BR>
(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Equity<BR>
Incentive&nbsp;Plan<BR>
Awards:<BR>
Number&nbsp;of<BR>
Unearned<BR>
Shares,&nbsp;Units<BR>
or&nbsp;Other<BR>
Rights<BR>
That<BR>
Have&nbsp;Not<BR>
Vested<BR>
(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Equity<BR>
Incentive&nbsp;Plan<BR>
Awards:<BR>
Market&nbsp;or<BR>
Payout&nbsp;Value<BR>
of&nbsp;Unearned<BR>
Shares,&nbsp;Units<BR>
or&nbsp;Other<BR>
Rights&nbsp;That<BR>
Have&nbsp;Not<BR>
Vested<BR>
($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">225,000<BR>
80,000<BR>
125,712<BR>
200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)<BR>(2)<BR>(3)<BR>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
20,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR>$<BR>$<BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2.95<BR>
5.255<BR>
9.235<BR>
9.235</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">02/26/2012<BR>
03/05/2013<BR>
10/23/2013<BR>
10/23/2013</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">240,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)<BR><BR><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">18,405,600<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
139,000<BR>
121,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>(6)<BR>(7)<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>$<BR>$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
10,659,910<BR>
9,279,490<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
29,992</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(8)<BR><BR>(9)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">2,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">5.255<BR>
&#151;<BR>
9.235</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">03/05/2013<BR>
&#151;<BR>
10/23/2013</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">40,000<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(10)<BR><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">3,067,600<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
55,000<BR>
45,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>(11)<BR>(12)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR>$<BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
4,217,950<BR>
3,451,050</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(13)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">10,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">26.965</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">02/28/2010</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">10,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(14)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">766,900</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
754<BR>
19,750</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(15)<BR>(16)<BR>(17)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">1,200<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR>$<BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">5.255<BR>
9.235<BR>
26.965</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">03/05/2013<BR>
10/23/2013<BR>
02/28/2010</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
20,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR><BR>(18)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><BR><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;<BR>
1,533,800</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="14%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(19)<BR>(20)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">1,200<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
10,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">5.255<BR>
26.965</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">03/05/2013<BR>
02/28/2010</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">10,000<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(21)<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$<BR></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">766,900<BR>
&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=22 style="font-family:arial;"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>NOTES:</B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
was granted options to purchase 400,000 shares of Common Stock on February&nbsp;26, 2002. The option grant vested in 20% increments over a five year period. The
strike price of the option grant is $2.95, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
was granted options to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock on March&nbsp;5, 2003. The option grant vests in 20% increments over a five year period. The strike
price of the option grant is $5.255, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
was granted options to purchase 250,000 shares of Common Stock on October&nbsp;23, 2003. The option grant was 100% vested on the date of grant. The strike price
of the option grant is $9.235, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
was granted options to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock on October&nbsp;23, 2003. The option grant vests in 20% increments upon the earlier of the date
that that the market price of the Common Stock surpasses $18, $18.50, $19, $19.50, and $20, or October&nbsp;23, 2008. Consistent with vesting parameters, this option grant was fully vested in the
fourth quarter of 2004. The strike price of the option grant is $2.95, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
January&nbsp;5, 2005 Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul was awarded 200,000 shares of restricted stock. Of this amount 40,000 shares vested on December&nbsp;31, 2006 and; 120,000 shares vested
on December&nbsp;31, 2007; if Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul remains employed with the Company on December&nbsp;31, 2008 the remaining 40,000 shares will vest. On May&nbsp;12, 2005, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul was
awarded 200,000 shares of restricted stock. If Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul remains employed by the Company on the respective vesting dates, the restricted stock will vest as follows: 80,000 shares on
December&nbsp;31, 2008 and the remaining 120,000 shares will vest on December&nbsp;31, 2009. Dividends on all restricted stock (to the extent declared by the Company) will be payable to
Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul in cash at the same rate as to other stockholders.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(6)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
March&nbsp;8, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul was awarded 139,000 shares of restricted stock. Beginning January&nbsp;1, 2008, the grant vests in 7 equal annual installments if the
30&nbsp;day average of Middleby Corporation of Middleby common stock is at or above $62.50 in year 1, $70 in year 2, $77.50 in year 3, $87.50 in year 4, $100 in year 5, $100 in year 6, and $100 in
year 7.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(7)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
May&nbsp;5, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul was awarded 121,000 shares of restricted stock. Beginning January&nbsp;1, 2008, the grant vests in 5 annual installments if the
30&nbsp;day average of Middleby Corporation of Middleby common stock is at or above $75 in year 1, $80 in year 2, $85 in year 3, $92.50 in year 4, $100 in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><BR></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">At
December&nbsp;29, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul held 500,000 shares of unvested restricted stock valued at $38,345,000 based on the year end closing price
of the Common Stock of $76.69.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(8)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald
was granted options to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on March&nbsp;5, 2003. The option grant vested in 20% increments over a five year period. The
option exercise price is equal to $5.255, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(9)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald
was granted options to purchase 70,000 shares of Common Stock on October&nbsp;23, 2003. The option grant was 100% vested on the date of grant. The option
exercise price is equal to $9.235, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(10)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
March&nbsp;7, 2005 Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald was awarded 100,000 shares of restricted stock. If Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald remains employed by the Company on the respective vesting
dates, the restricted stock grant will vest in 20% on December&nbsp;31 of each year, commencing on December&nbsp;31, 2005. Dividends on all restricted stock (to the extent declared by the Company)
will be payable to Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald in cash at the same rate as to other stockholders. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>20</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=22,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=576707,FOLIO='20',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DM72201A.;53',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;20:20' -->
<A NAME="page_dm72201_1_21"> </A>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(11)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
March&nbsp;8, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald was awarded 55,000 shares of restricted stock. Beginning January&nbsp;1, 2008, the grant vests in 5 equal annual installments if the
30&nbsp;day average of Middleby Corporation of Middleby common stock is at or above $62.50 in year 1, $70 in year 2, $77.50 in year 3, $87.50 in year 4, $100 in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(12)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
May&nbsp;5, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald was awarded 45,000 shares of restricted stock. Beginning January&nbsp;1, 2008, the grant vests in 5 annual installments if the
30&nbsp;day average of Middleby Corporation of Middleby common stock is at or above $75 in year 1, $80 in year 2, $85 in year 3, $92.50 in year 4, $100 in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><BR></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">At
December&nbsp;29, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald held 140,000 shares of unvested restricted stock valued at $10,736,600 based on the Company's common
stock year end closing price of $76.69.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(13)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Albert
was granted options to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on February&nbsp;28, 2005. The option vesting parameters are as follows: 25% vests if the closing
price of the Common Stock averages $31 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2005 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price
of the Common Stock averages $37 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2006 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price of the
Common Stock averages $44.50 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2007 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price of the
Common Stock averages $53.50 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2008 and February&nbsp;28, 2009. If the options fail to vest before
February&nbsp;28, 2009 in accordance with the preceding criteria, such options will be deemed expired. The option exercise price is equal to $26.965, the closing price of the Common Stock on the
date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(14)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
March&nbsp;8, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;Albert was awarded 10,000 shares of restricted stock. Beginning January&nbsp;1, 2008, the grant vests in 5 equal annual installments if the
30&nbsp;day average of Middleby Corporation of Middleby common stock is at or above $62.50 in year 1, $70 in year 2, $77.50 in year 3, $87.50 in year 4, $100 in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(15)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
March&nbsp;5, 2003, Mr.&nbsp;Sieron was granted the option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock. The option grant vests in 20% increments over a five year period. The
option exercise price is equal to $5.255, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(16)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
October&nbsp;23, 2003, Mr.&nbsp;Sieron was awarded 10,000 shares of common stock. The option was vested 100% on the date of grant. The option exercise price is equal to
$9.235, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of the grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(17)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Sieron
was granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock on February&nbsp;28, 2005. The option vesting parameters are as follows: 25% vests if the closing
price of the Common Stock averages $31 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2005 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price
of the Common Stock averages $37 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2006 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price of the
Common Stock averages $44.50 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2007 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price of the
Common Stock averages $53.50 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2008 and February&nbsp;28, 2009. If the options fail to vest before
February&nbsp;28, 2009 in accordance with the preceding criteria, such options will be deemed expired. The option exercise price is equal to $26.965, the closing price of the Common Stock on the
date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(18)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
March&nbsp;8, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;Sieron was awarded 10,000 shares of restricted stock. Beginning January&nbsp;1, 2008, the grant vests in 5 equal annual installments if the
30&nbsp;day average of Middleby Corporation of Middleby common stock is at or above $62.50 in year 1, $70 in year 2, $77.50 in year 3, $87.50 in year 4, $100 in year 5.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(19)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
March&nbsp;5, 2003, Mr.&nbsp;Mick was granted the option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock. The option grant vests in 20% increments over a five year period. The option
exercise price is equal to $5.255, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(20)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Mick
was granted options to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on February&nbsp;28, 2005. The option vesting parameters are as follows: 25% vests if the closing
price of the Common Stock averages $31 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2005 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price
of the Common Stock averages $37 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2006 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price of the
Common Stock averages $44.50 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2007 and February&nbsp;28, 2009, 25% vests if the closing price of the
Common Stock averages $53.50 per share or higher for any consecutive period of 45 business days between February&nbsp;28, 2008 and February&nbsp;28, 2009. If the options fail to vest before
February&nbsp;28, 2009 in accordance with the preceding criteria, such options will be deemed expired. The option exercise price is equal to $26.965, the closing price of the Common Stock on the
date of grant.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(21)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">On
March&nbsp;8, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;Mick was awarded 10,000 shares of restricted stock. Beginning January&nbsp;1, 2008, the grant vests in 5 equal annual installments if the
30&nbsp;day average of Middleby Corporation of Middleby common stock is at or above $62.50 in year 1, $70 in year 2, $77.50 in year 3, $87.50 in year 4, $100 in year 5. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>21</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=23,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=519335,FOLIO='21',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DM72201A.;53',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;20:20' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_do72201_1_22"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Option Exercises and Stock Vested for the Fiscal Year Ended December&nbsp;29, 2007  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The following table sets forth the aggregate amounts received or realized in connection with the exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards under the 1998 Stock
Incentive Plan and 2007 Stock Incentive Plan during the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007 by each of the Named Executive Officers. Options awarded under the plan become exercisable in
accordance with the terms of the grant and generally have a ten year term. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="do72201_option_exercises_and_stock_vested"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_do72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Option Exercises and Stock Vested    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="27%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=4 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Option Awards</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=4 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Stock Awards</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="27%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Number of Shares<BR>
Acquired on<BR>
Exercise&nbsp;(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Value Realized<BR>
on Exercise&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Number of Shares<BR>
Acquired on<BR>
Vesting&nbsp;(#)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Value Realized<BR>
on Vesting&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="27%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>319,288</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>19,900,997</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>120,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>9,194,400</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="27%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>60,008</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,630,755</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>20,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1,532,400</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="27%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>17,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>880,185</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="27%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>10,250</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(6)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>480,730</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="27%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>14,200</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(7)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>575,527</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercised
option details for Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul are as follows:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 95,000 shares on May&nbsp;1, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 400,000 shares granted on February&nbsp;26, 2002 at a strike price of $2.95.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 98,288 shares on September&nbsp;7, 2007 and 1,712 shares on December&nbsp;4, 2007 comprising the total grant of 100,000 shares granted on October&nbsp;23,
2003 at a strike price of $9.235.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 58,288 shares on December&nbsp;4, 2007 and 66,000 shares on December&nbsp;7, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 250,000 shares granted on
October&nbsp;23, 2003 at a strike price of $9.235.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>On
January&nbsp;5, 2005 Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul was awarded 200,000 shares of restricted stock. Of this amount 20,000 shares vested on December&nbsp;31, 2006 and 120,000 shares vested
on December&nbsp;31, 2007.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercised
option details for Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald are as follows:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 12,000 shares on May&nbsp;8, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 20,000 shares granted on February&nbsp;26, 2002 at a strike price of $2.95.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 8,000 shares on May&nbsp;8, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 10,000 shares granted on March&nbsp;5, 2003 at a strike price of $5.255.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 10,200 shares on May&nbsp;25, 2007, 18,904 shares on September&nbsp;4, 2007 and 10,904 shares on December&nbsp;3, 2007 comprising the part of a total grant
of 70,000 shares granted on October&nbsp;23, 2003 at a strike price of $9.235.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>On
March&nbsp;7, 2005 Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald was awarded 100,000 shares of restricted stock. If Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald remains employed by the Company on the respective vesting dates,
the restricted stock grant will vest in 20% on December&nbsp;31 of each year, commencing on December&nbsp;31, 2005. Dividends on all restricted stock (to the extent declared by the Company) will
be payable to Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald in cash.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercised
option details for Mr.&nbsp;Albert are as follows:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 7,000 shares on August&nbsp;10, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 10,000 shares granted on October&nbsp;23, 2003 at a strike price of $9.235. </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>22</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=24,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=800406,FOLIO='22',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DO72201A.;28',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:02' -->
<A NAME="page_do72201_1_23"> </A>
<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 10,000 shares on August&nbsp;10, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 20,000 shares granted on February&nbsp;28, 2005 at a strike price of $26.965.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(6)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercised
option details for Mr.&nbsp;Sieron are as follows:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 4,000 shares on May&nbsp;15, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 20,000 shares granted on February&nbsp;26, 2002, at a strike price of $2.95.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 1,200 shares on May&nbsp;15, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 6,000 shares granted on March&nbsp;5, 2003, at a strike price of $5.255.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 5,250 shares on May&nbsp;15, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 50,000 shares granted on February&nbsp;26, 2002 at a strike price of $26.965.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD></DL>
</DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(7)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercised
option details for Mr.&nbsp;Mick are as follows:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 1,200 shares on March&nbsp;8, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 6,000 shares granted on March&nbsp;5, 2003, at a strike price of $5.255.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 3,000 shares on March&nbsp;8, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 10,000 shares granted on October&nbsp;23, 2003 at a strike price of $9.235.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Exercise
of 5,000 shares on March&nbsp;2, 2007 and 5,000 shares on November&nbsp;15, 2007 comprising part of a total grant of 20,000 shares granted on
February&nbsp;28, 2005 at a strike price of $26.965. </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Pension Benefits at 2007 Fiscal Year End  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul is entitled to a nonqualified defined benefit pension benefit as follows: Upon Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's retirement on or
after the date on which he attains the age of 55 (the "Age 55 Retirement Benefit"), but in no event prior thereto, he shall be fully vested in a monthly retirement benefit equal to
one-twelfth of 50% of his then current base salary, payable for the remainder of his life. If Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul retires after the date on which he attains the age of 60 (the "Age 60
Retirement Benefit"), he shall be fully vested in a monthly retirement benefit equal to one-twelfth of 62.5% of his then current base salary, in lieu of the age 55 Retirement Benefit,
payable for the remainder of his life. If Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul retires after the date on which he attains the age of 65, he shall be fully vested in a monthly retirement benefit equal to
one-twelfth of 75% of his then current base salary, in lieu of the age 60 Retirement Benefit, payable for the remainder of his life. The estimated monthly retirement benefit payable to
Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul based on his compensation level as of December&nbsp;20, 2007 would be $37,500 at the retirement age of 55, $46,875 at the retirement age of 60, and $56,250 at the retirement age
of 65. The amount of Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's nonqualified retirement benefit would be offset by the amount of Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's accrued benefits under the tax-qualified plans maintained by
