BEC GROUP INC
10-Q/A, 1996-12-23
MEDICAL, DENTAL & HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
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<PAGE>   1
                                  FORM 10-Q/A

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

         OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM         TO
                               -------   --------

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-14360

                                BEC GROUP, INC.
                                ---------------
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


      Delaware                                          13-3868804 
     ----------                                         -----------
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)

Suite B-302
555 Theodore Fremd Avenue                                 10580
Rye, New York                                          
- --------------                                       -----------------  
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)                  (ZIP CODE)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (914) 967-9400




THE REGISTRANT'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 IS
AMENDED IN ITS ENTIRETY AS SET FORTH IN THIS FORM 10-Q/A.



                                Page 1 of 68.
                       Exhibit Index Appears at page 14.
<PAGE>   2
                      PART I      FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1   CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                BEC GROUP, INC.
                         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               September 30,       December 31,
                                                               -------------       ------------
                                                                   1996                1995
                                                                 --------            --------
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents                                       $   5,358           $   4,404
Trade receivables, net                                             11,467              12,856
Inventories                                                        16,858              14,936
Investment in discontinued operations                              30,000             191,672
Other current assets                                                4,582               3,106
                                                                 --------            --------
    Total current assets                                           68,265             226,974

Property and equipment, net                                        14,673              14,785
Goodwill, net                                                      11,445              11,599
Intangible assets, net                                              2,002               2,325
Equity in affiliated companies                                     11,765              10,564
Other assets                                                        3,612               7,030
                                                                 --------            --------
    Total assets                                                 $111,762            $273,277
                                                                 --------            --------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short term debt and current portion of long term debt            $ 11,226            $ 62,870
Accounts payable                                                    6,211               4,636
Accrued compensation                                                2,529               2,366
Other accrued expenses                                             13,135               7,198
                                                                 --------            --------
    Total current liabilities                                      33,101              77,070

Term loan                                                          20,000                  --
Long-term debt                                                     18,390              18,606
Convertible subordinated notes                                     21,133              40,950
Other                                                              11,659               5,517
                                                                 --------            --------
    Total liabilities                                             104,283             142,143


Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - par value $1;
  500 shares authorized; none outstanding                              --                  --
Common stock - par value $.01; 50,000 shares
  authorized; 17,639 and 32,101 shares issued                         176                 321
Additional paid-in capital                                         28,640             131,553
Cumulative translation adjustment                                      --                  --
Treasury stock 0 and 195 shares, at cost                               --              (1,365)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)                           (21,337)                625
                                                                 --------            --------
    Total stockholders' equity                                      7,479             131,134
                                                                 --------            --------
     Total  liabilities and stockholders' equity                 $111,762            $273,277
                                                                 --------            --------
</TABLE>




                                      2


         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>   3
                                BEC GROUP, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (In thousands, except per share data)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Three months ended          Nine months ended  
                                                                    September 30,               September 30,   
                                                                    -------------               -------------   
                                                                  1996          1995          1996         1995 
                                                                  ----          ----          ----         ---- 
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>             <C>         <C>
REVENUES:
Net Sales                                                        $16,252       $16,517       $51,800      $49,920

COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales                                                      9,290         9,641        28,965       26,741
Selling, general and administrative                                4,974         5,474        16,073       19,023
Special charges and merger related expenses                           --         5,237            --        5,237
Interest expense                                                     756           841         1,856        2,976
Other income                                                        (477)         (912)       (1,749)      (3,019)
                                                               ---------     ---------       -------    ---------
Total costs and expenses                                          14,543        20,281        45,145       50,958
                                                               ---------     ---------       -------    ---------

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes              1,709        (3,764)        6,655       (1,038)
Provision for income taxes                                           581        (1,355)        2,262         (374)
                                                               ---------     ---------       -------    ---------
Income (loss) from continuing operations                           1,128        (2,409)        4,393         (664)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations                       (25,650)      (10,650)       77,744         (731)
                                                               ---------     ---------       -------    ---------
Net income (loss)                                               ($24,522)     ($13,059)      $82,137      ($1,395)

Weighted average shares outstanding                               17,697        17,600        17,671       17,600

PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income (loss) from continuing operations                           $0.06        ($0.14)        $0.25       ($0.04)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations                        ($1.45)       ($0.60)        $4.40       ($0.04)
                                                               ---------     ---------       -------    ---------
Net income (loss)                                                 ($1.39)       ($0.74)        $4.65       ($0.08)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations             312           470         1,022        1,902
Capital expenditures by continuing operations                        228           477           771          857
</TABLE>



                                      3

         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   4

                                BEC GROUP, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           For the nine months ended September 30,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                  1996                   1995
                                                                           ---------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                    <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
      of continuing operations                                                   $  5,937               $  (7,819)
   Net cash provided by operating activities
      of discontinued operations                                                    5,439                     684
                                                                               ----------                --------
         Net cash provided (used) by operating activities                          11,376                  (7,135)

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Cash expended in acquisitions, net of cash received                                 --                  (2,373)
   Capital expenditures                                                              (771)                   (857)
   Intangible assets                                                                   (2)                   (402)
   Proceeds from sale of fixed assets                                                 157                   3,649
   Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
      of discontinued operations                                                  247,431                 (33,736)
                                                                               ----------                --------
         Net cash provided (used) by investing activities                         246,815                 (33,719)

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Proceeds (payments) from revolving credit line                                   2,946                  (3,941)
   Proceeds (payments) from long term obligations                                    (415)                   (810)
   Proceed (payments) from short term obligations                                      --                   2,270
   Proceeds from issuances of common stock                                          2,503                  23,548
   Cash dividends to stockholders                                                (230,071)                     --
   Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
      of discontinued operations                                                  (32,200)                 18,225
                                                                               ----------                --------
         Net cash provided (used) by financing activities                        (257,237)                 39,292

Net increase (decrease ) in cash                                                      954                  (1,562)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                    4,404                  17,233
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                          5,358                  15,671
</TABLE>



                                      4


         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   5

                                BEC GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, Regulation S-X and
the instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X.  These statements contain
all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, which in the
opinion of management are necessary to fairly present the consolidated
financial position of the Company as of September 30, 1996 and its results of
operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30,
1996 and 1995.  The results of operations of the interim periods presented are
not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal
year.  The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1995 and September 30,
1996 reflects the investment in discontinued operations.  These consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-1.

NOTE 2 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Foster Grant Group and Dallas Corporate Headquarters

On November 13, 1996, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell
to Foster Grant Holdings, Inc.  ("Holdings") all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of the entities comprising the Foster Grant Group
("FGG").  The sale of FGG was completed on December 12, 1996.  At closing, the
Company received $29 million in cash and 100 shares of non-voting preferred
stock with a maximum redemption value of $6 million (the "Preferred Stock").
By agreement with AAi, the Company may, at its option, exchange the Preferred
Stock for shares of AAi common stock if AAi completes an initial public
offering ("IPO") at any time within three (3) years of closing.  Upon any such
exchange, the Company will receive the number of shares of AAi common stock
equal to $6 million divided by 85% of the IPO offering price, as set forth in
AAi's final IPO prospectus.  Any such shares of AAi common stock will not be
registered, but will bear "piggyback" registration rights.  If the Preferred
Stock is not converted, it will be redeemed by Holdings on or before February
28, 2000 for up to $6 million, based on the FGG's net sales for the year ending
December 31, 1999.  The cash consideration was used to pay down the Company's
credit facility and pay transaction expenses.  The results of operations for
FGG and the Dallas Corporate Headquarters, which is being closed in connection
with the sale of FGG, are presented as discontinued operations of the Company.
The assets of FGG and the Prescription Eyewear Business, net of liabilities,
are presented as investment in discontinued operations at September 30, 1996
and December 31, 1995.  A loss of $25.8 million including transaction expenses
and phase-out period losses, net of taxes was recorded on the sale of FGG as of
July 30, 1996, the measurement date.





                                       5
<PAGE>   6
Prescription Eyewear Business

On May 3, 1996, Benson Eyecare Corporation ("Benson"), BEC Group (the "Company"
or "BEC"), Essilor International, S.A.  ("Essilor"), Essilor of America, Inc.
("Essilor of America"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Essilor and Essilor
Acquisition Corporation, Inc. ("Essilor Sub"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Essilor of America, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended
(the "Merger") pursuant to which Essilor purchased Benson and the Omega Group,
Benson's wholesale optical laboratory business.  Benson also entered into an
Asset Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Benson's lens manufacturing
business, Orcolite, was purchased by the Monsanto Company (the "Asset Sale").
The Omega Group and Orcolite comprised the Prescription Eyewear Business of
Benson.

Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of Benson common stock was
exchanged for $6.60 in cash and one share of BEC's common stock was received
for every two shares of Benson common stock.  Upon consummation of the Merger,
the equity interest in Benson of its stockholders ceased and Benson became a
wholly owned subsidiary of Essilor of America.  Also upon consummation of the
Merger, BEC became a Registrant whose common shares are traded on the New York
Stock Exchange.

For accounting purposes, BEC is considered the continuing entity.  Accordingly,
the Merger and Asset Sale were considered to be a sale of Omega and Orcolite by
BEC to Essilor and Monsanto, respectively.  The accounting treatment of the
Merger and Asset Sale differs from the legal and federal income tax treatment.
The gain on the sale of these businesses of $99.9 million and the results of
operations for these businesses are presented as discontinued operations of
BEC.  The cash merger consideration is treated as a dividend of BEC Group, Inc.
The assets of the discontinued operation, net of liabilities, are presented as
investment in discontinued operations at December 31, 1995.

During the third quarter, the final Closing Balance Sheet for the sale of Omega
was agreed upon by the Company and Essilor.  According to the terms of the
Merger, a purchase price adjustment of $2.1 million was paid to Essilor on
October 3, 1996, decreasing the gain on the sale.  Additionally, Essilor and
the Company agreed to settle the Contingent Valuation Right (the "CVR") early
for cash of $2.2 million payable by the Company to Essilor in January 1997.
Prior to the settlement, the Company carried the CVR at $4.6 million,
increasing the gain on the sale by approximately $2.4 million.  The net result
of the described adjustments, in addition to the adjustments of certain
accruals relating to the Merger, is a $791,000 incremental gain on the sale of
the Prescription Eyewear Business recorded in discontinued operations in the
third quarter.

Summarized information on the combined discontinued operations, excluding the
net gain on the transactions, follows.  The 1996 amounts represent the
operating results of FGG based on the measurement date of July 30, 1996 and the
operating results of the Prescription Eyewear Business through the date of
disposal, May 3, 1996.





                                       6
<PAGE>   7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Three months ended       Nine months ended    
                                                                      September 30,              September 30,    
                                                                    1996          1995         1996         1995  
                                                                    ----          ----         ----         ----  
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>          <C>           <C>
Net sales                                                          5,755        18,541     101,565       188,198
Income (loss) before tax                                            (999)      (15,190)      4,368         1,018
Income tax expense (benefit)                                        (340)       (5,468)      1,542         1,794
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations                                           
  net of tax                                                        (659)       (9,722)      2,826          (776)
</TABLE>



ITEM 2   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
         FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Transaction Summary

On May 3, 1996, Benson, BEC, Essilor, Essilor of America and Essilor Sub
effected a Merger pursuant to which Essilor purchased Benson and the Omega
Group, Benson's wholesale optical laboratory business.  Benson also entered
into an Asset Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Benson's lens manufacturing
business, Orcolite, was purchased by the Monsanto Company on May 3, 1996 (the
"Asset Sale").  Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of Benson common
stock was exchanged for $6.60 in cash and one share of BEC's common stock was
received for every two shares of Benson common stock.  For accounting purposes,
BEC is considered the continuing entity.  Accordingly, the Merger and Asset
Sale were considered to be a sale of Omega and Orcolite by BEC to Essilor and
Monsanto, respectively.  The accounting treatment of the Merger and Asset Sale
differs from the legal structure and the federal income tax treatment.

On November 13, 1996, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell
to Foster Grant Holdings, Inc.  ("Holdings") all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of the entities comprising the Foster Grant Group
("FGG").  The sale of FGG was completed on December 12, 1996.  At closing, the
Company received $29 million in cash and 100 shares of non-voting preferred
stock with a maximum redemption value of $6 million (the "Preferred Stock").
By agreement with AAi, the Company may, at its option, exchange the Preferred
Stock for shares of AAi common stock if AAi completes an initial public
offering ("IPO") at any time within three (3) years of closing.  Upon any such
exchange, the Company will receive the number of shares of AAi common stock
equal to $6 million divided by 85% of the IPO offering price, as set forth in
AAi's final IPO prospectus.  Any such shares of AAi common stock will not be
registered, but will bear "piggyback" registration rights.  If the Preferred
Stock is not converted, it will be redeemed by Holdings on or before February
28, 2000 for up to $6 million, based on the FGG's net sales for the year ended
December 31, 1999.  The cash consideration was used to pay down the Company's
credit facility and pay transaction expenses.  The results of operations for
FGG and the Dallas Corporate Headquarters, which is being closed in connection





                                       7
<PAGE>   8
with the sale of FGG, are presented as discontinued operations of the Company.
The assets of FGG and the Prescription Eyewear Business, net of liabilities,
are presented as investment in discontinued operations at September 30, 1996
and December 31, 1995.  A loss of $25.8 million including transaction expenses
and phase-out period losses, net of taxes was recorded on the sale of FGG as of
July 30, 1996, the measurement date.

The net gain on the sale of these businesses and the results of operations for
these businesses are presented as discontinued operations of BEC.  The cash
consideration from the Essilor merger was treated as a dividend of BEC.  The
assets of the discontinued operations, net of liabilities, are presented as
investment in discontinued operations at December 31, 1995.

The discussion of the results of operations will consist of a discussion of the
continuing operations of BEC Group, Inc.



Results of Operations

QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 1996 were $16.3 million
compared to $16.5 million for the same period in 1995.  The Company's Optical
Technologies Group sales increased from $9.7 million in the third quarter of
1995 to $9.8 million for the same period in 1996.  These increases were offset
by a decrease in sales at Bolle from $6.6 million to $6.2 million for the same
periods.

The gross profit margin increased from 41.7% in the third quarter of 1995 to
42.8% in 1996, driven by manufacturing efficiencies achieved in the Optical
Technologies Group.

Selling, general and administrative expense improved on both a percentage of
sales basis and a dollar basis decreasing from $5.5 million or 33% of net sales
in the third quarter of 1995 to $5.0 million or 31% of net sales in the third
quarter of 1996.  This decrease was effected by head office cost savings
achieved at BEC and Bolle and operating cost savings at the Optical
Technologies Group.  Bolle's savings result from the elimination of the costs
of being a stand- alone public company.  BEC costs have decreased with the
smaller size of BEC as compared to Benson.  The Optical Technologies Group
continues to combine sales growth with cost efficiencies and increasing
operating margins.

Interest expense for the third quarter was $0.8 million in 1996, substantially
the same dollar amount as 1995, reflecting the low working capital debt level
and consistent long term outstandings.

Other income in 1996 consists primarily of equity income from the Company's
investment in Eyecare Products, plc and interest income on notes receivable.
In 1995, other income was higher due to nonrecurring income earned from the
sale of assets.





                                       8
<PAGE>   9
The effective continuing operations income tax rate used for the third quarter
of 1996 was 34% based on the expected effective income tax rate for the year of
34%.  For 1995, a pro forma tax rate of 36% was applied to continuing
operations.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1995

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 were $51.8 million
versus $49.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1995.  The
Company's Optical Technologies Group sales increased 16% from $27.2 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1995 to $31.5 million for the same period
in 1996.  Bolle America sales also increased slightly.  Sales of $2.6 million
from Superior Eye Care, Inc. ("Superior"), which was sold on June 28, 1995,
were included in the 1995 nine month period.

Adjusted for the fee income from Superior Eye Care, the gross profit margin
increased from 43.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 to 44.0% in
1996.  Gross margins in the Optical Technologies Group increased compared to
prior year while Bolle America remained relatively consistent.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased from $19 million or 38.1%
of net sales in 1995 to $16.1 million or 31% of net sales for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996.  This decrease was affected by the same factors
discussed in the third quarter comparison.

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 was $1.9 million
compared to $3.0 million for the same period in 1995, reflecting lower
outstandings.  Interest rates during 1996 have remained relatively stable and
BEC's average effective interest rate on the revolving credit facility has been
below 7.5%.

Other income in 1996 consists primarily of equity income from the Company's
investment in Eyecare Products, plc and interest income on notes receivable.
In 1995, other income was higher due to nonrecurring income earned from the
sale of assets.

The effective income tax rate for 1996 was 34%, based on the expected effective
continuing operations income tax rate for BEC.  For 1995, a pro forma tax rate
of 36% was applied to continuing operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, working capital and continuing
operations provided $5.9 million of cash reflecting a $3.4 million increase in
accounts payable and accrued expenses, a $0.7 million decrease in inventories
and other assets, and a $1.3 million decrease in accounts receivable.  Capital
expenditures for the continuing operations were $.8 million.  These uses of
cash were funded by the revolving credit facility and stock issuances under the
Company's stock compensation plans.





                                       9
<PAGE>   10
On October 31, 1996, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a
second amendment to that certain Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"),
dated as of April 3, 1996, with a syndicate of lenders, led by NationsBank,
N.A.  The Credit Agreement (as amended) provides for a $25 million revolving
credit facility.  The amendment was entered into in anticipation of the sale of
the Foster Grant Group, amending covenants to conform to the Company's business
and structure following completion of the sale of the Foster Grant Group.

