CABLETRON SYSTEMS INC
10-Q, EX-2.1, 2000-10-18
COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
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<PAGE>

                                                                     Exhibit 2.1


                           TRANSFORMATION AGREEMENT

     This Transformation Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of June
                                          ---------
3, 2000 (the "Signing Date") by and among Cabletron Systems, Inc., a  Delaware
              ------------
corporation ("CSI"), Aprisma Management Technologies, Inc., a  Delaware
              ---
corporation ("Aprisma"), Enterasys Networks, Inc., a  Delaware corporation
              -------
("Enterasys"), GlobalNetwork Technology Services, Inc., a  Delaware corporation
-----------
("GNTS") and Riverstone Networks, Inc., a  Delaware corporation ("Riverstone"
  ----                                                            ----------
and  collectively with Aprisma, Enterasys and GNTS, the "Newcos").  Capitalized
                                                         ------
terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to
such terms in Section 8 hereof.

                                   RECITALS

     WHEREAS, CSI currently owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock
of each Newco;

     WHEREAS, it is currently contemplated that (i) Compaq Computer Corporation
will invest $14 million in preferred stock of Aprisma and (ii) Silver Lake
Partners, L.P. and other investors will invest in certain purchase rights and
warrants with respect to the equity securities of the Newcos;

     WHEREAS, subject to the approval of the stockholders of CSI, the parties
have each determined that it would be appropriate and desirable, in accordance
with the Contribution Agreements, for CSI to contribute and transfer to each
Newco, and for such Newco, to receive and assume, directly or indirectly,
certain assets and liabilities currently held by CSI and its affiliates and
associated with the Aprisma Business in the case of Aprisma, the GNTS Business
in the case of the GNTS, the Riverstone Business in the case of Riverstone and
the Enterasys Business in the case of Enterasys and to consummate the other
transactions contemplated hereby (the "Transformation");
                                       --------------

     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of CSI has determined that the
Transformation will provide flexibility to better develop and implement other
strategic transactions designed to maximize the long-term competitive and
strategic advantages of CSI's products and services by separating the operations
associated with the Aprisma Business, the Enterasys Business, the GNTS Business
and the Riverstone Business;

     WHEREAS, CSI has announced that it currently plans to conduct an initial
public offering ("IPO") for each of the Newcos followed by a distribution (a
                  ---
"Distribution") of the remaining shares of one or more of the Newcos to CSI's
-------------
stockholders, although CSI is not obligated to complete any such transactions
and will only implement any such transactions if the Board of Directors of CSI
continues to believe that it is in the best interests of CSI, CSI's stockholders
and the Newcos; and
<PAGE>

     WHEREAS, the parties intend in this Agreement, including the Exhibits
hereto, to set forth the principal arrangements between them regarding the
Transformation.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and
agreements set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. DOCUMENTS AND ITEMS TO BE DELIVERED ON THE SIGNING DATE

On the Signing Date, concurrent with the execution and delivery hereof, each of
the parties will duly execute and deliver to each other party which is a party
thereto all of the following items and agreements to which it is a party
(collectively, together with all agreements and documents contemplated by such
agreements, the "Ancillary Agreements"):
                 --------------------

     1.1.  An Asset Contribution Agreement between CSI and Aprisma (the "Aprisma
                                                                         -------
           Contribution Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1;
           ----------------------

     1.2.  An Asset Contribution Agreement between CSI and Enterasys (the
                                                                      ---
           "Enterasys Contribution Agreement") substantially in the form of
            -------------------------------
           Exhibit A-2;

     1.3.  An Asset Contribution Agreement between CSI and GNTS (the "GNTS
                                                                      ----
           Contribution Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit A-3;
           ----------------------

     1.4.  An Asset Contribution Agreement between CSI and Riverstone (the
                                                                       ---
           "Riverstone Contribution Agreement" and collectively with the
            ---------------------------------
           agreements referenced in Sections 1.1 to 1.3 above, the "Contribution
                                                                    ------------
           Agreements") substantially in the form of Exhibit A-4;
           ----------

     1.5.  An Intercompany Agreement between Aprisma and Enterasys (the "A-E
                                                                         ---
           Intercompany Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1
           ----------------------
           attached hereto;

     1.6.  An Intercompany Agreement between Aprisma and GNTS (the "A-G
                                                               --------
           Intercompany Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2
           ----------------------
           attached hereto;

     1.7.  An Intercompany Agreement between Aprisma and Riverstone (the "A-R
                                                                          ---
           Intercompany Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit B-3
           ----------------------
           attached hereto;

     1.8.  An Intercompany Agreement between Enterasys and GNTS (the "E-G
                                                                 --------
           Intercompany Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit B-4
           ----------------------
           attached hereto;


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

     1.9.  An Intercompany Agreement between Enterasys and Riverstone (the "E-R
                                                                            ---
           Intercompany Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit B-5
           ----------------------
           attached hereto;

     1.10. An Intercompany Agreement between GNTS and Riverstone (the "G-R
                                                                       ---
           Intercompany Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit B-6
           ----------------------
           attached hereto;

     1.11. A Tax Sharing Agreement among CSI and all Newcos (the "Tax Sharing
                                                                  -----------
           Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit C; and
           ---------

     1.12. A Flextronics Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "Manufactured
                                                                   ------------
           Products Agreement") between CSI and Enterasys substantially in the
           ------------------
           form of Exhibit D hereto.

2. TRANSFORMATION

     2.1.  Signing Date. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Newcos,
           ------------
           either as separate entities or through their predecessor divisions of
           CSI, will conduct business in accordance with the terms and
           conditions hereof and of the Ancillary Agreements from and after the
           Signing Date.

     2.2.  Transformation Date.  Subject to the approval of the Transformation
           -------------------
           by the stockholders of CSI and the other conditions set forth in
           Section 7 hereof and in the Ancillary Agreements, the effective time
           and date of the Transformation and the consummation of the
           transactions contemplated hereby and by the Ancillary Agreements
           shall be 11:59 p.m., Boston Time, July 29, 2000 or such other date as
           may be fixed by CSI (the "Transformation Date"). To the extent that
                                     -------------------
           any Contribution Agreement provides for the transfer of assets or
           liabilities held by a Subsidiary of CSI, the capital stock of which
           is to be transferred to a Newco other than that Newco to which such
           assets or liabilities are to be transferred, the transfer of such
           assets and liabilities shall occur immediately prior to the transfer
           of the capital stock of such Subsidiary.

     2.3.  Closing of Transactions.  The closing of the transactions hereby and
           -----------------------
           by the Ancillary Agreements (the "Closing") shall occur on the
                                             -------
           Transformation Date at the offices of Ropes & Gray, One International
           Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, by the execution and delivery of
           the instruments of transfer, assumptions of liability, undertakings,
           agreements, instruments or other documents to be delivered on the
           Transformation Date pursuant to this Agreement and the Ancillary
           Agreements.