the Company, other than any portion of such benefits that are attributable to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's own contributions to the qualified plans. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="do72201_pension_benefits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_do72201_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Pension Benefits    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="29%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Plan Name</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Number of Years Credited Service&nbsp;(#)(1)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Present Value of Accumulated Benefit&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Payments During Last Fiscal Year&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="19%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="29%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman Retirement Plan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2,941,440</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="19%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="29%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman Retirement Medical Plan(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>251,355</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Reflects
years of credited service since the inception of the respective plans. The number of years of credited service for purposes of the plans is less than the Named Executive
Officer's years of service with the Company and there is no benefit augmentation as a result. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>23</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=25,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=306935,FOLIO='23',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DO72201A.;28',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:02' -->
<A NAME="page_do72201_1_24"> </A>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
present value of accumulated pension benefits assumes a retirement age of 55, an interest rate of 5.75%, retirement income of $1.65&nbsp;million, and a length of pension payout
of 30&nbsp;years.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
and his dependents are entitled to continue to participate in all health and medical plans and programs which the Company maintains for its senior executives and
their families for life, subject to any Medicare coverage being the primary coverage.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
present value of accumulated post-retirement medical benefits due to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul assumes a retirement age of 55, an interest rate of 5.75%, and a length of
benefit period of 30&nbsp;years. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Under Employment Agreements  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Selim Bassoul  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>During the term of Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's employment agreement with the Company (see above "Employment Agreements"), the parties have the right to terminate the agreement at any
time and, in the case of any termination, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul will be paid all compensation accrued to date, including, in the event that the termination is by the Company and MM for reasons other than
cause, a pro rata share of incentive compensation under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan that would otherwise have been payable to him had he remained employed by the Company until the last
day of the fiscal year, such pro rata share to be paid following the conclusion of the fiscal year for which payable. Under the employment agreement, if the Company terminates Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's
employment without cause, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul terminates his employment due to a material diminution of his duties or a change in his title, or Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul terminates his employment within the
six-month period following a change in control, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul will be entitled to an amount equal to three times the sum of his annual base salary and the greater of (x)&nbsp;the
amount of incentive compensation earned under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan with respect to the full calendar year immediately prior to the date of termination and (y)&nbsp;the average
incentive compensation paid to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan for each of the three calendar years immediately prior to the date of termination. Further, the
employment agreement provides that if Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's employment agreement is terminated by either party, for reasons other than cause, Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul and his dependents are entitled to
continue to participate in all health and medical plans and programs which the Company maintains for its senior executives
and their families until the later of the death of Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul or his spouse, subject to any Medicare coverage being the primary coverage. The present value of the medical benefits that would
be provided to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul in such circumstances is shown above under "Pension Benefits at 2007 Fiscal Year End". The agreement also provides Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul with an additional payment
(referred to as a "gross-up" payment) intended to reimburse him for the excise tax payable should any payments made to him in the event of a change in control be subject to the excise tax imposed on
"excess parachute payments" under section&nbsp;4999 of the Code, and to reimburse him for the income, excise and employment taxes on the reimbursement payment. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Timothy J. FitzGerald  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>During the term of Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's employment agreement (see above "Employment Agreements"), Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's employment may be terminated by the Employer
(defined as the Company and MM) or by Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald at any time, or by the death of Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald. The employment agreement provides Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald with the following severance
benefits. If the Employer terminates Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's employment without "cause" (as defined in the employment agreement), or if Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald terminates his employment within six
months following a change in control of the Company, Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to two times the sum of: (a)&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's annual base salary
for the full calendar year immediately prior to the date of termination, and (b)&nbsp;the greater of (i)&nbsp;the amount of his annual bonus paid under the Company's Management Incentive
Compensation Plan with respect to </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>24</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=26,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=255215,FOLIO='24',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DO72201A.;28',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:02' -->
<A NAME="page_do72201_1_25"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>the
full calendar year immediately prior to the year of termination and (ii)&nbsp;the average of Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's annual bonuses paid under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan for each
of the two calendar years immediately prior to the year of termination. Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald will also be entitled to an additional payment (referred to as a "gross-up" payment) to cover
the amount of any excise tax, including income taxes and excise taxes incurred with respect to the gross-up payment, in the event that any amount payable to him in connection with a change
in control of the Company results in the excise tax imposed on "excess parachute payments" under the Code. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Other Named Executive Officers  </I></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Named Executive Officers other than our CEO and CFO do not have any employment or severance agreements with the Company. In the event of termination (including in
connection with a change in control), payment of severance and a prorated MICP bonus may be approved by the Compensation Committee in their discretion. Equity grants would vest in accordance with
grant provisions. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Under Equity Incentive Plans  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Upon termination of employment for reasons other than disability or death, each of the Named Executive Officers would be entitled to exercise then-vested stock
options for a period of three months following such termination of employment. In the event of the disability or death of the Named Executive Officer, the executive or his estate or beneficiary, as
the case may be, would be entitled to exercise then-vested stock options for a period of one year following such termination event. For purposes of the charts below, the value of
accelerated restricted stock shown is determined by multiplying the number of shares of restricted stock that would vest as of December&nbsp;29, 2007 by the closing price of the Common Stock on
December&nbsp;29, 2007; and the value of accelerated options shown is based on the excess of the closing price of the Common Stock on December&nbsp;29, 2007 over the exercise price of such option,
multiplied by the number of unvested options held by the Named Executive Officer as of December&nbsp;29, 2007. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Quantification  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The tables below illustrate the potential payouts to each Named Executive Officer under each of the various separation situations discussed above. The tables assume that the
terminations took place on December&nbsp;29, 2007, the last day of our fiscal year. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Termination without cause:  </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="39%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Cash Severance</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Accelerated Vesting<BR>
of Restricted Stock</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Accelerated Vesting<BR>
of Options</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>13,200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>18,405,600</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1,800,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,067,600</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Employee terminates due to material diminution in duties:  </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="40%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Base Salary</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Accelerated Vesting<BR>
of Restricted Stock</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Accelerated Vesting<BR>
of Options</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="40%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>13,200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>18,405,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="40%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="40%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="40%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="40%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>25</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=4,SEQ=27,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=244228,FOLIO='25',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DO72201A.;28',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:02' -->
<A NAME="page_do72201_1_26"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Termination of employment within 6&nbsp;months of change in control:  </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="39%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Base Salary</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Accelerated Vesting<BR>
of Restricted Stock</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Accelerated Vesting<BR>
of Options</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>13,200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>38,345,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1,533,800</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1,800,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>10,736,600</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>153,380</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>766,900</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>383,450</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>306,760</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>92,028</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>766,900</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>475,478</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Assuming a hypothetical termination of employment in connection with a change in control of the Company made on the last day of our 2007 fiscal year, as discussed above, the
Company would be obligated to make an excise tax gross up payment to each of Messrs.&nbsp;Bassoul and FitzGerald in the estimated amount of $14&nbsp;million and $4.4&nbsp;million, respectively.
The estimate of the gross-up payment does not take into account the value of post-retirement medical benefits that would be provided to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul. The present value of
the medical benefits that would be provided to Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul is shown above under "Pension Benefits at 2007 Fiscal Year End". </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>26</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=5,SEQ=28,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=858723,FOLIO='26',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DO72201A.;28',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:02' -->
<A NAME="page_do72201_1_27"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Directors' Compensation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation for services to the Company performed by members of the Board of
Directors who were not employees of the Company during the 2007 fiscal year. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Fees Earned or<BR>
Paid in Cash&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Stock<BR>
Awards&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Option<BR>
Awards&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Non-Equity<BR>
Incentive Plan<BR>
Compensation&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Change in<BR>
Pension<BR>
Value and<BR>
Nonqualified<BR>
Deferred<BR>
Compensation<BR>
Earnings</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>All Other<BR>
Compensation&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Total&nbsp;($)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Robert B. Lamb<BR>
Audit Committee Member</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">38,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">57,630</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">0</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">95,630</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Ryan Levenson<BR>
Audit and Compensation Committee Member</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">42,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">57,630</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">0</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">99,630</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">John R. Miller III<BR>
Compensation Committee Member</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">38,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">57,630</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">20,256</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">115,886</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Gordon O'Brien<BR>
Compensation Committee member</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">35,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">57,630</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">0</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">92,630</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Philip G. Putnam<BR>
Audit Committee Chairman</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">43,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">57,630</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">23,632</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">124,262</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Sabin C. Streeter<BR>
Audit Committee Member</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">38,500</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">57,630</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">21,805</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">117,935</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Robert L. Yohe<BR>
Compensation Committee Chairman and Lead Independent Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">48,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">57,630</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">18,115</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">123,745</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Each
director of the Company receives an annual retainer of $30,000, and each director who is not an officer of the Company receives an additional retainer of $1,000 for each meeting
of the Board of Directors or committee thereof that he attends and $500 for each telephonic meeting that he participates in. Each director who serves as a committee chair receives an additional annual
retainer of $5,000, and the lead independent director receives an additional annual retainer of $5,000.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">The
amount in this column represent the dollar amount of the expense recognized in connection with equity-based awards to Director's under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for financial
reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007. The amount of the expense was determined in accordance with FAS&nbsp;123R, </FONT><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><I>Share Based
Payments</I></FONT><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">, which requires the Company to expense the value of equity-based awards ratably over the vesting period of the equity award. Please refer to the "Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements", Note&nbsp;(4)&#151;"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", Note&nbsp;(o)&#151;"Share Based Compensation" included in the Company's 2007 Annual Report on
Form&nbsp;10-K as filed with the SEC on February&nbsp;27, 2008 for a discussion of the assumptions used to calculate these amounts.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">Board
of Directors fees for Mr.&nbsp;O'Brien's services are paid directly to his employer, American Capital Strategies.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-9pt;'><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">The
Company maintains an unfunded retirement plan for non-employee directors. The plan provides for an annual benefit upon a change in control or retirement from the Board
of Directors at age 70, equal to 100% of the director's last annual fee (excluding meeting fees), payable on a quarterly basis for a number of years equal to the director's years of service, up to a
maximum of 10&nbsp;years. In November, 2006, the Board of Directors approved the termination of The Middleby Corporation Board of Directors pension plan ("Plan"). All current Directors with more
than 10&nbsp;years of service to the Company will remain in the Plan and will be allowed to continue to have benefits vest and accrue in the Plan until they meet the Plan retirement age of 70, at
which point their respective Plan distributions will begin. Any future Board members will not be eligible for the Plan. The Director's retirement plan obligation is calculated using an interest rate
of 5.75% for a director retiring at age 70, and a benefit payout term of 10&nbsp;years. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>27</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=6,SEQ=29,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=828919,FOLIO='27',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DO72201A.;28',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:02' -->
<A NAME="page_do72201_1_28"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The number of stock options and stock awards outstanding as of December&nbsp;29, 2007 for each non-employee member of the Board of Directors are
as follows: </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="73%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Director<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Options</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Restricted&nbsp;Stock</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="73%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Robert B. Lamb</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="73%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Ryan Levenson</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="73%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>John R. Miller III</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="73%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gordon O'Brien</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="73%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Philip G. Putnam</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="73%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Sabin C. Streeter</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>6,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="73%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Robert L. Yohe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="do72201_security_ownership_of_certain___sec02525"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_do72201_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF<BR>  CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The information contained in this Proxy Statement relating to the occupations and security holdings of directors and officers of the Company and such individuals' transactions
with the Company is based upon information received from each individual as of March&nbsp;21, 2008. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of the Common Stock, as of March&nbsp;21, 2008, by each person known by the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than five percent of Common Stock, each director and each nominee for director of the Company, each Named Executive Officer of the Company and all current directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address for each person listed below is c/o The Middleby Corporation, 1400 Toastmaster Drive, Elgin, Illinois 60120. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="60%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name of<BR>
Beneficial Owner</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Amount and<BR>
Nature of<BR>
Beneficial Ownership</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Percent<BR>
Of&nbsp;Class</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Directors, Director Nominees, and Executive Officers:</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1,411,712</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>8.0</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>198,788</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Robert L. Yohe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>35,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark Sieron</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>120,604</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Sabin C. Streeter</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>32,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>John R. Miller III</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Philip G. Putnam</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>12,500</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gordon O'Brien</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>9,100</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Robert B. Lamb</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Ryan Levenson</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>6,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Magdy Albert</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>21,500</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Gary Mick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>15,924</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="60%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>All directors and executive officers of the Company<BR>
(16 individuals)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1,156,951</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(1)-(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>11.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>%</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Indicates
beneficial ownership of less than 1%. <BR>
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul
is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. His holdings include 650,712 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable within
60&nbsp;days, 40,000 shares of restricted Common Stock granted on January&nbsp;5, 2005, 200,000 shares of restricted stock Common Stock granted on May&nbsp;12, 2005, 69,500 shares of restricted
Common Stock granted on </FONT></DD></DL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>28</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=7,SEQ=30,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=373108,FOLIO='28',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DO72201A.;28',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:02' -->
<A NAME="page_do72201_1_29"> </A>
<UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>March&nbsp;8,
2007, 47,500 shares of restricted stock granted on May&nbsp;7, 2007, and 46,000 shares held by Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul's spouse as trustee. </FONT></P>