The Company expects cash flow from operations combined with available borrowing
capacity under the bank credit facility to be sufficient to fund the Company's
operating needs in the short term.  On a long term basis, if cash for expansion
or acquisitions is required, the Company has had a successful track record of
being able to access the public equity and debt markets for capital and
liquidity.





                                       10
<PAGE>   11
                           PART II.OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

On November 13, 1996, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell
to Foster Grant Holdings, Inc.  ("Holdings") all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of the entities comprising the Foster Grant Group
("FGG").  Holdings, a recently-formed Delaware corporation, is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Accessories Associates, Inc.  ("AAi"), a Rhode Island
corporation.  The FGG is a leading distributor of popular-priced sunglasses and
non-prescription reading glasses in the United States.  FGG's owned brands
include Foster Grant(R), Blues(R), FG Sport(R), and Rebels(R); its licensed
brands include ABC Sports(R), Coppertone(R), Revlon(R) and Spalding(R).  The
Company previously had announced its intent to divest FGG in its Current Report
on Form 8-K dated July 30, 1996 and in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 1996.

The sale of FGG was completed on December 12, 1996.  At closing, the Company
received $29 million in cash and 100 shares of Holdings' non-voting preferred
stock with a maximum redemption value of $6 million (the "Preferred Stock").
By agreement with AAi, the Company may, at its option, exchange the Preferred
Stock for shares of AAi common stock if AAi completes an initial public
offering ("IPO") at any time within three (3) years of closing.  Upon any such
exchange, the Company will receive the number of shares of AAi common stock
equal to $6 million divided by 85% of the IPO offering price, as set forth in
AAi's final IPO prospectus.  Any such shares of AAi common stock will not be
registered, but will bear "piggyback" registration rights.  If the Preferred
Stock is not converted, it will be redeemed by Holdings on or before February
28, 2000 for up to $6 million, based on FGG's net sales for the year ended
December 31, 1999.  The cash consideration was used to pay down the Company's
credit facility and pay transaction expenses.  The results of operations for
FGG and the Dallas Corporate Headquarters, which is being closed in connection
with the sale of FGG, are presented as discontinued operations of the Company.
The assets of FGG and the Prescription Eyewear Business, net of liabilities,
are presented as investment in discontinued operations at September 30, 1996
and December 31, 1995.  A loss of $25.8 million including transaction expenses
and phase-out period losses, net of taxes was recorded on the sale of FGG as of
July 30, 1996, the measurement date.

On December 12, 1996, in connection with the sale of the Foster Grant Group,
Marlin Capital, LP ("Marlin"), a Delaware limited partnership, invested $2.5
million in AAi convertible preferred stock; upon conversion, AAi common stock
received by Marlin would bear demand and piggyback registration rights.  Marlin
Holdings, Inc. ("MH"), a Delaware corporation, is the general partner of
Marlin.  Mr. Martin E. Franklin, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, is the Chief Executive Officer and principal shareholder of MH.  Mr.
Franklin has been named a member of AAi's Board of Directors.

In connection with its previously announced intent to divest the Foster Grant
Group, the Company had formed an independent committee of its Board of
Directors to evaluate any and all offers received.  Such committee received
from an independent investment banker a favorable fairness opinion on the
planned sale.





                                       11
<PAGE>   12
On October 31, 1996, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a
second amendment to that certain Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"),
dated as of April 3, 1996, with a syndicate of lenders, led by NationsBank,
N.A.  The Credit Agreement (as amended) provides for a $25 million revolving
credit facility.  The amendment was entered into in anticipation of the sale of
the Foster Grant Group, amending covenants to conform to the Company's business
and structure following completion of the sale of the FGG.


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)      EXHIBITS:

         The following exhibits are filed herewith:

         2.1     Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 13, 1996, by
                 and among BEC Group, Inc., Foster Grant Group, L.P., Foster
                 Grant Holdings, L.P. and Accessories Associates, Inc.
                 Schedules and other attachments to such agreement are not
                 filed herewith, but will be provided supplementally to the
                 Commission upon request.

         10.1    Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of the 31st day
                 of October, 1996, by and among BEC Group, Inc., et al.
                 Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for the 
                 period ending September 30, 1996, filed November 14, 1996.

         27      Financial Data Schedule (for electronic filing only).


(b)      REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:

         The following Current Report on Form 8-K was filed during the quarter
ended September 30, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Description                                  Date of Report
             -----------                                  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>
Form 8-K, reporting under Item 5                          July 31, 1996  
Registrant's decision to divest its
Foster Grant Group operation; and its
preliminary discussions with the
manufacturer and certain key independent
distributors of Bolle(R) brand products
regarding the prospective consolidation
and unification of the Bolle(R) brand    
worldwide.
</TABLE>






                                       12
<PAGE>   13
SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                           BEC GROUP, INC.
                                              
                                              
                                                                      
Date:  December 20, 1996                   By:  /s/ Martin E. Franklin
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Martin E. Franklin
                                              Chairman and Chief Executive 
                                              Officer
                                              
                                                                   
Date:  December 20, 1996                   By:  /s/ Ian G.H. Ashken
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Ian G.H. Ashken
                                              Chief Financial Officer





                                       13
<PAGE>   14
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

The following Exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Number                     Exhibit                                 Page No.
  ------                     -------                                 --------
   <S>           <C>                                          <C>
   2.1           Stock Purchase Agreement, dated              Filed electronically herewith, at
                 as of November 13, 1996, by and              page 15.
                 Among BEC Group, Inc., Foster
                 Grant Group, L.P., Foster Grant
                 Holdings, L.P. and Accessories
                 Associates, Inc.  Schedules and
                 other attachments to such agree-
                 ment are not filed herewith, but
                 will be provided supplementally
                 to the Commission upon request
  
  
   10.1          Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement,         Incorporated by Reference to the 
                 dated as of the 31st day of October,         Company's Form 10-Q for the 
                 1996, by  and among BEC Group, Inc.,         period ending September 30, 1996,
                 et al.                                       filed November 14, 1996.
                 -- -- 
  
    27           Financial Data Schedule  (for                Filed electronically herewith, 
                 electronic filing only)                      at page 68.
</TABLE>





                                       14

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.1





                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  BY AND AMONG

                                BEC GROUP, INC.,

                           FOSTER GRANT GROUP, L.P.,

                        FOSTER GRANT HOLDINGS, INC. AND

                          ACCESSORIES ASSOCIATES, INC.



                         DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 13, 1996
<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Page
                                                                                                No.
                                                                                              -----
<S>      <C>                                                                                    <C>
1.       Definitions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2

2.       Purchase and Sale of Shares; Adjustment to Purchase Price;
         Excluded Liabilities   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        5
         2.1     Purchase and Sale of Shares  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        5
         2.2     Consideration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        6
         2.3     Excluded Liabilities and Transfer of Dallas Property   . . . . . . . . .        6
         2.4     Litigation Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        7

3.       Closing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        8
         3.1     The Closing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        8
         3.2     Deliveries at the Closing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        8
         3.3     Generally  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        8
                                                                                                  

4.       Representations and Warranties of the Seller   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        8
         4.1     Organization, Qualification and Corporate Power  . . . . . . . . . . . .        8
         4.2     Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        9
         4.3     Financial Statements   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        9
         4.4     Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       10
         4.5     Income Taxes   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       10
         4.6     Litigation and Claims  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       11
         4.7     Status of Property Owned or Leased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       12
         4.8     Contracts and Other Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       15
         4.9     Employee Benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       16
         4.10    Intellectual Property  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       18
         4.11    Authority to Sell  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       21
         4.12    Environmental Matters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       22
         4.13    Labor Practices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       23
         4.14    Compliance with Laws, Permits and Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       23
         4.15    Directors, Officers and Key Employees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       23
         4.16    Absence of Certain Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       24
         4.17    Insurance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       24
         4.18    Transactions With Interested Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       25
         4.19    Brokers' Fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       25
         4.20    Sales Representatives  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       25
         4.21    Processes and Customer Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       25
         4.22    General Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       25
         4.23    Non-Distributive Intent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       25
</TABLE>





                                       i
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Page
                                                                                                No.
                                                                                              -----
<S>      <C>                                                                                    <C>
5.       Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       26
         5.1     Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       26
         5.2     Authorization of Transaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       26
         5.3     Validity of Preferred Stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       26
         5.4     Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       26
         5.5     Non-Distributive Intent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       27
         5.6     No Conflicts   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       27
         5.7     Brokers' Fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       27
         5.8     Independent Investigation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       27

6.       Conditions to the Obligations of the Purchaser and the Seller  . . . . . . . . .       28
         6.1     Conditions to the Obligations of the Purchaser . . . . . . . . . . . . .       28
         6.2     Conditions to the Obligations of the Seller  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       32

7.       Covenants and Agreements of the Purchaser and the Seller . . . . . . . . . . . .       33
         7.1     Confidentiality  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       33
         7.2     Best Efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       34
         7.3     Operation of Business  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       34
         7.4     Full Access  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       36
         7.5     Occupation of the Dallas Property  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       36
         7.6     Payment of Certain Employee Bonuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       36
         7.7     Further Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       36
         7.8     Name Change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       36
         7.9     Bolle(R) Brand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       36
         7.10    Non-Competition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       37
         7.11    Income Taxes and Income Tax Preparation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       37
         7.12    Characterization of Certain Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       40
         7.13    Inventory Price Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       40
         7.14    Certain Employee Benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       40
         7.15    Hart-Scott Rodino  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       41
         7.16    Release of Guaranties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       41

8.       Indemnification  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       41
         8.1     By the Seller  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       41
         8.2     By the Purchaser and AAi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       42
         8.3     Limitations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       42
         8.4     Indemnity Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       43
</TABLE>

                                       ii
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Page
                                                                                                No.
                                                                                              -----
<S>      <C>                                                                                    <C>
9.       Miscellaneous  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       44
         9.1     Public Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       44
         9.2     Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants  . . . . . . . . .       44
         9.3     No Third-Party Beneficiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       45
         9.4     Entire Agreement   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       45
         9.5     Succession and Assignment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       45
         9.6     Counterparts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       45
         9.7     Headings and Recitals  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       45
         9.8     Notices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       45
         9.9     Governing Law  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       47
         9.10    Amendments and Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       47
         9.11    Severability   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       48
         9.12    Agreements, Documents and Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       48
         9.13    Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       48
         9.14    AAi Guaranty   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       48
                                                                                                  
</TABLE>





                                      iii
<PAGE>   5
                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

      STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of November 13, 1996, by and among BEC
GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation with offices at 555 Theodore Fremd Avenue,
Rye, New York 10580 (the "Seller"), FOSTER GRANT GROUP, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership with offices at 1601 Valley View Lane, Dallas, Texas 75234
(the "Partnership"), FOSTER GRANT HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation with
offices at 1601 Valley View Lane, Dallas, Texas 75234 (the "Purchaser") and
Accessories Associates, Inc., a Rhode Island corporation with offices at 500
George Washington Highway, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917 (the "AAi").

      WHEREAS, the Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of The Bonneau Company, a corporation organized under Texas law
("Bonneau"), Opti-Ray, Inc., a corporation organized under New York law ("Opti-
Ray"), and Asian Buying Source, Inc., a corporation organized under Delaware
law ("ABS");

      WHEREAS, Opti-Ray owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of O-Ray Holdings, Inc., a corporation organized under Delaware
law ("O-Ray Holdings");

      WHEREAS, Bonneau owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock of BEC Distribution, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("BEC Distribution"),
Bonneau General, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Bonneau General"), Bonneau
Holdings, a Delaware corporation ("Bonneau Holdings") and Maximum
Merchandising, Inc., a New York corporation ("MMI");

      WHEREAS, Bonneau General is the sole general partner, and Bonneau
Holdings and O-Ray Holdings are all of the limited partners, of the
Partnership;

      WHEREAS, Bonneau, Opti-Ray and ABS, together with their respective
subsidiaries, and the Partnership (collectively, the "Foster Grant Group", and
individually, a "member" of the Foster Grant Group);

      WHEREAS, AAi owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Purchaser;

      WHEREAS, the Purchaser desires to acquire the Foster Grant Group from the
Seller, and the Seller desires to sell the Foster Grant Group to the Purchaser;

      WHEREAS, AAi desires to facilitate such transaction and in connection
therewith desires to guarantee the performance by the Purchaser of its
obligations hereunder and to enter into the agreements set forth herein;

      WHEREAS, in order to effect such purchase and sale, the Seller will sell,
and the Purchaser will purchase, all issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock owned by the Seller of Bonneau (the "Bonneau Shares"), Opti-Ray (the
"Opti-Ray Shares") and ABS (the "ABS Shares") (the Bonneau Shares, ABS Shares
and Opti-Ray Shares are collectively referred to as the "Shares"), all in
accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
<PAGE>   6
      NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto, in consideration of the mutual
promises contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged hereby, agree as
follows:

1.    Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall
      have the following definitions:

      "AAi" has the meaning set forth in the preface, above.

      "ABS Shares" has the meaning set forth in the preface, above.

      "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which
      directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common
      control with such Person and the officers, directors, and partners of
      such Person and such other Persons.

      "Bonneau Shares" has the meaning set forth in the preface, above.

      "Cash Consideration" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2, below.

      "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1, below.

      "Closing Date" is the date on which the Closing occurs.

      "Code" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.9(b), below.

      "Confidential Information" means all non-public information, of whatever
      kind and in whatever form, concerning the businesses and affairs of the
      Seller, the Foster Grant Group, the Purchaser and AAi, provided such
      information has been adequately identified as or can reasonably be
      construed to be confidential, and excluding the exceptions set forth in
      Section 7.1(b), below.

      "Contaminants" means (i) any pollutant, contaminant, petroleum, crude oil
      or any fraction thereof or hazardous substance (within the meaning of
      such terms under the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,
      Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (and any implementing
      regulations) ("CERCLA") or any similar applicable state or local legal
      requirements); (ii) any hazardous or toxic substance or material within
      the meaning of any law applicable to the Foster Grant Group; or (iii) any
      hazardous waste within the meaning of the Federal Resource Conservation
      and Recovery Act, as amended (and any implementing regulations) ("RCRA").

      "Contract" means any contract, agreement, letter agreement or other
      obligation, written or oral.

      "Copyrights" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10(a).





                                       2
<PAGE>   7
      "Dallas Property" means the real property described more fully in
      Attachment I hereto, including the buildings located thereon, and located
      at 1601 Valley View Lane, Farmer's Branch, Texas 75234.

      "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1, below.

      "Employee Benefit Plan" mean any (a) Employee Pension Benefit Plan
      (including any Multiemployer Plan), (b) Employee Welfare Benefit Plan,
      (c) other employee benefit, deferred compensation, excess benefit, stock
      and incentive plans, contracts, program, funds, or arrangements (whether
      written or oral, qualified or nonqualified, funded or unfunded, foreign
      or domestic, currently effective), or (d) any trust, escrow or similar
      agreement related thereto.

      "Employee Pension Benefit Plan" has the meaning set forth in ERISA Sec.
      3(2).

      "Employee Welfare Benefit Plan" has the meaning set forth in ERISA Sec.
      3(1).

      "Encumbrance" has the meaning set forth in Sec. 4.7(a)(ii).

      "Environmental Laws" means all federal, state and location environmental,
      health and safety laws, codes and ordinances and all rules, regulations
      and ecological standards promulgated thereunder, including without
      limitation, laws relation to emissions, discharges, releases or
      threatened releases of Contaminants, into the environment (including,
      without limitation, air, surface water, ground water, land, surface or
      subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing,
      distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, generation, refining,
      production, transportation or handling of Contaminants.

      "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
      amended.

      "Excluded Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3, below.

      "Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3, below.

      "Foster Grant Group" has the meaning set forth in the preface.

      "Income Tax" means any applicable federal, state, local, or foreign
      income tax, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto.

      "Income Tax Return" means any federal, state, local, or foreign income
      tax return, declaration, report, claim for refund or information return
      or statement relating to Income Taxes, including any schedule or
      attachment thereto.

      "Indemnified Loss" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1, below.

      "Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.4(a), below.





                                       3
<PAGE>   8
      "Indemnifying Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.4(a), below.

      "Intellectual Property" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10, below.

      "Last Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3, below.

      "Leases" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(a)(v).

      "Litigation Costs" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b), below.

      "Litigation Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a),
      below.

      "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect upon the
      business, assets, financial condition, results of operations, income,
      properties or liabilities taken as a whole of either (i) the Foster Grant
      Group or of (ii) any member of the Foster Grant Group.

      "Mortgage" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3, below.

      "Multiemployer Plan" has the meaning set forth in ERISA Sec. 3(37).

      "Net Working Capital" means the positive difference, if any, between (x)
      sum of (a) Net Receivables and (b) Net Inventory less (y) Accounts
      Payable representing amounts due to non-Affiliates, all determined in
      accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and consistent
      with prior practices of Foster Grant Group.

      "Opti-Ray Shares" has the meaning set forth in the preface, above.

      "Ordinary Course of Business" means the conduct of business consistent
      with past custom and practice; provided, that Purchaser acknowledges that
      Seller has actively sought to divest the Foster Grant Group, and
      Purchaser agrees that actions taken through the date of this Agreement
      and disclosed to Purchaser and any actions permitted by this Agreement to
      be taken by Seller prior to the Closing by Seller, members of the Foster
      Grant Group and/or the Partnership in connection with or in preparation
      for such proposed transaction, together with actions expressly
      contemplated by this Agreement, shall for the purposes of this Agreement
      be deemed to have been taken or done in the Ordinary Course of Business.

