Exhibit (a)(1)(B)

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

TO TENDER SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

PURSUANT TO THE OFFER TO PURCHASE

DATED DECEMBER 8, 2025

BY

DATA STORAGE CORPORATION

OF

UP TO 6,192,990 SHARES OF ITS COMMON STOCK AT A PURCHASE PRICE OF $5.20 PER SHARE,
REPRESENTING AN AGGREGATE PURCHASE PRICE OF UP TO $32,203,548

THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT

12:00 MIDNIGHT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON WEDNESDAY, |
JANUARY 7, 2026, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS THEY MAY BE
EXTENDED, THE “EXPIRATION TIME”) OR EARLIER TERMINATED.

The Depositary for the Offer is:

Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC

***By Mail: By the Expiration Time Broadridge, Inc. Attn: BCIS Re-Organization Dept. P.O. Box 1317 Brentwood, NY 11717-0718 ***By Hand or Overnight Courier: By the Expiration Time Broadridge, Inc. Attn: BCIS IWS 51 Mercedes Way Edgewood, NY 11717

The instructions set forth in this Letter of Transmittal should be read carefully before this Letter of Transmittal is completed.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned hereby tenders to Data Storage Corporation (the “Company”) the above-described common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “shares”), of the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Company’s Offer to Purchase dated December 8, 2025 (the “Offer to Purchase”), and this Letter of Transmittal (which, together with any amendments or supplements thereto or hereto, collectively constitute the “Offer”), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings set forth in the Offer to Purchase.

Subject to and effective on acceptance for payment of, and payment for, the shares tendered with this Letter of Transmittal in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Company, all right, title and interest in and to all the shares that are being tendered hereby and irrevocably constitutes and appoints Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC (the “Depositary”), the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned (understanding that the Depositary is also acting as agent for the Company), with full power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest), to the full extent of the undersigned’s rights with respect to such shares, to (a) deliver certificates (if any) for such shares or transfer ownership of such shares on the account books maintained by the book-entry transfer facility, together, in any such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity to, or upon the order of the Company, (b) present such shares for cancellation and transfer on the Company’s books and (c) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such shares, all in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the shares tendered hereby and that, when the same are accepted for purchase by the Company, the Company will acquire good title thereto, free and clear of all security interests, liens, restrictions, claims and encumbrances, and the same will not be subject to any adverse claim or right. The undersigned will, on request by the Depositary or the Company, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Depositary or the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the shares tendered hereby, all in accordance with the terms of the Offer.

All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred pursuant to this Letter of Transmittal shall be binding on the successors, assigns, heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators and other legal representatives of the undersigned and shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned. The valid tender of shares by the undersigned by one of the procedures described in the Offer to Purchase will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Company on the terms of, and subject to the conditions to, the Offer, which agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

The undersigned understands that the valid tender of shares pursuant to any of the procedures described in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase and in the instructions to this Letter of Transmittal will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Company on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.

It is a violation of Rule 14e-4 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for a person acting alone or in concert with others, directly or indirectly, to tender shares for such person’s own account unless at the time of tender and at the Expiration Time such person has a “net long position” in (a) the shares that is equal to or greater than the amount tendered and will deliver or cause to be delivered such shares for the purpose of tender to the Company within the period specified in the Offer or (b) other securities immediately convertible into, exercisable for or exchangeable into shares (“Equivalent Securities”) that is equal to or greater than the amount tendered and, upon the acceptance of such tender, will acquire such shares by conversion, exchange or exercise of such Equivalent Securities to the extent required by the terms of the Offer and will deliver or cause to be delivered such shares so acquired for the purpose of tender to the Company within the period specified in the Offer. Rule 14e-4 also provides a similar restriction applicable to the tender or guarantee of a tender on behalf of another person. A tender of shares made pursuant to any method of delivery set forth in this Letter of Transmittal will constitute the undersigned’s representation and warranty to the Company that (a) the undersigned has a “net long position” in shares or Equivalent Securities being tendered within the meaning of Rule 14e-4, and (b) such tender of shares complies with Rule 14e-4.

The name(s) and address(es) of the registered holder(s) should be printed, if they are not already printed below, exactly as they appear on the certificates (if any) evidencing shares tendered. If the shares are held in certificated form the certificate numbers, the number of shares evidenced by the certificates, and the number of shares that the undersigned wishes to tender should be set forth in the appropriate boxes below. If the shares are held in book-entry form, the number of shares that the undersigned wishes to tender shares should be set forth in the appropriate boxes below.