3. POST-TRANSFORMATION TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE NEWCOS

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

     3.1.  Discretion of CSI. No Newco shall commence or consummate an IPO
           -----------------
           without the approval of CSI and all terms, including the timing of,
           an IPO shall be subject to CSI's approval. CSI shall, in its sole and
           absolute discretion, determine whether to consummate a Distribution
           with respect to any Newco and the terms and conditions of any such
           Distribution. The parties acknowledge that (i) CSI is not obligated
           to complete any such IPO or Distribution and will only implement any
           such transaction if the Board of Directors of CSI continues to
           believe that it is in the best interest of CSI, CSI's stockholders
           and the Newcos and (ii) CSI may pursue other strategic alternatives
           in lieu of an IPO and/or Distribution with respect to any Newco.

     3.2.  IRS Ruling. The parties acknowledge that CSI currently plans to seek
           ----------
           a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to the
           effect that (i) Section 355 of the Code will apply to a Distribution
           of Newco stock by CSI to CSI's stockholders; and (ii) no gain or loss
           will be recognized by (and no amounts will be included in the income
           of) the stockholders of CSI upon their receipt of Newco stock
           pursuant to the Distribution.

     3.3.  Cooperation.  If requested by CSI, each Newco shall cooperate with
           -----------
           CSI in all respects to accomplish an IPO and Distribution with
           respect to such Newco and shall, at CSI's direction, promptly take
           any and all actions necessary or desirable to effect such IPO or
           Distribution, including, without limitation: filing a registration
           statement with respect to the IPO under the Securities Act, including
           any amendments thereto as may be required; making any filings under
           the Exchange Act; entering into an underwriting agreement with
           respect to the IPO; preparing an information statement with respect
           to the Distribution; filing any documents with the Commission as may
           be required with respect to an IPO or Distribution; listing the stock
           of such Newco on the Nasdaq National Market or a stock exchange
           selected by CSI; and obtaining, and complying with the terms of, any
           private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service as described
           in Section 3.2 above. CSI shall select any underwriter(s), investment
           banker(s) and manager(s) in connection with an IPO and Distribution,
           as well as any financial printer, solicitation and/or exchange agent
           and outside legal counsel for CSI and each Newco in connection with
           an IPO and a Distribution.

4. CERTAIN COVENANTS AND OTHER MATTERS

     4.1.  Other Agreements.
           ----------------

           4.1.1.   Instruments and Agreements.  The parties agree to execute
                    --------------------------
                    or cause to be executed by the appropriate parties and
                    deliver, as appropriate at the Closing, such other
                    agreements, instruments and other documents as may be
                    necessary or desirable in order to effect

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

                    the purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements,
                    including without limitation as contemplated by this Section
                    4.1 below.

           4.1.2.   Retained Third Party Tools.  The parties acknowledge that
                    --------------------------
                    pursuant to the terms of the Contribution Agreements, rights
                    with respect to certain Third Party Tools (as such term is
                    defined in the Contribution Agreements), including without
                    limitation those Third Party Tools set forth on Schedule 3.4
                    to each Contribution Agreement, will be retained by CSI and
                    not be contributed to any one Newco pursuant to a
                    Contribution Agreement (the "Retained Third Party Tool
                                                 -------------------------
                    Rights").   CSI acknowledges that certain of the Retained
                    ------
                    Third Party Tool Rights may be necessary or useful for the
                    performance of the business of certain Newcos and to such
                    extent agrees to hold such Retained Third Party Tool Rights
                    for the use and benefit, insofar as reasonably possible and
                    not in violation of their terms, of such Newcos (at the
                    expense of such Newcos) and shall take such other actions as
                    may be reasonably required in order to place such Newcos,
                    insofar as reasonably possible and not in violation of such
                    Retained Third Party Tool Rights, in the same position as if
                    such Retained Third Party Tool Rights had been transferred
                    to such Newcos under the relevant Contribution Agreements.
                    The parties acknowledge and agree that this Section 4.1.2 is
                    not intended to extend the use of any Retained Third Party
                    Tool Rights beyond their current and historical use by CSI
                    and its businesses, but rather to enable the continued use
                    of such Retained Third Party Tools consistent with their
                    current and historical use by CSI and its businesses.

          4.1.3.    Licenses with Respect to Principal Intellectual Property.
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    At the Closing, the parties will enter into licensing
                    agreements that are intended to, among other things, allow
                    each Newco to use only that intellectual property of another
                    party necessary for the Newco to conduct its respective
                    business as of the Closing. These licensing agreements (the
                    "License Agreements") will include:
                     ------------------

                    A license agreement from Aprisma to GNTS allowing GNTS to
                    develop tools GNTS may use in providing services to third
                    parties, provided that GNTS may not exercise those rights to
                    develop software products competitive with those of the
                    Aprisma Business as of the Closing;

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

                    A license agreement from Enterasys to GNTS allowing GNTS to
                    conduct the GNTS Business, provided that GNTS may not
                    exercise those rights to develop products competitive with
                    those of the Enterasys Business as of the Closing;

                    A license agreement from Riverstone to GNTS allowing GNTS to
                    conduct the GNTS Business, provided that GNTS may not
                    exercise those rights to develop products competitive with
                    those of the Riverstone Business as of the Closing;

                    A cross-license agreement between Enterasys and Aprisma
                    allowing each to conduct its respective business, provided
                    that neither may exercise those rights to develop products
                    competitive with those of the other's business as of the
                    Closing;

                    A cross-license agreement between Riverstone and Aprisma
                    allowing each to conduct its respective business, provided
                    that neither may exercise those rights to develop products
                    competitive with those of the other's business as of the
                    Closing;

                    A cross-license agreement between Enterasys and Riverstone
                    allowing each to conduct its respective business, provided
                    that no license will be granted to Riverstone with respect
                    to any wireless technologies, and provided further that this
                    cross-license agreement will contain provisions
                    substantially based on the terms outlined on Exhibit E
                    hereto with respect to Riverstone making available to
                    Enterasys certain ASICs and related data for SSR products;
                    and

                    License Agreements between CSI and each Newco allowing each
                    Newco to use that intellectual property of CSI that is not
                    Contributed Intellectual Property (as defined in the
                    respective Contribution Agreements) of any Newco and is
                    necessary to allow such Newco to conduct its business.

          4.1.4.    Shared Services Agreements.  At the Closing and at the
                    --------------------------
                    direction of CSI, each of the Newcos will enter into a
                    Shared Services Agreement (collectively the "Shared Services
                                                                 ---------------
                    Agreements") with respect to certain corporate, human
                    ----------
                    resource, information technology, accounting, and other
                    services that have been provided by CSI to the Newcos or
                    their predecessor divisions of CSI since March 1, 2000, and
                    that will continue to be provided by CSI to the Newcos on an
                    interim basis, after the Transformation Date. Each Shared
                    Services Agreement will provide for service charges for such
                    services. Each Shared Services Agreement will also permit
                    CSI to engage subcontractors, including the Newcos, to
                    perform all or any portion of the services described
                    therein. The applicable Newco or Newcos will enter into
                    agreements with CSI with respect to the provision of certain
                    of such services by such Newco(s). The Shared Services
                    Agreements, subject to certain limitations, will

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

                    also allow CSI and the Newcos to adjust from time to time
                    the nature and level of services to be provided thereunder.