      "Partnership" has the meaning set forth in the preface.

      "Patents" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10(a).

      "Person" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an
      association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an
      unincorporated organization, or a governmental entity (or any department,
      agency, or political subdivision thereof).





                                       4
<PAGE>   9
      "Preferred Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2, below.

      "Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2, below.

      "Records" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4, below.

      "Security Interest" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance,
      charge, or other security interest other than any of the following that
      has been disclosed to the Purchaser in this Agreement (a) mechanic's,
      materialmen's, and similar liens, (b) liens for taxes not yet due and
      payable (or for taxes that the taxpayer is contesting in good faith
      through appropriate proceedings), (c) purchase money, security interests,
      or liens, arising in the Ordinary Course of Business, and liens securing
      rental payments under capital lease arrangements, and (d) other liens
      arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and not incurred in connection
      with the borrowing of money.

      "Seller" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

      "Seller's Knowledge" means (i) actual knowledge of the management of the
      Seller and of the senior management of the Partnership or (ii) knowledge
      that any such individual should or could reasonably be expected to
      discover or otherwise become aware of in the course of performing his or
      her duties and/or conducting a reasonably comprehensive investigation in
      connection with the negotiation of this Agreement and the transactions
      contemplated hereby.

      "Shares" has the meaning set forth in the preface, above.

      "Subsidiary" means any corporation with respect to which a specified
      Person (or a Subsidiary thereof) owns a majority of the common stock or
      has the power to vote or direct the voting of sufficient securities to
      elect a majority of the directors.

      "Threshold" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3(a), below.

      "Trademarks" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10(a).

2.    Purchase and Sale of Shares; Adjustment to Purchase Price; Excluded
      Liabilities:

      2.1   Purchase and Sale of Shares.  Subject to the terms and conditions
      of this Agreement, the Seller shall sell, assign, transfer, and convey to
      the Purchaser at the Closing (as hereinafter defined) all of the issued
      and outstanding Bonneau Shares, which consist of 1,000 shares of common
      stock, par value $1.00 per share; Opti-Ray Shares, which consist of 100
      shares of common stock, no par value per share; and ABS Shares, which
      consist of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share.

      2.2   Consideration.  (i) In consideration for the sale of the Shares, at
      the Closing the Purchaser shall deliver: $29,000,000 (the "Cash
      Consideration") in immediately available funds to the Seller, together
      with (ii) a certificate, registered in the Seller's





                                       5
<PAGE>   10
      name, representing 100 shares of Purchaser's Class A Non-Dividend
      Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") having an aggregate face and
      liquidation value and such other rights as are described in Schedule 5.3
      hereto and (iii) an amount equal to all cash advances to the Foster Grant
      Group or any member of the Foster Grant Group made by the Seller and
      approved by AAi during the period from November 13, 1996 to the Closing
      Date provided, however, that notwithstanding any approval by AAi of any
      such advance, Purchaser shall not be obligated to make any payments under
      this clause (iii) in excess of the increase, if any, in the Net Working
      Capital on the Closing Date as determined by AAi's independent public
      accountants over $21,931,693 being the Net Working Capital determined at
      September 30, 1996 according to the Balance Sheet of such date.
      Purchaser and Seller shall make an estimate of the amount due hereunder
      on or prior to the Closing (the "Estimated Payment").  If the Estimated
      Payment shall be greater or less than the amount determined due under
      clause (iii) by Purchaser's accountant, then the party who shall have
      overpaid or underpaid, as the case may be, shall pay the amount due to
      the other party within ten (10) days.  The Cash Consideration and the
      Preferred Stock are referred to hereinafter jointly as the "Purchase
      Price."

      2.3   Excluded Liabilities and Transfer of Dallas Property.  In
      connection with the Purchaser's purchase of the Shares, the Purchaser
      will assume all liabilities of the Foster Grant Group (subject to the
      indemnification provisions set forth in Section 8.1, below) excluding:

            (a)    any liabilities arising under or in connection with
            that certain Contingency Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1993
            between Benson Eyecare Corporation and Edwin Bonneau;

            (b)    any liabilities arising under or in connection with
            patent litigation previously initiated by Al-Site Corporation
            against Bonneau and Pennsylvania Optical Company;

            (c)    any liabilities arising under or in connection with
            a mortgage attached to the Dallas Property dated March 31, 1995 by
            and between the Partnership as mortgagor, Seller as guarantor and
            First Interstate Bank of Texas, N.A. (the "Mortgage") and all
            amendments to the Mortgage.  In connection with this subsection
            2.4(c), the Seller (or its designee) shall on or before the Closing
            Date acquire from the Partnership all right, title and interest in
            and to the Dallas Property, and in connection therewith shall
            assume all liability in connection with such existing mortgage.

            (The foregoing liabilities are hereafter referred to as the
            "Excluded Liabilities").

            The Seller shall be solely responsible for satisfying and
            or defending against any and all claims, demands or other
            liabilities with respect to the Excluded Liabilities, and shall
            have sole control and direction of any defense in connection
            therewith; provided, that Purchaser shall, and after the Closing
            Date shall cause the Foster Grant Group and/or its members to,
            cooperate reasonably with the





                                       6
<PAGE>   11
            Seller in connection with any such defense, and the Seller shall
            reimburse promptly any and all direct out- of-pocket expenses
            incurred in connection with or as a result of providing such
            cooperation.

      2.4   Litigation Liabilities.

            (a)     In connection with the Purchaser's purchase of the Shares,
            the Purchaser will, subject to Section 2.4(b) below, assume any and
            all liabilities of the Foster Grant Group and/or the Partnership
            other than the Excluded Liabilities, including (without limitation)
            liabilities arising out of any litigation pending, threatened or
            commenced against any member of the Foster Grant Group or the
            Partnership or pending, threatened or commenced against the Seller
            and relating to the Foster Grant Group or its business and not
            referred to in Section 2.3 hereinabove, including any litigation or
            administrative or governmental proceeding (i) pending prior to the
            Closing Date or (ii) arising out of or relating to any events
            occurring prior to the Closing Date, including, without limitation,
            liabilities resulting from any past or present violation of any
            environmental laws (the liabilities described in this Section
            2.4(a) are referred to as the "Litigation Liabilities").  No such
            assumption of liability shall release Seller from any breach of any
            representations or warranties made by Seller herein.  Without
            limiting the generality of the foregoing, Purchaser, and after the
            Closing, the members of the Foster Grant Group and the Partnership,
            shall be solely responsible for defending against any such
            Litigation Liabilities and shall have sole direction of any defense
            thereof; provided, that Purchaser shall consult periodically with
            Seller and its counsel regarding the status of individual claims or
            cases and the Purchaser shall not enter into any settlement
            agreement or otherwise compromise or settle any Litigation
            Liability, claim or case without the prior written consent of
            Seller, which approval shall not be withheld or delayed
            unreasonably.

            (b)     It is understood and agreed that, as between the Purchaser
            and the Seller, Purchaser shall have no liability for any direct
            out-of-pocket costs or expenses relating to or arising from the
            Litigation Liabilities (including, without limitation, defense
            costs, attorneys fees, amounts assessed as damages and settlement
            costs) ("Litigation Costs") to the extent such Litigation Costs
            exceed $500,000.  Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the
            first $100,000 of any and all Litigation Costs, and Purchaser and
            Seller shall share equally all Litigation Costs exceeding $100,000
            and up to $500,000. To the extent any such Litigation Costs are
            recoverable from third parties or indemnified against by applicable
            insurance policies, Purchaser shall seek to recover the same and
            Seller shall be entitled to receive from the proceeds of any such
            recovery (reduced by the legal fees and other expenses incurred by
            Purchaser) fifty percent (50%) of all recoveries in excess of
            $100,000 but less than $500,000 and one hundred percent (100%) of
            all recoveries in excess of $500,000.





                                       7
<PAGE>   12
3.    Closing.

      3.1   The Closing.  The closing of the purchase of the Shares
      contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at the
      offices of Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, at 1500 fleet Center, Providence,
      Rhode Island 02903, no more than five days after the conditions precedent
      to Purchaser's obligations have been satisfied or waived.

      3.2   Deliveries at the Closing.   (i) The Seller shall deliver or cause
      the delivery to the Purchaser of the various certificates, instruments,
      and documents referred to in Section 6.1 below, including, without
      limitation, one or more share certificates representing all the Shares
      and registered in the name of Purchaser, or duly endorsed in blank and
      accompanied by stock powers duly endorsed in blank, in each case in
      proper form for transfer, and with all stock transfer and any other
      required documentary stamps affixed thereto; (ii) the Purchaser shall
      deliver or cause the delivery to the Seller of the various certificates,
      instruments, and documents referred to in Section 6.2 below and (iii) the
      Purchaser shall deliver to the Seller the Purchase Price as provided in
      Section 2.2.

      3.3   Generally.  All proceedings to be taken and all documents to be
      executed and delivered at the Closing shall be deemed to have been taken,
      executed and delivered simultaneously as of the Closing Date unless
      otherwise expressly stated, and no proceeding shall be deemed taken or
      documents deemed executed or delivered until all have been taken,
      executed and delivered.

4.    Representations and Warranties of the Seller.  The Seller represents and
      warrants to the Purchaser with respect to the Seller and on behalf of
      each member of Foster Grant Group, as follows:

      4.1   Organization, Qualification and Corporate Power.  The Seller owns
      directly all the outstanding shares of common stock of Bonneau, Opti-Ray
      and ABS.  Bonneau owns directly all the outstanding shares of common
      stock of BEC Distribution, Bonneau General, Bonneau Holdings and MMI.
      Opti-Ray owns directly all the outstanding shares of common stock of
      O-Ray Holdings.  Bonneau General is the sole general partner, and Bonneau
      Holdings and O-Ray Holdings are all of the limited partners, of the
      Partnership.  Bonneau, Opti-Ray and ABS, together with their respective
      subsidiaries, including the Partnership, comprise all of the members of
      the Foster Grant Group.  Schedule 4.1 sets forth as to each member of the
      Foster Grant Group, its place of incorporation, principal place of
      business, jurisdictions in which it is qualified to do business, its
      authorized capitalization, its shares of common stock outstanding, and
      the record and beneficial owner of those shares.  Each member of the
      Foster Grant Group is a corporation or a partnership (in the case of the
      Partnership), duly organized or formed (in the case of the Partnership),
      validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction
      of incorporation or formation (in the case of the Partnership).  Each
      member of the Foster Grant Group has all requisite corporate or
      partnership (in the case of the Partnership) power and authority, and all
      necessary material consents, authorization, approvals, orders, licenses,
      certificates, and permits of and from, and declaration and filings with,
      all federal, state, local, and other governmental authorities and all
      courts and other tribunals, to own, lease, license, and use its
      properties and assets and to carry on the business in which it is now
      engaged, except where the failure to have the same would not have a





                                       8
<PAGE>   13
      Material Adverse Effect.  Each member of the Foster Grant Group is duly
      qualified to transact the business in which it is engaged and is in good
      standing as a foreign corporation or partnership (in the case of the
      Partnership) in every jurisdiction in which its ownership, leasing,
      licensing, or use of property or assets or the conduct of the Foster
      Grant Group makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure
      to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  No member
      of the Foster Grant Group is in violation or breach of, or in default
      with respect to, and term of its certificate of incorporation (or other
      charter document) or by-laws or in the case of the Partnership, its
      partnership agreement.  Complete copies of the Articles of Incorporation
      and Bylaws or the Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership (in
      the case of the Partnership) of such  member of the Foster Grant Group
      have been previously delivered to Purchaser and AAi.

      4.2   Capitalization.  The authorized, issued and outstanding shares of
      capital stock or other equity interest of each member of the Foster Grant
      Group are set forth on Schedule 4.1.  None of the Shares are held in
      treasury.  Each of such outstanding shares of capital stock or other
      equity interests is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and
      nonassessable, has not been issued and is not owned or held in violation
      of any preemptive right of stockholders, and is owned of record and
      beneficially by those Persons set forth on Schedule 4.1, in each case
      free and clear of all Security Interests, stockholders' agreements, and
      voting trusts, other than as set forth on Schedule 4.2.  There are no
      outstanding or existing options, warrants, conversion rights,
      subscriptions or other rights obligating any member of the Foster Grant
      Group to issue, deliver or sell any stock or securities or partnership
      interest (in the case of the Partnership) or any agreements,
      understandings or commitments to issue the same.

      4.3   Financial Statements.  The Seller has delivered to the Purchaser
      true and correct copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of
      the Foster Grant Group and the unaudited consolidated statements of
      income and cash flows of the Foster Grant Group as of and for the fiscal
      year ended December 31, 1995 (the "Last Balance Sheet"), which have been
      extracted from the Seller's audited financial statements as of and for
      the year ended December 31, 1995, together with the unaudited
      consolidated balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows of the
      Foster Grant Group as of and for the nine month period ended September
      30, 1996 (which have been prepared by management of the Foster Grant
      Group) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to as the "Financial
      Statements").  The Last Balance Sheet and the September 30, 1996 Balance
      Sheet are attached hereto as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, respectfully.  The
      Financial Statements, subject to the purchase accounting entries detailed
      on the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet,: (a) have been prepared in
      accordance with the books of account and records of the Foster Grant
      Group; (b) fairly present, in all material respects, the Foster Grant
      Group's financial condition and the results of their operations at the
      dates and for the periods specified in those statements; and (c) have
      been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
      consistently applied with all prior periods, except for changes noted
      therein.





                                       9
<PAGE>   14
      4.4   Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.  No member of the Foster Grant
      Group has any material liabilities, commitments or obligations of any
      nature whatsoever, whether written, oral, absolute, accrued or
      contingent, which are required to be reflected or reserved against in the
      Financial Statements (or disclosed in a footnote thereto) in accordance
      with generally accepted accounting principles, except for those (a)
      disclosed or reflected as liabilities or reserved for on the Financial
      Statements, (b) incurred or accrued since September  30, 1996 in the
      Ordinary Course of Business, or (c) set forth on Schedule 4.4 or any
      other Schedule hereto and, to the Seller's Knowledge, there is no basis
      for assertion against any member of the Foster Grant Group of any such
      material liability, commitment or obligation.

      4.5   Taxes.

            (a)     Each corporate member of the Foster Grant Group is a member
      of the Seller's consolidated tax group, and the Seller has paid or caused
      to be paid all federal, state, local, foreign, and other taxes, including
      without limitation income taxes, estimated taxes, alternative minimum
      taxes, excise taxes, sales taxes, use taxes, value-added taxes, gross
      receipts taxes, franchise taxes, capital stock taxes, employment and
      payroll-related taxes, withholding taxes, stamp taxes, transfer taxes and
      property taxes, whether or not measured in whole or in part by net
      income, and all deficiencies, or other additions to tax, interest, fines
      and penalties owed by it (collectively, "Taxes"), required to be paid by
      it through the date hereof, whether disputed or not, except as disclosed
      in Schedule 4.5 attached hereto.

            (b)     Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.5 attached hereto, the
      Seller has in accordance with applicable law filed (or has filed for
      available extensions) all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns
      required to be filed by it through the date hereof, and all such returns
      correctly and accurately set forth the amount of any Taxes relating to
      the applicable period.  Schedule 4.5 contains a description of those
      returns that have been audited or currently are the subject of an audit.
      Furthermore, Schedule 4.5 contains a schedule of all examination reports
      and statements of deficiencies assessed against or agreed to by the
      Seller or any member of the Foster Grant Group.  Schedule 4.5 attached
      hereto sets forth all federal tax elections under the Internal Revenue
      Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), that are in effect with respect to
      each member of the Foster Grant Group or for which an application by any
      member of the Foster Grant Group is pending.

            (c)     Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.5 attached hereto,
      neither the Internal Revenue Service nor any other governmental authority
      is now asserting or, to the best knowledge of the Seller, threatening to
      assert against the Seller or any member of the Foster Grant Group, any
      deficiency or claim for additional Taxes.  Except as disclosed in
      Schedule 4.5 attached hereto, no claim has ever been made by any
      authority in a jurisdiction where the Seller does not file reports and
      returns that the Seller is or may be subject to taxation by that
      jurisdiction.  There are no material Security Interests on any of the
      assets of the Seller or any member of the Foster Grant Group that arose
      in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any tax.
      Neither the Seller nor any member of





                                       10
<PAGE>   15
      the Foster Grant Group has entered into a closing agreement pursuant to
      Section 7121 of the Code.

            (d)     Except as set forth in Schedule 4.5 attached hereto, there
      has not been any audit of any tax return filed by the Seller or any
      member of the Foster Grant Group since June 30, 1992 or, to the Seller's
      knowledge, prior thereto, no audit of any tax return of the Seller or any
      member of the Foster Grant Group is in progress, and neither the Seller
      nor any member of the Foster Grant Group has been notified by any tax
      authority that any such audit is contemplated or pending.  Except as set
      forth in Schedule 4.5, no extension of time with respect to any date on
      which a tax return was or is to be filed by the Seller or any member of
      the Foster Grant Group is in force, and no waiver or agreement by the
      Seller or any member of the Foster Grant Group is in force for the
      extension of time for the assessment or payment of any Taxes.