The Company is offering to purchase up to 6,192,990 shares. All shares acquired in the Offer will be acquired at the Purchase Price of $5.20 per share. However, due to the proration provisions described in the Offer to Purchase, all of the shares tendered may not be purchased if the Offer is oversubscribed.

The Company will purchase only those shares properly tendered and not properly withdrawn upon the terms and conditions of the Offer. All shares accepted for payment will be paid promptly after the Expiration Time, to the seller in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest. If the Offer is fully subscribed, the Company would purchase 6,192,990 shares, which would represent approximately 83% of the issued and outstanding shares as of December 1, 2025.

Shares not purchased in the Offer will be returned at the Company’s expense promptly following the expiration of the Offer. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to decrease the aggregate number of shares sought in the Offer, subject to applicable law. The Company will not purchase fractional shares.

Unless otherwise indicated herein under “Special Payment Instructions,” please issue the check for payment of the Purchase Price and/or return any certificates for shares not tendered or accepted for payment in the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appearing under “Description of Shares Tendered.” Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under “Special Delivery Instructions,” please mail the check for payment of the Purchase Price and/or return any certificates for shares not tendered or accepted for payment (and accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the address(es) of the registered holder(s) appearing under “Description of Shares Tendered.” In the event that both the “Special Delivery Instructions” and the “Special Payment Instructions” are completed, please issue the check for payment of the Purchase Price and/or return any certificates for shares not tendered or accepted for payment (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) in the name(s) of, and deliver such check and/or return such certificates (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) to, the person or persons so indicated. Please credit any shares tendered herewith by book-entry transfer that are not accepted for payment by crediting the account at the book-entry transfer facility designated below. The undersigned recognizes that the Company has no obligation pursuant to the “Special Payment Instructions” to transfer any shares from the name of the registered holder(s) thereof if the Company does not accept for payment any of the shares so tendered. The undersigned acknowledges that, as described in Instruction 6, if payment of the Purchase Price is to be made to, or if shares not tendered or accepted for payment are to be registered in the name of, any person(s) other than the registered owner(s), or if shares tendered hereby are registered in the name(s) of any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of any stock transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered owner(s) or such person(s)) payable on account of the transfer to such person(s) will be deducted from the Purchase Price unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 3 AND 4)
NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S) (PLEASE FILL IN, IF BLANK, EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S) ON SHARE CERTIFICATE(S)) and/or ACCOUNT STATEMENT		CERTIFICATES TENDERED (ATTACH ADDITIONAL SIGNED LIST, IF NECESSARY)
	Certificate Number(s)(1)		Total Number of Shares Represented by Certificate(s)	Number of Shares Tendered(2)
		Total Shares Tendered:
(1)   Need not be completed if shares are tendered by book-entry transfer. (2)   If you wish to tender fewer than all shares represented by any certificate listed above or by your account statement, please indicate in this column the number of shares you wish to tender. Otherwise, all shares represented will be deemed to have been tendered. See Instruction 4.

Indicate below the order (by certificate number, if applicable) in which shares are to be purchased in the event of proration (attach additional signed list if necessary). If you do not designate an order, if less than all shares tendered are purchased due to proration, shares will be selected for purchase by the Depositary. See Instruction 13.

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th: 5th:

☐ Lost Certificates. I have lost my certificate(s) for shares and require assistance in replacing the shares. (See Instruction 12).

This Letter of Transmittal is to be used either if certificates for shares are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an agent’s message (as defined in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase) is utilized, if delivery of shares is to be made by book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the Depositary at the book-entry transfer facility (as defined in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase) pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Tendering shareholders whose certificates for shares are not immediately available or who cannot deliver either the certificates for, or a book-entry confirmation (as defined in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase) with respect to, their shares and all other documents required hereby to the Depositary prior to the Expiration Time must tender their shares in accordance with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. See Instruction 2.

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If you wish to retain the shares you own, you do not need to take any action. If you want to participate in the offer by tendering shares, complete this Letter of Transmittal as appropriate.

DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY.

