Exhibit 99.2
June 4, 2009
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TO:
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All Axsys Employees |
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FROM:
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Stephen W. Bershad, Chairman and CEO and
Scott B. Conner, President and COO |
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SUBJECT:
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Axsys Technologies has agreed to be acquired by
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems |
We are writing to announce that Axsys Technologies has agreed to be acquired by General Dynamics
Advanced Information Systems for $54.00 per share. This is an outstanding outcome to what has
been, for all of us, a lengthy process. We are convinced that General Dynamics is the right
partner to ensure continued growth and opportunity for our business and our employees. The sale is
expected to close in the third quarter of this year after we obtain certain regulatory and
stockholder approvals. Until that time we will continue to be an independent company.
For those of you who do not know General Dynamics, they are one of the largest U.S. defense
contractors, employing over 92,000 employees. Among their most-familiar products are submarines,
tanks, combat vehicles, weapons systems and Gulfstream business jets; what is most impressive is
that the companys largest segment is its Information Systems and Technology group, a leading
supplier of a broad range of information technology, networking and intelligence systems for U.S.
and international customers. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, which Axsys will
become a part of, is a subsidiary of General Dynamics that develops mission systems for defense,
space, surveillance, reconnaissance, and homeland security customers. Axsys will accelerate GDAIS
evolution into a provider of increasingly complex, value-added solutions. The scale and breadth of
General Dynamics offers Axsys new avenues for product growth and program access that we simply
could not develop internally.
Once the transition is complete, we anticipate no significant changes to day-to-day
responsibilities of the vast majority of Axsys employees. While the integration plans are not yet
in place, preliminary indications are that Axsys will operate as it is currently structured within
the General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems organization. If anything, this acquisition will
provide additional career development and advancement opportunities for Axsys employees. With
regards to employee benefits and compensation plans, GD has indicated that it is committed to
providing a competitive compensation and benefits package for all employees that will allow us to
attract and retain the talent needed to successfully drive the company forward.
We recognize that periods of transition like this can be challenging. However, I can assure you
that we will do everything possible to minimize disruption. We will be communicating as much
information as possible, and Scott will soon be scheduling all-hands meetings at each of our
facilities to answer questions that you might have. Finally, it is likely that you will be
introduced to General Dynamics personnel in the coming weeks and months, and we thank you in
advance for treating them all with courtesy and respect.
We personally thank you all for your patience and hard work during this process to date, and ask
for your continued support during the integration process to come.
AXSYS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 175 CAPITAL BLVD., SUITE 103 ROCKY HILL, CT 06067
860.257.0200 FAX: 860.594.5750 www.axsys.com