Column Group L P SC TOT Third party tender offer statement | SEC 8 Mar 24

Exhibit (a)(1)(B)

Letter of Transmittal

To Tender Shares of Common Stock

NGM BIOPHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

a Delaware corporation

AN OFFER PRICE OF $1.55 PER SHARE IN CASH

Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase

Dated March 8, 2024

ATLAS NEON MERGER SUB, INC.,

a wholly owned subsidiary of

ATLAS NEON PARENT, INC.,

an affiliate of

THE COLUMN GROUP, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP GP, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP II, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP II GP, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP MANAGEMENT, LP,

PONOI CAPITAL, LP,

PONOI MANAGEMENT, LLC,

PONOI CAPITAL II, LP,

PONOI II MANAGEMENT, LLC,

THE COLUMN GROUP III, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP III-A, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP III GP, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP IV, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP IV-A, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP IV GP, LP,

TCG IV GP, LLC,

THE COLUMN GROUP OPPORTUNITY III, LP,

THE COLUMN GROUP OPPORTUNITY III GP, LP,

TCG OPPORTUNITY III GP, LLC,

PETER SVENNILSON,

DAVID V. GOEDDEL and

TIMOTHY KUTZKEY

THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE ONE MINUTE AFTER 11:59 P.M., EASTERN

TIME, ON APRIL 4, 2024, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED OR EARLIER TERMINATED.

The Depositary and Paying Agent for the Offer Is:

If delivering by hand, express mail, courier or other expedited service:			If delivering by mail:
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC 55 Challenger Road Suite # 200 Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660 Attn: Reorganization Department			Equiniti Trust Company, LLC Operations Center Attn: Reorganization Department P.O. Box 525 Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660

For assistance, call: (877) 248-6417 or (718) 921-8317.


DESCRIPTION OF SHARES SURRENDERED

Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s) (Attach additional signed list if necessary)			Number of Shares Surrendered

Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal to an address other than as set forth above will not constitute a valid delivery to Equiniti Trust Company (formerly known as American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, “Equiniti Trust Company”) (the “Depositary and Paying Agent”). You must sign this Letter of Transmittal in the appropriate space provided therefor below, with signature guaranteed, if required, and complete and sign the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal, if the stockholder is a United States person. Stockholders who are not United States persons should submit a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or other appropriate IRS Form W-8. Failure to provide the information on IRS Form W-9 or an appropriate IRS Form W-8, as applicable, may subject you to United States backup withholding on any payments made to you pursuant to the Offer (as defined below). The instructions set forth in this Letter of Transmittal should be read carefully before you tender any of your Shares (as defined below) into the Offer (as defined below).

The Offer is being made to all holders of the Shares. Purchaser is not aware of any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or the acceptance thereof would be prohibited by securities, “blue sky” or other valid laws or regulations of such jurisdiction. If Purchaser becomes aware of any U.S. state in which the making of the Offer or the acceptance of Shares pursuant thereto would not be in compliance with an administrative or judicial action taken pursuant to a U.S. state statute, Purchaser will make a good faith effort to comply with any such law or regulation. If, after such good faith effort, Purchaser cannot comply with any such law or regulation, the Offer will not be made to (nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) the holders of Shares in such state. In any jurisdictions where applicable laws or regulations require the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer shall be deemed to be made on behalf of Purchaser by one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws or regulations of such jurisdiction to be designated by Purchaser.

This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by stockholders of NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (“NGM”) for delivery of shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of NGM (the “Shares”), other than the Rollover Shares (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), by book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the Depositary and Paying Agent at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) (as described in the Summary Term Sheet of the Offer to Purchase and pursuant to the procedures set forth in Tender Offer—Section 3 thereof).

☐			CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED HEREWITH.
☐			CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO AN ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE DEPOSITARY AND PAYING AGENT WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING (NOTE THAT ONLY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE PARTICIPANTS IN THE SYSTEM OF DTC MAY DELIVER SHARES BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER):

Name of Tendering Institution:

DTC Account Number:

Transaction Code Number:

NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW

PLEASE READ ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned hereby tenders to Atlas Neon Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”), and a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Neon Parent, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), the above described shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Shares”), of NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“NGM”), other than the Rollover Shares (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), pursuant to Purchaser’s offer to purchase each outstanding Share that is validly tendered and not properly withdrawn for $1.55 per Share in cash (the “Offer Price”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Offer to Purchase, dated March 8, 2024 (together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Offer to Purchase”) and in this Letter of Transmittal (together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Letter of Transmittal” which, together with the Offer to Purchase, as each may be amended and supplemented from time to time, collectively constitute the “Offer”), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms of any such extension or amendment), and effective upon acceptance for payment of the Shares validly tendered herewith and not properly withdrawn on or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Summary Term Sheet of the Offer to Purchase) in accordance with the terms of the Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to or upon the order of Purchaser all right, title and interest in and to all of the Shares that are being tendered hereby (and any and all dividends, distributions, rights, other Shares or other securities issued or issuable in respect thereof on or after the date hereof (collectively, “Distributions”)) and irrevocably constitutes and appoints Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (formerly known as American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, “Equiniti Trust Company”) (the “Depositary and Paying Agent”) the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), with full power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest in the Shares tendered by this Letter of Transmittal), to: (i) transfer ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions) on the account books maintained by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or otherwise held in book-entry form, together, in any such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of Purchaser; (ii) present such Shares (and any and all Distributions) for transfer on the books of NGM; and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions), all in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.

By executing this Letter of Transmittal (or taking action resulting in the delivery of an Agent’s Message, as defined in Tender Offer—Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase), the undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints Peter Svennilson, the designee of Purchaser, the attorney-in-fact and proxy of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to: (i) vote at any annual or special meeting of NGM stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof or otherwise in such manner as such attorney-in-fact and proxy or his substitute shall in his, her or its sole discretion deem proper with respect to; (ii) execute any written consent concerning any matter as such attorney-in-fact and proxy or his substitute shall in his, her or its sole discretion deem proper with respect to; and (iii) otherwise act as such attorney-in-fact and proxy or his substitute shall in his, her or its sole discretion deem proper with respect to, all of the Shares (and any and all Distributions) tendered hereby and accepted for payment by Purchaser. This appointment will be effective if and when, and only to the extent that,

Purchaser accepts such Shares tendered with this Letter of Transmittal for payment pursuant to the Offer. This power of attorney and proxy are irrevocable and are granted in consideration of the acceptance for payment of such Shares in accordance with the terms of the Offer. Such acceptance for payment shall, without further action, revoke any prior powers of attorney and proxies granted by the undersigned at any time with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), and no subsequent powers of attorney, proxies, consents or revocations may be given by the undersigned with respect thereto (and, if given, will not be deemed effective). Purchaser reserves the right to require that, in order for the Shares to be deemed validly tendered, immediately upon Purchaser’s acceptance for payment of such Shares, Purchaser or its designees must be able to exercise full voting, consent and other rights with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), including voting at any meeting of NGM stockholders or executing a written consent concerning any matter.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer any and all of the Shares tendered hereby (and any and all Distributions) and that, when the same are accepted for payment by Purchaser, Purchaser will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title to such Shares (and such Distributions), free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and the same will not be subject to any adverse claims. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned is the registered owner of the Shares, or the undersigned is a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Shares. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Depositary and Paying Agent or Purchaser to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Shares tendered hereby (and any and all Distributions). In addition, the undersigned shall remit and transfer promptly to the Depositary and Paying Agent for the account of Purchaser all Distributions in respect of any and all of the Shares tendered hereby, accompanied by appropriate documentation of transfer, and, pending such remittance and transfer or appropriate assurance thereof, Purchaser shall be entitled to all rights and privileges as owner of each such Distribution and may withhold the entire Offer Price of the Shares tendered hereby or deduct from such Offer Price the amount or value of such Distribution as determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion.

All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred pursuant to this Letter of Transmittal shall not be affected by, and shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer to Purchase, this tender is irrevocable.

It is understood that the undersigned will not receive payment for the Shares unless and until the Shares are accepted for payment and until the ownership of Shares is validly transferred on the account books maintained by DTC, and until the same are processed for payment by the Depositary and Paying Agent.

The undersigned understands that the valid tender of Shares pursuant to any of the procedures described in the Offer to Purchase and in the instructions hereto will constitute the undersigned’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer. Purchaser’s acceptance of such Shares for payment will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and Purchaser upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of such extension or amendment). The undersigned recognizes that under certain circumstances set forth in the Offer, Purchaser may not be required to accept for payment any Shares tendered hereby.

