content: UNITED STATES
                         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
  
                           -------------------------------
  
                                      FORM 8-K
  
  
                                   CURRENT REPORT
                       PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                          SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
  
  Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)      September 30, 2005
                                                        --------------------------
  
  
  
  
                                  The Alpine Group, Inc.
                  (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  
            DELAWARE                000-02249                    22-1620387
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       (State or Other         (Commission File Number)      (I.R.S. Employer
        Jurisdiction of                                    Identification Number)
        Incorporation)
  
  
  
                               One Meadowlands Plaza
                         East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073
                (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
  
  
  Registrant's telephone number, including area code    (201) 549-4400
                                                        --------------------------
  
  Check the appropriate box below if the form 8-K filing in intended to
  simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
  following provisions:
  
  [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR
  230.425)
  [X] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
  (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
  Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to
  Rue 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  
  <PAGE>
  
  
  ITEM 8.01  OTHER EVENTS
  
  (a) On September 30, 2005, The Alpine Group, Inc. ("Alpine") issued a press
  release relating to the asset purchase agreement (the "Asset Purchase
  Agreement") entered into between Essex Electric Inc. ("Essex"), Alpine's 84%
  owned subsidiary and Southwire Company. Such press release was reported on, and
  included as an exhibit to, Alpine's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2006. Such press release is
  incorporated by reference herein.
  
  (b) Essex has posted on its website a letter to its customers regarding the sale
  of substantially all of Essex's assets as contemplated by the Asset Purchase
  Agreement. A copy of that letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
  
  
  
  
  IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION. Investors and holders of stock of Alpine are urged
  to read the proxy statement to be filed by Alpine (which will contain a list of
  the names, affiliations and interests of participants in the solicitation of
  proxies) regarding the proposed transaction pursuant to the Asset Purchase
  Agreement when it becomes available, because it will contain important
  information. The proxy statement will be filed with the U.S. Securities and
  Exchange Commission by Alpine, and investors and holders of Alpine stock may
  obtain a free copy of the proxy statement when it becomes available, and other
  documents filed with the SEC by Alpine, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The
  proxy statement and other documents relating thereto filed with the SEC by
  Alpine may also be obtained for free by directing a request to The Alpine Group,
  Inc., One Meadowlands Plaza, Suite 801, East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073, Attn:
  Office of the General Counsel.
  
  
                                         1
  
  <PAGE>
  
  
  ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
  
  EXHIBITS
  
  Alpine's Press Release, dated September 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to
  Exhibit 10.3 to Alpine's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 6, 2005)
  
  Letter from Essex Electric Inc. to its customers (filed herewith as
  Exhibit 99.1)
  ------------
  
  
  
                                         2
  
  <PAGE>
  
  
                                    SIGNATURES
  
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
  registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
  undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
  
  Dated: November 2, 2005
  
  
                                      By: /s/ Stewart H. Wahrsager
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                      Senior Vice-President,
                                      General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
  
  
                                         3
  
  <PAGE>
  
  
  Exhibit 99.1
  
                          [Essex Electric Inc. Letterhead]
  
                                                                       Harold Karp
                                                                         President
                                                               Essex Electric Inc.
                                                         Standard Federal Building
                                                                         Suite 700
                                                                 200 East Main St.
                                                         Fort Wayne, IN 46802-1914
                                                                Tel: (260)461-5660
                                                                Fax: (260)461-5666
  
  October 20, 2005
  
  Dear Valued Customer,
  
  As I'm sure you've heard, an agreement has been reached between Essex Electric
  and Southwire for Southwire to purchase Essex Electric's building wire
  manufacturing business. The purpose of this letter is to give you some details
  about the transaction.
  
  First, let me begin by saying thank you for the continued support of Essex
  through our restructuring since December 2002. We are proud to say that we have
  accomplished most of the commercial and operational goals over the last few
  years and your continued support was a key factor in allowing us to accomplish
  those goals. We have worked diligently to be a good supplier and partner for
  your business and we have strived to always meet our commitments. Essex Electric
  was interested in expanding our business and geographic footprint through an
  acquisition, however, no viable opportunity surfaced. This transaction is in the
  best interest of the Alpine stockholders and the Essex Electric customers. The
  closing is expected to take place during January as it will take a few months
  for the Alpine Group to obtain SEC and then shareholder approval for the
  transaction.
  