            (e)     Neither the Seller nor any member of the Foster Grant Group
      have ever consented to have the provisions of Section 341(f)(2) of the
      Code applied to it.  Neither the Seller nor any member of the Foster
      Grant Group have agreed to, and neither the Seller nor any member of the
      Foster Grant Group have been requested by any governmental authority to,
      make any adjustments under Section 281(a) of the Code by reason of a
      change in accounting method or otherwise.  Neither the Seller nor any
      member of the Foster Grant Group have ever made any payments, is
      obligated to make any payments, or is a party to any agreement that under
      certain circumstances would obligate it to make any payments, that will
      not be deductible under Section 280G of the Code.  The Seller disclosed
      in its consolidated federal income tax returns all positions taken
      therein that could give rise to a penalty for underpayment of federal Tax
      under Section 6662 of the Code.  Neither the Seller nor any member of the
      Foster Grant Group ever had any liability for unpaid Taxes because it was
      a member of an "affiliated group" (as defined in Section 1504(a) of the
      Code).  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.5 attached hereto, none of the
      members of the Foster Grant Group are a party to any tax sharing
      agreement.

            (f)     For purposes of this Section 4.5 all references to Sections
      of the Code shall include any predecessor provision to such Sections and
      any similar provisions of federal, state, local or foreign law.

      4.6   Litigation and Claims.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6:  None
      of the members of the Foster Grant Group is involved in any pending or,
      to Seller's knowledge, threatened litigation, action, suit, proceeding,
      claim or investigation which, singly or in the aggregate, could have a
      Material Adverse Effect upon the members of the Foster Grant Group, or
      which would prevent or hinder the consummation of the transactions
      contemplated by this Agreement including, without limitation, the
      execution, delivery and performance of any related documents; and no
      member of the Foster Grant Group is subject to or bound by any agreement,
      judgment, decree or order which could have a Material Adverse Effect upon
      the members of the Foster Grant Group.





                                       11
<PAGE>   16
      4.7   Status of Property Owned or Leased.

            (a)     Real Property.  The real property identified as being owned
      by the members of the Foster Grant Group on Schedule 4.7 is collectively
      referred to herein as the "Owned Real Property"; the real property
      identified as being leased by the members of the Foster Grant Group on
      Schedule 4.7 is collectively referred to herein as the "Leased Real
      Property"; the Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property are
      collectively referred to herein as the "Real Property."  The Owned Real
      Property constitutes all the real property owned by the members of the
      Foster Grant Group and the Leased Real Property constitutes all the real
      property leased by the members of the Foster Grant Group.

                    (i)    Title.  Each member of the Foster Grant Group has
      good, clear, record, marketable and insurable fee simple title to the
      Owned Real Property owned by it, in all cases free and clear of all
      Encumbrances, liens, assessments, licenses, claims, rights of first offer
      or refusal, options, or options to purchase, or any covenants,
      conditions, restrictions, rights of way, easements, judgments or other
      encumbrances or matters affecting title, except as set forth on Schedule
      4.8.  There are no leases, tenancies or occupancy rights of any kind
      affecting any of the Owned Real Property.  Each member of the Foster
      Grant Group has a valid leasehold interest in all of the Leased Real
      Property leased by it, free and clear of all Encumbrances.

                    (ii)   Security Interests.  All of the mortgages, deeds of
      trust, ground leases, security interests or similar encumbrances on the
      Real Property are set forth on Schedule 4.8 (collectively, the
      "Encumbrances").  All payments required under each Encumbrance to the
      date hereof have been made in full or are accrued in accordance with
      Section 4.3.  There is not now, nor, as a result of the consummation of
      the transactions contemplated hereby, will there by, any default under
      the terms and provisions of any Encumbrance.  No condition or fact does
      or will exist, as a result of the consummation of the transactions
      contemplated hereby, which, with the lapse of time or the giving of
      notice or both, would constitute a material default thereunder or result
      in any acceleration of the indebtedness secured thereby or any increase
      in the amount of interest, premiums or penalties payable on such
      indebtedness.  Schedule 4.8 also specifically indicates all Encumbrances
      which are, by their terms, by means of a separate guaranty or otherwise,
      recourse, in whole or in part, to the members of the Foster Grant Group.

                    (iii)  Leases.  All of the leases of any of the Leased Real
      Property (collectively, the "Leases") are as set forth on Schedule 4.7.
      The copies of the Leases delivered or furnished by the Seller to AAi
      constitute all of the leases or tenancy agreements of or with respect to
      the Leased Real Property, and are complete and correct copies of each of
      the Leases.  All Leases are currently in full force and effect.  Each
      party to the Leases has performed all of its obligations under each of
      such Leases in all material respects and is not in default thereunder,
      and the Seller is not aware of any event or condition which exists or as
      a result of the passage of time or the giving of notice could result in a
      default under any such Lease.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.7, the
      consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not
      result in any modification, termination, breach or default or require any
      consent under any such Lease.





                                       12
<PAGE>   17
                    (iv)   Commissions.  There are no brokerage or leasing fees
      or commissions or other compensation due or payable on an absolute or
      contingent basis to any person, firm, corporation, or other entity with
      respect to or on account of any of the Leases, the Encumbrances or the
      Real Property, and no such fees, commissions or other compensation shall,
      by reason of any existing agreement, become due after the date hereof.

                    (v)    Physical Condition.  There is no material defect in
      the physical condition of any of the Owned Real Property or the Leased
      Real Property.  There is no material defect in any improvements located
      on or constituting a part of any of the Real Property, including, without
      limitation, the structural elements thereof, the mechanical systems
      (including without limitation all heating, ventilating, air conditioning,
      plumbing, electrical, elevator, security, telephone, utility, and
      sprinkler systems) therein, the roofs or the parking and loading areas
      (collectively, the "Improvements").  All of the improvements located on
      or constituting a part of any of the Real Property, including, without
      limitation, the structural elements thereof, the mechanical systems
      therein, the roofs and the parking and loading areas are in generally
      good operating condition and repair and have been maintained in the
      Ordinary Course of Business, normal wear and tear excepted.

                    (vi)    Utilities.  All water, sewer, gas, electric,
      telephone, drainage and other utility equipment, facilities and services
      required by law or necessary for the operation of the Real Property as it
      is now being operated and as required for operation are installed and
      connected pursuant to valid permits, are sufficient to service the Real
      Property and as a whole are in generally good repair and operating
      condition, normal wear and tear excepted.  Neither the Seller nor any
      member of the Foster Grant Group has received any notice of and the
      Seller and each member of the Foster Grant Group has no knowledge of any
      fact, condition or proceeding which would result in the termination or
      impairment of the furnishing of, or any material increase in rates for,
      services to any of the Real Property of water, sewer, gas electric,
      telephone, drainage and other utility services, except ordinary and usual
      rate increases applicable to all customers (or all customers of a certain
      class) of a utility provider.  To the best knowledge of the Seller, the
      facilities servicing the Real Property are in compliance, in all material
      respects, with all applicable governmental statutes, ordinances, rules
      and regulations.

                    (vii)  Compliance.  Neither the Seller nor any member of
      the Foster Grant Group has received any notice from any municipal, state,
      federal or other governmental authority with respect to, and the Seller
      has no knowledge of, any violation of any zoning, building, fire, water,
      use, health, environmental or other statute, ordinance, code or
      regulation issued in respect of any of the Real Property that has not
      been heretofore corrected, and no such violation or violations now exist
      which would have a material adverse effect on the operation or
      Improvements on the Real Property.  The construction, installation, use
      and operation of the Real Property or the Improvements thereon
      (including, without limitation, the construction, installation, use and
      operation of any signs located thereon) were completed and installed and
      are in compliance, in all





                                       13
<PAGE>   18
      material respects, with all applicable municipal and governmental laws,
      ordinances, regulations, licenses, permits and authorizations, including,
      without limitation, applicable building, zoning, environmental and fire
      safety laws and regulations, and there are presently in effect all
      material certificates of occupancy, licenses, permits, authorizations and
      approvals required by law or by any governmental or private authority
      having jurisdiction over any of the Real Property or any portion thereof,
      occupancy thereof or any present use thereof, including but not limited
      to such other permits as are necessary for the operation of the Real
      Property.

                    (viii) Government Approvals.  Neither the Seller nor any
      member of the Foster Grant Group has received any notice of and the
      Seller has no knowledge of any plan, study or effort by any governmental
      agency or authority which would adversely affect the present use, zoning
      or value of any of the Real Property or which would modify or realign any
      adjacent street or highway.  All of the Real Property has access from a
      publicly dedicated roadway and all such access is at least the minimum
      access required by applicable subdivision or similar law for all
      Improvements constituting a part of the Real Property.  All lessee
      improvements are in substantial accordance with applicable Lease
      requirements.

                    (ix)   Real Property Taxes.  Other than the amounts
      disclosed by the copies of the tax bills for the Owned Real Property
      delivered to AAi by Seller, no other taxes have been or, to the best
      knowledge of the Seller, will be assessed on any of the Owned Real
      Property or any portion thereof, in respect of the current tax year or
      any prior year, except as set forth in Schedule 4.8.

                    (x)    Service Contracts.  A complete and correct list of
      all material existing service, management, supply or maintenance and
      equipment lease contracts and other contractual agreements affecting the
      Real Property or any portion thereof (the "Service Contracts") as set
      forth on Schedule. 4.8.  Each of the Service Contracts is currently valid
      and in full force and effect and, with respect to each of the Service
      Contracts, no situation exists which, with the passage of time or notice
      or both, would cause any member of the Foster Grant Group to be in
      default thereunder, except where such default would not have a Material
      Adverse Effect.

            (b)     Personal Property.  The personal property located on the
      Real Property is all of the personal property necessary for the continued
      operation of the business of each member of the Foster Grant Group as
      currently conducted.  Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 4.8,
      each member of the Foster Grant Group has good and marketable title to
      all of the personal property owned by it.  None of such personal property
      or assets is subject to any Encumbrance or other charge except as
      specifically disclosed in Schedule 4.8.  The Financial Statements reflect
      all material personal property of each member of the Foster Grant Group,
      subject to dispositions and additions in the ordinary course of business
      consistent with this Agreement.  Except as otherwise specified in
      Schedule 4.8, all material leasehold improvements, furnishings, machinery
      and equipment of the Foster Grant Group are in generally good repair,
      normal wear and





                                       14
<PAGE>   19
      tear excepted, have been well maintained, and conform in all material
      respects with all applicable ordinances, regulations and other laws.

      4.8   Contracts and Other Instruments.  Except as disclosed in Schedule
      4.8 hereto, neither the Partnership nor any member of the Foster Grant
      Group is a party to or bound by any executory oral or written:

            (a)     Contract or agreement for the purchase of any materials or
      equipment necessary for the continued operation of the Foster Grant
      Group, except purchase orders in the Ordinary Course of Business;

            (b)     Contract or agreement providing for the purchase from a
      particular supplier of all or substantially all of the Foster Grant
      Group's requirements of any material product or other item sold or used
      by the Foster Grant Group in the Ordinary Course of Business;

            (c)     Contract or commitment in connection with the Foster Grant
      Group which by its terms does not terminate or is not terminable without
      penalty by any member of the Foster Grant Group or any successor or
      assign within thirty (30) days after notice from such party thereto;

            (d)     Contract or agreement related to the Foster Grant Group not
      made in the Ordinary Course of Business;

            (e)     Contract or agreement with any officer, director or
      stockholder of the Foster Grant Group or with any Affiliate and which
      relates to the Foster Grant Group;

            (f)     Employment, agency, consulting, or similar contract in
      connection with the members of the Foster Grant Group that cannot be
      canceled by it without cost or penalty on less than thirty (30) days'
      notice;

            (g)     License or secrecy agreements involving intellectual
      property rights or non-competition agreements;

            (h)     Loan or guaranty agreement, credit agreement, note or other
      agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness of any member of the
      Foster Grant Group to any third party or of any third party to any member
      of the Foster Grant Group, and any related forbearance, waiver or after
      amending agreement or any conditional sale agreement, sale-leaseback
      agreement, mortgage, pledge, indenture or other agreement or instrument
      evidencing a Security Interest or secured transactions;

            (i)     Lease, sublease or other occupancy agreement affecting the
      Real Property or any option, right of first refusal or agreement for sale
      affecting such property in any material respect; or





                                       15
<PAGE>   20
            (j)     Other contracts or agreements creating any material
      obligation on any member of the Foster Grant Group with respect to the
      Foster Grant Group or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            The Seller has delivered to the Purchaser and AAi a correct and
      complete copy of each Contract (or, in the case of similar form
      Contracts, a copy of the form of such Contract together with a list of
      parties having executed such form) (as amended to date) listed on or
      described in Schedule 4.8.  Except as specifically disclosed on Schedule
      4.8, the Foster Grant Group, or the relevant member thereof, has
      performed all material obligations required to be performed by it to date
      under all such Contracts.  Except to the extent any of the same may have
      been terminated or expired prior to the Closing Date, or as disclosed in
      Schedule 4.8, no member of the Foster Grant Group is, nor, to the
      Seller's knowledge, is any other party to any such contract, agreement,
      instrument, lease, or license in violation or breach of, or in default
      with respect to complying with, any material provision thereof, and each
      such contract, agreement, instrument, lease, or license is in full force
      and is the legal, valid, and binding obligation of such member of the
      Foster Grant Group, as the case may be, and is enforceable as to it in
      accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
      reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws in effect relating to
      creditors rights generally, and that the remedy of specific performance
      and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to
      general principles of equity.

      4.9   Employee Benefits.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.9:

            (a)     Neither the Partnership nor any member of the Foster Grant
      Group has in the period since their respective dates of acquisition by
      the Seller contributed to a Multiemployer Plan, and to Seller's knowledge
      no member of the Foster Grant Group has contributed to any Multiemployer
      Plan prior to the acquisition by Seller.  No member of the Foster Grant
      Group currently maintains, or is a participating employer in, or
      contributes to, any pension, profit-sharing, option, other incentive
      plan, or any other type of Employee Benefit Plan, or has any obligation
      to or customary arrangement with employees for bonuses, incentive
      compensation, vacations, severance pay, insurance, or other benefits.
      The Seller has furnished to the Purchaser copies of all material
      documents evidencing such plans, obligations, or arrangements referred to
      in Schedule 4.9 (or written summaries of such plans, obligations, or
      arrangements to the extent not evidenced by documents) and copies of all
      documents evidencing trusts relating to any such plans.

            (b)     There has been no violation of the reporting and disclosure
      requirements imposed either under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code of
      1986, as amended ("Code"), for which a penalty has been or may be imposed
      with respect to any such Employee Benefit Plan of the Foster Grant Group.
      There is no litigation, arbitration, claim, governmental or other
      proceeding (formal or informal), pending and, to the knowledge of the
      Seller, there is no litigation, arbitration, claim, governmental or other
      proceeding (formal or informal), or investigation threatened with respect
      to any such Employee Benefit Plan or related trust or with respect to any
      fiduciary, administrator, or sponsor (in its capacity as such) of any
      such Employee Benefit Plan.  No event has





                                       16
<PAGE>   21
      occurred or (to the knowledge of the Seller) is threatened which would
      constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of
      ERISA.

            (c)     Each Employee Benefit Plan has been maintained, operated
      and administered in accordance with its terms and any related document
      and agreements and complies in all material respects with the applicable
      requirements of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.

            (d)     Each Employee Benefit Plan intended to qualify under the
      Internal Revenue Code Sec. 401(a) is so qualified, and each trust
      maintained in connection with each such plan is tax exempt under the
      Internal Revenue Code Sec. 501(a).

            (e)     With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan that is a group
      health plan subject to Internal Revenue Code Sec. 4980B or 162(k), the
      Foster Grant Group has complied in all material respects with the
      continuation coverage requirements of Internal Revenue Code Sec. 4980B
      and 162(k), as applicable, and Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA.

            (f)     With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan that is a group
      health plan subject to section 1862(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
      U.S.C. Section  1395y(b)), the Foster Grant Group has complied in all
      material respects with the secondary payer requirements of section
      1862(b)(1) of such Act.

            (g)     Any Employee Benefit Plan that provides for "parachute
      payments" within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Sec. 280G provides
      that "excess parachute payments" will not be paid thereunder.

            (h)     No Employee Benefit Plan is funded through a "welfare
      benefit fund" as defined in Internal Revenue Code Sec. 419(e).

            (i)     The execution and performance of this Agreement will not
      constitute a stated triggering event under any Employee Benefit Plan that
      will result in the payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise)
      becoming due from the Foster Grant Group to any officer, employee or
      former employee (or dependents of such employee), or accelerate the time
      of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of compensation due to any
      employee, officer or trustee of the Foster Grant Group.

            (j)     The Foster Grant Group has reserved all rights necessary to
      amend or terminate each of the Employee Benefit Plan, other than Employee
      Benefit Plans maintained or sponsored by Seller and with respect to which
      the members of the Foster Grant Group are participating employers.

            (k)     Each "fiduciary" and every "plan official" (as defined in
      ERISA Sec. 412) of each Employee Benefit Plan is bonded to the extent
      required under ERISA Sec. 412.





                                       17
<PAGE>   22
      4.10  Intellectual Property.

