COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC
EXHIBIT 10.17
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.17
<SEQUENCE>9
<FILENAME>a2106111zex-10_17.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 10.17
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<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="lc1265_exhibit_10.17"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_lc1265_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Exhibit 10.17    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="lc1265_closing_date_agreement"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_lc1265_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>CLOSING DATE AGREEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>THIS CLOSING DATE AGREEMENT</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> made this 6th day of March&nbsp;2003 by and among Cogent Communications
Group,&nbsp;Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Company</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>"), Allied Riser Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Allied Riser</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>"), the several noteholders (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Noteholders</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") party to the Exchange Agreement and the
Settlement Agreement (each as defined below), and Gary Wolfe as representative for the Noteholders (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Noteholder Representative</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>"). The Company,
Allied Riser, and the Noteholders are sometimes referred to herein together collectively as the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Parties</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>." </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>W I T N E S S E T H:  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS, the Noteholders hold in the aggregate $106,789,000 face value of the 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2007 of Allied Riser (the
"</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Notes</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>"). </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS,
the Company, Allied Riser and Noteholders have entered into that certain Exchange Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Exchange
Agreement</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") pursuant to which the Noteholders have agreed to surrender to Allied Riser 100% of the Notes in exchange for a cash payment by Allied Riser (the
"</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Cash Payment</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") and the delivery by Allied Riser to the Noteholders of shares of the Company's Series&nbsp;D Preferred Stock and Series&nbsp;E
Preferred Stock (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Shares</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein (such transaction is referred to herein as the
"</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Note Exchange</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>"). </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS,
the Company, Allied Riser and Noteholders have entered into that certain Settlement Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Settlement
Agreement</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") pursuant to which the Noteholders have agreed to dismiss with prejudice certain claims asserted by them in a litigation pending in the Court of Chancery of the
State of Delaware (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Litigation</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") against Allied Riser and certain of its former directors and to release all claims against Allied Riser and the
Company in exchange for a cash payment by Allied Riser (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Settlement Payment</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") and the Company and Allied Riser have agreed to release all claims
against the Noteholders by the Company and Allied Riser on the terms and conditions set forth therein (such transaction is referred to herein as the
"</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Settlement</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>"). </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS,
the Stipulation of Dismissal (as defined in the Settlement Agreement) related to the dismissal of the Litigation has been filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware
in and for New Castle County. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS,
in order to effect the release of claims in connection with the Settlement, each of the Noteholders, Allied Riser, the Company and certain of Allied Riser's former directors
(the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Allied Riser Directors</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") have executed a mutual general release (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>General Release</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>"). </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS,
pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement and the Settlement Agreement, the Cash Payment, the Settlement Payment, the Notes and the General Release are to be placed in
escrow upon the execution of the Exchange Agreement and the Settlement Agreement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS,
pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement and the Settlement Agreement upon the filing with the Delaware Secretary of State of the Third Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation of the Company authorizing the Shares (the "</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Charter Amendment</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>"), Allied Riser is to place the Shares into the escrow. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS,
the Charter Amendment has been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS,
the parties desire to enter into this Closing Date Agreement to provide for a closing of the Note Exchange and the Settlement without first placing the Cash Payment, the
Settlement Payment, the Notes, the General Release or the Shares into Escrow. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and in the Exchange Agreement and the Settlement Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On
the date hereof: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allied
Riser shall (i)&nbsp;wire to the account of the Noteholder Representative set forth in </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Schedule&nbsp;A</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> hereto
the Cash Payment of $4,997,725 and the Settlement Payment of $4,880,256, (ii)&nbsp;deliver to the Noteholder Representative duly executed certificates, in the names of each of the Noteholders,
representing the number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Shares set forth opposite each Noteholders name under the headings "Series&nbsp;D Preferred" and
"Series&nbsp;E Preferred" on </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Schedule&nbsp;1.1</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> to the Exchange Agreement and (iii)&nbsp;deliver to the Noteholder Representative the General
Release executed by Allied Riser and the Allied Riser Directors. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company shall deliver to the Noteholder Representative the General Release executed by the Company. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Noteholders shall (i)&nbsp;instruct their respective brokers to instruct the Depository Trust Company ("</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>DTC</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>") to
transfer the Notes from the account of each Noteholder to the account of Allied Riser set forth in </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Schedule&nbsp;B</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> hereto, and (ii)&nbsp;deliver to
Allied Riser the General Release executed by each Noteholder and Angelo, Gordon&nbsp;&amp; Co. L.P. The Noteholder Representative shall provide a certification to Allied Riser that all of the
Noteholders have duly instructed their respective brokers to instruct the DTC to transfer the Notes and such instructions have not be rescinded or amended and remain in full force and effect. </FONT></P>

</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><I>[Signature Pages Follow]</I></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this CLOSING DATE AGREEMENT to be executed as of the date first written above. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2>ALLIED RISER COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAVID SCHAEFFER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>David Schaeffer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP,&nbsp;INC.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAVID SCHAEFFER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>David Schaeffer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GERALD K. DINSMORE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> GERALD K. DINSMORE</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>R. DAVID SPRENG</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> R. DAVID SPRENG</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DONALD LYNCH</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> DONALD LYNCH</FONT></TD>
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&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>BLAIR P. WHITAKER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> BLAIR P. WHITAKER</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
ANDA PARTNERSHIP<BR>
By it Partners</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
THE ANN ONLY TRUST</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MARK SLEZAK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>By: Mark Slezak</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title: Co-Trustee</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
THE ANN AND DESCENDANTS TRUST</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MARK SLEZAK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>By: Mark Slezak</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title: Co-Trustee</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
CRT CAPITAL GROUP, LLC</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>C. MICHAEL VAUGHN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>C. Michael Vaughn</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Member</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
GUARDFISH, LLC</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHN C. KOPCHIK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>John C. Kopchik</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Principal of its Manager, Providence Asset Management LLC</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
HBV MASTER REDISCOVERY OPPORTUNITIES FUND, L.P.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GEORGE J. KONOMOS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>George J. Konomos</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Portfolio Manager</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
JMG CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHNATHAN GLASER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Jonathan Glaser</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Managing Member</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
JMG TRITON OFFSHORE FUND,&nbsp;LTD.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHNATHAN GLASER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Jonathan Glaser</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Managing Member</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
MARKETUS VALUE PARTNERS, L.P.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>EDMUND A. HAJIM</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Edmund A. Hajim</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Managing Member of its General Partner, Marketus, L.L.C.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
LA POLICE AND FIRE PENSION FUND<BR>
By its Manager,<BR>
WR HUFF&nbsp;&amp; CO.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICHAEL J. MCGUINESS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Michael J. McGuiness</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Portfolio Manager</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
PENINSULA INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>R. TED WESCHLER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>R. Ted Weschler</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Managing Member of its Investment Advisor and General Partner</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
SAGAMORE HILL HUB FUND&nbsp;LTD.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MARK MAY</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Mark May</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
LC CAPITAL MASTER FUND,&nbsp;LTD.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>STEVE LAMPE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Steve Lampe</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="39%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2>Managing Member</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><br><A NAME="03WDC1263_8">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_lc1265_1">Exhibit 10.17</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_lc1265_2">CLOSING DATE AGREEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
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