Unless otherwise indicated under “Special Payment Instructions,” a check will be issued for the Offer Price, subject to applicable tax withholdings, of all Shares purchased. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under “Special Delivery Instructions,” the check for the Offer Price, subject to applicable tax withholdings, of all Shares purchased will be mailed to the address(es) of the registered holder(s) appearing above under “Description of Shares Tendered.” In the event that the boxes entitled “Special Payment Instructions” and “Special Delivery Instructions” are both completed, the check for the Offer Price, subject to applicable tax withholdings, of all Shares purchased will be issued and such check will be delivered to the person(s) so indicated. Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled “Special Payment Instructions,” any Shares tendered herewith that are not accepted for payment will be credited by book-entry transfer by crediting the account at DTC designated above. The undersigned recognizes that Purchaser has no obligation, pursuant to the “Special Payment Instructions,” to transfer any Shares from the name of the registered holder thereof if Purchaser does not accept for payment any of the Shares so tendered. The undersigned recognizes that Purchaser has no obligation, pursuant to the Special Payment Instructions, to transfer any Shares from the name(s) of the registered holder(s) thereof if Purchaser does not accept for payment any of the Shares so tendered.

SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS (See Instructions 1, 4, 5 and 6) To be completed ONLY if the check for the Offer Price for Shares accepted for payment are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned.			SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS (See Instructions 1, 4, 5 and 6) To be completed ONLY if the check for the Offer Price for Shares accepted for payment is to be mailed to someone other than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other than that shown above.

Issue check to:			Mail check to:

Name:			Name:
(Please Print)			(Please Print)

Address:			Address:


(Include Zip Code)			(Include Zip Code)

(Taxpayer Identification No. (e.g., Social Security No.)) (Also complete, as appropriate, IRS Form W-9 included below)

IMPORTANT

STOCKHOLDER: YOU MUST SIGN BELOW

(U.S. Holders: Please complete and return the IRS Form W-9 included below)

(Non-U.S. Holders: Please obtain, complete and return appropriate IRS Form W-8)

(Signature(s) of Holder(s) of Shares)

Dated:

Name(s):

(Please Print)

Capacity (Full Title) (See Instruction 4):

Address:

(Include Zip Code)

Area Code and Telephone No.:

Tax Identification No. (e.g., Social Security No.) (See IRS Form W-9 included below):

(Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on a security position listing and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, agent, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and see Instruction 4. For information concerning signature guarantees, see Instruction 1.)

Guarantee of Signature(s)

(If Required—See Instructions)

[Place Stamp Here]

Authorized Signature:

Name:

Name of

Firm:

Address:

(Include Zip Code)

Area Code and Telephone No.:

Dated: , 2024

INSTRUCTIONS

FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER

1. GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. No signature guarantee is required on this Letter of Transmittal: (a) if this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) (which term, for purposes of this Instruction, includes any participant in DTC’s systems whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Shares) of Shares tendered herewith, unless such registered holder has completed either the box entitled “Special Payment Instructions” or the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” on this Letter of Transmittal; or (b) if such Shares are tendered for the account of a financial institution (including most commercial banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a member in good standing of the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or any other “eligible guarantor institution,” as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (each, an “Eligible Institution”). In all other cases, including those referred to above, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 4.

2. REQUIREMENTS OF TENDER. No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted. In order for Shares to be validly tendered pursuant to the Offer, one of the following procedures must be followed:

Either a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, together with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent’s Message in lieu of this Letter of Transmittal, and any other required documents, must be received by the Depositary and Paying Agent at the appropriate address set forth on the front page of this Letter of Transmittal, and such Shares must be delivered according to the book-entry transfer procedures (as set forth in Tender Offer—Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase) and a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of Shares into the Depositary and Paying Agent’s account at DTC (a “Book-Entry Confirmation”) must be received by the Depositary and Paying Agent, in each case before the Expiration Date.

The method of delivery of Shares, this Letter of Transmittal, and all other required documents, including delivery through DTC, is at the election and risk of the tendering stockholder. Shares will be deemed delivered only when actually received by the Depositary and Paying Agent (including, by Book-Entry Confirmation). If delivery is by mail, then registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery.

No fractional Shares will be purchased. By executing this Letter of Transmittal, the tendering stockholder waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance for payment of Shares.

3. INADEQUATE SPACE. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the number of Shares tendered should be listed on a separate signed schedule attached hereto.

4. SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL; STOCK POWERS AND ENDORSEMENTS.

(a)	Joint Holders. If any of the Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two or more persons, all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.