</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald
is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. His holdings include 31,992 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable within
60&nbsp;days, 40,000 shares of restricted Common Stock granted on May&nbsp;7, 2005, 45,000 shares of restricted Common Stock granted on March&nbsp;8, 2007, 55,000 shares of restricted Common
Stock granted on May&nbsp;7, 2007 and 9,400 shares held by Mr.&nbsp;FitzGerald's spouse and children.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mr.&nbsp;Sieron,
President of Middleby Cooking Systems Group, holdings include 20,504 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable within 60&nbsp;days and 20,000 shares
of restricted Common Stock granted on March&nbsp;8, 2007.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mr.&nbsp;Albert,
Executive Vice President, Food Processing Group, holdings include 20,000 shares of restricted Common Stock granted on March&nbsp;8, 2007.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Mr.&nbsp;Mick,
President of GS Blodgett Corporation, holdings include 10,000 shares of restricted Common Stock granted on March&nbsp;8, 2007. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="do72201_section_16(a)_benefici__do702030"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_do72201_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SECTION&nbsp;16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Under Section&nbsp;16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company's directors and executive officers and any person that beneficially owns more than
ten percent of the Company's Common Stock are required to report their beneficial ownership and any changes in that ownership to the SEC and the Nasdaq. These reports are required to be submitted by
specified deadlines, and the Company is required to report in this proxy statement any failure by directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than ten percent of its Common Stock to file such
reports on a timely basis during the Company's most recent fiscal year or, in the case of such a failure that has not previously been so disclosed, prior fiscal years. Based solely on a review of the
copies of reports furnished to the Company during and with respect to the year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007 and written representations from certain of the Company's directors and executive
officers, the Company does not know of any failure by its executive officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than ten percent of its Common Stock to file on a timely basis any reports
required by Section&nbsp;16(a) for the year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007 and, to the extent applicable for purposes of this disclosure, prior fiscal years. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>29</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=8,SEQ=31,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=647483,FOLIO='29',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DO72201A.;28',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:02' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_dq72201_1_30"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dq72201_report_of_the_audit_committee"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dq72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Audit Committee conducted its oversight activities for the Company in accordance with the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Audit Committee charter, approved by
the Board of Directors on March&nbsp;4, 2003 and modified as of February&nbsp;25, 2004, a copy of which was attached as Appendix&nbsp;A to the proxy statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of the Company. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Company's audited financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Audit committee discussed with the independent auditors, Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche&nbsp;LLP, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No.&nbsp;61, Communications
with Audit Committees, as modified or supplemented, by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB"). </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No.&nbsp;1 (Independence
Discussions with Audit Committees), and has discussed with the auditors the auditors' independence. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the status of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance objectives as of December&nbsp;29, 2007. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Based
on reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007
be included in the Company's annual report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="76%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Middleby Corporation Audit Committee</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Philip G. Putnam, Chairman,</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Sabin C. Streeter, Robert Lamb, Ryan Levenson</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>During the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007, the Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs.&nbsp;Yohe, O'Brien, Miller, and Levenson, all of whom were "independent
directors" of the Company and were not officers of the Company. During the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007, Selim A. Bassoul, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
participated with the full Board in reviewing and approving certain components of compensation of other executive officers and senior managers. Recommendations concerning the compensation of
Mr.&nbsp;Bassoul were made by the Compensation Committee to the Board of Directors. During 2007, no member of the Compensation Committee was, or formerly was, an officer or employee of the Company,
or had any relationship requiring disclosure by the Company under Item&nbsp;404 of Regulation&nbsp;S-K, promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>The Middleby Corporation Code of Ethics  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all directors, executive officers, officers and employees of the Company. The Company has made the Code of Ethics
available on its website at www.middleby.com. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>30</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=32,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=283519,FOLIO='30',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DQ72201A.;9',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_dq72201_1_31"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Audit Firm Fee Summary  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>During fiscal years 2007 and 2006 the Company retained its principal auditor, Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche&nbsp;LLP, to provide services in the following categories and amounts: </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="83%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="71%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>2007</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>2006</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="71%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Audit Fees</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;Fees for the annual financial statement and internal control audits, reviews of the Company's quarterly reports on Form&nbsp;10-Q, and services normally provided by the
independent auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>643,600</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>625,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="71%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Audit Related Fees</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;Fees for the assurance and related services that are associated with the performance of the audit or interim financial statement review and are not reported under audit
fees</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>0</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="71%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Tax Fees</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;Fees for tax compliance, assistance with tax audits, tax advice, and tax planning</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>490,525</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>263,700</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="71%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>All Other Fees</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;Fees for internal controls consultation services and compensation consulting</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>0</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>All
of the services described in Audit Fees, Audit Related Fees, Tax Fees, and All Other Fees were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the Company's principal auditor is compatible with maintaining the independence of Deloitte&nbsp;&amp;
Touche&nbsp;LLP as the Company's public accountants. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Audit Committee Charter provides that the Audit Committee shall pre-approve all audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors (subject
to the de minimis exceptions under applicable law, rules and regulations). However, the
Audit Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Audit Committee the authority to grant such pre-approvals, and the decisions of any member to whom such authority is
delegated shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. In determining whether to pre-approve permitted non-audit services, the Audit
Committee (or the members with authority to pre-approve) shall consider whether the auditor's performance of such services in compatible with independence. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>31</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=33,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=443473,FOLIO='31',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DQ72201A.;9',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_dq72201_1_32"> </A>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dq72201_proposal_no._2_#151;ratificati__pro02823"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dq72201_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PROPOSAL NO. 2&#151;RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF<BR>  INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche&nbsp;LLP served as independent public accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;29, 2007. The Audit Committee has
selected Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche&nbsp;LLP to continue to provide audit services for the current fiscal year ending January&nbsp;3, 2009. Accordingly, the Board recommends that stockholders ratify
the selection of Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche&nbsp;LLP to audit the Company for the current fiscal year. Representatives of Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche&nbsp;LLP are expected to attend the annual meeting,
to make a statement if they desire to do so, and to be available to respond to appropriate questions. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Vote Required for Approval; Board Recommendation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The vote of a majority of votes cast at the Meeting, at which a quorum is present, is necessary to approve the proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte&nbsp;&amp;
Touche&nbsp;LLP as the Company's independent public accountants. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF DELOITTE&nbsp;&amp; TOUCHE&nbsp;LLP.</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dq72201_proposal_no._3_#151;amendment___pro01910"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dq72201_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PROPOSAL NO. 3&#151;AMENDMENT TO THE 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Board has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to the Middleby Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan that increases the number of shares available for grants by an additional
200,000 shares to an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Common Stock. The Board believes the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and its other equity compensation plans have served the Company well and considers it
advisable to have an additional 200,000 shares available for issuance in order to provide awards that are designed to attract and retain key employees and to provide long-term incentive
rewards to those selected individuals intended to align the interests of such individuals with those of our stockholders. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
2007 Stock Incentive Plan enables the Board to make discretionary grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance-based stock to selected employees of the
Company and its subsidiaries and non-employee directors. The Board believes that encouraging the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to own Common Stock benefits the Company and
its stockholders. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>This
Proposal is being submitted to stockholders in order to ensure the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan's compliance with the Nasdaq Stock Market rules relating to stockholder approval of equity
compensation plans, as well as to ensure the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan's compliance with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>If
stockholders approve the proposed amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for grants under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan will increase
from 200,000 to 400,000. The amendment attached to this proxy statement as Appendix&nbsp;A also reflects an adjustment to the number of awards that may be made to individual participants each year
required by the Company's two-for-one stock split. No other changes will be made to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan as a result of the amendment and its approval. If our
stockholders do not approve the amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, the current plan prior to such proposed amendment will remain in effect, except as required to reflect the Company's
two-for-one stock split. On March&nbsp;21, 2008, an aggregate of 190,000 shares were covered by restricted stock awards under the 2007 Stock Incentive </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>32</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=34,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=944689,FOLIO='32',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DQ72201A.;9',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_dq72201_1_33"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Plan;
and to the extent that any of these awards should expire or be forfeited, shares covered by such awards may be re-granted under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Under
the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, grants may not be made to the extent that an award of options or stock appreciation rights would cause the Company's burn rate (as defined below), as an average
over the three year period from 2008 through 2010, to exceed 2.55% per year. The burn rate will be calculated as (i)&nbsp;the number of shares of Common Stock underlying (a)&nbsp;stock options,
(b)&nbsp;stock-settled stock appreciation rights, (c)&nbsp;restricted stock, (d)&nbsp;restricted stock units, (e)&nbsp;performance stock actually earned and delivered or deferred, and
(e)&nbsp;similar awards that may be settled by the delivery of shares, divided by (ii)&nbsp;the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year. Stock Appreciation
Rights or full value shares settled in cash will not be included in the calculation of the burn rate. The limitation applies with respect to the Company's equity awards under the 2007 Stock Incentive
Plan, the Company's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and any other compensation plan (as defined by the NASDAQ Stock Market rules), but excludes plans assumed in acquisitions and
tax-qualified plans. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>On
March&nbsp;21, 2008, the last reported sale price of Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $61.21 per share. Below is a summary of the material features of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
The summary does not purport to be complete, and the Company refers you to the full text of the plan attached as Appendix&nbsp;C to the Company's Proxy Statement filed on April&nbsp;3, 2007, as
amended by the amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix&nbsp;A. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>PRINCIPAL FEATURES OF THE 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Administration of the Plan.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Board administers the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. The Board has the authority to make grants and to
determine their terms; provided, however, that the selection of eligible individuals for participation and decisions concerning the timing, pricing and amount of a grant are made solely by a committee
consisting of two or more directors who are (a)&nbsp;"non-employee directors" under Rule&nbsp;16b-3 of the Exchange Act, (b)&nbsp;"outside directors" under
Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code and "independent directors" pursuant to Nasdaq requirements. Subject to the provisions of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, the Board has the authority to interpret the
provisions of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, to adopt any rules, procedures and forms necessary for the operation and administration of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, and to determine all questions
relating to the eligibility and other rights of all persons under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Eligibility.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to be participants. The Company's
non-employee directors as well non-employee service providers are also eligible to be selected for grants under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Shares Available for Grant; Individual Award Limits.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As amended, the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan provides that the Board has authorized up to
400,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. No more than 200,000 shares may be issued with respect to grants made in any single year to any individual participant.
If a grant expires or is canceled, any shares which were not issued or fully vested under the grant at the time of expiration or cancellation will again be available for grants. Any shares of Common
Stock used for the payment of required tax withholding amounts or the exercise price applicable to a grant, shall count against the total number of shares available for issuance under the Plan. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
shares of stock deliverable under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan may consist in whole or in part of unissued shares or reacquired shares. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>33</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=4,SEQ=35,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=239800,FOLIO='33',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DQ72201A.;9',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_dq72201_1_34"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Adjustments.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The number and kind of shares of Common Stock available for grants under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, the number and kind of
shares of Common Stock issued in respect of outstanding grants, the exercise price, grant price or purchase price and any individual limitations applicable to grants are subject to adjustment if there
are changes affecting the Common Stock, such as a merger, consolidation, stock dividend, split-up, combination, or exchange of shares, recapitalization or change in capitalization with
respect to the shares of Common Stock. Each such adjustment, however, with respect to incentive stock options shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section&nbsp;424(h) of the Code and
any regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder; and no such adjustment shall cause any Grant hereunder which is or becomes subject to Section&nbsp;409A of the Code to fail to comply with the
requirements of such section. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>No Repricing</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except as required by the adjustment provision described above, no grants under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan may be repriced
unless such action is approved by the stockholders of the Company. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Types of Awards.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan permits the grant of any or all of the following types of awards: (1)&nbsp;stock options,
including incentive stock options, (2)&nbsp;stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), in tandem with stock options or free-standing, (3)&nbsp;restricted stock, and (4)&nbsp;performance
stock. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Stock Options.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Options may be either "Incentive Stock Options," as defined in Section&nbsp;422 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"),
or options not intended to be so qualified ("Non-qualified Options"). The Board may grant more than one option to a participant during the life of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, and such
option may be in addition to an option or options previously granted. However, the aggregate fair market value of stock with
respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by such individual during any calendar year (under all stock option plans of the Company and its subsidiaries) may not
exceed $100,000. Incentive Stock Options shall be exercisable at no less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, subject to anti-dilution provisions.
However, if any Incentive Stock Option is granted to an individual who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, actually or constructively under
Section&nbsp;424 of the Code, the exercise price shall be 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option in the date of grant. Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to
eligible employees. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
2007 Stock Incentive Plan also provides that Non-qualified Options may not be granted at less than 100% of the fair market value of shares on the date of grant. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Options
granted pursuant to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan will generally be transferable only by will or by laws governing descent and distribution, and during the lifetime of an optionee, will be
exercisable only by the optionee. However, subject to the approval of the Board, the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan provides that an option may be transferable, as permitted under the Exchange Act, as long
as such transfers are made to one or more of the following: family members, including children of the optionee, the spouse of the optionee, or grandchildren of the optionee, trusts for such family
members or charities ("Transferees"), and provided that such transfer is a bona fide gift and, accordingly, the optionee receives no consideration for the transfer, and that the options transferred
continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the options immediately prior to the transfer. In the event of such a transfer, the Transferee may not subsequently
transfer such option. However, the designation of a beneficiary will not constitute a transfer. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Unless
otherwise provided in a stock option award agreement, no option will be exercisable following three months after termination of employment with the Company (or such shorter or longer period as
the option may provide) unless such termination of employment occurs by reason of disability or death. In the event of the disability or death of an optionee while employed or in service of the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company, the options or unexercisable portions thereof, to the extent exercisable on </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>34</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=5,SEQ=36,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=312367,FOLIO='34',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DQ72201A.;9',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_dq72201_1_35"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>the
