-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VdamocNkUs8WlQOOLwzW7LEXM1wcswG235e9mkNiAnrVitNTFJ41BbA/T+pTJB9B TbIAb4IZGi7ykFw//IaqTA== 0000950134-04-013680.txt : 20040915 0000950134-04-013680.hdr.sgml : 20040915 20040915090023 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950134-04-013680 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040915 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20040915 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CYBERONICS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000864683 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS [3845] IRS NUMBER: 760236465 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0630 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-45039 FILM NUMBER: 041030731 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 100 CYBERONICS CENTER BLVD STREET 2: SUITE 600 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77058 BUSINESS PHONE: (281) 228-7200 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 100 CYBERONICS BLVD STREET 2: SUITE 600 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77058 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000351721 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SURGICAL & MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & APPARATUS [3841] IRS NUMBER: 751646002 STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6901 PRESTON RD. CITY: PLANO STATE: TX ZIP: 75024 BUSINESS PHONE: 9723098000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6901 PRESTON RD. CITY: PLANO STATE: TX ZIP: 75024 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: QUEST MEDICAL INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 SC 13D/A 1 d18445asc13dza.htm AMENDMENT TO SCHEDULE 13D sc13dza
 

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 1)*

CYBERONICS, INC.


(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share


(Title of Class of Securities)

23251P10A


(Cusip Number)

F. Robert Merrill III
ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.
6901 Preston Road
Plano, Texas 75024
(979) 309-8000


(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

September 14, 2004


(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. o

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See §240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

 


 

             
CUSIP No. 23251P10A Page 2 of 8

  1. Name of Reporting Person:
ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.
I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only):
75-1646002

  2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions):
    (a) o  
    (b) x  

  3. SEC Use Only:

  4. Source of Funds (See Instructions):
WC

  5. Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e): o

  6. Citizenship or Place of Organization:
TEXAS

Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned by
Each Reporting
Person With
7. Sole Voting Power:
3,500,000

8. Shared Voting Power:
0

9. Sole Dispositive Power:
3,500,000

10.Shared Dispositive Power:
0

  11.Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person:
3,500,000

  12.Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions):
o

  13.Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11):
14.68%

  14.Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions):
CO

2


 

*The aggregate amounted reported as beneficially owned in row (11) does not include the 6,000 shares beneficially owned by Messrs. Nikolaev and Calhoun, as described below, of which Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. disclaims beneficial ownership pursuant to Rule 13d-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

3


 

ITEM 1. SECURITY AND ISSUER

The class of equity securities to which this statement relates is the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), of Cyberonics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Cyberonics”). The principal executive office of Cyberonics is 100 Cyberonics Blvd., Houston, Texas 77058.

ITEM 2. IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND

This statement is filed by Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ANS”), which designs, develops, manufactures and markets implantable systems used to manage chronic intractable pain and other disorders of the central nervous system. ANS’ principal executive offices are located at 6901 Preston Road, Plano, Texas 75024.

During the last five years, ANS has not been convicted in a criminal proceeding. During the last five years, ANS has not been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction that resulted in ANS being subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

The following information pertains to the directors and executive officers of ANS:

  (a), (c)   The directors and executive officers of ANS are:

  (1)   Hugh M. Morrison, Chairman of the Board and Director. The principal occupation of Mr. Morrison is as president and chief executive officer of Clean Acquisition, Inc. and Pilgrim Cleaners, Inc., an owner and franchisee of dry cleaning operations in Houston and San Antonio, Texas, that is located at 6723 Stella Link, Houston, Texas 77005.
 
  (2)   Robert C. Eberhart, Ph.D., Director. The principal occupation of Mr. Eberhart is as a Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
 
  (3)   Michael J. Torma, M.D., Director. The principal occupation of Mr. Torma is as a principal and chief executive officer of Torma Executive Consult, LLC, a consulting firm providing high-tech wound care and hyperbaric solutions that is located at 7013 Sand Beach, Shreveport, Louisiana 71105.
 
  (4)   Richard D. Nikolaev, Director. The principal occupation of Mr. Nikolaev is as president and chief executive officer of NIKOR Enterprises, Inc., a medical industry consulting and investment firm that is located at 11835 No. 83rd Place, Scottsdale, Arizona 85620.
 
