Exhibit 10.5 [BELDEN CDT LOGO] BELDEN CDT INC. 7701 FORSYTH BOULEVARD SUITE 800 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63105 TELEPHONE: (314) 854-8000 FACSIMILE: (314) 854-8001 PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL May 17, 2005 Mr. Richard K. Reece 21 Ballas Court Town & Country, MO 63131 Dear Ricky: The terms of your retention award letter agreement (the "Retention Letter Agreement"), dated as of June 28, 2004, are amended as follows: If you were to elect to leave the Company in the event you were no longer reporting directly to Mr. Cunningham and if your departure from the Company occurs before July 15, 2006, then you will receive the last one-third of your cash award and restricted stock award (payable under the Retention Letter Agreement) on such date. BELDEN CDT INC. By: /s/ Kevin Bloomfield ------------------------- Kevin Bloomfield Agreed: /s/ Richard K. Reece ------------------------- Richard K. Reece