☐ CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO AN ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE DEPOSITARY WITH THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING (ONLY PARTICIPANTS IN THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY MAY DELIVER SHARES BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER):

Name of Tendering Institution:
Account Number:	Transaction Code Number:

☐ CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE DEPOSITARY. ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

Name (s) of Registered Owner (s):

Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:

Name of Institution that Guaranteed Delivery:

If delivered by book-entry transfer, check box: ☐

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SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7)

To be completed ONLY if certificates for shares not tendered or not accepted for payment and/or the check for payment of the Purchase Price of shares accepted for payment are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned, or if shares tendered hereby and delivered by book-entry transfer which are not purchased are to be returned by crediting them to an account at the book-entry transfer facility other than the account designated above.

Issue: ☐ Check ☐ Certificate(s) to:

Name: ________________________________________________________________________________

(Please Print)

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

(Include Zip Code)

(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number)

(See Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form W-9 Included Herewith)

Check and complete if applicable:

☐   Credit shares delivered by book-entry transfer and not purchased to the account set forth below:

Account Number:

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SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS (See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7) To be completed ONLY if certificates for shares not tendered or not accepted for payment and/or the check for payment of the Purchase Price of shares accepted for payment are to be sent to someone other than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other than that above. Mail: ☐ Check ☐ Certificate(s) to:
Name:
	(Please Print)
Address:
(Include Zip Code)
(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number)
(See IRS Form W-9 Included Herewith)
NOTE: SIGNATURE MUST BE PROVIDED ON THE NEXT PAGE.

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Important: SIGN HERE

(Also Complete Accompanying IRS Form W-9 or Applicable IRS Form W-8)

_____________________________________

(Signature(s) of Shareholder(s))

Dated:                  , 202

(Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on stock certificate(s) for the shares or on a security position listing or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by certificates and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please provide the following information and see Instruction 5.)

Name(s):

(Please Print)

Capacity (full title):

Address:

(Include Zip Code)

Daytime Area Code and Telephone Number:

Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number:

(Complete Accompanying IRS Form W-9 or Applicable IRS Form W-8)

GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)

(If Required—See Instructions 1 and 5)

Authorized Signature:

Name(s):

(Please Print)

Name of Firm:

Title:

Address:

(Include Zip Code)

Daytime Area Code and Telephone Number:

Dated:                                        , 2025

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INSTRUCTIONS

Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Offer

1. Guarantee of Signatures. No signature guarantee is required on this Letter of Transmittal if either (a) this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) (which term, for purposes of this Instruction 1, includes any participant in the book-entry transfer facility’s system whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the shares) of shares tendered herewith, unless such registered holder(s) has completed either the box entitled “Special Payment Instructions” or the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” on this Letter of Transmittal or (b) such shares are tendered for the account of a firm that is a member in good standing of a recognized Medallion Program approved by the Securities Transfer Association, Inc., including the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the NASDAQ Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program, or is otherwise an “eligible guarantor institution,” as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (each, an “eligible institution”). In all other cases, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an eligible institution. Shareholders may also need to have any certificates they deliver endorsed or accompanied by a stock power, and the signatures on these documents also may need to be guaranteed. See Instruction 5.

2. Requirements of Tender. This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed by shareholders either if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an agent’s message (as defined below) is utilized, if delivery of shares is to be made pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. For a shareholder validly to tender shares pursuant to the Offer, either (a) a Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, together with any required signature guarantees, or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an agent’s message, and any other required documents, must be received by the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth on the back of this Letter of Transmittal prior to the Expiration Time and either certificates for tendered shares must be received by the Depositary at one of such addresses or shares must be delivered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth herein (and a book-entry confirmation must be received by the Depositary), in each case prior to the Expiration Time, or (b) the tendering shareholder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below and in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase.

Shareholders whose certificates for shares are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their certificates and all other required documents to the Depositary or complete the procedures for book-entry transfer prior to the Expiration Time may tender their shares by properly completing and duly executing the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Pursuant to those procedures, (a) tender must be made by or through an eligible institution, (b) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, in the form provided by the Company, must be received by the Depositary prior to the Expiration Time and (c) the certificates for all tendered shares in proper form for transfer (or a book-entry confirmation with respect to all such shares), together with a Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees, or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an agent’s message, and any other required documents, must be received by the Depositary, in each case within two trading days after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery as provided in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. A “trading day” is any day on which Nasdaq is open for business. The term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by the book-entry transfer facility to, and received by, the Depositary and forming a part of a book-entry confirmation, which states that such book-entry transfer facility has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in the book-entry transfer facility tendering the shares that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of this Letter of Transmittal and that the Company may enforce such agreement against such participant.