  (5)   Joseph E. Laptewicz, Director. The principal occupation of Mr. Laptewicz is as chairman of the board of Empi, Inc., a manufacturer and provider or non-invasive medical products for physical rehabilitation that is located at 599 Cardigan Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55126-4099.
 
  (6)   J. Philip McCormick, Director. The principal occupation of Mr. McCormick is as an independent investor and corporate advisor.

4


 

  (7)   Christopher G. Chavez, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. The principal occupation of Mr. Chavez is as an executive officer and director of ANS.
 
  (8)   F. Robert Merrill III, Executive Vice President – Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The principal occupation of Mr. Merrill is as an executive officer of ANS.
 
  (9)   Scott F. Drees, Executive Vice President – Sales and Marketing. The principal occupation of Mr. Drees is as an executive officer of ANS.
 
  (10)   Kenneth G. Hawari, General Counsel, Executive Vice President – Corporate Development and Secretary. The principal occupation of Mr. Hawari is as an executive officer of ANS.
 
  (11)   James P. Calhoun, Vice President – Human Resources. The principal occupation of Mr. Calhoun is as an executive officer of ANS.
 
  (12)   John H. Erickson, Vice President – Research and Development. The principal occupation of Mr. Erickson is as an executive officer of ANS.
 
  (13)   Stuart B. Johnson, Vice President – Manufacturing. The principal occupation of Mr. Johnson is as an executive officer of ANS.

  (b)   The business address of each of ANS’ executive officers and directors is c/o Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc., 6901 Preston Road, Plano, Texas 75024.
 
  (d)-(e)   During the last five years, no executive officer or director of ANS has been (a) convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (b) a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction that resulting in such person being subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
 
  (f)   Each of ANS’ executive officers and directors is a citizen of the United States of America.

ITEM 3. SOURCE AND AMOUNTS OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION

ANS acquired 3,500,000 shares of the Common Stock in open market transactions on August 12 and August 13, 2004 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $49.68 million using working capital funds on hand.

James P. Calhoun acquired 2,000 shares of the Common Stock in an open market transaction on August 12, 2004 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $27,000 using personal funds.

Richard D. Nikolaev acquired 2,000 shares of the Common Stock in an open market transaction on August 12, 2004 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $27,380 using personal funds.

5


 

ITEM 4. PURPOSE OF TRANSACTION

ANS acquired the shares of Common Stock described in this statement as beneficially owned by it because it believed that the purchase was an attractive investment. In addition, ANS believed that ownership of the shares could facilitate a business combination between ANS and Cyberonics.

On August 19, 2004, Christopher G. Chavez, the President and Chief Executive Officer of ANS, contacted Robert P. (“Skip”) Cummins, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cyberonics, by telephone to invite Cyberonics to discuss, in general, the opportunities presented by a possible business combination of ANS and Cyberonics. Although Mr. Cummins indicated some initial interest in engaging in that discussion, on August 20, 2004, in a press release made by Cyberonics, Mr. Cummins stated, among other things, that “Cyberonics is not interested in any combination or merger and remains focused on growing its epilepsy business and gaining clarity and certainty in a revised depression regulatory timeline.” Mr. Cummins also communicated the same point in a telephone call to Mr. Chavez on the morning of August 20, 2004.

On September 14, 2004, Mr. Chavez attempted to reach Mr. Cummins by telephone, but was unable to do so. Late in the afternoon of September 14, 2004, Mr. Chavez faxed a letter to Mr. Cummins in which Mr. Chavez stated, among other things, that based on Cyberonics’ publicly available information, ANS is prepared to offer Cyberonics shareholders $22.00 per share payable in a combination of cash and stock. This proposal represents a premium of 47% to Cyberonics’ closing price on the day before the public announcement of ANS’ ownership interest in Cyberonics, and a premium of 29% to Cyberonics’ closing price of $17.05 on September 13, 2004. The letter also notes that ANS is not making a formal offer or merger proposal at this time (which would require access to certain nonpublic information) but a proposal to enter into merger discussions with Cyberonics. The complete text of the letter is attached as an exhibit hereto.