date of disability or death, shall be exercisable for a period not to exceed the expiration of one year from the date of disability or death (or such shorter period as the option may provide). In
no event, however, shall an option be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date such option was granted (five years in the case of Incentive Stock Options granted to an optionee
owning more than 10% of the voting power of stock of the Company), or beyond the term for which it was granted. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Payment
for shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of an option granted under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan shall be made in full at the time of such exercise, whether in cash or
shares of Common Stock (valued at fair market value), or in a combination of cash and shares of stock. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Stock Appreciation Rights.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An SAR represents the right to receive, upon exercise, a payment which is equal to the increase (if any) in the
fair market value of a share of Common Stock between the date of grant and the date of exercise. The payment for the increase in value may be made in the form of Common Stock, cash or in a combination
of Common Stock and cash. The exercise price of a SAR may not be less than the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>An
SAR may be granted free-standing or in tandem with new options. However, an SAR which is issued in tandem with an Incentive Stock Option will be subject to the following rules:
(i)&nbsp;it will expire no later than at the expiration of the Incentive Stock Option; (ii)&nbsp;payment under the SAR will not exceed 100% of the difference between the exercise price of the
option and the fair market value of stock on the date the SAR is exercised; (iii)&nbsp;it will be transferable only when the option is transferable, and under the same conditions; (iv)&nbsp;it
will be exercisable only when the option is exercisable; and (v)&nbsp;it may only be exercised when the fair market value of the Company's stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. Subject to
applicable law, payment by the Company upon exercise of an SAR will be in cash, stock, or any combination thereof as the Board shall determine. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>No
options granted under the Plan are exercisable after the expiration of ten years. Unless otherwise provided in a stock option award agreement, no outstanding and unvested option will vest following
a participant's termination of employment. In the event a participant dies before such participant has fully exercised his or her option, then the option may be exercised at any time within one year
after the participant's death by the his estate, but only to the extent that, at the date of death, the participant's right to exercise such option had vested. If a participant terminates employment
because of permanent and total disability, he may exercise any vested options for up to one year following termination or for such shorter period as the option may provide. Finally, if a participant
terminates employment for any reason other death or permanent and total disability, he may exercise all vested options for up to three months following termination or for such shorter period as the
option may provide. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Restricted Stock.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan provides that each grant of restricted stock shall include a description of the
restrictions applicable to the grant and the conditions on which the restrictions may be removed. Each grant will also provide whether the recipient must pay any amount in connection with the grant
and, if so, the amount and terms of that payment. Such amount shall not exceed 10% of the fair market value of the restricted stock at the time the grant is made, and may be for such lesser amount as
shall be determined by the Board. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Performance Stock.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan provides that each grant of performance stock shall include a description of any
applicable provisions relating to the performance period and performance criteria. Performance stock awards offer certain employees or non-employee directors the potential for substantial
financial incentives (in addition to potential appreciation in the value of Common Stock) based on continued service and the
achievement of long-term Company performance goals, but in a manner that also places such individuals at risk in the event of poor Company performance. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>35</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=6,SEQ=37,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=599250,FOLIO='35',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DQ72201A.;9',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_dq72201_1_36"> </A>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Amendment or Termination of the Plan.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Board may suspend, amend or terminate the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan at any time and in such
respects as it shall deem advisable, provided that, stockholder approval will be required for any amendment that would: (a)&nbsp;increase the total number of shares available for issuance under the
plan, (b)&nbsp;extend the term of the plan, or (c)&nbsp;modify the class of individuals eligible to receive awards of options, SARs, restricted stock or performance stock under the plan. The Board
may not amend or terminate the Plan to the extent that such amendment or termination would adversely affect a participant's rights pursuant to an award without the consent of the participant. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>PLAN BENEFITS  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Future grants under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan will be made at the discretion of the Company and, accordingly, are not yet determinable. In addition, benefits under the 2007
Stock Incentive Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the fair market value Common Stock on future dates and the exercise decisions made by optionees. Consequently, it is not possible to
determine the benefits that might be received by participants under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. However, in the event that stockholder approval of the amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan is
obtained, the Company may make grants to employees and to Company non-employee directors, as early as the Company's next regularly-scheduled board meeting. During the prior fiscal year,
the Company granted awards with respect to 287,000 shares of Common Stock out of the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and the Company granted awards with respect to 197,000 shares of Common Stock out of the
2007 Stock Incentive Plan. On January&nbsp;15, 2008 and February&nbsp;13, 2008 the Company made the following grants under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan: </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="77%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="75%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name and Position<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Shares of Restricted Stock</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="75%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul, President and CEO</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="75%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Timothy J. FitzGerald, Vice President and CFO</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&#151;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="75%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>All current executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers (Other than those listed above)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>60,000</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="75%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>All current employees who are not executive officers as a group</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>17,500</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATION IN THE 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN</I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Nonqualified Stock Options.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With respect to Nonqualified Options, the difference between the option's exercise price and the fair market
value of the underlying Common Stock on the date the option is exercised will be taxable as ordinary income to the optionee and will be deductible by the Company as compensation on such date. Gain or
loss on the subsequent sale of such stock will be eligible for capital gain or loss treatment by the optionee and will have no federal income tax consequences to the Company. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>An
exchange of Common Stock in payment of the option price in the case of a Nonqualified Option is considered a tax-free exchange by the optionee to the extent of a like number of new
shares, with the new shares retaining the basis and holding period of the old shares. The fair market value of any additional shares transferred to the optionee (representing the excess of the fair
market value of all of the new shares over the fair market value of all of the old shares) will constitute ordinary income to the optionee and be deductible by the Company. This amount then becomes
the optionee's basis in such shares. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Incentive Stock Options.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With respect to Incentive Stock Options, if the optionee does not make a disqualifying disposition of stock
acquired on exercise of such option, no income for federal income tax purposes will be recognized by the optionee upon the grant or exercise of the option (except that the </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>36</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=7,SEQ=38,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=933354,FOLIO='36',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DQ72201A.;9',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_dq72201_1_37"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>amount
by which the fair market value of the stock at time of exercise exceeds the option price will be a tax preference item under the expanded alternative minimum tax). In the event of a subsequent
sale of the Common Stock received upon exercise, any amount realized in excess of cost will be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain, depending on the period of time
that the shares were held, and any loss sustained will be short- or long-term capital loss. In such case, the Company will not be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes in
connection with the issuance or exercise of the option. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>A
disqualifying disposition will occur if the optionee makes a disposition of the shares received upon exercise within two years from the date of the granting of the option or within one year after
the exercise of such shares. If a disqualifying disposition is made, the difference between the option price and the lesser of (i)&nbsp;the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time the
option is exercised or (ii)&nbsp;the amount realized upon disposition of the Common Stock will be treated as ordinary income to the optionee at the time of disposition and will be allowed as a
deduction to the Company. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>An
exchange of Common Stock in payment of the option's exercise price in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, if the exchange is not a disqualifying disposition of the stock exchanged, is considered
to be tax-free. Under proposed regulations, a number of shares received upon exercise equal to the number of shares exchanged will have a basis equal to the basis of the shares exchanged
and the remaining shares received will have a zero basis. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>An
exchange of statutory option stock to acquire other stock on exercise of an Incentive Stock Option is a taxable recognition transaction with respect to the stock disposed of if the minimum
statutory holding period for such statutory option stock has not been met. Statutory option stock includes stock acquired through exercise of an Incentive Stock Option or an option granted under a
qualified employee stock purchase plan. If there is such a premature disposition, ordinary income is attributed to the optionee (and will be deductible by the Company) to the extent of the optionee's
"bargain" purchase on acquisition of the surrendered stock, and the post-acquisition appreciation in value of such stock is taxed to optionee as a short-term gain if held for
less than the applicable holding period for long-term capital gains, and long-term capital gain if held for such applicable holding period, and will not be deductible by the
Company. A portion of the excess of the amount deductible by the Company over the value of options when issued may be subject to the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Stock Appreciation Rights.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With respect to SARs, the fair market value of shares issued and the amount of cash paid by the Company upon
exercise of such rights will be taxable as ordinary
income to the holder of the rights and will be deductible by the Company, in each case on the date of exercise. Gain or loss on the subsequent sale of such shares will be eligible for capital gain or
loss treatment by the recipient and will have no federal income tax consequences to the Company. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Restricted Stock.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With respect to grants of restricted stock, shares may be granted to a participant without recognition of income by the
participant as long as the shares are not transferable and remain subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Upon the lapse of any restrictions on the transferability of the shares or the lapse of
the conditions creating the risk of forfeiture, the participant is required to recognize ordinary income to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the shares, determined at the time of
the lapse of the applicable restrictions, over the price, if any, paid for the shares. The participant may, alternatively, elect to recognize income at the date of the award, in the amount of the then
difference between the value of unrestricted shares and the price, if any, paid by the participant for the restricted shares. The Company is generally allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the
income recognized by the participant in the year such income is recognized. Unless the election referred to above is made, dividends received during the continuation of restrictions on shares will be
taxable to the participant as ordinary income for the periods in which such dividends are received, and such dividends will be deductible by the Company as compensation. Dividends received after the
restrictions cease to apply will be taxed as dividends to the participant and will not be deductible by the Company. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Performance Stock.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tax consequences with respect to grants of performance stock will generally be the same as summarized above under
the heading</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I> Restricted Stock.  </I></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>37</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=8,SEQ=39,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=539367,FOLIO='37',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DQ72201A.;9',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_ds72201_1_38"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Section&nbsp;162(m).</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Compensation paid to each person who is a "covered employee" of the Company is subject to the tax deduction limits
of Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Awards that qualify as "performance-based compensation" are exempt from Section&nbsp;162(m), thus allowing the Company the full federal tax
deduction otherwise permitted for such compensation. If approved by the Company's stockholders, the Plan as amended is intended to enable the Compensation Committee to grant awards to covered
employees that will be exempt from the deduction limits of Section&nbsp;162(m). However, no assurances can be made in this regard. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>The described tax consequences are based on current laws, regulations and interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to change. In addition, the discussion above is
limited to federal income taxes and does not attempt to describe state and local tax effects which may accrue to participants or the Company.</B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Vote Required for Approval; Board Recommendation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The vote of a majority of votes cast at the Meeting, at which a quorum is present, is necessary to approve the proposal to amend the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN.</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ds72201_proposal_no._4_#151;approval_o__pro03018"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ds72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PROPOSAL NO. 4&#151;APPROVAL OF<BR>  AN AMENDMENT TO THE<BR>  EXECUTIVE OFFICER INCENTIVE PLAN    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Middleby Corporation Executive Officer Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") was approved by our stockholders in 2006. The purpose of the Incentive Plan is to reinforce
corporate, organizational and business-development goals of the Company, to promote the achievement of year-to-year financial and other business objectives and to reward the
performance of the Company's key employees in fulfilling their individual responsibilities. The Board has approved, subject to the approval of our stockholders, an amendment to the Incentive Plan
which increases to $4.5&nbsp;million the current maximum amount that may be awarded to any individual for a performance period under the Incentive Plan. That amount was established at
$3.5&nbsp;million in 2006 when the Incentive Plan was first adopted and has been unchanged since. The Board believes that the amendment to the Incentive Plan is in the best interests of the Company
and its stockholders in order to enable the Compensation Committee to set appropriate financial performance goals and to reward outstanding performance by its key employees. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Incentive Plan is designed to qualify the amounts paid under its terms to our Named Executive Officers as "qualified performance-based compensation" under Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code and the
related regulations. This qualification will allow amounts awarded under the Incentive Plan to be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes, even if, when combined with other
compensation, the award causes the compensation of any of our Named Executive Officers to exceed $1&nbsp;million. Stockholder approval of the Incentive Plan, as amended, is required in order for the
Incentive Plan to continue to qualify under Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code. The amendment would not diminish the Compensation Committee's ability to exercise its discretion in establishing awards
or to exercise so-called "negative discretion" to reduce an award based on such factors as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Below
is a summary of the material features of the Incentive Plan. The summary does not purport to be complete, and the Company refers you to the full text of the Incentive Plan, as amended and
restated, </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>38</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=40,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=757249,FOLIO='38',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DS72201A.;11',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_ds72201_1_39"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>which
is included as Appendix&nbsp;B to this Proxy Statement. If the amended Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders the annual dollar limit that may be paid to an individual under the
Incentive Plan will be increased from $3.5&nbsp;million to $4.5&nbsp;million. If our stockholders do not approve the amendment submitted to stockholders for approval, the amendment and restatement
will not be effective and the Incentive Plan will continue to be in effect without amendment. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Purpose of the Incentive Plan  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The purposes of the Incentive Plan are to reinforce corporate, organizational and business-development goals; to promote the achievement of year-to-year
financial and other business objectives; and to reward the performance of the Company's key employees in fulfilling their individual responsibilities. The Incentive Plan provides an essential
component of the total compensation package offered to key employees. It reflects the importance placed by the Company on motivating employees to achieve superior results over a long term and paying
employees based on that kind of achievement. The Company strongly believes that its compensation programs have been integral to the Company's progress and that a continuation of those programs and
that emphasis is necessary for the Company to achieve superior performance in the future. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Awards
under the Incentive Plan are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), provided that such grants are based on
one or more of the performance measures specified below. However, in the event that the Committee (defined below) determines that it is advisable to grant awards that use measures other than those
specified below, any such awards will not qualify for the performance-based exception under Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Administration of the Incentive Plan  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Incentive Plan will be administered by a committee appointed by the Board ("Committee") and, it is currently the intent of the Board that the Incentive Plan be administered
by the Compensation Committee, which committee satisfies the requirements of Section&nbsp;162(m) regarding a committee of two or more "outside directors", as well as a committee of
"non-employee directors" for purposes of Rule&nbsp;16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Committee has the power in its discretion to grant awards under the Incentive Plan, to
determine the terms and conditions of such awards (including the performance goals), to interpret the provisions of the Incentive Plan and to take action as it deems necessary or advisable for the
administration of the Incentive Plan. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Eligibility and Participation  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Eligibility to participate in the Incentive Plan is limited to key employees (including officers) of the Company, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. As of
the date of this Proxy Statement 15 people are eligible to participate in the Incentive Plan. Participants are selected each year by the Compensation Committee from among the eligible employee group. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Performance Period  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>A performance period or an incentive performance period is defined in the Incentive Plan as the following five annual periods: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>January&nbsp;1,
2006&#151;December&nbsp;31, 2006;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>January&nbsp;1,
2007&#151;December&nbsp;31, 2007;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>January&nbsp;1,
2008&#151;December&nbsp;31, 2008;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>January&nbsp;1,