  It is important to note that we will run our business as normal during the
  transition period. We will continue to support you as we always have with
  industry best quality, service and competitive pricing. We will continue to take
  and fill orders throughout the entire transition period. All manufacturers' reps
  remain under contract with Essex Electric through the transaction date. Our
  customer service, inside sales and pricing department personnel will remain
  intact through the transaction date. There will be a number of Essex personnel
  staying on through the 1st quarter 2006 to assist you with questions or problems
  that may arise. Southwire will assume all Essex backlog at closing and will
  honor all pricing and commission agreements for those orders. Essex will collect
  all open receivables in place at closing and will pay all outstanding rebates
  owed.
  
                                         4
  
  <PAGE>
  
  
  It is our intent to make this a very smooth transition for all our customers. We
  will assist you in any way we can to ensure your supply of product is
  uninterrupted after the transaction date. I must remind you that although we
  expect this transaction to have no impact on our normal course of business, our
  industry is currently experiencing challenging times. Comex prices at historical
  highs, copper rod shortages, resin supplier allocations and carrier shortages
  are negatively impacting all suppliers' service performance through all channels
  and markets. We are maintaining a high sense of urgency to deal with these
  issues as best we can and not make commitments that we cannot keep.
  
  We will keep you informed of events and issues that may arise up to and through
  the transaction date. We appreciate your continued support of Essex Electric
  during the remainder of 2005. Please contact me or any of the Essex
  sales/customer service team if you have questions or concerns.
  
  Very truly yours,
  /s/ Harold Karp
  
  
                          * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
  
  
  IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION. Investors and holders of stock of The Alpine Group,
  Inc., a Delaware corporation having a 84% interest in Essex, are urged to read
  the proxy statement to be filed by Alpine (which will contain a list of the
  names, affiliations and interests of participants in the solicitation of
  proxies) regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available, because
  it will contain important information. The proxy statement will be filed with
  the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Alpine, and investors and holders
  of Alpine stock may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement when it becomes
  available, and other documents filed with the SEC by Alpine, at the SEC's
  website at www.sec.gov. The proxy statement and other documents relating thereto
  filed with the SEC by Alpine may also be obtained for free by directing a
  request to The Alpine Group, Inc., One Meadowlands Plaza, Suite 801, East
  Rutherford, New Jersey 07073, Attn: Office of the General Counsel.
  
                          * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
  
  
  
                                         5
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metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ALPINE GROUP INC /DE/", "cik": "0000004164", "assigned-sic": "3357", "irs-number": "221620387", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "000-02249", "film-number": "051173606"}, "business-address": {"street1": "ONE MEADOWLANDS PLAZA", "street2": "SUITE 801", "city": "EAST RUTHERFORD", "state": "NJ", "zip": "07073", "phone": "201-549-4400"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "ONE MEADOWLANDS PLAZA", "street2": "SUITE 801", "city": "EAST RUTHERFORD", "state": "NJ", "zip": "07073"}, "former-company": [{"former-conformed-name": "ALPINE GEOPHYSICAL CORP", "date-changed": "19841202"}, {"former-conformed-name": "ALPINE GEOPHYSICAL ASSOCIATES INC", "date-changed": "19810120"}]}
text: UNITED STATES
                         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
  
                           -------------------------------
  
                                      FORM 8-K
  
                                   CURRENT REPORT
                       PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                          SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
  
  Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)      September 30, 2005
                                                        --------------------------
  
                                  The Alpine Group, Inc.
                  (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  
            DELAWARE                000-02249                    22-1620387
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       (State or Other         (Commission File Number)      (I.R.S. Employer
        Jurisdiction of                                    Identification Number)
        Incorporation)
  
                               One Meadowlands Plaza
                         East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073
                (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
  
  Registrant's telephone number, including area code    (201) 549-4400
                                                        --------------------------
  
  Check the appropriate box below if the form 8-K filing in intended to
  simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
  following provisions:
  
  [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR
  230.425)
  [X] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
  (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
  Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to
  Rue 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  ITEM 8.01  OTHER EVENTS
  
  (a) On September 30, 2005, The Alpine Group, Inc. ("Alpine") issued a press
  release relating to the asset purchase agreement (the "Asset Purchase
  Agreement") entered into between Essex Electric Inc. ("Essex"), Alpine's 84%
  owned subsidiary and Southwire Company. Such press release was reported on, and
  included as an exhibit to, Alpine's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2006. Such press release is
  incorporated by reference herein.
  
  (b) Essex has posted on its website a letter to its customers regarding the sale
  of substantially all of Essex's assets as contemplated by the Asset Purchase
  Agreement. A copy of that letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
  
  IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION. Investors and holders of stock of Alpine are urged
  to read the proxy statement to be filed by Alpine (which will contain a list of
  the names, affiliations and interests of participants in the solicitation of
  proxies) regarding the proposed transaction pursuant to the Asset Purchase
  Agreement when it becomes available, because it will contain important
  information. The proxy statement will be filed with the U.S. Securities and
  Exchange Commission by Alpine, and investors and holders of Alpine stock may
  obtain a free copy of the proxy statement when it becomes available, and other
  documents filed with the SEC by Alpine, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The
  proxy statement and other documents relating thereto filed with the SEC by
  Alpine may also be obtained for free by directing a request to The Alpine Group,
  Inc., One Meadowlands Plaza, Suite 801, East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073, Attn:
  Office of the General Counsel.
  