The method of delivery of shares, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents, including delivery through the book-entry transfer facility, is at the election and risk of the tendering shareholder. Shares will be deemed delivered only when actually received by the Depositary (including, in the case of a book-entry transfer, by book-entry confirmation). If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery.

Except as specifically provided by the Offer to Purchase, no alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted. No fractional shares will be purchased. All tendering shareholders, by execution of this Letter of Transmittal, waive any right to receive any notice of the acceptance for payment of their shares.

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3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided in the box entitled “Description of Shares Tendered” in this Letter of Transmittal is inadequate, the certificate numbers and/or the number of shares stock should be listed on a separate signed schedule attached hereto.

4. Partial Tenders (Not Applicable to Shareholders Who Tender by Book-Entry Transfer). If fewer than all the shares represented by any certificate submitted to the Depositary are to be tendered, fill in the number of shares that are to be tendered in the box entitled “Number of Shares Tendered.” In that case, if any tendered shares are purchased, new certificate(s) for the remainder of the shares that were evidenced by the old certificate(s) will be sent to the registered holder(s), unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable after the acceptance for payment of, and payment for, the shares tendered herewith. All shares represented by certificates delivered to the Depositary will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.

5. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal, Stock Powers and Endorsements. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the shares tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond exactly with the name(s) as written on the face of the certificate(s) without any change whatsoever.

If any of the shares tendered hereby are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.

If any shares tendered hereby are registered in different names on several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations of certificates.

If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificate or stock power is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, he or she should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the Company of his or her authority to so act must be submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.

If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered owner(s) of the shares tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate stock powers are required unless payment of the Purchase Price is to be made, or certificates for shares not tendered or accepted for payment are to be issued, to a person other than the registered owner(s). Signatures on any such certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an eligible institution.

If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered owner(s) of the shares tendered hereby, or if payment is to be made or certificate(s) for shares not tendered or not purchased are to be issued to a person other than the registered owner(s), the certificate(s) representing such shares must be properly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered owner(s) appear(s) on the certificates(s). The signature(s) on any such certificate(s) or stock power(s) must be guaranteed by an eligible institution. See Instruction 1.

6. Stock Transfer Taxes. The Company will pay any stock transfer taxes with respect to the transfer and sale of shares to it pursuant to the Offer. If, however, payment of the Purchase Price is to be made to, or if shares not tendered or accepted for payment are to be registered in the name of, any person(s) other than the registered owner(s), or if shares tendered hereby are registered in the name(s) of any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of any stock transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered owner(s) or such person(s)) payable on account of the transfer to such person(s) will be deducted from the Purchase Price unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.

Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the certificates listed in this Letter of Transmittal.

7. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions. If a check for the Purchase Price of any shares accepted for payment is to be issued name of, and/or certificates for any shares not accepted for payment or not tendered are to be issued in the name of and/or returned to, a person other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or if a check is to be sent, and/or such certificates are to be returned, to a person other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown above, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed and signatures must be guaranteed as described in Instructions 1 and 5.

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8. Irregularities. The Company will determine in its sole discretion all questions as to the number of shares to accept, and the validity, eligibility (including time of receipt), and acceptance for payment of any tender of shares. Any such determinations will be final and binding on all parties, subject to a shareholder’s right to challenge our determination in a court of competent jurisdiction. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of shares it determines not to be in proper form or the acceptance of which or payment for which may, in the Company’s opinion, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the tender of any particular shares, and the Company’s interpretation of the terms of the Offer, including these instructions, will be final and binding on all parties. No tender of shares will be deemed to be properly made until all defects and irregularities have been cured or waived. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders must be cured within such time as the Company shall determine. None of the Company the Depositary, the Information Agent (each, as defined in the Offer to Purchase) or any other person is or will be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders and none of them will incur any liability for failure to give any such notice.