            (a)     Intellectual Property" means:

                    (i)    all rights and incidents of interest in and to all
      trademarks, service marks, trademark registrations, service mark
      registrations, and trade names (whether registered or arising under
      common law, state law, federal law or the law of a foreign country) and
      applications for registration of trademarks and service marks used in or
      necessary to the conduct of the business of the Foster Grant Group as of
      the Closing Date (collectively, "Trademarks"), including, without
      limitation, all and any rights to any variations thereof, together with
      the good will of the Foster Grant Group in connection with which each
      Trademark is used and which is symbolized by each such Trademark;

                    (ii)   all licenses granted by or to the Foster Grant Group
      and any other agreements to which the Foster Grant Group is a party which
      create rights in or to the Trademarks, or trade name properties described
      in subsection (i), above and in effect as of the Closing Date;

                    (iii)  all rights and incidents of interest in and to all
      works of authorship, including all copyrights, copyright registrations,
      certificates of copyright, copyrighted literary interests, applications
      for copyrights and all literary, property and author rights related
      thereto (collectively, "Copyrights") as of the Closing Date that are
      embodied in or associated with the assets of the Foster Grant Group or
      used in or necessary to the conduct of the business of the Foster Grant
      Group as of the Closing Date;

                    (iv)   all inventions, whether patentable or unpatentable
      and whether or not reduced to practice, all improvements thereto and
      letters patent, design patents and utility patents, all applications for
      grant of any such patents pending as of the Closing Date, industrial
      models, industrial designs, petty patents, patents of importation,
      patents of addition, utility models, certificate of invention and other
      government issued or granted indicia of invention ownership, together
      with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions,
      extensions and reexaminations thereof, ("Patents"), that are owned by
      Foster Grant Group or are part of or used in or necessary to the conduct
      of the business of the Foster Grant Group.

                    (v)    all renewals, modifications, and extensions of any
      items referred to in subsections (i) through (iv), above;

                    (vi)   all rights and incidents of interest in and to all
      technical documentation, trade secrets (including trade secret rights
      arising under common law, state law, federal law, and the law of a
      foreign country), designs, plans, new product development, formulas,
      know-how and show-how, that are as of the Closing Date part of, used in
      or necessary to the conduct of the business of the Foster Grant Group;

                    (vii)  all marketing, export, import, and licensing
      records, sales literature, supplier lists, vendor lists, customer lists,
      trade lists, sales forces and distributor networks, form manuals and
      forms, advertising, marketing and promotional materials and





                                       18
<PAGE>   23
      know-how, sales tools, and other customer or potential customer data or
      marketing and service information, customer contracts (whether form or
      custom-developed) that are as of the Closing Date used in or necessary
      for the conduct of the business of the Foster Grant Group;

                    (viii) all rights to develop, manufacture, use or sell
      under all licenses in effect as of the Closing Date granted to the Foster
      Grant Group that are part of, used in or necessary to the conduct of the
      business of the Foster Grant Group;

                    (ix)   all rights and incidents of interest in and to all
      noncompetition confidentiality agreements in effect as of the Closing
      Date that were entered into or made in connection with the business of
      the Foster Grant Group;

                    (x)    all of the Foster Grant Group's software and
      computer programs, applicable to various environments ("Software"),
      including all such software and computer programs in human readable
      source code forms and in machine executable object code forms and all
      related specifications (including, without limitation, all logic
      architectures, algorithms and logic flows and all physical, functional,
      operating and design parameters), all work in progress relating to
      corrections, modifications or enhancements, current and prior versions,
      operating systems and procedures (including development methodology),
      designs, design revisions, related applications software in any language,
      concepts, ideas, processes, techniques, software design and test tools,
      third party software interfaces written by such party and all methods of
      implementation and packaging, together with all associated know-how and
      show-how and all related documentation, specifications, manuals and other
      materials relating thereto which are used to install, operate, maintain,
      correct, test, repair, enhance, modify, prepare derivative works based
      upon, design, develop, reproduce and package such software and computer
      programs.

                    (xi)   all goodwill associated with any of the foregoing
      and all rights to sue and recover damages for present and past
      infringement of any rights of ownership or use of any of the foregoing
      items listed in subsections (i) through (xi), above.

                    (xii)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Intellectual
      Property" does not include the names or marks "Benson", "BEC", "Bolle",
      "Optical Radiation Corporation" or "ORC" or any name or mark including or
      incorporating such names, or any right or license therein or thereto.

            (b)     Except as set forth in Schedule 4.10, the members of the
      Foster Grant Group own or are licensed to use (as the case may be) all
      rights and incidents of interest as of the Closing Date in and to all
      material Intellectual Property used in or intended for use in, part of or
      necessary for the operation of the business as presently conducted and as
      presently proposed to be conducted by the members of the Foster Grant
      Group.  Each item of Intellectual Property owned or used by the Foster
      Grant Group immediately prior to the Closing Date will be owned or
      available for use by them on identical terms and conditions immediately
      subsequent to the Closing Date, and except as set forth in





                                       19
<PAGE>   24
      Schedule 4.10, the Foster Grant Group is not in default under any
      agreement pursuant to which it uses or has the right to use any such
      Intellectual Property right.  To Seller's Knowledge, the Foster Grant
      Group has taken all necessary and desirable action to maintain and
      protect each item of Intellectual Property that it owns.  Except as set
      forth in Schedule 4.10, no owned item of Intellectual Property has been
      abandoned except where and to the extent such abandonment has occurred in
      the ordinary course of business and does not have a Material Adverse
      Effect.  To Seller's Knowledge, each item of Intellectual Property used
      by the Foster Grant Group pursuant to license or other authorization of a
      third party is used with the authorization of every other claimant
      thereto and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
      the Foster Grant Group will not impair such use.

            (c)     Except as set forth in Schedule 4.10, (i) to the Seller's
      Knowledge, none of the members of the Foster Grant Group have interfered
      with, infringed upon misappropriated or otherwise come into conflict with
      any Intellectual Property rights of any third party, and (ii) no member
      of the Foster Grant Group has received any unresolved charge, complaint,
      claim demand or notice alleging any such interference, infringement,
      misappropriation or violation (including any claim that the Foster Grant
      Group must license or refrain from using any intellectual property rights
      of any third party).  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.10, to the
      Seller's Knowledge, no third party has interfered with, infringed upon,
      misappropriated or otherwise come into conflict with any Intellectual
      Property rights of any member of the Foster Grant Group.

            (d)     Schedule 4.10 identifies each material Patent, Trademark,
      Copyright or other Intellectual Property covered by a governmental
      registration or registration certificate, or application for
      registration, whether from the United States or any foreign country, and
      identifies each license, agreement or other permission that the Foster
      Grant Group has granted to any third party with respect to any of its
      Intellectual Property (together with any exceptions thereto).  Except as
      set forth on Schedule 4.10, with respect to each item of Intellectual
      Property required to be identified therein:

                    (i)    the item is not subject to any outstanding
      injunction,  judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge;

                    (ii)   no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation,
      charge, complaint, claim or demand is pending, or the knowledge of the
      Foster Grant Group, is threatened which challenges the legality,
      validity, enforceability, use or ownership of the item;

                    (iii)  the Foster Grant Group has not licensed or permitted
      any third party to use any such item; and

                    (iv)   all royalties or other payments to any third party
      relating to or arising out of the Foster Grant Group's marketing, sale,
      or use of any Intellectual Property owed by the Foster Grant Group for
      the period up to and including the Closing Date have been paid or accrued
      consistent with Section 4.3.





                                       20
<PAGE>   25
            (e)     The Foster Grant Group has the right to use the name
      "Foster Grant" in connection with its business in the United States and
      in such other countries where the name has been registered as a trademark
      and are identified in Schedule 4.10; provided, that Eyecare Products,
      plc, a United Kingdom company holds all right, title and interest in and
      to the name "Foster Grant" throughout the whole of Europe and the Middle
      East (excluding Israel).

      4.11  Authority to Sell.  The Seller and the Partnership each has all
      requisite corporate (or partnership, as applicable) power and authority
      to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement.  This Agreement has been
      duly authorized, executed, and delivered by the Seller and the
      Partnership, is the legal, valid, and binding obligation of each of them,
      and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy,
      insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws in effect
      relating to creditors rights generally, and that the remedy relating to
      creditors rights generally, and that the remedy of specific performance
      and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to
      general principles of equitable relief may be subject to general
      principles of equity.  No material consent, authorization, approval,
      order, license, certificate, or permit of or form, or declaration or
      filing with, any federal, state, local, or other governmental authority
      or any court or other tribunal is required by the Seller or the
      Partnership for the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement
      by the Seller or the Partnership, other than the filings and approvals
      required by the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
      Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11, no consent of any party to any
      material contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license, arrangement, or
      understanding to which the Foster Grant Group is a party, or to which any
      of its material properties or assets are subject, is required for the
      execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement (except such
      consents referred to in Schedule 4.11 as have been obtained at or prior
      to the date of this Agreement, copies of which have been delivered to the
      Purchaser); and the execution, delivery, and performance of this
      Agreement will not violate, result in a breach of, conflict with, or
      (with or without the giving of notice or the passage of time or both)
      entitle any party to terminate or call a default under any such material
      contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license, arrangement, or
      understanding; or violate or result in a breach of any term of the
      certificate of incorporation (or other charter document) or by- laws, or
      partnership agreement, as applicable, of any member of the Foster Grant
      Group; or in any material respect, violate, result in a breach of, or
      conflict with any material law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, or
      decree binding on the Seller or any member of the Foster Grant Group or
      to which any of its material operations, business, properties, or assets
      are subject.

      4.12  Environmental Matters.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.12, to
      the Seller's knowledge:

            (a)     No Contaminants have at any time been treated, recycled or
            disposed of in any way by any member of the Foster Grant Group in
            or about any real estate owned, leased or operated by any member of
            the Foster Grant Group except as permitted under and in accordance
            with applicable law;





                                       21
<PAGE>   26
            (b)     There are no locations not presently owned, leased or
            operated by any member of the Foster Grant Group where Contaminants
            from the operation of the business of any member of the Foster
            Grant Group have been stored, treated, recycled or disposed of
            except as permitted under and in accordance with applicable law;

            (c)     There are no underground storage tanks located on or about
            real property owned, leased or operated by any member of the Foster
            Grant Group;

            (d)     There are no past or continuing releases of Contaminants
            into the environment from real property owned, leased or operated
            by any member of the Foster Grant Group or from other locations
            where wastes from the operation of the Foster Grant Group's
            properties or business have been or are located;

            (e)     No member of the Foster Grant Group has treated, stored or
            disposed of any hazardous waste (within the meaning of such terms
            under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
            amended (and any implementing regulations)), or any similar state
            or local legal requirements except as permitted under and in
            accordance with applicable law; and

            (f)     Neither the Seller nor any member of the Foster Grant Group
            has received any notice from any Person advising the Seller or any
            member of the Foster Grant Group that any member of the Foster
            Grant Group is potentially responsible for response costs with
            respect to a release or threatened release of Contaminants.

      4.13  Labor Practices.  To Seller's Knowledge, there are no material
      claims for unfair labor practices or threatened between any member of the
      Foster Grant Group and any of their employees.  No strikes, work
      slowdowns or stoppages or other labor disputes involving any member of
      the Foster Grant Group's employees are pending or, to the Seller's
      Knowledge, threatened.  There is not pending any material grievance
      procedure or arbitration proceeding under any collective bargaining
      agreement covering any member of the Foster Grant Group's employees or
      former employees.  Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.6, no charges,
      audits, investigations or complaint proceedings are pending, or are to
      Seller's Knowledge threatened, before the Equal Employment Opportunity
      Commission or any state or local agency responsible for the prevention of
      unlawful employment practices.  No member of the Foster Grant Group has
      experienced any work stoppage or other similar labor difficulty.

      4.14  Compliance with Laws, Permits and Licenses.  Except as disclosed on
      Schedule 4.14, each member of the Foster Grant Group has complied with
      all material applicable laws, rules, regulations, codes, plans,
      injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, and charges thereunder
      (collectively "Laws") of federal, state, local, and foreign governments
      (and all agencies thereof), except where the failure to comply would not
      have a Material Adverse Effect.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.14, no
      material expenditures or actions are, or will be, required by any member
      of the Foster Grant Group to bring the





                                       22
<PAGE>   27
      Foster Grant Group into compliance with such Laws.  Except as set forth
      on Schedule 4.14, to Seller's Knowledge, neither the Seller nor any
      member of the Foster Grant Group, nor any of their respective executive
      officers, employees or agents has received any written or oral notice  of
      or citation for material noncompliance with any Laws including, without
      limitation, Environmental Laws (as defined herein), directly in
      connection with the Foster Grant Group.  To the Seller's Knowledge
      except as set forth on Schedule 4.14, there exists no fact, condition,
      situation or circumstance, which individually or in the aggregate, and
      after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute material
      noncompliance with or give rise to material future liability with respect
      to any such Laws.  All material permits and licenses required under
      applicable Laws to operate the Foster Grant Group as currently operated
      are listed in Schedule 4.14 hereto.

      4.15  Directors, Officers and Key Employees.  Schedule 4.15 sets forth a
      true and complete list of the names and work addresses and total
      compensation received from Foster Grant Group or any member thereof of
      all current directors and officers of the members of the Foster Grant
      Group, and each other current employee of the Foster Grant Group who
      received base compensation of $50,000 or more in calendar year 1995 or as
      of October 31, 1996 would receive or accrue base compensation of $50,000
      or more of projected remuneration for the calendar year 1996.  Except as
      set forth in Schedule 4.15 or in any Contract disclosed pursuant to
      Section 4.8, none of the persons listed therein have received any wage or
      salary increase or bonus since October 31, 1996, other than in the
      Ordinary Course of Business and consistent with the Foster Grant Group's
      policies and procedures, and there has not been any accrual for or
      commitment or agreement by any member of the Foster Grant Group to pay
      the same.  Set forth on Schedule 4.15 is a correct and complete list of
      each employee of each member of the Foster Grant Group whose employment
      terminated, whether voluntarily or involuntarily and whether temporarily
      or permanently, within thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date.  No
      member of the Foster Grant Group employs any person in a manner that
      violates any non-competition, non-disclosure or other similar agreement
      (including without limitation those entered into in connection with any
      former employment).

      4.16  Absence of Certain Changes.  Since September 30, 1996, there has
      not been:

            (a)     Any change in the financial condition, properties, assets,
            liabilities, or operations related to the Foster Grant Group, which
            change by itself or in conjunction with all other such changes,
            whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, has a
            Material Adverse Effect;

            (b)     Any material Security Interest placed on any assets of the
            Foster Grant Group that remains undischarged on the Closing Date;

            (c)     Any obligation, liability or commitment incurred by any
            member of the Foster Grant Group that has a Material Adverse
            Effect;

            (d)     Any purchase, sale or other disposition or any agreement or
            other arrangement for the purchase, sale or other disposition of
            any of assets of the





                                       23
<PAGE>   28
            Foster Grant Group, other than those that are immaterial or are in
            the Ordinary Course of Business, except those expressly
            contemplated by this Agreement;

            (e)     Any lease, license or other agreement that has had a
            Material Adverse Effect, other than as set forth on Schedule 4.16;

            (f)     Any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not fully
            covered by insurance, that has a Material Adverse Effect; or

            (g)     Any other matter that has a Material Adverse Effect that
            has not been disclosed herein or in a schedule or attachment
            furnished herewith.

      4.17  Insurance.  Schedule 4.17 sets forth a list of all material
      insurance policies providing insurance coverage of any nature to the
      Foster Grant Group.  The Seller has previously made available to the
      Purchaser a copy of all of such insurance policies, as amended to the
      date hereof.  Such policies are sufficient for compliance in all material
      respects by the Foster Grant Group with all material requirements of law
      and all material agreements to which the Foster Grant Group is a party or
      by which any of its assets are bound.  All of such policies are in full
      force and effect and to the knowledge of the Seller, are valid and
      enforceable in accordance with their terms, and the Foster Grant Group
      has complied with all material terms and conditions of such policies,
      including premium payments.  None of the insurance carriers has provided
      written notice to the Seller an intention to cancel any such policy.
      Purchaser acknowledges that all such policies are issued in the name of
      Seller and will remain the property of Seller in all respects from and
      after the Closing Date.

         4.18    Transactions With Interested Persons.  Other than as disclosed
         on Schedule 4.18 no officer, supervisory employee, director or
         shareholder of any member of the Foster Grant Group, and no spouse or
         children of any of such persons owns, directly or indirectly, on an
         individual or joint basis, any interest in or serves as an officer or
         director of any of the Foster Grant Group's customers, competitors or
         suppliers, or any organization that has a contract or arrangement with
         any member of the Foster Grant Group relating to the Foster Grant
         Group.

         4.19    Brokers' Fees.  No finder, broker, or similar agent has acted
         on behalf of, or has been retained by the Seller or is entitled to any
         fee from the Sellers as a result of any of the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement.

         4.20    Sales Representatives.  Attached as Schedule 4.20 is an
         accurate list of all sales agents, dealers, or distributors of any
         member of the Foster Grant Group.  Copies of all written agreements
         currently or previously in effect with such representatives will be
         furnished to Buyer prior to Closing.  Except as disclosed in Schedule
         4.20, to its knowledge, no member of the Foster Grant Group has
         received notice of nor does any member of the Foster Grant Group have
         reason to believe that any sales representative listed on Schedule
         4.20 intends to terminate its relationship with such member





                                       24
<PAGE>   29
         (notwithstanding the expiration of any written agency agreement) or to
         decline to renew any written agreement.

         4.21    Processes and Customer Lists.  Each member of the Foster Grant
         Group has the right to use, free and clear of any material claims or
         rights of others, its customer lists and all material processes
         required for or incident to the distribution or marketing of products
         in connection with the Foster Grant Group.  To the Seller's Knowledge,
         the Foster Grant Group is not using or in any way making use of any
         confidential information or trade secrets of any third party.