If a business combination between ANS and Cyberonics were effected, it could involve or result in, among other things: (a) the acquisition by ANS of additional securities of Cyberonics, or the disposition of securities of Cyberonics; (b) an extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation, involving Cyberonics or any of its subsidiaries; (c) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of Cyberonics or any of its subsidiaries; (d) changes in the present board of directors or management of Cyberonics; (e) a material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of Cyberonics; (f) other material changes in Cyberonics’ business or corporate structure; (g) changes in Cyberonics’ certificate of incorporation or bylaws or other actions that may impede the acquisition of control of Cyberonics by any person; (h) causing any class of Cyberonics’ securities to be delisted from a national securities exchange or to cease to be authorized to be quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system of a registered national securities association; (i) causing a class of equity securities of Cyberonics to become eligible for termination of registration pursuant to Section 12(g)(4) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; or (j) any action similar to those enumerated above. Except to the extent that the foregoing may be deemed to be a plan or proposal, ANS does not currently have any plans or proposals that relate to or would result in any of the actions specified in clause (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D. ANS reserves the right, based on all relevant factors and subject to applicable law, at any time and from time to time, to review or reconsider its position, change its purpose, take other actions

6


 

(including actions that could involve one or more of the types of transactions or have one or more of the results described in paragraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D) or formulate and implement plans or proposals with respect to any of the foregoing.

ANS intends to review its investment in Cyberonics from time to time on the basis of various factors, including Cyberonics’ business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, general economic and industry conditions, the securities markets in general and those for Cyberonics’ stock in particular, as well as other developments. Based upon such review, ANS will take such actions in the future as it may deem appropriate in light of the circumstances existing from time to time, which may include (i) indefinitely holding its investment, (ii) acquiring additional shares of Common Stock, subject to legal or contractual obligations, whether in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or by tender offer, or (iii) disposing of some or all of the shares of Common Stock currently owned by ANS, or subsequently acquired by ANS, either in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

James P. Calhoun acquired the shares of Common Stock described in this statement as beneficially owned by him for investment purposes.

Richard D. Nikolaev acquired the shares of Common Stock described in this statement as beneficially owned by him for investment purposes.

ITEM 5. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.

  (a)   As of September 14, 2004, ANS beneficially owns 3,500,000 shares of the Common Stock, which represents approximately 14.68% of the 23,842,808 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of August 27, 2004 (as disclosed in Cyberonics’ Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2004). ANS does not have any right to acquire any additional shares of the Common Stock.
 
      As of September 14, 2004, James P. Calhoun owns 2,000 shares of the Common Stock, which represents less than 0.1% of the 23,842,808 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of August 27, 2004 (as disclosed in Cyberonics’ Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2004). Mr. Calhoun does not have any right to acquire any additional shares of the Common Stock.
 
      As of September 14, 2004, Richard D. Nikolaev owns 4,000 shares of the Common Stock, which represents less than 0.1% of the 23,842,808 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of August 27, 2004 (as disclosed in Cyberonics’ Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2004). Mr. Nikolaev does not have any right to acquire any additional shares of the Common Stock.
 
  (b)   ANS has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of, and the sole power to dispose of or direct the disposition of, 3,500,000 shares of the Common Stock. James P. Calhoun has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of, and the sole power to dispose of or direct the disposition of, 2,000 shares of the Common Stock. Richard D. Nikolaev has the sole power to vote or direct the

7


 

      voting of, and the sole power to dispose of or direct the disposition of, 4,000 shares of the Common Stock.
 
  (c)   Except as set forth below, neither ANS nor any other person listed in Item 2 has engaged in any transactions in the Common Stock during the past sixty days.
 