(b)

Evidence of Fiduciary or Representative Capacity. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other legal entity or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the Depositary and Paying Agent of the authority of such person so to act must be submitted. Proper evidence of authority includes a power of attorney, a letter of testamentary or a letter of appointment.

5. STOCK TRANSFER TAXES. Except as otherwise provided in this Instruction 5, the Surviving Corporation (as defined in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 25, 2024, among NGM, Parent and Purchaser) will pay all stock transfer taxes with respect to the transfer and sale of any Shares pursuant to the Offer (for the avoidance of doubt, transfer taxes do not include U.S. federal income taxes or withholding taxes). If, however, consideration is to be paid to any person(s) other than the registered holder(s), the Surviving Corporation will not be responsible for any stock transfer or similar taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder(s) or such other person(s) or otherwise) payable on account of the transfer to such other person(s) and no consideration shall be paid in respect of such Share(s) unless evidence satisfactory to the Surviving Corporation of the payment of such taxes, or the inapplicability of such taxes, is submitted.

6. SPECIAL PAYMENT AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. If a check is to be issued for the Offer Price (subject to applicable withholding taxes) of any Shares tendered by this Letter of Transmittal in the name of any person(s) other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or if a check is to be returned to any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown in this Letter of Transmittal, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal must be completed.

7. TAX WITHHOLDING. Under U.S. federal income tax laws, the Depositary and Paying Agent may be required to withhold a portion of any payments made to certain stockholders pursuant to the Offer. To avoid such backup withholding, a tendering stockholder that is a United States person (as defined for in the instructions to IRS Form W-9, a “United States person”), and, if applicable, each other U.S. payee, is required to: (a) provide the Depositary and Paying Agent with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”) on IRS Form W-9, which is included herein, and to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such number is correct and that such stockholder or payee is not subject to backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax; or (b) otherwise establish a basis for exemption from backup withholding. Failure to provide the information on the IRS Form W-9 may subject the tendering stockholder or payee to backup withholding at the applicable rate (currently 24%), and such stockholder or payee may be subject to a penalty imposed by the IRS. See the enclosed IRS Form W-9 and the instructions thereto for additional information.

Certain stockholders or payees (including, among others, corporations) may not be subject to backup withholding. Exempt stockholders or payees that are United States persons should furnish their TIN, provide the applicable information on the IRS Form W-9 and sign, date and return the IRS Form W-9 to the Depositary and Paying Agent in order to avoid backup withholding. A stockholder or other payee that is not a United States person establish an exemption from backup withholding: (a) by providing the Depositary and Paying Agent with a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or other appropriate IRS Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to such stockholder’s or payee’s foreign status; or (b) by otherwise establishing an exemption. An appropriate IRS Form W-8 may be obtained from the Depositary and Paying Agent or the IRS website (www.irs.gov). The Depositary and Paying Agent may withhold tax at a 30% rate (subject to certain exceptions) on payments made to non-U.S. stockholders pursuant to the Offer, unless the Depositary and Paying Agent determines that a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty or exemption from withholding is applicable. See Special Factors—Section 3 and Tender Offer—Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund or credit may be obtained from the IRS if eligibility is established and appropriate procedure is followed. Stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of U.S. federal income tax withholding, including eligibility for a withholding tax reduction or exemption, and the IRS refund procedure.

8. IRREGULARITIES. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of Shares will be determined by Purchaser, in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties. However, stockholders may challenge Purchaser’s determinations in a court of competent jurisdiction. Purchaser reserves the absolute right to reject any and all tenders determined by it not to be in proper form or the acceptance for payment of which may, in the opinion of its counsel, be unlawful. Purchaser also reserves the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the tender of any Shares of any particular stockholder, whether or not similar defects or irregularities are waived in the case of other stockholders. No tender of Shares will be deemed to have been validly made until all defects and irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as Purchaser shall determine. None of Parent, Purchaser, the Depositary and Paying Agent, the Information Agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give any such notice. Purchaser’s interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Offer (including the Letter of Transmittal and the instructions thereto) will be final and binding.

9. QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES. The Information Agent may be contacted at the address and telephone number set forth on the last page of this Letter of Transmittal for questions and/or requests for additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal and other tender offer materials. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. Such copies will be furnished promptly at Purchaser’s expense.

A Book-Entry Confirmation into the Depositary and Paying Agent’s account at DTC, as well as this Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent’s Message (if utilized in lieu of this Letter of Transmittal), and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received before the Expiration Date.