         4.22    General Representation.  None of the information contained in
         this Agreement, the Financial Statements, or any of the related
         documents or schedules attached or related hereto is or will be
         materially false or misleading or contains any misstatement of fact or
         omits any fact necessary to be stated in order to make the statements
         herein or therein not misleading in any material respect.  Neither the
         Seller nor any officer of the Foster Grant Group knows of any fact
         relating to the Foster Grant Group that has not been disclosed herein
         or in any document or schedule attached thereto or delivered in
         connection herewith and which has a Material Adverse Effect or
         materially and adversely affects the ability of the Seller to perform
         its obligations under this Agreement and related documents or to
         consummate the transactions contemplated herein.

         4.23    Non-Distributive Intent.  The Seller is acquiring the
         Preferred Stock for its own account (and not for the account of
         others) for investment and not with a view to the distribution
         thereof. The Seller will not sell or otherwise dispose of such
         Preferred Stock without registration under the Securities Act of 1933,
         as amended (the "Securities Act"), or an exemption therefrom, and the
         certificate or certificates representing such Preferred Stock may
         contain a legend to the foregoing effect. The Seller understands that
         it may not sell or otherwise dispose of such Preferred Stock in the
         absence of either a registration statement under the Securities Act or
         an exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act.
         Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to preclude the Seller from
         disposing the Preferred Stock acquired by it under this Agreement in
         accordance with applicable federal and state securities laws.

5.       Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser.  The Purchaser and
AAi represent and warrant to the Seller as follows:

         5.1     Organization.  The Purchaser and AAi are corporations duly
         organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of
         the jurisdictions of their incorporation, with all requisite power and
         authority to own, lease, license, and use their properties and assets
         and to carry on the business in which they are now engaged and in
         which they contemplate engaging.

         5.2     Authorization of Transaction.  The Purchaser and AAi have all
         requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver, and
         perform this Agreement.  All necessary corporate proceedings of the
         Purchaser and AAi have been duly taken to authorize the execution,
         delivery, and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser and AAi.
         This





                                       25
<PAGE>   30
         Agreement has been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by the
         Purchaser and AAi,  is the legal, valid, and binding obligation of the
         Purchaser and AAi, and is enforceable in accordance with its terms,
         subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other
         similar laws in effect relating to creditors rights generally, and the
         remedies of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of
         equitable relief may be subject to general principles of equity.

         5.3     Validity of Preferred Stock.  Upon delivery to the Seller
         pursuant to the terms hereof, the Preferred Stock will be duly
         authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and the
         Seller will own the Preferred Stock free and clear of all liens,
         encumbrances, claims, charges or interests of others, subject to no
         restrictions with respect to transferability, other than applicable
         securities laws. At the Closing, the Purchaser's capital structure
         will be as described in detail in Schedule 5.3 hereto, including
         (without limitation) a description of all classes of capital stock and
         their respective rights and numbers of shares authorized, issued and
         outstanding of each such class. Purchaser has not authorized or issued
         any other class of capital stock or any other instrument convertible
         into or exchangeable for capital stock of the Purchaser.  There are no
         outstanding options, warrants or other rights granting any person a
         right to purchase or otherwise acquire capital stock of the Purchaser.

         5.4     Litigation.  No action, suit, claim, arbitration, proceedings
         or investigation is pending or, to the knowledge of the Purchaser or
         AAi, threatened which questions or challenges the validity of this
         Agreement or any other agreement identified herein or any action taken
         or to be taken in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby
         or thereby.

         5.5     Non-Distributive Intent.  The Purchaser is acquiring the
         Shares for its own account (and not for the account of others) for
         investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof.  The
         Purchaser will not sell or otherwise dispose of such Shares without
         registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
         "Securities Act"), or an exemption therefrom, and the certificate or
         certificates representing such Shares may contain a legend to the
         foregoing effect.  By virtue of its position, the Purchaser has access
         to the kind of financial and other information about the Foster Grant
         Group as would be contained in a registration statement filed under
         the Securities Act.  The Purchaser understands that it may not sell or
         otherwise dispose of such Shares in the absence of either a
         registration statement under the Securities Act or an exemption from
         the registration provisions of the Securities Act.  Nothing contained
         herein shall be deemed to preclude the Purchaser from disposing the
         Shares acquired by it under this Agreement in accordance with
         applicable federal and state securities laws.

         5.6     No Conflicts.  No consent, authorization, approval, order,
         license, certificate, or permit of or form, or declaration or filing
         with, any federal, state, local, or other governmental authority or
         any court or other tribunal is required by the Purchaser or AAi for
         the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement by the
         Purchaser, other than the filings and approvals required by the
         Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.  No consent of
         any party to any material contract, agreement, instrument





                                       26
<PAGE>   31
         lease, license arrangement, or understanding to which the Purchaser or
         AAi is a party, or to which any of their properties or assets are
         subject, is required for the execution, delivery, and performance of
         this Agreement by the Purchaser or AAi will not violate, result in a
         breach of, conflict with, or (with or without the giving of notice or
         the passage of time or both) entitle any party to terminate or call a
         default under any material contract, agreement, instrument, lease,
         license, arrangement, or understanding of the Purchaser or AAi; or
         violate or result in a breach of any term of the certificate of
         incorporation (or other charter document) or by-laws of the Purchaser
         or AAi; or violate, result in a breach of, or conflict with any law,
         rule, regulation, order, judgment, or decree binding on the Purchaser
         or AAi or to which any of their operations, business, properties or
         assets are subject.

         5.7     Brokers' Fee.  No finder, broker, or similar agent has acted
         on behalf of, or has been retained by the Purchaser or AAi and no
         finder, broker or similar agent is entitled to any fee as a result of
         any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which fee the
         Purchaser and AAi  represent will be paid by the Purchaser or AAi, as
         the case may be.

         5.8     Independent Investigation.  Purchaser and AAi, or their
         independent accountants, attorneys and agents acting on its behalf,
         (i) have reviewed the Financial Statements, and has had the
         opportunity to review information related to the Financial Statements,
         (ii) have reviewed the corporate records of the members of the Foster
         Grant Group, material agreements and other information relating to the
         Foster Grant Group and such documents that have been made available to
         Purchaser or AAi by Seller and the Partnership in response to
         Purchaser's or AAi's due diligence requests, and (iii) have had the
         opportunity to ask questions of and receive such information from
         Seller and the Partnership, as well as the members of the Foster Grant
         Group, and their representatives, with respect to the Foster Grant
         Group and its business and operations, which Purchaser and AAi believe
         is material to their assessment of the Foster Grant Group and
         Purchaser's purchase of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement.
         Purchaser and AAi have (i) had access to the books and records,
         financial and otherwise, of the members of the Foster Grant Group and
         the Partnership, and have inspected such books and records as they
         have deemed appropriate in connection with their investigation of the
         Foster Grant Group, (ii) been afforded an opportunity to investigate
         and make inquiries regarding the condition of the members of the
         Foster Grant Group, the Partnership and the assets, financial and
         otherwise, of the Foster Grant Group, and in the course thereof has
         not received actual knowledge of any matters or things that are
         inconsistent with any representation or warranty of Seller contained
         in this Agreement or that may give rise to any liability on the part
         of Seller under the Agreement, and Purchaser and AAi are not relying
         on any representations (other than those contained in this Agreement),
         oral or otherwise, by Seller or any of its officers, employees,
         directors, shareholders, agents or representatives, in regard to the
         purchase of the Shares.





                                       27
<PAGE>   32
6.       Conditions to the Obligations of the Purchaser and the Seller.

         6.1     Conditions to the Obligations of the Purchaser.  The
         obligations of Purchaser and AAi under this Agreement are subject, at
         the option of the Purchaser and AAi, to the following conditions:

                 (a)      The representations and warranties of the Seller and
                 the Partnership contained in this Agreement shall be true and
                 correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date
                 as though made on and as of such date, except for changes
                 contemplated by this Agreement.

                 (b)      The Seller shall have performed and complied in all
                 material respects with all covenants and agreements required
                 to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the
                 Closing Date.

                 (c)      The parties to this Agreement shall have obtained at
                 or prior to the Closing all consents required for the
                 consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
                 Agreement from any party to any contract, agreement,
                 instrument, lease, license, arrangement, or understanding to
                 which any of them is a party, or to which any of their
                 respective businesses, properties, or assets are subject,
                 except where the failure to obtain the same would not have a
                 Material Adverse Effect.

                 (d)      There shall not be any injunction, judgment, order,
                 decree, ruling, or charge in effect preventing consummation of
                 any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                 (e)      The Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser and AAi
                 a certificate to the effect that each of the conditions
                 specified above in Section 6.1(a)-(n) is satisfied in all
                 material respects; provided, however, that with respect to the
                 condition set forth in Section 6.1(c), the Seller shall only
                 provide such certification with respect to those consents that
                 the Seller or any member of the Foster Grant Group is required
                 to obtain.

                 (f)      The Partnership shall have delivered to the Purchaser
                 and AAi a certificate to the effect that the condition
                 specified above in Section 6.1(a) is satisfied in all respects
                 with respect to the Partnership.

                 (g)      The Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser and
                 AAi at the Closing: certified copies of each member of the
                 Foster Grant Group's Certificate or Articles of Incorporation
                 and By-laws; the partnership agreement; a good standing
                 certificate from the Secretary of State of each state of
                 incorporation of each member of the Foster Grant Group is
                 incorporated, as of a date not more than thirty (30) business
                 days prior to the Closing Date; original stock certificates or
                 other evidences of equity ownership of each member of the
                 Foster Grant Group.  The Seller shall deliver at the Closing
                 or thereafter: all stock books, minute books and corporate
                 records of the Foster Grant Group; and all other material
                 original agreements computer disks, documents, books and
                 records relating to the Foster Grant Group and necessary to
                 conduct the Foster Grant Group as currently or





                                       28
<PAGE>   33
                 heretofore conducted.  For the purposes of this paragraph,
                 items described herein and located on the premises of the
                 Partnership or any member of the Foster Grant Group shall be
                 deemed delivered upon Closing by virtue of Purchaser taking
                 control of such premises.

                 (h)      All directors of each member of the Foster Grant
                 Group shall have resigned at or prior to the Closing as
                 directors and members of all committees of the Board of
                 Directors in writing effective immediately after the Closing.
                 All non-employee officers of each member of the Foster Grant
                 Group shall have resigned at or prior to the Closing in
                 writing effective immediately after the Closing.

                 (i)      All applicable waiting periods in respect of the
                 transactions contemplated under this Agreement under the
                 Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 shall
                 have expired at or prior to the Closing or there shall have
                 been an early termination of such periods in accordance with
                 the parties' (or their affiliates', as appropriate) request
                 therefor.

                 (j)      AAi on the one hand and Marlin Capital, L.P. and its
                 affiliates (jointly, "Marlin"), on the other shall, at or
                 prior to the Closing, have executed and delivered a
                 Shareholder Agreement, containing terms and conditions
                 mutually agreed by and among such parties, pursuant to which
                 AAi and Marlin shall have each invested in Purchaser
                 $5,000,000; and all such commitments shall have been fully
                 funded on or before the Closing.

                 (k)      The parties to this Agreement shall have obtained at
                 or prior to the Closing an agreement by and between Purchaser
                 and Eyecare Products PLC ( the "Eyecare") granting Purchaser
                 the right to purchase from Eyecare, for Fair Market Value, the
                 trademarks assigned to Eyecare as provided under the terms and
                 conditions set forth in the Trademark Assignment and
                 Conditional Agreements between Kitty Little, plc and Bonneau
                 (the "Agreements"), if at any time after the Closing (i)
                 Seller has fewer than two (2) appointed individuals on the
                 Eyecare board of directors or (ii) Seller's ownership interest
                 in the issued and outstanding common stock of Eyecare
                 decreases to less than ten percent (10%).  No provision of
                 this or any other agreement will in any way diminish any right
                 held by Purchaser under the Agreements, and in particular no
                 provision of this or any other agreement shall in anyway
                 diminish the buy back rights provided to Bonneau in the
                 Agreements.

                 (l)      At or prior to the Closing, a sales representative
                 agreement by and between the Partnership and Jacobs Marketing,
                 Inc., ("Jacobs") shall have been executed and a copy thereof
                 delivered to Purchaser whereby the Partnership agrees to
                 appoint and Jacobs agrees to act as the Partnership's
                 exclusive sales representative to Target Stores division of
                 Dayton Hudson Corporation under terms and conditions
                 reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser.





                                       29
<PAGE>   34
                 (m)      The Seller shall have executed and delivered to
                 Purchaser and AAi at or prior to the Closing a copy of a
                 settlement and release by and between Oakley, Inc., Seller and
                 Bonneau whereby the parties thereto forever discharge each
                 other from any and all claims, complaints, causes of action,
                 demands or liabilities with regard to the acts set forth in
                 Civil Action No. 96-3420 B CGA, United District Court for the
                 Southern District of California.

                 (n)      The Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser and AAi
                 a letter from Seller's accountants to the effect that Seller's
                 independent accountants agree to provide Purchaser and AAi
                 with (i) stand alone audited consolidated financial statements
                 for the Foster Grant Group for the years 1995 and 1996 and an
                 estimate of the costs of such audits; and (ii) at the
                 appropriate time in connection therewith, a written consent of
                 such accountants to permit the Purchaser and AAi to use the
                 stand alone audited financial statements described herein in
                 any registration statements prepared in connection with an
                 initial public offering by AAi, subject to being provided
                 normal satisfaction from the "Big Six" accounting firm then
                 auditing AAi.

                 (o)      Michael A. Aviles, at or prior to the Closing, shall
                 have executed and delivered to Purchaser an agreement
                 modifying certain provisions of his Offer of Employment dated
                 January 15, 1996, and any amendments thereto, and in
                 particular such modifications shall include the re-defining of
                 "severance" whereby Mr. Aviles shall not receive severance as
                 a result of the consummation of the transaction contemplated
                 hereby.

                 (p)      At or prior to the Closing, the Seller shall have
                 delivered to the Purchaser and AAi a copy of the Finance and
                 Security Agreement by and between the Partnership and
                 NATIONSBANK, N.A. (the "Operating Loan"), and such agreement
                 shall be in a form and of a substance reasonably satisfactory
                 to the Purchaser and AAi, including (without limitation) the
                 right to draw down not less than 19 million dollars at the
                 Closing to be used towards the Purchase Price as set forth in
                 this Agreement.

                 (q)      At or prior to the Closing, the Seller shall have
                 delivered to the Purchaser a release of any and all
                 obligations of the Partnership as set forth in the Deed of
                 Trust and First Amendment to Loan Agreements dated May 3, 1996
                 by and between First Interstate Bank of Texas, N.A. (the
                 "Bank"), BEC Group, Inc. and the Partnership.  Such release
                 shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
                 Purchaser and AAi.

                 (r)      At or prior to the Closing the Seller shall have
                 delivered to the Purchaser a release from any and all
                 liability and obligations of the Partnership under the Essilor
                 Indemnity Agreement dated as of February 11, 1996 by and
                 between Essilor International S.A. and BEC Group, Inc. to
                 which the Partnership is a party.  Such release shall be in
                 form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser
                 and AAi.





                                       30
<PAGE>   35
                 (s)      The Purchaser and AAi shall have received from Kane
                 Kessler, P.C. counsel for the Seller, a favorable opinion,
                 dated as of the Closing Date and reasonably satisfactory in
                 form and substance to AAi and AAi's counsel, to the effect as
                 stated in 4.1, 4.2, and 4.6, as well as to the effect that the
                 consummation by the Seller of the transactions contemplated by
                 this Agreement and the documents described herein have been
                 duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the
                 Seller.

                 (t)      At or prior to the Closing, the Partnership shall
                 have conveyed the Dallas Property to the Seller (or its
                 designee), and the Seller (or its designee) shall have assumed
                 the existing mortgage on such Dallas Property; and Seller (or
                 such designee) and the Partnership shall have executed and
                 delivered a lease agreement, in accordance with Section 7.5
                 below, pursuant to which the Foster Grant Group shall lease
                 its current premises located at the Dallas Property.

                 (u)      Subject to Section 2.2 (iii), above, at or prior to
                 Closing, all intercompany loans and advances existing among
                 the Seller and the members of the Foster Grant Group shall
                 have been forgiven and released in full.

                 (v)      At or prior to the Closing, AAi will have concluded
                 discussions with HMG World Wide In Store Marketing, Inc. to
                 the effect that the terms and provisions of the Display
                 Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1995 are in form and
                 substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and AAi.

         6.2     Conditions to the Obligations of the Seller.  The obligations
         of the Seller under this Agreement are subject, at the option of the
         Seller, to the following conditions:

                 (a)      The representations and warranties of the Purchaser
                 and AAi contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct
                 in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date as
                 though made on and as of such date, except for changes
                 contemplated by this Agreement.

                 (b)      The Purchaser and AAi shall have performed and
                 complied in all material respects with all covenants and
                 agreements required to be performed or complied with by it on
                 or prior to the Closing Date.

                 (c)      There shall not be any injunction, judgment, order,
                 decree, ruling, or charge in effect preventing consummation of
                 any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                 (d)      The Purchaser and AAi shall have delivered to the
                 Seller a certificate to the effect that each of the conditions
                 specified above in Section 6.2(a)-(l) is satisfied in all
                 material respects; provided, however, that with respect to the
                 condition set forth in Section 6.2(c), the Purchaser shall
                 only provide such certification with respect to consents the
                 Purchaser is required to obtain.