                                         1
  ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
  
  EXHIBITS
  
  Alpine's Press Release, dated September 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to
  Exhibit 10.3 to Alpine's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 6, 2005)
  
  Letter from Essex Electric Inc. to its customers (filed herewith as
  Exhibit 99.1)
  ------------
  
                                         2
  SIGNATURES
  
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
  registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
  undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
  
  Dated: November 2, 2005
  
                                      By: /s/ Stewart H. Wahrsager
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                      Senior Vice-President,
                                      General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
  
                                         3
  Exhibit 99.1
  
                          [Essex Electric Inc. Letterhead]
  
                                                                       Harold Karp
                                                                         President
                                                               Essex Electric Inc.
                                                         Standard Federal Building
                                                                         Suite 700
                                                                 200 East Main St.
                                                         Fort Wayne, IN 46802-1914
                                                                Tel: (260)461-5660
                                                                Fax: (260)461-5666
  
  October 20, 2005
  
  Dear Valued Customer,
  
  As I'm sure you've heard, an agreement has been reached between Essex Electric
  and Southwire for Southwire to purchase Essex Electric's building wire
  manufacturing business. The purpose of this letter is to give you some details
  about the transaction.
  
  First, let me begin by saying thank you for the continued support of Essex
  through our restructuring since December 2002. We are proud to say that we have
  accomplished most of the commercial and operational goals over the last few
  years and your continued support was a key factor in allowing us to accomplish
  those goals. We have worked diligently to be a good supplier and partner for
  your business and we have strived to always meet our commitments. Essex Electric
  was interested in expanding our business and geographic footprint through an
  acquisition, however, no viable opportunity surfaced. This transaction is in the
  best interest of the Alpine stockholders and the Essex Electric customers. The
  closing is expected to take place during January as it will take a few months
  for the Alpine Group to obtain SEC and then shareholder approval for the
  transaction.
  
  It is important to note that we will run our business as normal during the
  transition period. We will continue to support you as we always have with
  industry best quality, service and competitive pricing. We will continue to take
  and fill orders throughout the entire transition period. All manufacturers' reps
  remain under contract with Essex Electric through the transaction date. Our
  customer service, inside sales and pricing department personnel will remain
  intact through the transaction date. There will be a number of Essex personnel
  staying on through the 1st quarter 2006 to assist you with questions or problems
  that may arise. Southwire will assume all Essex backlog at closing and will
  honor all pricing and commission agreements for those orders. Essex will collect
  all open receivables in place at closing and will pay all outstanding rebates
  owed.
  
                                         4
  It is our intent to make this a very smooth transition for all our customers. We
  will assist you in any way we can to ensure your supply of product is
  uninterrupted after the transaction date. I must remind you that although we
  expect this transaction to have no impact on our normal course of business, our
  industry is currently experiencing challenging times. Comex prices at historical
  highs, copper rod shortages, resin supplier allocations and carrier shortages
  are negatively impacting all suppliers' service performance through all channels
  and markets. We are maintaining a high sense of urgency to deal with these
  issues as best we can and not make commitments that we cannot keep.
  
  We will keep you informed of events and issues that may arise up to and through
  the transaction date. We appreciate your continued support of Essex Electric
  during the remainder of 2005. Please contact me or any of the Essex
  sales/customer service team if you have questions or concerns.
  
  Very truly yours,
  /s/ Harold Karp
  
                          * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
  
  IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION. Investors and holders of stock of The Alpine Group,
  Inc., a Delaware corporation having a 84% interest in Essex, are urged to read
  the proxy statement to be filed by Alpine (which will contain a list of the
  names, affiliations and interests of participants in the solicitation of
  proxies) regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available, because
  it will contain important information. The proxy statement will be filed with
  the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Alpine, and investors and holders
  of Alpine stock may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement when it becomes
  available, and other documents filed with the SEC by Alpine, at the SEC's
  website at www.sec.gov. The proxy statement and other documents relating thereto
  filed with the SEC by Alpine may also be obtained for free by directing a
  request to The Alpine Group, Inc., One Meadowlands Plaza, Suite 801, East
  Rutherford, New Jersey 07073, Attn: Office of the General Counsel.
  
                          * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
  
                                         5