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

Under federal income tax law, a stockholder who is a United States person surrendering Shares must, unless an exemption applies, provide the Depositary and Paying Agent (as payer) with the stockholder’s correct TIN on IRS Form W-9, a copy of which is included in this Letter of Transmittal. If the stockholder is an individual, then the stockholder’s TIN is generally such stockholder’s Social Security number. If the correct TIN is not provided, then the stockholder may be subject to a penalty imposed by the IRS and payments of cash to the stockholder (or other payee) pursuant to the Offer may be subject to U.S. federal backup withholding (currently imposed at a rate of 24%).

Certain stockholders (including, among others, certain corporations and certain foreign individuals and entities) may not be subject to backup withholding and reporting requirements. In order for an exempt stockholder who is not a United States person to avoid backup withholding, such person should complete, sign and submit an appropriate IRS Form W-8 signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to his, her or its exempt status. IRS Forms W-8 can be obtained from the Depositary and Paying Agent, or from the IRS website (www.irs.gov). Such stockholders should consult a tax advisor to determine which version of IRS Form W-8 is appropriate. Exempt stockholders who are United States persons should furnish their TIN, provide the applicable information on the IRS Form W-9 and sign, date and return the IRS Form W-9 to the Depositary and Paying Agent in order to avoid erroneous backup withholding. See the instructions enclosed with the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal for additional instructions.

If backup withholding applies, the Depositary and Paying Agent is required to withhold and pay over to the IRS a portion of any payment made to a stockholder. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from the IRS provided the required information is timely provided to the IRS.

Purpose of IRS Form W-9

To prevent backup withholding on payments that are made to a stockholder with respect to Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer, the stockholder is required to notify the Depositary and Paying Agent of the stockholder’s correct TIN by completing the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal certifying that (1) the TIN provided on the IRS Form W-9 is correct (or that such stockholder is awaiting a TIN), (2) the stockholder is not subject to backup withholding because (i) the stockholder is exempt from backup withholding, (ii) the stockholder has not been notified by the IRS that the stockholder is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest and dividends or (iii) the IRS has notified the stockholder that the stockholder is no longer subject to backup withholding, and (3) the stockholder is a United States person.

What Number to Give the Depositary and Paying Agent

The tendering stockholder is required to give the Depositary and Paying Agent the TIN, generally the Social Security number or employer identification number, of the record holder of all Shares tendered hereby. If such Shares are in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the instructions enclosed with the IRS Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal for additional guidance on which number to report. If the tendering stockholder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a number, such stockholder should write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN on the IRS Form W-9, sign and date the IRS Form W-9 and sign and date the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number below. If the tendering stockholder writes “Applied For” in the space for the TIN and the Depositary and Paying Agent is not provided with a TIN by the time of payment, the Depositary and Paying Agent will withhold a portion of all payments of the purchase price, which will be refunded if a TIN is provided to the Depositary and Paying Agent within sixty (60) days of the Depositary and Paying Agent’s receipt of the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number. If the Depositary and Paying Agent is provided with an incorrect TIN in connection with such payments, then the stockholder may be subject to a penalty imposed by the IRS.

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE IRS FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF A PORTION OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS ENCLOSED WITH THE IRS FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU WROTE “APPLIED FOR” IN THE SPACE FOR THE TIN ON THE IRS FORM W-9.

	CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
	I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me, and either (1) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate IRS Center or Social Security Administration Office, or (2) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number by the time of payment, a portion of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld, but that such amounts will be refunded to me if I then provide a Taxpayer Identification Number within sixty (60) days.
	Signature			Date

The Depositary and Paying Agent for the Offer Is:

If delivering by hand, express mail, courier or other expedited service:			If delivering by mail:

Equiniti Trust Company, LLC 55 Challenger Road Suite # 200 Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660 Attn: Reorganization Department			Equiniti Trust Company, LLC Operations Center Attn: Reorganization Department P.O. Box 525 Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660

For assistance, call: (877) 248-6417 or (718) 921-8317.

Innisfree M&A Incorporated (the “Information Agent”) may be contacted at its address and telephone number listed below for questions and/or requests for additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal and other tender offer materials. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. Such copies will be furnished promptly at Purchaser’s expense.

The Information Agent for the Offer is:

Innisfree M&A Incorporated

501 Madison Avenue, 20^th floor

New York, NY 10022

Banks and Brokers Call: (212) 750-5833

Stockholders Call Toll Free: (877) 750-8310

Column Group L P SC TO-TThird party tender offer statement