2009&#151;December&nbsp;31, 2009; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>January&nbsp;1,
2010&#151;December&nbsp;31, 2010. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>39</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=41,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=184059,FOLIO='39',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DS72201A.;11',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_ds72201_1_40"> </A>
<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Terms of Incentive Awards  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>An award under the Incentive Plan will be made by the Committee not later than ninety (90)&nbsp;days after the commencement of the relevant performance period and before
twenty-five percent (25%) of the relevant performance period has elapsed. The Committee will specify with respect to an incentive performance period, not later than ninety (90)&nbsp;days
after the commencement of the relevant performance period and before twenty-five percent (25%) of the relevant incentive performance period has elapsed, the performance goals applicable to
each Special Incentive Award and, may, in its sole discretion, specify minimum, target and maximum levels applicable to each performance goal. Awards for any incentive performance period will be
expressed as a dollar amount. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Payment
regarding incentive awards will be made only if and to the extent the performance goals with respect to such incentive performance period are attained. A participant will become entitled to
any amount otherwise payable with respect to any award made under the Incentive Plan only if the participant is employed by the Company on the last day of the applicable performance period. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Individual Limitations on Incentive Awards  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>As amended and restated, the Incentive Plan provides that in no event shall payment regarding an incentive award granted for an incentive performance period be made to a
participant in an amount that exceeds $4.5&nbsp;million per award. Prior to the amendment (or if the amendment does not become effective), this limit will remain at $3.5&nbsp;million. The
Committee may, in its sole discretion, decrease the amount otherwise payable to a participant upon the achievement of performance goals under an incentive award but in no event may the Committee
increase the amount otherwise payable to a participant pursuant to an incentive award. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Payment of Incentive Awards  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>All payments for an award granted under the Incentive Plan will be made in cash within two and one-half (2<SUP>1</SUP>/<SMALL>2</SMALL>) months after the end of the applicable
performance period. However, payments will be made only after achievement of the applicable performance goals for the relevant incentive performance period has been certified by the Committee. The
Committee will meet to consider the extent of any such achievements and make a decision as to the certification to facilitate timely payment of an award. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Establishment of Performance Goals  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>At the beginning of each performance period the Committee will establish performance goals applicable to the incentive awards. The performance goals will be objectively
measurable and will be based upon the achievement of a specified percentage or level in one or more criteria of the following criteria, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary or special items;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>net
income, before or after extraordinary or special items;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>return
on equity (gross or net), before or after extraordinary or special items;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>earnings
per share, before of after extraordinary or special items;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>stock
price;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>&#149;</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>or
any combination of the above criteria. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>In
addition, performance goals may be based on one or more business criteria, one or more business units or divisions of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the Company as a whole, and if
so desired by the Committee, by comparison with a peer group of companies. A performance goal need </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>40</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=42,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=600375,FOLIO='40',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DS72201A.;11',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_ds72201_1_41"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>not
be based upon an increase or positive result under a particular business criterion and could include, for example, maintaining the status quo or limiting economic losses (measured, in each case,
by reference to specific business criteria). As determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, the performance goals for any performance period may be measured on an absolute basis or in relation
to a pre-established target, prior year's results or a peer group or an index. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Committee also has the authority to make equitable adjustments, to the extent not inconsistent with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code, in the performance goals in recognition of unusual or
non-recurring events affecting the Company, in response to changes in applicable laws or regulations, or to account for items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or
unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence or related to the disposal of a segment of a business or related to a change in accounting principles. The performance goals may include a threshold level
of performance below which no compensation will be earned, levels of performance at which specified compensation will be earned, and a maximum level of performance beyond which no additional
compensation will be earned. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Nontransferability of Incentive Awards  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Awards may not be transferred or disposed of in any manner by a participant other than by beneficiary designation, will or by the laws of descent or distribution. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Tax Withholding  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Committee may require payment, or withhold payments made by the Incentive Plan, to satisfy applicable withholding tax requirements. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Termination and Amendment of the Incentive Plan  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Board or the Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the Incentive Plan; provided, however, that any amendment to the Incentive Plan will be submitted to the Company's
stockholders for approval if such stockholder approval is required in order for the Incentive Plan to continue to comply with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code or by any federal or state law or
regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the shares may then be listed or quoted and the Board may otherwise, in its sole discretion, determine to submit
other amendments to the Incentive Plan to stockholders for approval. Any such amendment, suspension, or termination may not materially and adversely affect the rights of a participant under any award
previously granted without such participant's consent. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Term of Incentive Plan  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Unless extended by the action of the Board or the Committee, no further awards may be granted for performance periods ending after December&nbsp;31, 2010. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Federal Income Tax Consequences  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Incentive Awards.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be no federal income tax consequences to a participant or the Company upon the grant of incentive awards.
Participants will generally recognize taxable income upon the payment of an award, and subject to Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction equal to the
amount includible in the participant's income. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code ("Section&nbsp;162(m)") generally provides that publicly held
companies may not deduct compensation paid to certain of its top executive officers to the extent such compensation exceeds $1&nbsp;million per officer in any year. However, pursuant to regulations
issued by the Treasury Department, certain limited exceptions to Section&nbsp;162(m) apply with respect to </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>41</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=4,SEQ=43,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=685668,FOLIO='41',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DS72201A.;11',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<A NAME="page_ds72201_1_42"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"performance-based
compensation." Incentive awards granted under the Incentive Plan are intended to constitute qualified performance-based compensation eligible for such exceptions. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Section&nbsp;409A of the Code.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;409A of the Code ("Section&nbsp;409A") provides that amounts paid in a year later than
the year in which services giving rise to such amounts are performed are includable in the participant's gross income to the extent not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, unless certain
requirements are met. Based on guidance issued under Section&nbsp;409A, multi-year performance based compensation, such as under the Incentive Plan, will generally not be subject to
Section&nbsp;409A as a short-term deferral provided that payments under the Incentive Plan are made within 2<SUP>1</SUP>/<SMALL>2</SMALL> months after the end of the performance period and,
therefore, will not be includable until paid. If an award under the Incentive Plan fails to come under the short-term deferral exception or otherwise becomes subject to Section&nbsp;409A
and does not comply with the requirements of Section&nbsp;409A, then amounts will become includable in income in the year such amounts become vested and the participant will be required to pay, in
addition to any regular tax, an excise tax equal to 20% of the original deferral and any earnings credited on the deferral. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>New Plan Benefits  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Because awards under the Incentive Plan are based upon performance goals selected in the first 90&nbsp;days of the year of any performance period and depend upon the level of
achievement of such goals, the amount of any awards that may be payable to participants in the Incentive Plan for 2008 cannot currently be determined. However, as noted above, there is a maximum award
for any individual participant in any performance period. For 2007, only our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer were selected to participate in the Incentive Plan. The following table
sets forth certain information as to awards granted in 2007 under the Incentive Plan to each of the Named Executive Officers who were participants in 2007, all of our executive officers as a group,
and all of our non-executive employees as a group. All awards under the Incentive Plan have been and will be made in consideration of services rendered or to be rendered to us or any of
our subsidiaries by recipients. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="80%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="83%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Name and Position and Award ($)<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="83%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Selim A. Bassoul<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Chairman of the Board,</I></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><I>President and Chief Executive Officer</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2,010,445</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="83%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Timothy J. FitzGerald<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
335,074</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="83%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Other Named Executive Officers As a Group</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="83%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Executive Officers other than the Named Executive Officers As a Group</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="83%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Non-Executive Employees As a Group</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
0</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Vote Required for Approval; Board Recommendation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The vote of a majority of votes cast at the Meeting, at which a quorum is present, is necessary to approve the proposal to adopt the amendment to The Middleby Corporation
Executive Officer Incentive Plan. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION EXECUTIVE OFFICER INCENTIVE
PLAN</B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>42</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=5,SEQ=44,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=407785,FOLIO='42',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DS72201A.;11',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:05' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_du72201_1_43"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Equity Compensation Plan Information  </B></FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The following table provides information as of December&nbsp;29, 2007 with respect to shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Company's existing equity
compensation plans, including the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and the 1989 Stock Incentive Plan. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="85%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="28%" ALIGN="LEFT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Plan Category<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Number of Securities to be<BR>
Issued Upon Exercise of<BR>
Outstanding Options,<BR>
Warrants and Rights<BR>
(a)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Weighted Average<BR>
Exercise Price of<BR>
Outstanding Options,<BR>
Warrants and Rights<BR>
(b)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;"><B>Number of Securities<BR>
Remaining Available for<BR>
Future Issuance<BR>
Under Equity<BR>
Compensation Plans<BR>
(c)</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT  style="font-size:8pt;line-height:9pt;">&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="28%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Equity compensation plans<BR>
approved by security<BR>
holders</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>851,608</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>9.58</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>80,680</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="White" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="28%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>6,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>5.255</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="28%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Total</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>857,608</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>$</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>9.55</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>80,680</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>NOTES:</B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Outstanding
stock option awards under the 1998 and 2007 Stock Incentive Plans.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
shares that remain available for issuance under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan may be issued in the form of restricted Common Stock. As described in "Compensation Discussion and
Analysis&#151;2008 Actions," on January&nbsp;28, 2008 and February&nbsp;13, 2008 the Company made restricted stock awards to the Named Executive Officers and other Company employees from
the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan. Effective February&nbsp;15, 2008 and in accordance with plan parameters, the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan is no longer permitted to make grants of any kind. Accordingly,
as of the date hereof, no shares are available for issuance under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan. </FONT></DD></DL>
<UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>As
of March&nbsp;21, 2008, in the "Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders", column (a)&nbsp;would equal 850,408 options, column (b)&nbsp;would equal a weighted average exercise
price of $9.58 with a weighted average term of 6.9&nbsp;years, and column (c)&nbsp;would equal 3,000 securities available for future issuance. In addition there are 785,043 issued restricted
shares that have not vested and remain subject to forfeiture. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>As
of March&nbsp;21, 2008, in the "Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders", column (a)&nbsp;would equal 0 options, column (b)&nbsp;would equal a weighted average exercise
price of $0 with a weighted average term of 0&nbsp;years, and column (c)&nbsp;would equal 0 securities available for future issuance. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Summary of Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>As of December&nbsp;29, 2007, the Company had made four outstanding option grants to non-employee directors which were not approved by stockholders: a 1996 grant,
a 2000 grant, a 2003 grant, and a 2006 grant. The Company believes that it is important to develop compensation and incentive packages that will attract and retain qualified members to serve on the
Board of Directors, while linking their performance to increasing stockholder value. The Company believes that periodically granting stock options to board members is an effective means to achieving
this goal. Each non-employee director received option grants to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock in 1996, 3,000 shares of Common Stock in 2000, 3000 shares of Common Stock in 2003,
and 500 shares of Common Stock in 2006. Such options were tied to the level of effectiveness of the Board of Directors in direct relation to creating stockholder value in the applicable year. Under
each grant, the options were granted at the current </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>43</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=45,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=336465,FOLIO='43',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DU72201A.;14',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;20:16' -->
<A NAME="page_du72201_1_44"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>market
value, and the options vested immediately with a term of no longer than 10&nbsp;years. The 2006 option grants were rescinded on March&nbsp;8, 2007. Accordingly, such options are no longer
outstanding. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="du72201_miscellaneous"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_du72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>MISCELLANEOUS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The Company's 2007 Annual Report to Stockholders is being mailed to stockholders contemporaneously with this Proxy Statement. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Cost of Solicitation  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>This solicitation of proxies is made by the Company, and all expenses incurred in the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to the use of the mails,
proxies may be solicited on behalf of the Company by directors, officers and employees of the Company or by telephone, telecopy or electronically via the Internet. The Company will reimburse brokers
and others holding Common Stock as nominees for their expenses in sending proxy material to the beneficial owners of such Common Stock and obtaining their proxies. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Requirements and Procedures for Submission of Stockholder Nominations of Director Candidates and Proposals of Security Holders  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Stockholder Nominations of Director Candidates.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to have a director nominee considered by the Board for inclusion on the slate of
nominees, a stockholder must submit the recommendation in writing to the Secretary of the Company and must include the following information: (a)&nbsp;as to each person whom the stockholder proposes
to nominate for election as a director (i)&nbsp;the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (ii)&nbsp;the principal occupation or employment of the person,
(iii)&nbsp;the class or series and number of shares of Common Stock which are owned beneficially or of record by the person and (iv)&nbsp;any other information relating to the person that would be
required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section&nbsp;14 of the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (b)&nbsp;as to the stockholder giving the notice (i)&nbsp;the name and record address of such stockholder, (ii)&nbsp;the class or
series and number of shares of Common Stock which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, a (iii)&nbsp;description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and
each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, (iv)&nbsp;a representation that such stockholder
intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice and (v)&nbsp;any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be
disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section&nbsp;14 of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>To
be timely, a stockholder's notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Company (a)&nbsp;in the case of an annual meeting, not
less than ninety (90)&nbsp;days nor more than one hundred twenty (120)&nbsp;days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that
in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30)&nbsp;days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so
received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the
annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs; and (b)&nbsp;in the case of a special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>44</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=46,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=381646,FOLIO='44',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DU72201A.;14',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;20:16' -->
<A NAME="page_du72201_1_45"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>of
business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made, whichever first
occurs. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Stockholder Proposals.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under SEC
Rule&nbsp;14a-8 must be received by the Secretary of the Company at the Company's principal executive offices for inclusion in the Company's Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to
the 2009 Annual Meeting no later than November&nbsp;28, 2008. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>For
a stockholder proposal outside the processes of Rule&nbsp;14a-8 to be considered timely, the stockholder proposal must be received by the Company's Secretary no earlier than
January&nbsp;9, 2009 or later than February&nbsp;8, 2009, provided that, in the event that the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is called for a date that is earlier than April&nbsp;9, 2009 or
later than June&nbsp;8, 2009, the stockholder proposal, to be timely, must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which the Company's notice of the
date of the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was mailed or public disclosure was made, whichever first occurs. </FONT></P>