      ANS Purchases:

                 
Date
  Shares
  Price / Share
8/12/04
    10580       $   13.74  
8/12/04
    15889       13.95  
8/12/04
    61253       13.97  
8/12/04
    153172       14.00  
8/12/04
    8950       14.02  
8/12/04
    700       14.04  
8/12/04
    2800       14.06  
8/12/04
    12900       14.07  
8/12/04
    2400       14.09  
8/12/04
    6600       14.10  
8/12/04
    1800       14.11  
8/12/04
    300       14.14  
8/12/04
    34611       14.15  
8/12/04
    15074       14.16  
8/12/04
    8450       14.17  
8/12/04
    17260       14.18  
8/12/04
    37973       14.19  
8/12/04
    132002       14.20  
8/12/04
    600       14.21  
8/12/04
    57711       14.22  
8/12/04
    50205       14.23  
8/12/04
    31980       14.24  
8/12/04
    992118       14.25  
8/12/04
    2500       14.28  
8/12/04
    72413       14.29  
8/12/04
    138102       14.30  
8/12/04
    31670       14.31  
8/12/04
    35859       14.33  
8/12/04
    52187       14.34  
8/12/04
    190441       14.35  
8/12/04
    300       14.36  
8/12/04
    2400       14.38  
8/12/04
    6217       14.39  

8


 

                 
8/12/04
    2583       14.40  
SUBTOTAL
    2190000          
8/13/04
    11219       13.80  
8/13/04
    650       13.82  
8/13/04
    4987       13.83  
8/13/04
    6991       13.84  
8/13/04
    1709       13.85  
8/13/04
    3000       13.86  
8/13/04
    5647       13.87  
8/13/04
    51500       13.88  
8/13/04
    8076       13.90  
8/13/04
    3240       13.91  
8/13/04
    1800       13.92  
8/13/04
    1400       13.93  
8/13/04
    40929       13.94  
8/13/04
    168960       13.95  
8/13/04
    9000       13.96  
8/13/04
    18025       13.97  
8/13/04
    34450       13.98  
8/13/04
    33985       13.99  
8/13/04
    143307       14.00  
8/13/04
    49268       14.01  
8/13/04
    16508       14.02  
8/13/04
    19475       14.03  
8/13/04
    35151       14.04  
8/13/04
    144215       14.05  
8/13/04
    12800       14.06  
8/13/04
    37764       14.07  
8/13/04
    12711       14.08  
8/13/04
    29475       14.09  
8/13/04
    243818       14.10  
8/13/04
    10120       14.11  
8/13/04
    3800       14.12  
8/13/04
    8959       14.13  
8/13/04
    7334       14.14  
8/13/04
    37069       14.15  
8/13/04
    20150       14.16  
8/13/04
    19650       14.17  
8/13/04
    4990       14.18  

9


 

                 
8/13/04
    3050       14.19  
8/13/04
    30131       14.20  
8/13/04
    1687       14.21  
8/13/04
    1000       14.22  
8/13/04
    800       14.23  
8/13/04
    2900       14.24  
8/13/04
    2500       14.25  
8/13/04
    5100       14.28  
8/13/04
    700       14.29  
SUBTOTAL
    1310000          
GRAND TOTAL
    3500000          

      Calhoun Purchase:

                 
Date
  Shares
  Price / Share
8/12/2004
    2000     $ 13.72  

      Nikolaev Purchase:

                 
Date
  Shares
  Price / Share
8/12/2004
    2000     $ 13.69  

  (d)   No other person has the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the securities reported herein.
 
  (e)   Not applicable.

ITEM 6. CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT TO SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.

There are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships (legal or otherwise) among the persons named in Item 2, or between such persons and any other person, with respect to any securities of Cyberonics.

ITEM 7. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS.

  99.1   Letter, dated September 14, 2004, from Christopher G. Chavez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc., to Robert P. (“Skip”) Cummins, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cyberonics, Inc.

10


 

Signature

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
         
Dated: September 15, 2004  ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.
 
 
  By:   /s/ F. Robert Merrill III   
  Name:   F. Robert Merrill III   
  Title:   Executive Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer   
 

ATTENTION: INTENTIONAL MISSTATEMENTS OR OMISSIONS OF FACT CONSTITUTE FEDERAL CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS (SEE 18 U.S.C. 1001).

11

EX-99.1 2 d18445aexv99w1.htm LETTER exv99w1
 

Exhibit 99.1

September 14, 2004

VIA TELECOPY AND FEDERAL EXPRESS

Mr. Robert Cummins
Cyberonics, Inc.
Cyberonics Building
100 Cyberonics Blvd.
Houston, TX 77058

Dear Skip:

     I am writing to follow up on our telephone call of August 19 and our failed attempts today to reach you by telephone. In our telephone call on August 19, I was pleased to hear you express an open mind to meeting with me to discuss a possible business combination, and of course disappointed when you subsequently stated that your Board of Directors would not encourage such a discussion at that time. At this point, we assume that you are committed to a “go it alone” strategy and remain uninterested in discussing a combination.