     4.2  Agreement for Exchange of Information
          -------------------------------------

          4.2.1.    General.  CSI shall provide to each Newco, and each Newco
                    -------
                    shall provide to CSI at any time before a Distribution with
                    respect to such Newco, any Information in the possession or
                    under the control of such party that the requesting party
                    reasonably needs (i) to comply with reporting, disclosure,
                    filing or other requirements imposed on the requesting party
                    (including under applicable securities laws) by a
                    Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the
                    requesting party, (ii) for use in preparing its financial
                    statements; (iii) for use in any other judicial, regulatory,
                    administrative or other proceeding or in order to satisfy
                    audit, accounting, claims, regulatory, litigation or other
                    similar requirements, (iv) to comply with its obligations
                    under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or (v) in
                    connection with its respective ongoing business; provided,
                    however, that in the event that any party determines that
                    any such provision of Information could be commercially
                    detrimental, violate any law or agreement, or waive any
                    attorney-client privilege, the parties shall take all
                    reasonable measures to permit the compliance with such
                    obligations in a manner that avoids any such harm or
                    consequence.

          4.2.2.    Continued Cooperation after a Distribution.  After a
                    ------------------------------------------
                    Distribution with respect to a Newco (except in the case of
                    a legal or other proceeding by one party against another
                    party which shall be governed by such discovery rules as may
                    be applicable under Section 4.10 or otherwise), CSI and such
                    Newco shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to make
                    available to each other party, upon written request, the
                    former, current and future directors, officers, employees,
                    other personnel and agents of such party as witnesses and
                    any books, records or other documents within its control or
                    which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the
                    extent that any such person (giving consideration to
                    business demands of such directors, officers, employees,
                    other personnel and agents) or books, records or other
                    documents may reasonably be required in connection with any
                    legal, administrative or other proceeding in which the
                    requesting party may from time to time be involved,
                    regardless of whether such legal, administrative or other
                    proceeding is a matter with respect to which indemnification
                    may be sought hereunder. The requesting party shall bear all
                    costs and expenses in connection therewith except as to
                    those proceedings as to which the requesting party is
                    entitled to indemnity from the other party.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

          4.2.3.    Ownership of Information.  Any Information owned by a party
                    ------------------------
                    that is provided to a requesting party pursuant to this
                    Section 4.2 shall be deemed to remain the property of the
                    providing party. Unless specifically set forth herein or in
                    the Ancillary Agreements or in an instrument delivered
                    pursuant hereto or thereto, nothing contained in this
                    Agreement shall be construed as granting or conferring
                    rights of license or otherwise in any such Information.

          4.2.4.    Record Retention. To facilitate the possible exchange of
                    ----------------
                    Information pursuant to this Section 4.2 and other
                    provisions of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements,
                    each party agrees to use its reasonable commercial efforts
                    to retain all Information in its respective possession or
                    control that might be reasonably required by another party.

          4.2.5.    Limitation of Liability.  No party shall have any liability
                    -----------------------
                    to any other party in the event that any Information
                    exchanged or provided pursuant to this Section 4.2 is found
                    to be inaccurate. No party shall have any liability to any
                    other party if any Information is destroyed or lost.

     4.3. Auditors and Audits.  Each Newco agrees that, for so long as CSI is
          -------------------
          required in accordance with United States generally accepted
          accounting principles to consolidate such Newco's results of
          operations and financial position (during such period, such Newco
          being referred to as an "Included Newco"):
                                   --------------

          4.3.1.    Selection of Auditors.  Such Included Newco shall not
                    ---------------------
                    select a different accounting firm from that used by CSI to
                    serve as its independent certified public accountants (its
                    "auditors") for purposes of providing an opinion on its
                     --------
                    consolidated financial statements without CSI's prior
                    written consent.

          4.3.2.    Date of Auditors' Opinion and Quarterly Reviews.  The
                    -----------------------------------------------
                    parties will cooperate in establishing a timetable for the
                    preparation of audited financial statements and the
                    clearance of quarterly financial statements. Each Included
                    Newco shall use its best efforts to enable its auditors to
                    complete their audit such that they will date their opinion
                    on such Included Newco's audited annual financial statements
                    on the same date that CSI's auditors date their opinion on
                    CSI's audited annual financial statements, and to enable CSI
                    to meet its timetable for the printing, filing and public
                    dissemination of CSI's annual financial statements. Each
                    Included Newco shall use its best efforts to enable its
                    auditors to complete their quarterly review procedures such
                    that they will provide

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

                    clearance on such Included Newco's quarterly financial
                    statements on the same date that CSI's auditors provide
                    clearance on CSI's quarterly financial statements.

          4.3.3.    Annual and Quarterly Financial Statements.  Each Included
                    -----------------------------------------
                    Newco shall provide to CSI and the other Included Newcos on
                    a timely basis all Information it holds that CSI or another
                    Included Newco, as applicable, reasonably requires to meet
                    its schedule for the preparation, printing, filing, and
                    public dissemination of its annual and quarterly financial
                    statements. CSI shall provide to each Included Newco on a
                    timely basis all financial Information it holds that such
                    Included Newco reasonably requires to meet its schedule for
                    the preparation, printing, filing, and public dissemination
                    of its annual and quarterly financial statements. CSI and
                    each Included Newco shall instruct its auditors and
                    financial personnel to provide such assistance as is
                    required to assist in the preparation of CSI's or such
                    Included Newco's or another Included Newco's, as the case
                    may be, annual and quarterly statements.

          4.3.4.    Conflict with Third-Party Agreements.  Nothing in Sections
                    ------------------------------------
                    4.2 and 4.3 shall require any party to violate any agreement
                    with any third party regarding the confidentiality of
                    confidential and proprietary information relating to that
                    third party or its business; provided, however, that in the
                    event that a party is required under Sections 4.2 and 4.3 to
                    disclose any such Information, it shall use all commercially
                    reasonable efforts, but without payment of additional
                    amounts and without other concessions, to seek to obtain
                    such third party's consent to the disclosure of such
                    information.