                                       31
<PAGE>   36
                 (e)      The Purchaser and the Partnership shall have
                 delivered the Purchase Price to the Seller.

                 (f)      The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Seller at
                 the Closing: a certified copy of the Purchaser's Certificate
                 or Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, and a good standing
                 certificate from the Secretary of State of the Purchaser's
                 state of incorporation, as of a date not more than thirty (30)
                 business days prior to the Closing Date.

                 (g)      All applicable waiting periods in respect of the
                 transactions contemplated under this Agreement under the
                 Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 shall
                 have expired at or prior to the Closing or there shall have
                 been an early termination of such periods in accordance with
                 the parties' (or their affiliates', as appropriate) request
                 therefor.

                 (h)      The Seller shall have received from Hinckley, Allen &
                 Snyder, counsel for the Purchaser and AAi, a favorable
                 opinion, dated as of the Closing Date and reasonably
                 satisfactory in form and substance to Seller and Seller's
                 counsel, to the effect as stated in 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3, as well
                 as to the effect that the consummation by the Purchaser and
                 AAi of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
                 documents described herein have been duly authorized by all
                 necessary corporate action of the Purchaser and AAi.

7.       Covenants and Agreements of the Purchaser and the Seller.

         The Purchaser and the Seller covenant and agree with each other as
         follows:

         7.1     Confidentiality.

                 (a)      In order to consummate the transactions contemplated
                 by this Agreement Confidential Information may be disclosed
                 among the parties.  Therefore, the Seller, on its own behalf
                 and on behalf of each member of the Foster Grant Group, the
                 Partnership, on its own behalf, and the Purchaser agree that
                 in consideration of the other party's disclosure of
                 Confidential Information the receiving party hereunder shall:

                          (i)     treat and safeguard such Confidential
                          Information with at least the same degree of care as
                          it normally exercises to protect its own confidential
                          information but in no event with less than a
                          reasonable degree of care;

                          (ii)    restrict disclosure of Confidential
                          Information solely to its employees, advisors or
                          representatives ("Representatives") with a need to
                          know and not disclose such Confidential Information
                          to any other parties; and





                                       32
<PAGE>   37
                          (iii)   use the Confidential Information provided
                          hereunder only in connection with the performance of
                          its duties hereunder and for no other purposes.

                 (b)      The parties agree that the foregoing restrictions
                 shall not apply to information that:

                          (i)     is known by the recipient at the time of
                                  disclosure;

                          (ii)    is or becomes, through no fault of the 
                                  recipient, available to the public;

                          (iii)   is obtained by the recipient from a third
                                  party without breach of any agreement with,
                                  or obligation or confidentiality to the
                                  disclosing party;

                          (iv)    is independently developed by the recipient
                                  without use of Confidential Information
                                  received from the disclosing party;

                          (v)     is required by law or court order to be
                                  disclosed.

            If this Agreement is terminated for any reason whatsoever, each
            party shall (i) return to the other all tangible embodiments (and
            all copies) of such Confidential Information that are in its
            possession; (ii) not use any such Confidential Information in its
            own operations or (iii) not disclose any such Confidential
            Information to any Person for any purpose or reason whatsoever
            unless required to do so by law.  Without limiting the generality
            of the foregoing, the existing Confidentiality Agreement between
            AAi and Seller, dated October 2, 1996, shall remain in full force
            and effect according to its terms.

            7.2    Best Efforts.  Subject to the terms and conditions provided
            in this Agreement, each of the parties shall use their respective
            best efforts in good faith to take or cause to be taken as promptly
            as practicable all reasonable actions that are within its power to
            cause to be fulfilled each of the conditions precedent to its
            obligations or the obligations of the other parties to consummate
            the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that are dependent
            upon its actions, including obtaining all necessary consents,
            authorizations, orders, approvals and waivers.

            7.3   Operation of Business.  The Seller and the Partnership, with
            respect to itself only, covenant with the Purchaser as follows:
            without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, between the
            date hereof and the Closing Date they shall not, in connection with
            the Foster Grant Group, cause or permit any member of the Foster
            Grant Group to, and no member of the Foster Grant Group shall in
            any material respect:

                  (a)     adopt, amend or modify any material employment or
                  personnel contract or plan, or increase the level of
                  compensation payable to any officer, director or





                                       33
<PAGE>   38
                  employee of the Foster Grant Group, other than increases not
                  greater than 4% annually over the current level of
                  compensation and in accordance with past practice;

                  (b)     make any change in its authorized capital stock
                  including, without limitation, any stock split or
                  reclassification in respect of its outstanding capital stock,
                  or declaration, payment or setting aside for payment of any
                  dividend, fees, or other distribution, including the grant of
                  any stock options, in respect of any of the Foster Grant
                  Group's capital stock or any redemption, purchase or other
                  acquisition of  any shares of the capital stock or other
                  securities of the Foster Grant Group;

                  (c)     sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any assets of
                  the Foster Grant Group, except for sales of inventory in the
                  Ordinary Course of Business consistent with past practices;

                  (d)     incur any obligation or liability (fixed or
                  contingent) relating to the Foster Grant Group, except trade
                  or business obligations incurred in the Ordinary Course of
                  Business consistent with past practice;

                  (e)     cancel or compromise any material debt or claim, or
                  waive or release any rights of value other than in the
                  Ordinary Course of Business;

                  (f)     transfer, abandon, fail to maintain in good standing
                  or grant any rights under or with respect to any material
                  leases, licenses, agreements or Intellectual Property, or
                  enter into any agreement limiting the Foster Grant Group's
                  ability in any material respect to conduct its operations or
                  distribute its products anywhere in the world;

                  (g)     issue, sell, or otherwise dispose of any shares of
                  capital stock or any evidences of indebtedness or other
                  securities (except extensions or renewals or replacements of
                  evidences of indebtedness which extensions, renewals or
                  replacements are issued in the Ordinary Course of Business
                  consistent with past practice with respect to evidences of
                  indebtedness reflected in the Financial Statements);

                  (h)     except as expressly contemplated hereby, amend
                  articles of incorporation or bylaws or the partnership
                  agreement;

                  (i)     enter into any material contract or arrangement other
                  than in the Ordinary Course of Business;

                  (j)     fail to maintain the material properties and assets
                  of the Foster Grant Group, whether owned or leased, in their
                  current operating condition and repair, reasonable wear and
                  tear excepted;





                                       34
<PAGE>   39
                  (k)     fail to maintain in full force and effect insurance
                  for the Foster Grant Group providing coverage and amounts of
                  coverage in accordance with its current and industry
                  practice;

                  (l)     merge or consolidate with any other corporation or
                  acquire any stock, business, or substantially all of the
                  property or assets of any other Person;

                  (m)     do any act which, with or without the giving of
                  notice or the passage of time, or both, would result in a
                  material breach of or material default under any Contract
                  required to be listed in Schedule 4.8;

                  (n)     enter into any material agreement or understanding to
                  do any of the foregoing; or

                  (o)     do or omit to do anything else that has a Material
                  Adverse Effect.

         7.4     Full Access.  The Seller shall permit and shall cause each
         member of the Foster Grant Group to permit representatives of the
         Purchaser and AAi to have reasonable access at all reasonable times,
         and in a manner so as not to unreasonably interfere with the normal
         business operations of the Foster Grant Group, to all premises,
         properties, personnel, personnel records (including tax records),
         contracts, and documents ("Records") of or pertaining to the Foster
         Grant Group.  The Purchaser shall treat and hold such Records in
         accordance with the provisions of Section 7.1 hereof.

         7.5     Occupation of the Dallas Property.  The Purchaser and the
         Seller shall execute and deliver a Lease and Services Agreement, in
         form mutually agreed pursuant to which the Partnership shall occupy
         the space currently occupied by the Partner at the Dallas Property and
         pursuant to which the Seller shall provide the Partnership certain
         services to be agreed therein.

         7.6     Payment of Certain Employee Bonuses.  The Purchaser shall pay
         (or shall cause Foster Grant Group to pay), no later than April 30,
         1997, up to $500,000 in the aggregate in bonuses to certain key
         employees, in accordance with Attachment II to Schedule 4.15.

         7.7     Further Assurances.  At any time and from time to time, each
         party agrees, at its or his expense, to take such actions and to
         execute and deliver such documents as may be reasonably necessary to
         effectuate the purposes of this Agreement.

         7.8     Name Change.  On or before the Closing Date, Seller shall have
         effected a change of the corporate name of BEC Distribution, Inc.  The
         Purchaser shall have designated a name of its choosing.  In the event
         such name change has not been effected prior to Closing, the parities
         shall cooperate after the Closing to effect the name change.  After
         the Closing Date or the Closing Date, whichever is earlier, the
         Purchaser, the members of the Foster Grant Group and the Partnership
         shall not have any right, title or other interest in or to the names
         "BEC", "Benson" or "Bolle" or any variations thereof or any names
         containing or incorporating such names.





                                       35
<PAGE>   40
         7.9     Bolle(R) Brand.  The Purchaser agrees for itself and on behalf
         of the members of the Foster Grant Group and the Partnership, from and
         after the Closing, not to copy, or to sell, market or otherwise
         distribute products copying Bolle(R) brand products in violation of
         any applicable statute, law, ordinance or regulation; provided, that
         the parties acknowledge and agree hereby that the Foster Grant Group
         and the Partnership may, notwithstanding anything contained in this
         Section 7.9 to the contrary, such, market and distribute any such
         product presently included in their product lines for the 1997 season.

         7.10    Non-Competition.  The Seller hereby agrees that for a period
         of three (3) years from the Closing Date, neither the Seller nor any
         other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, trust,
         unincorporated organization or other entity that directly or
         indirectly controls or is controlled by the Seller shall directly or
         indirectly engage in, own, manage, operate, join, assist, advise or
         control, any person, corporation or entity engaged in a business
         directly competitive with the Foster Grant Group as it exists as of
         the Closing Date.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
         contrary,

                 (i)      The restrictions set forth herein shall not apply to
                          or to be deemed in any way to restrict the existing
                          business, as of the Closing Date, of Seller Bolle(R)
                          America, Inc.; Optical Radiation Corporation; or
                          Eyecare Products, PLC; and

                 (ii)     The following shall not be deemed to be in violation
                          of the above restrictions:

                          (1)     ownership of publicly traded securities
                          having no more than 5% of the outstanding voting
                          power of any competitive entity, or

                          (2)     any association by the Seller or any of its
                          affiliates subsequent to the Closing Date which
                          results from the acquisition by the Seller or any of
                          its affiliates of an entity who is engaged in a
                          business directly competitive with the Foster Grant
                          Group, if such entity's gross revenues resulting from
                          such competitive activities are less than $10,000,000
                          per year.

         7.11    Income Taxes and Income Tax Preparation.

                 (a)      The companies making up the Foster Grant Group shall
                 be included in the consolidated federal Income Tax Return
                 filed by the Seller for the period from January 1, 1996
                 through the end of the day on the Closing Date, and Seller
                 shall be responsible for making all required Income Tax
                 payments for such period pursuant to such consolidated Income
                 Tax Return.  The parties agree that for the purpose of
                 preparing such consolidated federal Income Tax Return, as well
                 as any Income Tax Returns for which the taxable year does not
                 close at the end of the day on the Closing Date, there will be
                 an interim closing of the books of the members of the Foster
                 Grant Group and of the Partnership as of the end of the day on
                 the Closing Date and all payments (if any) representing
                 cancellation of options





                                       36
<PAGE>   41
                 to purchase shares of the Seller held by Foster Grant Group
                 employees shall be treated as extraordinary items within the
                 meaning of Reg. Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(ii)(C) which shall be
                 allocated to the period ending at the end of the day on the
                 Closing Date for all tax purposes.

                 (b)      Seller shall be responsible for the preparation and
                 filing of all Income Tax Returns in respect of federal and
                 state income taxes for the Foster Grant Group, the Partnership
                 or any member of the Foster Grant Group for taxable years or
                 periods ending on or before the end of the day of the Closing
                 Date and shall be responsible for the payment of any Income
                 Taxes.  The Seller shall also be responsible for preparing and
                 filing the Partnership's 1996 calendar year federal, state and
                 local Income Tax Returns. The Purchaser shall be responsible
                 for the preparation and filing of any other federal, state and
                 local Income Tax Returns for the Foster Grant Group, the
                 Partnership, or the members of the Foster Grant Group for
                 periods beginning after the Closing Date.

                 (c)      With respect to any period beginning before and
                 ending after the Closing Date, the determination of income,
                 losses and taxes for the portion of the year or period ending
                 on, and the portion of the year or period beginning after, the
                 Closing Date shall be made by an interim closing of the books
                 at the end of the day of the Closing Date, except that
                 extraordinary items shall be allocated in accordance with the
                 principles of Reg. Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(ii)(C) and that any
                 exemptions, allowances or deductions that are calculated on a
                 calendar year basis and annual property taxes shall be
                 prorated on the basis of the number of days in the calendar
                 year elapsed through the Closing Date as compared to the
                 number of days in the calendar year elapsing after the Closing
                 Date.  All such Income Tax Returns shall be prepared in
                 accordance with prior practice.  Any taxes due with respect to
                 any such periods shall be pro rated in accordance with the
                 interim closing of the books as herein provided.  In addition,
                 notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the
                 Seller shall prepare the 1996 calendar year Income Tax Return
                 of the Partnership on the basis of an interim closing of the
                 books at the end of the day of the Closing Date and based on a
                 package of Income Tax information provided by Purchaser
                 covering the period from the day after the Closing date
                 through the end of the calendar year 1996 and delivered to
                 Seller no later than forty-five (45) days after the end of the
                 calendar year 1996.  Except as indicated above, such package
                 shall be completed in accordance with the past practice of the
                 Seller as to the method of computation of taxable income and
                 other relevant measures of income.

                 (d)      At least thirty (30) days prior to the due date
                 (including extensions) for the filing of Seller's 1996
                 consolidated federal Income Tax Return, Seller shall provide
                 Purchaser, for its approval and the signature (with respect to
                 the Partnership income tax return) of the appropriate officers
                 or partners, copies of the Seller's 1996 consolidated federal
                 income tax return and the Partnership's 1996 calendar year
                 Income Tax Return or Returns.  No later than thirty (30) days
                 before the due date thereof, Purchaser shall provide Seller,
                 for its approval, copies of all





                                       37
<PAGE>   42
                 other Income Tax Returns for which Seller may have an
                 obligation for a portion or all of the Incomes Taxes shown
                 thereon.  Approval by either party shall not be unreasonably
                 withheld, and signed Returns shall be returned no less than
                 fifteen (15) days prior to the due date; notwithstanding the
                 foregoing, the Purchaser's right to approve the Seller's 1996
                 consolidated Income Tax Return shall be limited to those items
                 included therein which relate directly to the Foster Grant
                 Group or any member thereof.  No later than 5 business days
                 before the due date for payments of Income Taxes with respect
                 to any such Income Tax Return prepared by Purchaser but for
                 which Seller has an obligation for a portion or all of the
                 Income Taxes shown thereon, Seller shall pay to Purchaser an
                 amount equal to the Income Taxes agreed to be allocable to
                 Seller pursuant to this Agreement, if any.

                 (e)      In addition to the foregoing, the parties agree to
                 cooperate with each other in the preparation of any Income Tax
                 Return and in the conduct of any audit or other proceedings
                 involving the Foster Grant Group or any member thereof, and to
                 provide each other such assistance and documents as may be
                 reasonably requested in connection with the preparation of any
                 return or the conduct of any audit or other proceeding.  The
                 provisions of Section 8.4 shall apply to any audit or contest
                 of any Income Tax Return.

                 (f)      The Purchaser will not, nor will it permit members of
                 the Foster Grant Group, to make any changes in Income Tax
                 accounting methods or conventions, make or rescind any
                 election, or report or treat any specified item on any Income
                 Tax Return for any taxable period ending after the Closing
                 Date in a manner inconsistent with the manner in which such
                 specific item was reported or treated on any such Income Tax
                 Return for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing
                 Date, if such action would have an effect of either increasing
                 the Income Tax liability or reducing the Income Tax benefits
                 of the Foster Grant Group on or prior to the Closing Date or
                 of the Seller for any taxable period.  The Purchaser agrees
                 that any sales of assets by the Foster Grant Group after the
                 Closing Date but before the end of the calendar year shall be
                 treated as an extraordinary item for Income Tax purposes.

                 (g)      If Purchaser or any member of the Foster Grant Group
                 receives any refund of Income Taxes or utilizes the benefit of
                 any overpayment of Income Taxes which relates to an income Tax
                 paid by Seller or the Foster Grant Group with respect to a
                 period ending on or prior to the Closing Date, the Purchaser
                 shall make a payment to Seller at the time of and equal to the
                 amount of the refund or overpayment utilized.  Purchaser
                 agrees, that without the express permission of Seller, it will
                 not carry back to periods ending on or before the Closing Date
                 any loss or credit recognized by the Foster Grant Group
                 subsequent to the Closing Date.

                 (h)      In addition to (and not in limitation of) the
                 indemnities provided in Section 8, Seller shall indemnify and
                 save Purchaser and AAi harmless from any and all Taxes imposed
                 on Purchaser or AAi either (i) arising as a result of the





                                       38
<PAGE>   43
                 transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) with respect
                 to or relating to any period ending on or before the Closing
                 Date, or, in the case of any taxable period that includes, but
                 does not end on, the Closing Date, the portion of said period
                 ending on the Closing Date; (iii) resulting from any member of
                 the Foster Grant Group ceasing to be affiliated with Seller;
                 and (iv) attributable to Seller for any taxable period.