9. U.S. Federal Backup Withholding Tax. Under the U.S. federal backup withholding tax rules, 24% of the gross proceeds payable to a shareholder or other payee in the Offer generally will be subject to withholding unless (i) the shareholder or other payee provides such person’s taxpayer identification number (generally an employer identification number or social security number) to the Depositary or other payor and certifies under penalties of perjury that this number is correct and that such shareholder or payee is not subject to backup withholding or (ii) the shareholder or other payee is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. We understand that the Depositary intends to withhold unless it receives appropriate documentation that backup withholding does not apply to a particular shareholder. In the case of a U.S. Holder (as defined in Section 14 of the Offer to Purchase), such documentation is provided by submitting to the Depositary a properly completed copy of the IRS Form W-9 included with this Letter of Transmittal. See the accompanying instructions to IRS Form W-9 below for guidance on properly completing the form. In the case of a Non-U.S. Holder (as defined in Section 14 of the Offer to Purchase), the relevant documentation is provided by submitting to the Depositary a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable IRS Form W-8), signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to such person’s non-U.S. status. An applicable IRS Form W-8 can be obtained from the Depositary or from the IRS website (http://www.irs.gov).

For additional information, see the discussion under “Important Tax Information” below and the instructions to IRS Forms W-8 or W-9, as applicable. Shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding possible qualifications for exemption from backup withholding tax and the procedure for obtaining any applicable exemption.

10. U.S. Federal Withholding for Non-U.S. Holders. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of the receipt of cash in exchange for shares by a Non-U.S. Holder pursuant to the Offer will depend upon facts that are unique to each Non-U.S. Holder. Accordingly, a Non-U.S. Holder should expect that the Depositary generally will withhold U.S. federal withholding tax from the gross proceeds payable to a Non-U.S. Holder pursuant to the Offer at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty), unless an exemption from withholding is applicable because such gross proceeds are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder in the United States). In order to claim a reduction in the rate of, or an exemption from, such withholding tax, a Non-U.S. Holder must deliver to the Depositary a correct, properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (with respect to income tax treaty benefits) or IRS Form W-8ECI (with respect to amounts effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business within the United States), as applicable, claiming such reduced rate or exemption. A Non-U.S. Holder may be eligible to obtain a refund of all or a portion of any such tax withheld (i) if such Non-U.S. Holder meets any of the Section 302 Tests (as defined in Section 14 of the Offer to Purchase) or (ii) if such Non-U.S. Holder is otherwise able to establish that no or a reduced amount of tax is due.

For additional information, see the discussion under “Important Tax information” below. Non-U.S. Holders are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the particular tax consequences to them of selling shares pursuant to the Offer, including the application of the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, their potential eligibility for a reduced rate of, or exemption from, such withholding tax, and their potential eligibility for, and procedures for claiming, a refund of any such withholding tax.

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11. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies. Questions and requests for assistance or additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and IRS Form W-9 may be directed to the Information Agent at its address set forth on the last page of this Letter of Transmittal.

12. Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Certificates. If your certificate(s) for part or all of your shares has been lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated you should contact the Depository’s Shareholder Services Department at (856) 793-5068 for information regarding replacement of lost securities. You should also check the box for “Lost Certificates” in the appropriate box on page 3 and promptly send the completed Letter of Transmittal to the Depositary. Upon receipt of your request by phone or Letter of Transmittal, the Depositary will provide you with instructions on how to obtain a replacement certificate. You may be asked to post a bond to secure against the risk that the certificate may be subsequently recirculated. There may be a fee and additional documents may be required to replace lost certificates. This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificates have been followed. You are urged to send the properly completed Letter of Transmittal to the Depositary immediately to ensure timely processing of documentation. If you have questions, you may contact the Depositary’s Shareholder Services Department at (856) 793-5068.

13. Order of Purchase in Event of Proration. As described in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase, shareholders may designate the order in which their shares are to be purchased in the event of proration. The order of purchase may have an effect on the U.S. federal income tax classification of any gain or loss on the shares purchased. See Sections 1 and 13 of the Offer to Purchase.

IMPORTANT. This Letter of Transmittal, together with any required signature guarantees, or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an agent’s message, and any other required documents, must be received by the Depositary prior to the Expiration Time and either certificates for tendered shares must be received by the Depositary or shares must be delivered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer, in each case prior to the Expiration Time, or the tendering shareholder must comply with the procedures for guaranteed delivery.