     4.4. Confidentiality.  Each of the parties and its affiliates shall hold as
          ---------------
          confidential and shall not, except with the express prior written
          consent of the party which owns such confidential information (in the
          case of confidential information existing prior to the Transformation
          Date, the ownership of which shall be determined pursuant to the
          Contribution Agreements and the other Ancillary Agreements) directly
          or indirectly disclose, communicate or divulge to any Person, or use
          for the benefit of any Person, any information or data with respect to
          the conduct or details of the business of any other party hereto held
          as confidential information by such party whether obtained pursuant to
          Section 4.2 hereof or otherwise, including, without limitation,
          methods of operation, customers and customer lists, details of
          contracts with customers, consultants, suppliers or employees,
          products, proposed products, former products, proposed, pending or
          completed acquisitions of any company, division, product line or other
          business unit, prices and pricing policies, fees, costs, plans,
          designs, technology, inventions, trade secrets, know-how, software,

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

          marketing methods, policies, plans, personnel, or other proprietary
          matters (collectively, "Confidential Information").  The restriction
                                  ------------------------
          contained in the preceding sentence shall not apply to any
          Confidential Information to the extent that (i) such information is
          publicly available, (ii) such information is or hereafter becomes
          lawfully obtainable from other sources without breach hereof, (iii)
          the disclosure is made to a Governmental Authority where it is
          necessary or appropriate to disclose such information to such
          Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the parties, or (iv)
          disclosure is otherwise required by any legal requirement; provided,
          however that in the cases set forth in clauses (iii) and (iv) above,
          the disclosing party shall provide prior notice to the owner of the
          Confidential Information and take reasonable steps to assist such
          owner in contesting the requirement for the disclosure thereof.  The
          parties acknowledge that treatment of confidential information
          exchanged pursuant to the Intercompany Agreements and the License
          Agreements shall be governed by the provisions of such agreements and
          not this Section 4.4.

     4.5. Employee Confidentiality Agreements.  Any agreement or instrument
          -----------------------------------
          relating to confidentiality, non-disclosure or non-competition
          obligations of a former employee of CSI and its affiliates who has
          been, or a current employee of CSI who will be, transferred to a Newco
          in connection with the Transformation (a "CSI Confidentiality
                                                    -------------------
          Agreement") shall remain in full force and effect according to its
          ---------
          terms; provided, however, that none of the following acts committed by
          former CSI employees within the scope of their employment with a
          particular Newco shall constitute a breach of such CSI Confidentiality
          Agreements: (i) the use or disclosure of confidential information of
          CSI for or on behalf of such Newco, if such disclosure is consistent
          with the rights granted to such Newco and restrictions imposed on such
          Newco under this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any other
          agreement between the parties; (ii) the rendering of any services,
          directly or indirectly, to such Newco to the extent such services are
          consistent with the rights granted to such Newco and the restrictions
          imposed on such Newco under this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or
          any other agreement between the parties. CSI hereby retains all of its
          rights under the CSI Confidentiality Agreements (except as provided in
          the immediately preceding sentence), but hereby transfers and assigns
          to each Newco a portion of its rights under the CSI Confidentiality
          Agreements of all former CSI employees employed by such Newco to the
          extent required to permit such Newco to enjoin, restrain, recover
          damages from or obtain specific performance of the CSI Confidentiality
          Agreements or obtain other remedies against any Newco employee who
          breaches his or her CSI Confidentiality Agreement. CSI and the
          relevant Newco may separately enforce the CSI Confidentiality
          Agreements of former CSI employees employed by such Newco, in the case
          of such Newco, to the extent necessary to reasonably protect its
          interests; provided, however, that such Newco shall not commence any

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

          legal action relating thereto without CSI's written consent.  In
          addition, each Newco shall use reasonable commercial efforts to cause
          each of its employees to execute a new confidentiality agreement which
          protects the confidential information of such Newco (each a "Newco
                                                                       -----
          Confidentiality Agreement").  CSI and each Newco agree to cooperate as
          -------------------------
          follows: (A) each Newco shall advise CSI of any violation(s) of the
          CSI Confidentiality Agreements by former CSI employees and cooperate
          with CSI in enforcing the CSI Confidentiality Agreements; (B) CSI
          shall use reasonable commercial efforts to enforce its rights under
          the CSI Confidentiality Agreements and (C) each Newco shall use
          reasonable commercial efforts to enforce its rights under the Newco
          Confidentiality Agreements.

     4.6. CSI Guidelines, etc.  Each Newco acknowledges that until a
          --------------------
          Distribution with respect to such Newco, (i) such Newco will be
          subject to general CSI oversight and will follow CSI's corporate
          guidelines as from time to time in effect. Without limiting the
          foregoing, without prior CSI written approval (which written approval
          may be evidenced by (i) the affirmative vote of the chief executive
          officer of CSI in connection with a vote of the Board of Directors of
          such Newco if he is a member of such Board or (ii) if the chief
          executive officer of CSI is not a member of such Board, by the
          affirmative vote of all officers of CSI sitting on such Board in
          connection with a vote of such Board), no Newco shall:

               (i)   amend (A) its By-laws, (B) its 2000 Option Plan (including
                     any increase in the shares available for issuance under
                     such plan), or (C) any awards issued under its 2000 Option
                     Plan;

               (ii)  issue any equity securities or other securities other than
                     options under its 2000 Option Plan;

               (iii) grant any stock options or other rights to purchase any
                     equity securities or other securities of such Newco in
                     excess of the options reserved under its 2000 Option Plan;

               (iv)  grant any rights to serve on its Board of Directors; or

               (v)   make any significant changes in its accounting or financial
                     reporting policies.

     4.7. Intercompany Agreements.  The parties acknowledge and agree that the
          -----------------------
          Newcos, either as separate entities or through their predecessor
          divisions of CSI, have conducted business in accordance with the terms
          and conditions reflected in the Intercompany Agreements from March 1,
          2000 through the date hereof and shall continue to do so through the
          Transformation.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

     4.8. Rainbow Awards. In the event of a Distribution by CSI of shares of
          --------------
          stock of a Newco (the "Distributed Newco"), the Distributed Newco
                                 -----------------
          shall cause there to be issued, to each "eligible individual" (as

          hereinafter defined) who at the close of the record date for the
          Distribution holds an option to acquire shares of CSI stock that has
          been granted in connection with the performance of services other than
          an option under CSI's stock purchase program or programs (any such
          eligible individual being hereinafter referred to as a "Recipient" and
                                                                  ---------
          any such option held by a Recipient at the close of the record date
          for the Distribution being hereinafter referred to as an "Eligible CSI
                                                                    ------------
          Option"), an option (the "Rainbow Option") to acquire, on the terms
                                    --------------
          hereinafter provided, shares of stock of the same class as the stock
          distributed generally in the Distribution ("Newco Stock").  Subject to
                                                      -----------
          adjustment as referenced below, each Rainbow Option shall be for the
          number of shares of Newco Stock that the Recipient would have been
          entitled to receive in the Distribution with respect to the shares of
          CSI stock subject to the Eligible CSI Option if he or she had owned
          such shares of CSI stock outright on the record date of the
          Distribution.  The per-share exercise price for each Rainbow Option
          shall be fixed in such manner as CSI in its sole discretion determines
          to be appropriate to reflect the Distribution.  CSI, in connection
          with the Distribution, shall also reduce the per-share exercise price
          of each Eligible CSI Option to such extent, if any, as it deems
          appropriate to reflect the Distribution.  It is the intention of the
          parties that the provisions of this Section 4.8 shall be administered
          insofar as is possible to preserve, with respect to the Rainbow Option
          and the Eligible CSI Option immediately after the Distribution, the
          same aggregate spread between fair market value of the shares
          underlying those options and exercise price and the same ratio of
          exercise price to the fair market value of the shares underlying those
          options as existed with respect to the Eligible CSI Option immediately
          before the record date of the Distribution.  The number of shares
          subject to the Rainbow Option and CSI options shall be subject to
          adjustment as necessary to accomplish this end, as determined by CSI.
          For purposes of this Section 4.8, the term "eligible individual"
                                                      -------------------
          means, except as CSI may otherwise determine, an individual who at the
          time of the Distribution is an employee of CSI or of an entity that is
          then a subsidiary of CSI.  Each Rainbow Option shall be subject to
          terms substantially similar to those which apply to other stock
          options issued by the Distributed Newco, except that the vested status
          and exercisability of the Rainbow Option, and the term and expiration
          provisions of such option, shall be the same as the Eligible CSI
          Option to which it relates.  It is the intention of the parties to
          more fully document the provisions of this Section 4.8 on or prior to
          the Closing, and CSI and each Newco shall take such measures as are
          necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section 4.8, including,
          without limitation, reserving a sufficient number of shares and
          causing the shares