<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>By
Order of the Board of Directors </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>MARTIN
M. LINDSAY<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Treasurer</I></FONT></P>

</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Dated:
March&nbsp;28, 2008 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>45</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=47,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=797825,FOLIO='45',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]DU72201A.;14',USER='GLOPEZA',CD='26-MAR-2008;20:16' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_la72201_1_1"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="la72201_appendix_a"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_la72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>APPENDIX&nbsp;A    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>AMENDMENT<BR>
TO THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION<BR>
2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant
to resolutions of the Board of Directors, The Middleby Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") is hereby amended as set forth below, subject in its entirety to the approval of the
stockholders of The Middleby Corporation at the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders, which amendments shall be effective as of January&nbsp;1, 2008 if approved: </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;2.1
of the Plan is amended to replace the first sentence thereof in its entirety with the following sentence: </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"A
maximum of 400,000 shares of Stock are available for Grants under the Plan." </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;3.1
of the Plan is amended to replace the second sentence thereof with the sentence below, in order to reflect an adjustment required by the
two-for-one split of the Stock authorized by the Board on May&nbsp;3, 2007: </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"The
number of shares of Stock granted in a fiscal year to any single executive officer whose compensation is likely to be subject to reporting in the Company's annual proxy statement (an
"Executive Officer") shall not exceed 200,000 shares of Stock for any fiscal year in which he serves as an Executive Officer." </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except
as provided above, the Plan and its provisions shall remain unchanged. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, The Middleby Corporation has adopted this amendment. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3 style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" style="font-family:arial;"><BR><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Chairman of the Board of Directors</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
ATTEST</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><BR><HR NOSHADE></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>A-1</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=48,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=497964,FOLIO='A-1',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]LA72201A.;12',USER='MBLOUNT',CD='26-MAR-2008;14:06' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_ld72201_1_1"> </A>