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IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

Under the U.S. federal backup withholding tax rules, 24% of the gross proceeds payable to a shareholder or other payee in the Offer generally will be subject to withholding unless (i) the shareholder or other payee provides such person’s taxpayer identification number (generally an employer identification number or social security number) (“TIN”) to the Depositary or other payor and certifies under penalties of perjury that this number is correct and that such shareholder or payee is not subject to backup withholding or (ii) the shareholder or other payee is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. We understand that the Depositary intends to withhold unless it receives appropriate documentation establishing that backup withholding does not apply to a particular shareholder. In the case of a U.S. Holder, such documentation is provided by submitting to the Depositary a properly completed copy of the IRS Form W-9 included with this Letter of Transmittal. See the accompanying instructions to IRS Form W-9 below for guidance on completing the IRS Form W-9. In the case of a Non-U.S. Holder, the relevant documentation is provided by submitting to the Depositary a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable IRS Form W-8), signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to such person’s non-U.S. status. An applicable IRS Form W-8 can be obtained from the Depositary or from the IRS website (http://www.irs.gov). If a tendering U.S. Holder has not been issued a TIN, and has applied for a number or intends to apply for a number in the near future, the shareholder should write “Applied For” in the space provided for the TIN in Part I, and sign and date the IRS Form W-9. If “Applied For” is written in Part I of the IRS Form W-9 and the Depositary is not provided with a TIN by the time for payment, the Depositary will withhold 24% of all payments of the Purchase Price to such shareholder.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS on a timely basis.

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of the receipt of cash in exchange for shares by a Non-U.S. Holder pursuant to the Offer will depend upon facts that are unique to each Non-U.S. Holder. Accordingly, a Non-U.S. Holder should expect that the Depositary generally will withhold U.S. federal withholding tax from the gross proceeds payable to a Non-U.S. Holder pursuant to the Offer at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty), unless an exemption from withholding is applicable because such gross proceeds are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder in the United States). In order to claim a reduction in the rate of, or an exemption from, such withholding tax, a Non-U.S. Holder must deliver to the Depositary a correct, properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (with respect to income tax treaty benefits) or IRS Form W-8ECI (with respect to amounts effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business within the United States), as applicable, claiming such reduced rate or exemption. A Non-U.S. Holder may be eligible to obtain a refund of all or a portion of any such tax withheld (i) if such Non-U.S. Holder meets any of the Section 302 Tests (as defined in Section 14 of the Offer to Purchase) or (ii) if such Non-U.S. Holder is otherwise able to establish that no or a reduced amount of tax is due.

In addition, pursuant to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, the regulations promulgated thereunder and official interpretations thereof, a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder treated as a dividend may be subject to withholding at a 30% rate (rather than a lower treaty rate) unless (i) in the case of a payment to a “foreign financial institution” (including any entity through which a Non-U.S. Holder receives the payment), such institution has entered into an agreement with the U.S. government to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities information about its accountholders (including certain investors in such institution) or (ii) in the case of a payment to a “non-financial foreign entity” (including any entity through which a Non-U.S. Holder receives the payment), such entity certifies that it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner (generally by providing an IRS Form W-8BEN-E). Any such withholding may be credited against, and therefore reduce, any 30% withholding tax on dividends as discussed above. In certain circumstances, the relevant foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity may qualify for an exemption from these rules, which exemption is typically evidenced by providing appropriate documentation (such as an IRS Form W-8BEN-E). In addition, an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the jurisdiction of a foreign financial institution may modify these rules. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these rules on their disposition of shares pursuant to the Offer.

FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN EITHER THE IRS FORM W-9 OR IRS FORM W-8, AS APPLICABLE, WILL RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 24% ON ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS TO IRS FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. IN ADDITION, NON-U.S. HOLDERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO U.S. FEDERAL WITHHOLDING TAX AT A RATE OF 30% ON THE GROSS PROCEEDS PAID PURSUANT TO THE OFFER.

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Form W-9

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Letter of Transmittal, certificates for shares and any other required documents should be sent or delivered by each shareholder of the Company or such shareholder’s bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee to the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth below.

The Depositary for the Offer is:

Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC

***By Mail: By the Expiration Time Broadridge, Inc. Attn: BCIS Re-Organization Dept. P.O. Box 1317 Brentwood, NY 11717-0718 ***By Hand or Overnight Courier: By the Expiration Time Broadridge, Inc. Attn: BCIS IWS 51 Mercedes Way Edgewood, NY 11717

Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal to an address other than as set forth above will not constitute a valid delivery to the Depositary.

Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent at its address set forth below. Additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be obtained from the Information Agent. You may also contact your bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer.

The Information Agent for the Offer is:

Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC

51 Mercedes Way

Attn: BCIS IWS

Edgewood, NY 11717

(856) 793-5068

Email: shareholder@broadridge.com