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

            to be registered under the Securities Act and applicable state
            securities laws, if any.

     4.9.   Expenses.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the
            --------
            Ancillary Agreements or any other agreement between the parties
            relating to the Transformation, each Newco shall be responsible, to
            the extent determined reasonable in CSI's sole discretion, for its
            own fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
            Transformation, any IPO and any Distribution and shall bear its
            proportionate share of such fees, costs and expenses incurred by
            CSI.

     4.10.  Dispute Resolution.
            ------------------

            4.10.1.  If a dispute, controversy or claim ("Dispute") arises
                                                          -------
                     between or among two or more parties relating to the
                     interpretation or performance of this Agreement or the
                     Ancillary Agreements or otherwise relating to the
                     Transformation, other than a dispute under any Intercompany
                     Agreement or supplements thereto, any License Agreement or
                     the Tax Sharing Agreement which shall be resolved in the
                     manner set forth in the relevant agreement, the appropriate
                     senior executives of each party who shall have the
                     authority to resolve the matter shall meet within fifteen
                     (15) days from the date the Dispute arises to attempt in
                     good faith to negotiate a resolution of the Dispute prior
                     to pursuing other available remedies. The earlier of
                     fifteen (15) days from the date one party notifies the
                     other party or parties of the Dispute and the date of the
                     initial meeting between the appropriate senior executives
                     shall be referred to herein as the "Dispute Resolution
                                                         ------------------
                     Commencement Date". Discussions and correspondence relating
                     -----------------
                     to trying to resolve such Dispute shall be treated as
                     confidential information developed for the purpose of
                     settlement and shall be exempt from discovery or production
                     and shall not be admissible. Subject to Section 4.10.2
                     below, if the senior executives are unable to resolve the
                     Dispute within fifteen (15) days from the Dispute
                     Resolution Commencement Date, and either party wishes to
                     pursue its rights relating to such Dispute, then, whether
                     or not CSI is involved in the Dispute, the parties shall
                     submit the Dispute to the chief executive officer of CSI
                     (or such other executive of CSI designated by the chief
                     executive officer of CSI for this purpose) for resolution.
                     The chief executive officer (or other designated executive
                     of CSI) shall resolve such dispute. The decision of the
                     chief executive officer or other designated executive of
                     CSI shall be final and binding on the parties hereto.

            4.10.2.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.10.1, if the
                     senior executives of each party are unable to resolve a
                     Dispute within

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

                     sixty (60) days from the Dispute Resolution Commencement
                     Date and at least one party to the Dispute is a Newco which
                     has consummated an IPO or is no longer a majority-owned
                     Subsidiary of CSI, and any party wishes to pursue its
                     rights relating to such Dispute (as evidenced by the
                     approval of the Board of Directors of such party to pursue
                     arbitration of the Disputee in accordance with this Section
                     4.10.2), then the Dispute shall be resolved as set forth
                     below:

                      (i) The Dispute shall be submitted to final and binding
                      arbitration under the then current Commercial Arbitration
                      Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"), by
                                                                      ---
                      three (3) arbitrators in Boston, Massachusetts. Such
                      arbitrators shall be selected by the mutual agreement of
                      the parties or, failing such agreement, shall be selected
                      according to the aforesaid AAA rules. The arbitrators will
                      be instructed to prepare and deliver a written, reasoned
                      opinion stating their decision within thirty (30) days of
                      the completion of the arbitration. The prevailing party in
                      such arbitration, as determined by the arbitrator, shall
                      be entitled to expenses, including costs and reasonable
                      attorneys' and other professional fees, incurred in
                      connection with the arbitration (but excluding any costs
                      and fees associated with prior negotiation or mediation).
                      The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and non-
                      appealable and may be enforced in any court of competent
                      jurisdiction.

                      (ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 4.10.2(i), any
                      Dispute involving at least one Newco which has consummated
                      an IPO or is no longer a majority-owned Subsidiary of CSI
                      regarding the following is not required to be negotiated
                      or arbitrated prior to seeking injunctive relief from a
                      court of competent jurisdiction to prevent serious and
                      irreparable injury to one of the parties or to others:
                      breach of any obligation of confidentiality; infringement,
                      misappropriation, or misuse of any intellectual property
                      right; or any other claim where interim relief from the
                      court is sought to prevent serious and irreparable injury
                      to one of the parties or to others. However, the parties
                      to the Dispute shall make a good faith effort to negotiate
                      such Dispute, according to the above procedures, while
                      such court action is pending.

            4.10.3.  The processes set forth in this Section 4.10 shall be the
                     exclusive processes for the resolution of a Dispute among
                     the parties.

            4.10.4.  Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the parties will
                     continue to honor all other commitments under this
                     Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement during the course of
                     dispute resolution

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

                     pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.10 with
                     respect to all matters not subject to such dispute,
                     controversy or claim.

     4.11.  Non-Solicitation of Employees.  Each party (the "Recruiting Party")
            -----------------------------                    ----------------
            agrees not to solicit or recruit the employees of any other party
            for a period of (i) two years following the Transformation Date or
            (ii) if both the Recruiting Party and the other party are Newcos,
            for a period of the longer of (x) two years from the Transformation
            Date and (y) until one such party ceases to be a majority owned
            subsidiary of CSI. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this prohibition
            on solicitation and recruitment does not apply to actions taken by a
            party as a result of an employee's affirmative response to a general
            recruitment effort carried out through a public solicitation or
            general solicitation.

     4.12.  Intentionally Omitted.
            ---------------------

     4.13.  CSI as Stockholder.  The parties acknowledge that nothing contained
            ------------------
            in this Agreement or in the Ancillary Agreements or in any
            agreements contemplated hereby or thereby is intended to interfere,
            or shall interfere, with CSI's rights as a stockholder of any Newco.

     4.14.  Public Announcements.  Each Newco agrees not to issue any press
            --------------------
            release or make any such public statement with respect to this
            Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without consulting
            with, and obtaining the prior written approval of, CSI.