<!-- COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" -->




<!-- COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:arial;" -->


 </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ld72201_appendix_b"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ld72201_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>APPENDIX&nbsp;B    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2><B>THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION<BR>
EXECUTIVE OFFICER INCENTIVE PLAN,<BR>
As Amended and Restated  </B></FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>WHEREAS The Middleby Corporation has adopted The Middleby Corporation Executive Officer Incentive Plan, effective as of December&nbsp;19, 2005, subject to the approval of the
Company's stockholders which was obtained at the annual meeting of the Company's stockholders in 2006; and </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>WHEREAS
The Middleby Corporation Executive Officer Incentive Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code in order to provide qualified performance-based
compensation to key employees who are "covered employees" within the meaning of Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code; and </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>WHEREAS
the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board that the Company adopt, and the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders that it adopt,
effective for Performance Periods commencing on or after January&nbsp;1, 2008, an amendment to The Middleby Corporation Executive Officer Incentive Plan in order to increase the annual individual
limit on awards under the Plan from $3.5&nbsp;million to $4.5&nbsp;million, subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company; and </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>WHEREAS
the Board has authorized this amendment and restatement to reflect the above amendment and the submission of the amendment to the stockholders of the Company for their approval in accordance
with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>NOW,
THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended and restated as follows: </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>1.</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purposes; Interpretation.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The purposes of The Middleby Corporation Executive Officer Incentive Plan are to reinforce
corporate, organizational and business-development goals; to promote the achievement of year-to-year financial and other business objectives; and to reward the performance of
the Company's key employees in fulfilling their personal responsibilities. The Plan is designed and intended to comply, to the extent applicable, with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code and to be
exempt from treatment as a deferred compensation plan under Section&nbsp;409A of the Code, and all provisions hereof shall be construed in a manner to so comply and to be exempt from such treatment. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>2.</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Definitions.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following terms, as used herein, shall have the following meanings: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Award"
or "Special Incentive Award" shall mean an incentive compensation award, granted pursuant to the Plan, which is contingent upon the attainment of the Performance Goals
established by the Committee with respect to a Performance Period.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Board"
shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Code"
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(d)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Committee"
shall mean the committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, the composition of which shall at all times satisfy the provisions of Section&nbsp;162(m) of the
Code.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(e)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Company"
shall mean The Middleby Corporation and its successors.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(f)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Participant"
shall mean a key employee of the Company who is selected to participate herein pursuant to Section&nbsp;4 hereof. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>B-1</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=49,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=807022,FOLIO='B-1',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]LD72201A.;5',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<A NAME="page_ld72201_1_2"> </A>
<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(g)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Performance
Goals" shall mean performance goals determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Such goals may be based on one or more of the following criteria, determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles where applicable: (i)&nbsp;earnings before or after interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, or extraordinary or special items;
(ii)&nbsp;net income, before or after extraordinary or special items; (iii)&nbsp;return on equity (gross or net), before or after extraordinary or special items; (iv)&nbsp;earnings per share,
before or after extraordinary or special items; and (v)&nbsp;stock price. Where applicable, the Performance Goals may be expressed in terms of attaining a specified level of the particular criteria
or the attainment of an increase or decrease in the particular criteria (expressed in absolute numbers or a percentage), and may be applied to one or more of the Company, a subsidiary or affiliate, or
a division or strategic business unit of the Company, or may be applied to the performance of the Company relative to a market index, a group of other companies or a combination thereof, all as
determined by the Committee. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the extent not inconsistent with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall have the authority to make
equitable adjustments in the Performance Goals in recognition of unusual or non-recurring events affecting the Company, in response to changes in applicable laws or regulations, or to
account for items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence or related to the disposal of a segment of a business or related to a change
in accounting principles. The Performance Goals may include a threshold level of performance below which no compensation will be earned, levels of performance at which specified compensation will be
earned, and a maximum level of performance beyond which no additional compensation will be earned. Achievement of each of the foregoing Performance Goals shall be subject to certification by the
Committee.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(h)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Performance
Period" shall mean an "Incentive Performance Period" established with respect to a Special Incentive Award. "Incentive Performance Periods" shall mean the following five
annual periods: January&nbsp;1, 2006-December&nbsp;31, 2006; January&nbsp;1, 2007-December&nbsp;31, 2007; January&nbsp;1, 2008-December&nbsp;31, 2008;
January&nbsp;1, 2009-December&nbsp;31, 2009; and January&nbsp;1, 2010-December&nbsp;31, 2010.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(i)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>"Plan"
shall mean The Middleby Corporation Executive Officer Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>3.</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administration.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>General.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have the authority in its sole discretion, subject to and not inconsistent with the express
provisions of the Plan, to administer the Plan and to exercise all the powers and authorities either specifically granted to it under the Plan or necessary or advisable in the administration of the
Plan, including, without limitation, the authority to grant Awards; to determine the time or times at which Awards shall be granted; to determine all of the terms and conditions (including but not
limited to the Performance Goals) relating to any Award; to determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances an Award may be settled, cancelled or forfeited; to make adjustments in the
Performance Goals; to construe and interpret the Plan and any Award; to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan; and to make all other determinations deemed necessary
or advisable for the administration of the Plan. No member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action taken or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award
granted under the Plan. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Committee shall consist of two or more persons, each of whom shall be an "outside director" within the meaning of Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code. The Committee may appoint a chairperson and a
secretary and may make such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it shall deem advisable, and shall keep minutes of its meetings. All determinations of the Committee shall be made
by a majority of its </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>B-2</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=50,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=992173,FOLIO='B-2',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]LD72201A.;5',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<A NAME="page_ld72201_1_3"> </A>
<BR>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>members
either present in person or participating by conference telephone at a meeting or by written consent. The Committee may delegate to one or more of its members or to one or more agents such
ministerial duties as it may deem advisable, and the Committee or any person to whom it has delegated duties as aforesaid may employ one or more persons to render advice with respect to any
responsibility the Committee or such person may have under the Plan. All decisions, determinations and interpretations of the Committee shall be final and binding on all persons, including the
Company, each Participant (or any person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through a Participant) and any Company shareholder. </FONT></P>


<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>4.</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eligibility.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Awards under this Plan shall be granted only to key employees of the Company who are selected by the Committee
in its sole discretion. In determining the persons to whom Awards shall be granted and the Performance Goals relating to each Award, the Committee shall take into account such factors as the Committee
shall deem relevant to accomplishing the purposes of the Plan, as stated in Section&nbsp;1 hereof. </FONT></P>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>5.</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Terms of Awards.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>In
General.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any Award under the Plan shall be made by the Committee not later than ninety (90)&nbsp;days after the commencement of the relevant Performance Period and
before twenty-five percent (25%) of the relevant Performance Period has elapsed. The Committee shall specify with respect to an Incentive Performance Period, not later than ninety
(90)&nbsp;days after the commencement of the relevant Performance Period and before twenty-five percent (25%) of the relevant Incentive Performance Period has elapsed, the Performance
Goals applicable to each Special Incentive Award and, may, in its sole discretion, specify minimum, target and maximum levels applicable to each Performance Goal. Awards for any Incentive Performance
Period shall be expressed as a dollar amount. Payment in respect of Special Incentive Awards shall be made only if and to the extent the Performance Goals with respect to such Incentive Performance
Period are attained. A Participant shall become entitled to any amount otherwise payable with respect to any Award made hereunder only if the Participant is employed by the Company on the last day of
the applicable Performance Period.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Limit
on Special Incentive Award Payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section&nbsp;5, in no event shall payment in respect of a Special
Incentive Award granted for an Incentive Performance Period be made to a Participant in an amount that exceeds $4.5&nbsp;million. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, decrease the amount
otherwise payable to a Participant upon the achievement of Performance Goals under a Special Incentive Award but in no event may the Committee increase the amount otherwise payable to a Participant
pursuant to a Special Incentive Award.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Time
and Form of Payment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All payments in respect of Awards granted under this Plan shall be made in cash within two and one-half (2<SUP>1</SUP>/<SMALL>2</SMALL>) months
after the end of the applicable Performance Period. Such payments shall be made only after achievement of applicable Performance Goals for the relevant Incentive Performance Period has been certified
by the Committee. The Committee shall meet to consider the extent of any such achievements and make a decision as to such certification to facilitate timely payment within such two and
one-half (2<SUP>1</SUP>/<SMALL>2</SMALL>) month period of any amounts based on such certification. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>6.</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General Provisions.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Compliance
With Legal Requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Plan and the granting and payment of Awards, and the other obligations of the Company under the Plan and any Award shall be
subject to all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any regulatory or governmental agency as may be required. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>B-3</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=51,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=448756,FOLIO='B-3',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]LD72201A.;5',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<A NAME="page_ld72201_1_4"> </A>
<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Nontransferability.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Awards
shall not be transferable by a Participant except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Participant
Rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No Participant shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan. Nothing in the Plan or in any Award granted pursuant hereto shall confer
upon any Participant the right to continue in the employ of the Company or to be entitled to any remuneration or benefits not set forth in the Plan or under such Award or to interfere with or limit in
any way the right of the Company to terminate the Participant's employment.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(d)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Beneficiary.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A
Participant may file with the Committee a written designation of a beneficiary on such form as may be prescribed by the Committee and may, from time to
time, amend or revoke such designation. If no designated beneficiary survives a Participant, the executor or administrator of the Participant's estate shall be deemed to be the Participant's
beneficiary.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(e)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Withholding
Taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company shall have the right to withhold the amount of any taxes that the Company may be required to withhold before delivery of payment of an
Award to a Participant or other person entitled to such payment, or to make such other arrangements for the withholding of taxes that the Company deems satisfactory.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(f)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Amendment
and Termination of the Plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Board or the Committee may at any time and from time to time alter, amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan in whole or in part;
provided, however, that no amendment that requires stockholder approval in order for the Plan to continue to comply with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code or to comply with any other law, regulation
or rule shall be effective unless the same shall be approved by the requisite vote of the Company's shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or termination of the Plan shall affect
adversely any of the rights of a Participant, without the Participant's consent, under any Award theretofore granted under the Plan.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(g)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Unfunded
Status of Awards.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant
pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award shall give the Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(h)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Governing
Law.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the
conflict of laws principles thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='font-family:arial;margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(i)</FONT></DT><DD style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>Effective
Date.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Plan, as hereby amended and restated, shall be effective as of January&nbsp;1, 2008, subject to the approval of the Company's stockholders. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER" style="font-family:arial;"><FONT SIZE=2>B-4</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<P style='font-family:arial;page-break-before:always'></p>
<!-- ZEQ.=4,SEQ=52,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=755581,FOLIO='B-4',FILE='DISK134:[08ZBA1.08ZBA72201]LD72201A.;5',USER='JMCGUAN',CD='25-MAR-2008;22:09' -->
<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
</UL>
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->

<div>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Management
recommends your vote FOR all proposals.</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1.</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" colspan="4" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">ELECTION OF DIRECTORS</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" colspan="4" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" colspan="4" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.62%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">For:</font></i></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:17.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">01 - Selim A Bassoul</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">FOR</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">WITHHOLD</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">FOR ALL</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:17.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">02 - Robert B. Lamb</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">ALL</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">ALL</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">EXCEPT</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:17.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">03 - Ryan Levenson</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:17.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">04 - John R. Miller III</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:17.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">05 - Gordon O&#146;Brien</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="10%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:10.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:17.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">06 - Philip G. Putnam</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="32%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:32.88%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:17.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">07 - Sabin C. Streeter</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="32%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:32.88%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.34%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="1%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:1.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="17%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:17.74%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">08 - Robert L. Yohe</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="32%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:32.88%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="45%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:45.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="46%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:46.68%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:100.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:100.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">For all nominees except as
  noted above</font></i></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2.</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Ratification of
  selection of Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche LLP as independent </font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">FOR</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">AGAINST</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">ABSTAIN</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">auditor for fiscal year
  ended January&nbsp;3, 2009.</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">FOR</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">AGAINST</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">ABSTAIN</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Approve the amendment
  to The Middleby Corporation 2007</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Stock Incentive Plan.</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">FOR</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">AGAINST</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">ABSTAIN</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Approve the amendment
  to The Middleby Corporation </font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.22%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="0%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:.9%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:50.96%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Executive Officer
  Incentive Plan.</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.3%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="15%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:15.32%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY
EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED
STOCKHOLDER. &#160;IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR, FOR
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF DELOITTE&nbsp;&amp; TOUCHE LLP AS INDEPENDENT
AUDITOR FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 3, 2009, FOR APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN AND FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE
AMENDMENT TO THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION EXECUTIVE OFFICER INCENTIVE PLAN.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Receipt is hereby
  acknowledged of the Notice of the Meeting and Proxy Statement dated
  March&nbsp;28, 2008.</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:8.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Dated:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="32%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:32.18%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0.375pt .7pt;width:8.1%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">, 2008</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.86%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;">(Signature(s)&nbsp;of
  stockholder(s))</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="48%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.58%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.56%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="48%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:48.86%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:9.0pt;">When signing as
  attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give title.
  Each joint owner is requested to sign. If a corporation or partnership,
  please sign by an authorized officer or partner. Please sign in the same
  manner as your certificate(s)&nbsp;is (are) registered.</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FOLD AND
DETACH HERE</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">YOUR VOTE
IS IMPORTANT!</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PLEASE
COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">IN THE
ENVELOPE PROVIDED.</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>

</div>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=53,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=377843,FOLIO='',FILE="DISK125:[08ZBA2.08ZBA72202]9022-2-PR_ZBA72202.CHC",USER="ANEETZ",CD='Mar 25 23:19 2008' -->