     As a 14.7% shareholder, ANS has made a significant investment in Cyberonics. Although we are pleased with our investment, we also believe that the case for a combination of our two companies is compelling. We further believe that the combination provides the best financial opportunity for your shareholders, as they could participate in the ownership of a company with revenues in excess of $200 million focused on the electrical stimulation market.

     As the only two publicly-held “pure play” neuromodulation companies, a combined ANS and Cyberonics could build a world-class company that offers the most technologically advanced implantable devices on the market to address pain, epilepsy, and in the future, many other neurological conditions. We believe that a combined ANS and Cyberonics would create significant synergies in technology development, manufacturing, sales and marketing, regulatory, administrative and other areas.

     By this letter, we are asking you and/or members of your Board to meet with us to discuss such a business combination in which your shareholders would receive an immediate, substantial premium. This combination represents an opportunity for your shareholders to realize extraordinary value for their shares, and we strongly believe that such a transaction would be in the best interest of both companies’ shareholders.

     Based on Cyberonics’ publicly available information, ANS is prepared to offer Cyberonics shareholders $22.00 per share payable in a combination of cash and stock. This proposal represents a premium of 47% to Cyberonics’ closing price on the day before the public announcement of our interest in Cyberonics, and a premium of 29% to Cyberonics’ closing price yesterday.

12


 

     We believe that a combination of ANS and Cyberonics would, among other things:

    utilize Cyberonics’ significant sales and marketing investment in its neurological call point to facilitate ANS’ future entry into complementary deep brain stimulation clinical applications, including Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor
 
    combine and strengthen our substantial intellectual property portfolios
 
    better employ clinical and engineering talents to simultaneously pursue multiple clinical applications with greater speed and lower overall risk
 
    create a larger “pure play” neuromodulation company that is even better positioned to aggressively compete and innovate in the expanding neuromodulation field
 
    diversify revenue streams across multiple therapeutic areas and physician call points, thus decreasing overall business risk
 
    create opportunities for synergistic savings
 
    create more capacity to raise additional capital to expand operations by pursuing new applications, strengthening our salesforce, and acquiring additional technology, applications, products or companies
 
    increase our market capitalization to gain access to a broader investor base
 
    create new opportunities for our respective employees

     ANS is in a strong financial position, and we and our bankers are confident that financing is available for a sizeable cash component in purchase price consideration in a transaction with Cyberonics. In addition, the stock component presents an outstanding opportunity for Cyberonics shareholders to participate in the future of the combined entity. If you wish, it may be possible to structure the stock component to provide tax-deferred treatment to those shareholders who receive stock.

     In summary, a combination of our two organizations would strengthen our business prospects, provide an immediate increase in value for your shareholders and enhance the career opportunities of your employees. I hope that you recognize the powerful business logic behind our proposal and that you will promptly submit it to your Board of Directors for its consideration with your favorable recommendation. It is our hope that after appropriate consideration by your Board of Directors, your Board will authorize proceeding expeditiously with discussions with us. We think your shareholders will view our proposal as fair and highly attractive.

     Our Board of Directors has authorized this proposal and fully supports a combination of ANS and Cyberonics. We wish to emphasize that we are not making a formal offer or merger proposal at this time (which, of course, would require access to certain nonpublic information) but a proposal to enter into merger discussions with you. We also wish to emphasize that we are willing to discuss all the points outlined above, including price.

     We are available to meet with you, other members of your Board of Directors and senior management immediately to discuss the possibility of a combination and to address any questions that you may have. We are prepared to move promptly in connection with our proposal and believe that a mutually beneficial transaction can be negotiated promptly with a minimum of disruption to our respective businesses. Please note that consistent with our obligations under the federal securities laws, this letter will become publicly available when we file it as an amendment to our Schedule 13D.

     I look forward to hearing from you so that we can set up a time to meet.

Very truly yours,

Christopher G. Chavez
President and Chief Executive Officer

13

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