     4.15.  Further Assurances.  Each party agrees to take such further action
            ------------------
            and execute, deliver and/or file such documents or instruments as
            are necessary to carry out the terms and purposes of this Agreement.

     4.16.  Conflicting Agreements.  In the event of conflict between this
            ----------------------
            Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement or other agreement executed in
            connection herewith, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail.

5.   ALLOCATION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At the Closing, assets shall be contributed to the Newcos and Liabilities shall
be assumed by the Newcos as provided in the Contribution Agreements; provided,
however, that the parties acknowledge and agree that, notwithstanding any
provisions in the Contribution Agreements to the contrary, CSI may in its sole
discretion retain, allocate or reallocate to any Newcos assets and Liabilities,
including general corporate Liabilities of CSI, or terminate this Agreement or
any Ancillary Agreement to facilitate a tax-free Distribution of any Newco,
comply with regulatory or financial reporting requirements or otherwise
facilitate the Transformation in a manner consistent with its business purposes.

6.   INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

This Section 6 applies to (i) this Agreement and any instruments delivered
pursuant hereto other than (A) the Ancillary Agreements, (B) any supplements to
the Intercompany Agreements and (C) the License Agreements and (ii) the
Contribution Agreements and any instruments delivered thereunder (collectively
such documents referred to in clause (i) and (ii) being referred to herein as
the "Covered Agreements").
     ------------------

     6.1  Survival of Representations and Warranties. All covenants, agreements
          ------------------------------------------
          and indemnities of the parties contained herein or in the Covered
          Agreements shall survive the Transformation Date except as otherwise
          provided herein or therein.

     6.2  Indemnity by CSI. CSI hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
          ----------------
          harmless each Newco and its respective directors, officers and
          Subsidiaries against and in respect of all Losses that result from:

          6.2.1     any failure of the parties to comply with any bulk transfer
                    law of any jurisdiction in connection with the
                    Transformation; and

          6.2.2     the conduct of CSI's business after the Transformation Date
                    that does not relate to any Newco's business;

          provided, however, that this Section 6.2 does not apply to any Losses
          related to income taxes and payroll taxes (which such Losses are
          governed by the Tax Sharing Agreement).  Any Newco claiming
          indemnification under this Section 6.2 shall provide CSI written
          notice of such claim, whether or not arising out of a claim by a third
          party.

     6.3  Indemnity by each Newco. Each Newco hereby agrees to indemnify, defend
          -----------------------
          and hold harmless (i) CSI and its directors, officers and affiliates
          (other than the other Newcos and their respective Subsidiaries) and
          (ii) each other Newco and its directors, officers and Subsidiaries
          against and in respect of all Losses that result from:

          6.3.1     the Assumed Liabilities of such Newco assumed by it pursuant
                    to the relevant Contribution Agreement, any other
                    Liabilities allocated to such Newco pursuant to Section 5
                    hereof, and any Liabilities arising out of the operations of
                    such Newco;

          6.3.2     the nonfulfillment of any agreement or covenant of such
                    Newco contained in any Covered Agreement; and

          6.3.3     the conduct of such Newco's business after the
                    Transformation Date.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

          provided, however, that this Section 6.3 does not apply to any Losses
          related to income taxes and payroll taxes (which such Losses are
          governed by the Tax Sharing Agreement).  CSI or any Newco claiming
          indemnification under this Section 6.3 shall provide written notice to
          the indemnifying party in respect of such claim, whether or not
          arising out of a claim by a third party.

     6.4  Third Party Claims. Promptly after the receipt by any party entitled
          ------------------
          to indemnification (the "Indemnified Party") pursuant to this Section
                                   -----------------
          6 or notice of the commencement of any action against such Indemnified
          Party by a third party, such Indemnified Party shall, if a claim with
          respect thereto is to be made against any party obligated to provide
          indemnification (the "Indemnifying Party") pursuant to this Section 6,
                                ------------------
          give such Indemnifying Party written notice thereof in reasonable
          detail in light of the circumstances then known to such Indemnified
          Party. The failure to give such notice shall not relieve any
          Indemnifying Party from any obligation hereunder except where, and
          then solely to the extent that, such failure actually and materially
          prejudices the rights of such Indemnifying Party. Such Indemnifying
          Party shall have the right to defend such claim, at such Indemnifying
          Party's expense and with counsel of its choice reasonably satisfactory
          to the Indemnified Party, provided that the Indemnifying Party
          conducts the defense of such claim actively and diligently. If the
          Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of such claim, the Indemnified
          Party agrees to reasonably cooperate in such defense so long as the
          Indemnified Party is not materially prejudiced thereby. So long as the
          Indemnifying Party is conducting the defense of such claim actively
          and diligently, the Indemnified Party may retain separate co-counsel
          at its sole cost and expense and may participate in the defense of
          such claim, and neither any Indemnifying Party nor any Indemnified
          Party will consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any
          settlement with respect to such claim without the prior written
          consent of the other, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
          In the event the Indemnifying Party does not or ceases to conduct the
          defense of such claim actively and diligently, (w) the Indemnified
          Party may defend against such claim in any manner it may reasonably
          deem to be appropriate, (x) upon receiving the prior written consent
          of the Indemnifying Party, which consent will not be unreasonably
          withheld, the Indemnified Party may consent to the entry of any
          judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to such claim, (y)
          the Indemnifying Party will reimburse the Indemnified Party promptly
          and periodically for the costs of defending against such claim,
          including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, and (z) the
          Indemnifying Party will remain responsible for any Losses the
          Indemnitee may suffer as a result of such claim to the full extent
          provided in this Section 6.

7.   CONDITIONS TO THE TRANSFORMATION

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

The consummation of the Transformation is subject to the satisfaction, at or
prior to the Closing, of all of the following conditions:

     7.1. Shareholder Approval.  The shareholders of CSI shall have approved the
          --------------------
          Transformation.

     7.2. Execution and Delivery of Documents. Unless otherwise waived in
          -----------------------------------
          writing by the relevant parties benefiting therefrom, each of the
          parties shall have executed and delivered all Ancillary Agreements and
          other documents to be executed and delivered by it on or prior to the
          Transformation Date, including without limitation (i) such documents
          to be executed and delivered on the Signing Date and (ii) such
          documents to be executed and delivered on or prior to the
          Transformation Date pursuant to Section 4.1.

     7.3. Litigation. No material action shall have been instituted at or prior
          ----------
          to the Closing by any Governmental Authority or other Person relating
          to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby,
          which has a reasonable likelihood of success and the result of which
          would prevent or make illegal the consummation of any such
          transaction.

8.   DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:

     8.1. "AAA" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.10.2.
           ---

     8.2. "A-E Intercompany Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term in
           --------------------------
          Section 1.5.

     8.3. "A-G Intercompany Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term in
           --------------------------
          Section 1.6.

     8.4. "A-R Intercompany Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term in
           --------------------------
          Section 1.7.

     8.5. "Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
           ---------

     8.6. "Ancillary Agreements" has the meaning assigned to such term in
           --------------------
          Section 1.