<br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">


<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:8.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PROXY</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="78%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:78.68%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="7%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:7.6%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PROXY</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:8.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="78%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:78.68%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">THE
  MIDDLEBY CORPORATION</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="7%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:7.6%;">
  <p align="right" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:right;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:8.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="78%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:78.68%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1400
  TOASTMASTER DRIVE, ELGIN, IL 60120</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="7%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:7.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:8.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="78%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:78.68%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="7%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:7.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="8%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:8.2%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="78%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:78.68%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">PROXY
  SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.5%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
  <td width="7%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:7.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font>The undersigned
hereby appoints Timothy J. FitzGerald and Martin M. Lindsay, and each of them,
with full power of substitution, attorneys and proxies to represent the
undersigned at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of THE MIDDLEBY
CORPORATION (the &#147;Company&#148;) to be held at the Company&#146;s executive offices
located at 1400 Toastmaster Drive, Elgin, Illinois at 10:30&nbsp;a.m. local
time, on Friday, May&nbsp;9, 2008, or at any adjournment thereof, with all
power which the undersigned would possess if personally present, and to vote
all shares of stock of the Company which the undersigned may be entitled to
vote at said Meeting as follows:</p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">(This
Proxy is continued on the reverse side.&#160;
Please sign on the reverse side and return promptly.)</font></i></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:100.0%;">
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Address
  Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" valign="top" style="border-bottom:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:100.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" valign="top" style="border-bottom:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:100.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" valign="top" style="border-bottom:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:100.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:100.0%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FOLD AND
DETACH HERE</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><i><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">You
can now access your </font></i></b><b><font size="3" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">MIDDLEBY CORPORATION<i> account online.</i></font></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><i>Access your MIDDLEBY CORPORATION shareholder account online via
Investor ServiceDirect<sup>&#174;</sup> (ISD)</i>.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">LaSalle Bank, N.A.
Transfer Agent for MIDDLEBY CORPORATION, now makes it easy and convenient to
get current information on your shareholder account.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="center">

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="71%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:71.48%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#149;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:55.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">View account status</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#149;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">View payment history
  for dividends</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:55.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#149;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:55.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">View certificate
  history</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#149;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Make address changes</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:55.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#149;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:55.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">View book-entry
  information</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#149;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Obtain a duplicate 1099
  tax form</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:55.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.42%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="55%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:55.94%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.02%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#149;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="38%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.6%;">
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Establish/change your
  PIN</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

</div>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Visit
us on the web at http://www.lasalleshareholderservices.com</font></i></b></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">***TRY
IT OUT***</font></i></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;">&nbsp;</font></i></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">www.lasalleshareholderservices.com/isd/</font></u></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="font-size:10.0pt;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Investor
ServiceDirect</font></i></b><b><i><sup><font face="Times New Roman" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">&#174;</font></sup></i></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Available
24 hours per day, 7 days per week</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

</div>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=54,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=358602,FOLIO='',FILE="DISK125:[08ZBA2.08ZBA72202]9022-2-PR_ZBA72202.CHC",USER="ANEETZ",CD='Mar 25 23:19 2008' -->


<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="08ZBA72201_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_de72201_1">2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS May 9, 2008 PROXY STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_de72201_2">GENERAL</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_de72201_3">PROPOSAL NO. 1&#151;ELECTION OF DIRECTORS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_dg72201_1">EXECUTIVE OFFICERS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_di72201_1">EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_di72201_2">Compensation Discussion and Analysis</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_di72201_3">REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_dk72201_1">SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_dm72201_1">Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2007</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_dm72201_2">Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_do72201_1">Option Exercises and Stock Vested</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_do72201_2">Pension Benefits</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_do72201_3">SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_do72201_4">SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_dq72201_1">REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_dq72201_2">PROPOSAL NO. 2&#151;RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_dq72201_3">PROPOSAL NO. 3&#151;AMENDMENT TO THE 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_ds72201_1">PROPOSAL NO. 4&#151;APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER INCENTIVE PLAN</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_du72201_1">MISCELLANEOUS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_la72201_1">APPENDIX A</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2 style="font-family:arial;"><A HREF="#toc_ld72201_1">APPENDIX B</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- SEQ=,FILE='QUICKLINK',USER=ANEETZ,SEQ=,EFW="2184133",CP="MIDDLEBY CORPORATION",DN="1" -->
<!-- TOCEXISTFLAG -->
</BODY>
</HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>GRAPHIC
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>g173536.jpg
<DESCRIPTION>G173536.JPG
<TEXT>
begin 644 g173536.jpg
M_]C_X``02D9)1@`!`0$!A0&%``#__@`P35),3%]'4D%02$E#4SI;34E$1$Q%
M0EE?0T]24%U-241$3$5"65],3T=/+D504__;`$,`!P4&!@8%!P8&!@@(!PD+
M$@P+"@H+%Q`1#1(;%QP<&A<:&1TA*B0='R@@&1HE,B4H+"TO,"\=(S0X-"XW
M*BXO+O_```L(`!4!5@$!$0#_Q``<``$``@(#`0``````````````!@<$!0(#
M"`'_Q``\$``!`P(#!@,&!`4#!0`````!`@,$!08`$1('%R$Q9N,38:0(%")!
M490R<8*1%B-2@:$58J,S0G*S\?_:``@!`0``/P#TCAAAABEO:5@U15K1JU#K
M!@QJ<LEQIM2@M];BD)2`1PX#4>.*EM^FU^F[-:IM!EUZ0MA^,["BQRZO7K6M
M+6O//+@-?GPQ$Y%VRU673J-&JD]50-0?DR5%U8R24-H;2#GQY+.7GB7;4YL[
M^/J5;!N!VG-4^GPX+\E;R@A"O#"E+5D<S^+C\\7=L*H)I-$GSOXG;K[<UY(;
MD-E92D(!!`U^9/+%3^TM<$]-]1:=3YTAA$2`DN):<*?B4I2CGE_MTXKZZ;IJ
MK\*@0HU3F!%/IK:'5AY0*G%J4X23GQX*2/TXE]\O54U#9[:$>HS$/JIL4/E#
MR@HNR%YJSX\<AECA?TFJW%M7N:'`K,B%"I[+RB4.*TH1&8^(9`_-22,_J<?:
M%=]P)V)70B74Y3@,V-$ANK<)4@J^):0KGEI1R\_/$;AS+JMZI6I4(U?FKF5-
MM$EMGQ%'2DO*;"2"<E!6C/\`(XLN-/GW#[33D9N;($&'*5J:0X0@!AK+B.7X
MQ_G&/[25;EJONC46)5'(3345)=<2ZI"4*<<.95E\@E(.-7,C.VSLRN.J1;V3
M7#49$:GLO1G'`&5!1<7Q4>92!R^1Q$+8DW,JY+:;MZY)TVIR]#CC32UD1E%P
M@H7F2"-`"C\@%9'&^O6Y*K:&TZ\VDS):E/)D-QTEU6EHO@$*`)X9)4<O/+%Z
M[!;=GT6RVZA5Y$AZH533(*7G%*+367\M/'D<B5'_`,O+%9[5I]1O_:W$V=QY
MZX]+8<2A8;3J!<#96M9&8U$#X0"<AEYG&):SE];*]G]U/56,]`2\644Q#RD+
M`D+40I:0"<B$#/CPS`Q6<J/4J,+8NIFJOJK546[,!/XV]+Q0E15G\140H_\`
MW$ZVNUIVI;89E->N%^DTZ.AMA;[:U:4:6M:CI!XG42,8]D7%<D395?4N54IB
MH1;8CQ5.K)_G.+R7H4>((3SR\L1!R?<5&IM!KT2Z)OOLY3RT,(>45LI0L(2H
M\3F%'4,LO^T\\\3O:-4JEM`VAR+<F5%4>E4:*\X[H1FE#C+!6ZLIX<2L%`SY
M#^^-?9EQU&G;$;SCB6ZEOWF,Q$^(CPU.$EP)/RX)S_SB)PJC7FW:"]0[FJ$F
MM2EJ)BMK62PL.:4#/,ZBH<<LN7YXLOVA;HJLZZXUO4N8\W_I$,O2S'64CQ%)
M"E9Y?()"?W.,2?'K4W8!1J^W7G8Z:=)DJ>!6LN2%+>"$`*!^6:N>-?:U-KT'
M9U5]H<ROOJCF,_"C1U.K*BXLI:"\\\N&I7[8^Q+HK-N;%?$9J$D5&X*FZVA]
M;A*T1VD)"])/(E1RS\SC`LNG2[2VL6C#@SG%RI28:Y:=.G0'TA2VCSS`0H<?
MK^6,"IW;4)>U9ZH"IR$PE5H+2@/J"/##P`&6>66D#%N[")LVX-HU[5YR6^[#
M"U):;4X2A/B/$IR'+@E'^<>@<,,,,,,,,,4?[4DQ]-GTRF1VW%JE3?$6$))S
M0V@\\O-2<1':C'D4;899-NM1W/&D:)#R4I)RR05J!_4X/VQ"(UH-(VAV?0X\
M%]&MN`N>I0407%I2ZYSY9)4!EY8QZW5(SVU&MUZKVV_6Z<Y,?"8JEK:"TYE*
M#J`)X``X]9;,A"-BTAVG49-'C/M%Y$)+A<\+4HG\1`)SSSX_7'F6_6I5;OK:
M+6/=''6H;!::.@\2'6F`4\./#4<1B-;,QRF6S"]U=]XK4Y2C_+.:6@M+2,_I
M\7BG]L62PRJL^THY*6RM%/IKZB%:#I2F,SD,OU)&*SA5>HHEW3*%*F/SJZPY
M'0M+:O@\5Y*UG++B2E)2!_NQ([RH=3MO9;;%"DPWD3:C-D522QH.IK)*6VPK
MZ'2<\OEF<9]ATZHWAM"M^I&D2HM$H$:,'''D$I2F.@'B<@"5K!.7F?IC2V%>
M4ZU[VJ=TNV[)J4F>'4I1K4UI4XX%%6>DY\LO[XRMI513)VQU.JU.A.U2GQY"
M65PPI2`X&VP@IU@?U`G/&9M)EQ9>SJTXM#ME5&C3)4J:N$VXM[24D-)621GF
M?BX>6.>R&FSJCM6IE0M^C3*92HB$>\J)5EI2UI7K4>!*U\=/GRX8VUWT=NZ?
M:0;@.0EKA>\,(D**#I<#;04O,_ITX]3I`2D````<A\L>,ZI7I=F[7+OJKT:0
MFIJ7-1`5H'P..*R;<R/`ITDD<\^&)!M$7?=3V,4NJ78MY]YVK>.`IA+:F6/"
M*6RI*0,LU:CQ_J'UQIK+A.[0;[M)B%!?12J'"BM2G%CX0&LUK)(X#6LJ`'/C
M^>-6J(+@K&T"Y:A3G7FT,/R(Z2A0R==D)0V1ESR"B?[8[Y;E0C[#:?2BA]1F
M5UYY+>E1T-MM)!&7R&I6>+?V<;#[=B1Z%<=3=G29W@LRE1'5)#2'2`K(@#,@
M'Y$_+CGRQ1TJJ/T"Y;Z8FPY!JU11)A-@IRT*<>!6HCGQ0%`9<]6-U=5"J5M[
M(K?I$F$\W-J]0=J3[1;.MM"&PAM*A\N"L\O/"+36[8VJV^(T9^&U2V(C\UU`
M5_,6F.'7N)_JS4G(<\\L:0P[QK$2[+T1&TL/K+4Y3@^,AY:3I0",^&20<N0_
M/$KK4B4Q[.]N4E##OBRJH\M:=!ST(4LGA^93B0;1V'Z+L!LZ@-,++TM3;[J$
MI)(&E3JL_P!2TXB.U&C2Z39.S=J1'>3"33UJ<4$_A<=6'%))^2LE<C],;:RU
M2;BV@7'M+9I[K-)I,9^3'\1/#4EDH9;&7`J``.0SRR'U&($];LE&SF+6C#>]
MY>J[K'_2.K2EI)'G^(J_;'H7V7J2Y!LF?.?:4V[,G*RU)R)0A(`_R58NO###
M#%5W5M9_A^X)U'_T#WCW583XOO>C5FD*Y:#ES^N-1OQZ8]=V\-^/3'KNWAOQ
MZ8]=V\-^/3'KNWAOPZ8]=V\-^'3'KNWAOPZ8]?V\-^'3!^_[>&_'ICUW;PWX
M=,>O[>&_#ICU_;PWX=,>O[>&_#I@_?\`;PWX=,>N[>&_#ICU_;PWX=,'[_MX
M;\.F#]_V\-^'3!^_[>&_#ICU_;PWX=,>O[>&_'ICUW;QU+VTLN.)<7:2%+3^
M%2I@)'Y'P\=BMMR5I*56L"D\"#.S!_X\<&MM;3*=#5IH;3SR3-`'^&\=F_#I
M@_?]O#?ATP?O^WAOQZ8]=V\=2MM+*G0\JTD%P<EF8,Q_?P\=N_#ICU_;PWX=
M,'[_`+>&_#ICU_;PWX=,'[_MX;\.F/7=O'!W;8VZ@H=M1*T'FE4T$?\`KQ];
MVVH;0$-VJ$)'()FY`?\`'CEOPZ8/W_;PWX],>N[>&_'ICUW;PWX],>N[>&_'
4ICUW;PWX],>N[>&_'ICUW;Q__]D_
`
end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