     8.7. "Aprisma" has the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble.
           -------

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

     8.8.  "Aprisma Business" means the "Company Business" as such term is
            ----------------
           defined in the Aprisma Contribution Agreement.

     8.9.  "Aprisma Contribution Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such
            ------------------------------
           term in Section 1.1.

     8.10. "Assumed Liabilities" means, with respect to a particular Newco,
            -------------------
           "Assumed Liabilities" as such term is defined in the Contribution
           Agreement to which such Newco is party.

     8.11. "CSI" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
            ---

     8.12. "CSI Confidentiality Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term
            -----------------------------
           in Section 4.5.

     8.13. "Closing" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.3.
            -------

     8.14. "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
            ----------

     8.15. "Confidential Information" has the meaning assigned to such term in
            ------------------------
           Section 4.4.

     8.16. "Contribution Agreements" has the meaning assigned to such term in
            -----------------------
           Section 1.4.

     8.17. "Covered Agreements" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
            ------------------
           6.

     8.18. "Dispute" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.10.1.
            -------

     8.19. "Dispute Resolution Commencement Date" has the meaning assigned to
            ------------------------------------
           such term in Section 4.10.1.

     8.20. "Distributed Newco" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
            -----------------
           4.8.

     8.21. "Distribution" has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.
            ------------

     8.22. "Eligible CSI Option" has the meaning assigned to such term in
            -------------------
           Section 4.8.

     8.23. "Enterasys" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
            ---------

     8.24. "Enterasys Business" means the "Company Business" as such term is
            ------------------
           defined in the Enterasys Contribution Agreement.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>

     8.25.  "Enterasys Contribution Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such
             --------------------------------
            term in Section 1.2.

     8.26.  "E-G Intercompany Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term
             --------------------------
            in Section 1.8.

     8.27.  "E-R Intercompany Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term
             --------------------------
            in Section 1.9.

     8.28.  "Exchange Act" means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as
             ------------
            amended.

     8.29.  "GNTS" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
             ----

     8.30.  "GNTS Business" means the "Company Business" as such term is defined
             -------------
            in the GNTS Contribution Agreement.

     8.31.  "GNTS Contribution Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term
             ---------------------------
            in Section 1.3.

     8.32.  "Governmental Authority" means any domestic or foreign federal,
             ----------------------
            state or local government, regulatory or administrative agency or
            court.

     8.33.  "G-R Intercompany Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term
             --------------------------
            in Section 1.10.

     8.34.  "Included Newco" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
             --------------
            4.3.

     8.35.  "Indemnified Party" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
             -----------------
            6.4.1.

     8.36.  "Indemnifying Party" has the meaning assigned to such term in
             ------------------
            Section 6.4.1.

     8.37.  "Information" means information, whether or not patentable or
             -----------
            copyrightable, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or
            intangible forms, stored in any medium, including studies, reports,
            records, books, contracts, instruments, surveys, discoveries, ideas,
            concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings,
            blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts,
            data, computer data, disks, diskettes, tapes, computer programs or
            other software, marketing plans, customer names, communications by
            or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged
            communications), memos and other materials prepared by attorneys or
            under their direction (including attorney work product), and other
            technical, financial, employee or business information or data.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

     8.38.  "Intercompany Agreements" means, collectively, the A-E Intercompany
             -----------------------
            Agreement, A-G Intercompany Agreement, A-R Intercompany Agreement,
            E-G Intercompany Agreement, E-R Intercompany Agreement and the G-R
            Intercompany Agreement.

     8.39.  "IPO" has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.
             ---

     8.40.  "Liability" means any debt, liability or obligation whether known or
             ---------
            unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or
            contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or
            unliquidated, whether incurred directly or consequential and whether
            due or to become due, including, without limitation, any liability
            arising out of applicable statutory, regulatory or common law, any
            contractual obligation and any obligation arising out of tort.

     8.41.  "License Agreements" has the meaning assigned to such term in
             ------------------
            Section 4.1.3.

     8.42.  "Losses" means obligations, judgments, liens, injunctions, charges,
             ------
            orders, decrees, rulings, damages, dues, assessments, losses, fines,
            penalties, expenses, fees, costs, amounts paid in settlement
            (including reasonable attorneys' and expert witness fees and
            disbursements in connection with the investigation, defense or
            settlement of any action or threatened action), arising out of any
            claim, damages, complaint, demand, cause of action, audit,
            investigation, hearing, action, suit or other proceeding asserted or
            initiated or otherwise existing in respect of any matter.

     8.43.  "Manufactured Products Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such
             -------------------------------
            term in Section 1.12.

     8.44.  "Newco Confidentiality Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such
             -------------------------------
            term in Section 4.5.

     8.45.  "Newco Stock" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.8.
             -----------

     8.46.  "Newcos" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
             ------

     8.47.  "Person" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a
             ------
            limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a
            trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a
            governmental entity or any department, agency or political
            subdivision thereof.

     8.48.  "Rainbow Option" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
             --------------
            4.8.

     8.49.  "Recipient" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.8.
             ---------

                                      -21-
<PAGE>

     8.50.  "Recruiting Party" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
             ----------------
            4.11.

     8.51.  "Retained Third Party Tool Rights" has the meaning assigned to such
             --------------------------------
            term in Section 4.1.2.

     8.52.  "Riverstone" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble.
             ----------

     8.53.  "Riverstone Business" means the "Company Business" as such term is
             -------------------
            defined in the Riverstone Contribution Agreement.

     8.54.  "Riverstone Contribution Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such
             ---------------------------------
            term in Section 1.4.

     8.55.  "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
             --------------

     8.56.  "Shared Services Agreements" has the meaning assigned to such term
             --------------------------
            in Section 4.1.4.

     8.57.  "Signing Date" has the meaning assigned to such term in the
             ------------
            preamble.

     8.58.  "Subsidiary" of any Person means a corporation or other organization
             ----------
            whether incorporated or unincorporated of which at least a majority
            of the securities or interests having by the terms thereof ordinary
            voting power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors
            or others performing similar functions with respect to such
            corporation or other organization is directly or indirectly owned or
            controlled by such Person or by any one or more of its Subsidiaries,
            or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries; provided,
            however, that no Person that is not directly or indirectly wholly-
            owned by any other Person shall be a Subsidiary of such other Person
            unless such other Person controls, or has the right, power or
            ability to control, that Person.

     8.59.  "Tax Sharing Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term in
             ---------------------
            Section 1.11.

     8.60.  "Third Party Claim" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
             -----------------
            6.4.1.

     8.61.  "Transformation" has the meaning assigned to such term in the
             --------------
            recitals.

     8.62.  "Transformation Date" has the meaning assigned to such term in
             -------------------
            Section 2.2.

                                      -22-
<PAGE>

9.   MISCELLANEOUS

     9.1. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements
          ----------------
          including the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto and the other
          documents and instruments delivered pursuant hereto and thereto
          constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to
          the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous
          agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral
          or written, of the parties with respect to such subject matter.

     9.2. Amendment or Waiver. Except as provided in Section 9.10 and this
          -------------------
          Section 9.2, the parties hereto may not amend this Agreement except by
          a written instrument executed by the parties hereto. CSI and any one
          Newco, without the consent of any other Newco, may amend this
          Agreement in a manner which does not adversely affect any other Newco
          pursuant to a written instrument executed by CSI and such Newco. Any
          party may waive its rights hereunder by a written instrument executed
          by such party; provided, however, that unless explicitly provided in
          such instrument, any waiver by any party of any default,
          misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder shall
          not be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default,
          misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder.

     9.3. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof would, under
          ------------
          applicable law, be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such
          provision shall (to the extent permitted under applicable law) be
          construed by modifying or limiting it so as to be valid and
          enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with, and possible under,
          applicable law. The provisions hereof are severable, and in the event
          any provision hereof should be held invalid or unenforceable in any
          respect, it shall not invalidate, render unenforceable or otherwise
          affect any other provision hereof.

     9.4. Successors and Assigns. All of the terms and provisions of this
          ----------------------
          Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
          parties hereto and their respective permitted transferees and assigns
          (each of which transferees and assigns shall be deemed to be a party
          hereto for all purposes hereof); provided, however, that (i) no
                                           --------  -------
          transfer or assignment by any party hereto shall be permitted without
          the prior written consent of the other party hereto and any such
          attempted transfer or assignment without consent shall be null and
          void and (ii) no transfer or assignment by any party shall relieve
          such party of any of its obligations hereunder.

     9.5. Notices. Any notices or other communications required or permitted
          -------
          hereunder shall be sufficiently given if in writing and delivered
          personally

                                      -23-
<PAGE>

          or sent by telecopier, Federal Express, or registered or certified
          mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

          If to CSI,
                to it at:    Cabletron Systems, Inc.
                             35 Industrial Way
                             Building 36
                             Rochester, NH 03867
                             Attention: Eric Jaeger and Chief Financial Officer
                             Telecopier No.: (603) 337-1518

          with a copy to:    Ropes & Gray
                             One International Place
                             Boston, MA 02110
                             Attention: David A. Fine
                             Telecopier No.: (617) 951-7050

          If to Aprisma,
                to it at:    Aprisma Management Technologies, Inc.
                             121 Technology Drive
                             Durham, NH 03824
                             Attention: President
                             Telecopier No.: (603) 337-7784

          with a copy to:    Ropes & Gray
                             One International Place
                             Boston, MA 02110
                             Attention: David A. Fine
                             Telecopier No.: (617) 951-7050

          If to Enterasys,
                to it at:    Enterasys Networks, Inc.
                             35 Industrial Way
                             Building 36
                             Rochester, NH 03867
                             Attention: President
                             Telecopier No.: (603) 337-1524


          a copy to:         Ropes & Gray
                             One International Place
                             Boston, MA 02110
                             Attention: David A. Fine
                             Telecopier No.: (617) 951-7050

          If to GNTS,

                                      -24-
<PAGE>

                to it at:    GlobalNetwork Technology Services, Inc.
                             35 Industrial Way
                             Building 28
                             Rochester, NH 03867
                             Attention: President
                             Telecopier No.: (603) 337-3402

          with a copy to:    Ropes & Gray
                             One International Place
                             Boston, MA 02110
                             Attention: David A. Fine
                             Telecopier No.: (617) 951-7050

          If to Riverstone,
                to it at:    Riverstone Networks, Inc.
                             5200 Great America Parkway
                             Santa Clara, CA
                             Attention: President
                             Telecopier No.: (408) 878-6501

          with a copy to:    Ropes & Gray
                             One International Place
                             Boston, MA 02110
                             Attention: David A. Fine
                             Telecopier No.: (617) 951-7050

          Unless otherwise specified herein, such notices or other
          communications shall be deemed received (a) on the date delivered, if
          delivered personally, (b) two Business Days after being sent by
          Federal Express, if sent by Federal Express, (c) one Business Day
          after being delivered, if delivered by telecopier and (d) three
          Business Days after being sent, if sent by registered or certified
          mail.  Each of the parties hereto shall be entitled to specify a
          different address by giving notice as aforesaid to each of the other
          parties hereto.

     9.6. Interpretation.  Section and subsection headings are not to be
          --------------
          considered part of this Agreement, are included solely for
          convenience, are not intended to be full or accurate descriptions of
          the content thereof and shall not affect the construction hereof. No
          rule of strict construction shall apply to or be used against any
          party hereto.

     9.7. Third Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended or
          -------------------------
          shall be construed to entitle any person or entity other than the
          parties and their respective transferees and assigns permitted hereby
          to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.

                                      -25-
<PAGE>

     9.8. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
          ------------
          counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
          which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     9.9. Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
          -------------
          accordance with the domestic substantive laws of the State of
          Delaware, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law
          provision or rule that would cause the application of the laws of any
          other jurisdiction.

10.  Termination.  This Agreement and any Ancillary Agreements and agreements
     -----------
     delivered pursuant hereto and thereto may be terminated with respect to any
     one or more or all Newcos and/or the Transformation abandoned at any time
     prior to the Closing by and in the sole discretion of CSI without the
     approval of any Newco.  In the event of termination pursuant to this
     Section 10, no party shall have any liability of any kind to the other
     relevant party or parties to the extent of such termination.

                                      -26-
<PAGE>


  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument under seal
as of the date first written above.

                              CABLETRON SYSTEMS, INC.


                              By: /s/ Piyush Patel
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Name: Piyush Patel
                                  Title: President, Chairman & CEO


                              APRISMA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              ENTERASYS NETWORKS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              GLOBALNETWORK TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:



                              RIVERSTONE NETWORKS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


<PAGE>

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument under seal
as of the date first written above.

                              CABLETRON SYSTEMS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              APRISMA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


                              By: /s/ Michael Skubisz
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Name: Michael Skubisz
                                  Title: President


                              ENTERASYS NETWORKS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              GLOBALNETWORK TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:



                              RIVERSTONE NETWORKS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:

<PAGE>

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument under seal
as of the date first written above.

                              CABLETRON SYSTEMS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              APRISMA MANAGEMENT
                                TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              ENTERASYS NETWORKS, INC.


                              By: /s/ Enrique P. Fiallo
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Name: Enrique P. Fiallo
                                  Title: President


                              GLOBALNETWORK TECHNOLOGY
                                SERVICES, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:



                              RIVERSTONE NETWORKS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


<PAGE>

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument under seal
as of the date first written above.

                              CABLETRON SYSTEMS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              APRISMA MANAGEMENT
                                TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              ENTERASYS NETWORKS, INC.


                              By: ________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              GLOBALNETWORK TECHNOLOGY
                                SERVICES, INC.


                              By: /s/ Earle Humphreys
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Name: EARLE HUMPHREYS
                                  Title: CEO



                              RIVERSTONE NETWORKS, INC.


                              By: /s/ Romulus Pereira
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Name: ROMULUS PEREIRA
                                  Title: PRESIDENT



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