                 (i)      Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement
                 to the contrary, the Seller shall have the benefit (without
                 reimbursement to the Partnership) of any tax losses through
                 the Closing Date, other than tax loss carry-forwards not
                 utilized as of such Closing Date.

         7.12    Characterization of Certain Payments.  All payments paid by
         the Seller or the Purchaser under Sections 2.2 and 7.11 and Section 8
         shall be treated for all tax purposes as adjustments to the Purchase
         Price.

         7.13    Inventory Price Adjustment.  If the Purchaser or the Foster
         Grant Group (as the case may be) has not realized, and is not
         reasonably in a position to realize, within two (2) years from the
         Closing Date at least $15,355,000 from the inventory appearing on the
         September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet, the Seller will promptly pay the
         Purchaser the difference in cash; any amount due hereunder may be
         offset against the redemption of the Preferred Stock.

         7.14    Certain Employee Benefits.

                 (a)      Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement
                 to the contrary, the Seller hereby acknowledges that the
                 Purchaser is not acquiring and shall not assume sponsorship of
                 any Employee Benefit Plan maintained by the Seller and in
                 which employees of the Foster Grant Group, the Partnership or
                 any members of the Foster Grant Group participate, including
                 (without limitation) the BEC Group, Inc. 401(K) Retirement
                 Plan and any group health and welfare insurance plans
                 sponsored by the Seller.

                 (b)      Effective on the Closing Date, all employees of the
                 Foster Grant Group, the Partnership and the members of the
                 Foster Grant Group shall cease to be active participants in
                 the BEC Group, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan (the "401(k)
                 Plan"), and they shall be fully vested in their account
                 balances under the Plan without regard to their years of
                 service under the Plan.  The parties acknowledge and agree
                 that Seller shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law
                 and the effective terms and conditions of any such Employee
                 Benefit Plan other than the 401(k) Plan, permit employees of
                 the Foster Grant Group, the Partnership and the members of the
                 Foster Grant Group to participate in existing health and
                 welfare Employee Benefit Plans after the Closing Date for a
                 reasonable transition period, provided, that the Purchaser
                 hereby agrees to reimburse Seller any and all extraordinary,
                 out-of-pocket or other costs or expenses incurred by Seller as
                 a result of or in connection with the participation of any
                 such employees in any





                                       39
<PAGE>   44
                 such Employee Benefit Plans, and the Purchaser (for itself
                 and, after the Closing Date, on behalf of the Foster Grant
                 Group, the Partnership and the members of the Foster Grant
                 Group) agrees that it (or such entities, as appropriate) shall
                 be solely responsible for all employer contributions, costs,
                 or other expenses relating to or resulting from the
                 participation of any such employees.

                 (c)      From and after the Closing Date, the Purchaser and
                 the Foster Grant Group shall be solely responsible for (i)
                 health insurance coverage with respect to any former employee
                 of the Foster Grant Group, the Partnership or any member of
                 the Foster Grant Group who (1) has in place, as of the Closing
                 Date, a valid health care contribution election pursuant to
                 Section 601 et seq. of ERISA (known as "COBRA") or (2) has
                 retired from the employ of any such entities and is entitled
                 to coverage under any retiree or other medical plan, policy or
                 arrangement.

                 (d)      Nothing herein contained shall serve as a guarantee
                 to any of the individuals referred to in Section 7.14 (c)
                 above with regard to any health insurance coverage other than
                 health insurance coverage available to persons actively
                 employed by the Purchaser or AAi.

         7.15    Hart- Scott Rodino.   The Purchaser and the Seller shall
         execute all filings required under the Hart- Scott Rodino Anti Trust
         Improvements Act of 1976 prior to the Closing.  The Parties agree that
         any and all fees associated with such filings, excluding attorneys
         fees, shall be borne equally by the Purchaser and the Seller and each
         party agrees to submit its respective portion of the fee upon filing
         its submission.

         7.16    Release of Guaranties.  From and after the Closing Date, the
         Purchaser shall cooperate, and shall cause the Foster Grant Group, to
         provide the Seller reasonable assistance in obtaining the release of
         any guaranties by Seller or its predecessor, Benson Eyecare
         Corporation, of obligations of the Foster Grant Group or any of its
         members.  The Purchaser or the Foster Grant Group agrees to provide
         equivalent guaranties, to the extent reasonably requested.  The Seller
         shall reimburse any direct out-of-pocket expenses and costs incurred
         as a result of cooperation provided under this Section 7.16.

8.       Indemnification.

         8.1     By the Seller.  The Seller and its respective successors and
         permitted assigns agree to indemnify the Purchaser and AAi (including
         each of their employees, directors and officers and agents), and any
         permitted successor or assignee of the Purchaser and AAi, to hold each
         of them harmless from and against any and all actual costs, losses,
         claims, obligations, liabilities, fines, penalties, damages,
         deficiencies, actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments,
         orders, judgments, costs and expenses, including fees, disbursements
         and expenses of attorneys, accountants and consultants of any kind or
         nature whatsoever (whether or not arising out of third-party claims
         and including all amounts paid in investigation, defense or settlement
         of the foregoing) sustained, suffered





                                       40
<PAGE>   45
         or incurred by any of them (hereafter, an "Indemnified Loss") in
         connection with, or incident to:

                 (a)      Conditions, circumstances or occurrences which
                 constitute or result in any breach of any representation,
                 warranty or covenant of the Seller on its own behalf or on
                 behalf of any member of the Foster Grant Group contained in
                 this Agreement or in any agreement, Schedule or Exhibit
                 referred to herein or attached hereto, or in the Financial
                 Statements or in any other certificate or related document
                 delivered at or prior to the Closing, or by reason of any
                 claim, action or proceeding asserted or instituted arising out
                 of any matter or thing covered by any such representations,
                 warranty or covenants made by the Seller;

                 (b)      Any liabilities arising out of the Excluded 
                 Liabilities.

                 Provided, however, that no indemnification shall be payable
                 with respect to claims asserted by the Purchaser to the extent
                 the Indemnified Parties have insurance that would cover such
                 Indemnified Losses.

         8.2.    By the Purchaser and AAi.  The Purchaser and AAi agree to
         indemnify the Seller (including its employees, directors and
         officers), and any other permitted successor or assignee of the
         Seller, to hold harmless from and against any and all Indemnified
         Losses incurred by any of them in connection with, or incident to:

                 (a)      conditions, circumstances or occurrences which
                 constitute or result in any breach in any representation,
                 warranty, covenant or agreement of the Purchaser contained in
                 this Agreement or in any Schedule or Exhibit referred to
                 herein attached hereto, or in any agreement referred to herein
                 or in any schedule, certificate or other related document
                 delivered at or prior to the Closing, or by reason of any
                 claim, action or proceeding asserted or instituted arising out
                 of any matter or thing covered by any such representations,
                 warranty or covenants made by the Purchaser or AAi (other than
                 as a result of a breach or violation actually known to the
                 Indemnified Party, hereafter defined, prior to the Closing).

                 (b)      any failure by the Purchaser, or, after the Closing
                 Date, by any member of the Foster Grant Group or the
                 Partnership, to pay amounts due third parties or other
                 indebtedness, or otherwise arising from or relating to (i)
                 obligations or liabilities of the members of the Foster Grant
                 Group or the Partnership (other than the Excluded Liabilities)
                 or (ii) the liabilities described in Section 2.6, above.

         Provided, however, that no indemnification shall be payable with
         respect to claims asserted by the Seller to the extent the Indemnified
         Parties have insurance that would cover such Indemnified Losses.





                                       41
<PAGE>   46
         8.3     Limitations.

                 (a)      No indemnification shall be payable by either party
                 through claims asserted by an Indemnified Party more than two
                 (2) years after the Closing Date, other than indemnification
                 claims based upon Income Tax liabilities of the Foster Grant
                 Group, with respect to which the Seller's obligation to
                 indemnify shall extend until the applicable statutes of
                 limitations on enforcement thereof has expired, but in no
                 event more than seven (7) years after the Closing Date, or
                 until the conclusion of any proceeding commenced within such
                 period.  Seller and Purchaser, respectively, shall not be
                 liable for indemnification under Section 8.1(a) or Section
                 8.2(a) unless and until the aggregate amount of Indemnified
                 Loss for the Indemnified Party under the appropriate Section
                 referred to above shall equal or exceed $250,000 (the
                 "Threshold"), and in no case shall either party assert any
                 claim for indemnification under this Article 8 for any
                 Indemnified Loss included within such party's Threshold;
                 provided, that, notwithstanding anything contained in the
                 foregoing to the contrary, the Threshold shall not apply in
                 the case of an Indemnified Loss described in Section 8.1(b) or
                 Section 8.2(b).  Notwithstanding anything contained in this
                 Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall Seller be liable
                 for any Indemnified Losses in excess of the Purchase Price, as
                 adjusted pursuant to this Agreement.

                 (b)      Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article 8
                 to the contrary, the parties have agreed to share in the
                 Litigation Costs as set forth more fully in Section 2.4(b),
                 above.  Such agreed cost sharing shall apply with respect to
                 such Litigation Costs and the Litigation Liabilities, and
                 neither party shall assert a claim for indemnification under
                 this Article 8 unless and until the other party shall have
                 failed to perform its obligations under such Section 2.4, in
                 which case the Threshold provided in Section 8.3(a), above,
                 shall not apply; or, in the event aggregate Litigation Costs
                 exceed $500,000, in which case Purchaser may assert a claim
                 for indemnification hereunder and the Threshold provided in
                 Section 8.3(a) shall not apply.

         8.4     Indemnity Procedures.

                 (a)      Any party entitled to indemnification hereunder
                 ("Indemnified Party") shall give prompt, written notice to the
                 other party ("Indemnifying Party") of any claim hereunder
                 specifying the amount and nature of the claim.  The failure to
                 so notify an Indemnifying Party will not relieve the
                 Indemnifying Party of any liability that it may otherwise have
                 under this Agreement, unless such failure materially and
                 adversely prejudices the Indemnifying Party;

                 (b)      The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to take
                 such action as in its judgment is necessary or desirable to
                 contest any matter involving a third party that gives rise to
                 an Indemnified Loss and shall conduct at its expense the
                 defense, by counsel mutually and reasonably satisfactory to
                 the parties, of any claim or legal proceeding commenced by a
                 third party insofar as it relates to an Indemnified Loss;





                                       42
<PAGE>   47
                 (c)      The Indemnified party will not pay or satisfy any
                 obligation constituting and Indemnified Loss if it is advised
                 in writing that such amount is being contested in good faith
                 by the Indemnifying Party, and if and so long as the
                 Indemnifying Party in fact actively contests the same, or, in
                 the case of a proceeding described in clause (b) above,
                 actively defends the same as set forth in (b) above.  No
                 settlement of any such proceeding shall be made without the
                 consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent will not be
                 unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.  The
                 Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate in (but
                 not to control, unless the Indemnified Party, after receiving
                 notice of a claim, has failed to take any action with respect
                 to such claim) the defense of any such legal proceeding at its
                 expense by counsel of its choice and shall cooperate in the
                 defense of any such claim (including providing such access to
                 its books, records and properties as the Indemnifying Party
                 shall reasonably request with respect to any matter for which
                 indemnification is sought hereunder), but shall be entitled to
                 be reimbursed as provided herein for all costs and expenses
                 (including reasonable attorney's fees) incurred in connection
                 with cooperation furnished at the request of the Indemnifying
                 Party.  The parties shall use all reasonable efforts to
                 resolve equitably and expeditiously any dispute between them
                 as to an Indemnified Loss, pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof.

                 (d)      With regard to claims of third parties for which
                 indemnification is payable hereunder, such indemnification
                 shall be paid the Indemnifying Party upon the earlier to occur
                 of: (1) the entry of a judgment against the Indemnified Party
                 and the expiration of any applicable appeal period, or if
                 earlier, five (5) days prior to the date that the judgment
                 creditor has the right to execute the judgment; (2) the entry
                 of an unappealable judgment or final appellate decision
                 against the Indemnified Party; or (3) a settlement of the
                 claim.  With regard to other Indemnified Losses payable
                 hereunder, such indemnification shall be paid promptly by the
                 Indemnifying Party upon demand by the Indemnified Party.

9.       Miscellaneous.

         9.1     Public Statements.  Except as may be required by law, or as
         otherwise provided under Section 7.1 of this Agreement, before any
         party hereto shall release any information concerning this Agreement
         that is intended for or may result in public dissemination thereof,
         they shall cooperate with the other party hereto, shall furnish drafts
         of all documents or proposed oral statements to each other for
         comments, and shall not release any such information without the
         consent of the other party hereto, which consent shall not be
         unreasonably withheld.  Nothing contained herein shall prevent any
         party from furnishing any information required by law, rule or
         regulation, including the rules of a national securities exchange; or
         to any governmental authority if required to do so by law or court
         order.

         9.2     Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants.  All
         representations, warranties and covenants herein or in any attached
         schedule, certificate, statement or other supporting document shall be
         deemed to have been relied upon by the party in





                                       43
<PAGE>   48
         whose favor such provisions operate and, subject to applicable time
         and recovery limitations thereon in Section 8 hereof, shall survive
         the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing Date and
         continue in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made
         by or on behalf of such party at any time, except to the extent that a
         party had actual, specific knowledge of a breach or violation thereof
         prior to the Closing Date, which the party alleging such knowledge
         must prove by a preponderance of the evidence.

         9.3     No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement shall not confer
         any rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties hereto
         and the Indemnified Parties and their respective successors and
         permitted assigns and other than the Foster Grant Group employees
         identified pursuant to the Schedules hereto as intended recipients of
         certain bonuses pursuant to Section 7.6 hereto.

         9.4     Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, including the Schedules,
         Exhibits and other documents attached hereto and referred to herein,
         constitutes the entire agreement among the parties and supersedes and
         prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the
         parties, written or oral, to the extent they have related in any way
         to the subject matter hereof.

         9.5     Succession and Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding
         upon and inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties named
         herein and their respective successors (including, without limitation,
         successors by operation of law) and permitted assigns.  No party may
         assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
         obligations hereunder, except to a wholly-owned subsidiary, without
         the consent of the other party, which shall not be unreasonably
         withheld.

         9.6     Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more
         counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of
         which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

         9.7     Headings and Recitals.  The section Headings and Recitals
         contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and
         shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
         Agreement.

         9.8     Notices.  All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
         communications hereunder will be in writing.  Any notice, request,
         demand, claim, or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly
         given if it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
         requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as
         set forth below:

                          If to the Seller:

                          BEC Group, Inc.
                          555 Theodore Fremd Avenue
                          Suite B-302





                                       44
<PAGE>   49
                          Rye, New York  10580
                          Telecopier:  (914) 967-9405
                          Attn:  Martin Franklin, CEO

                          with a copy to:

                          Kane Kessler, P.C.
                          1350 Avenue of the Americas
                          New York, New York  10019-4896
                          Attn:  Robert Lawrence


                          If to the Purchaser:

                          Foster Grant Holdings, Inc.
                          1601 Valley View Lane
                          Dallas, Texas 75234
                          Attn:  Duane DeSisto

                          with a copy to:

                          Stephen J. Carlotti, Esq.
                          Hinckley, Allen & Snyder
                          1500 Fleet Center
                          Providence, Rhode Island 02903

                          If to AAi:

                          Accessories Associates, Inc
                          500 George Washington Highway
                          Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917
                          Attn:  Gerald F. Cerce

                          with a copy to:

                          Stephen J. Carlotti, Esq.
                          Hinckley, Allen & Snyder
                          1500 Fleet Center
                          Providence, Rhode Island 02903

         Any party may send any notice, request, demand, claim, or other
         communication hereunder to the intended recipient at the address set
         forth above using any other means (including personal delivery,
         expedited courier, messenger service, telecopy, telex, ordinary mail,
         or electronic mail), but no such notice, request, demand, claim, or
         other communication shall be deemed to have been duly given unless and
         until it actually is received by the intended recipient.  Any party
         may change the address to which notices,





                                       45
<PAGE>   50
         requests, demands, claims, and other communications hereunder are to
         be delivered by giving the other parties notice in the manner herein
         set forth.

         9.9     Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
         construed in accordance with the internal substantive laws of the
         State of New York, without regard to its principles of conflicts of
         law.

         9.10    Amendments and Waivers.  No amendment of any provision of this
         Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and
         signed by authorized representatives of the Purchaser, AAi and the
         Seller.  No waiver by any party or any default,


                     [THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]





                                       46
<PAGE>   51
         misrepresentation or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether
         intentional or not, shall be deemed to extend to any prior or
         subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or
         covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights incorporated herein
         by reference and made a part hereof.

         9.11    Severability.  Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
         invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall
         not affect the validity or enforceability of the offending term or
         provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.

         9.12    Agreements, Documents and Instruments.  Unless otherwise
         expressly provided or unless the context requires otherwise,
         references to any agreement, document or instrument shall be deemed to
         mean and include such agreement, document or instrument as amended,
         modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the
         terms hereof.

         9.13    Expenses.  Except as expressly provided in Section 7.15,
         above, each party agrees to pay, without right of reimbursement from
         the other party, the costs incurred by it incident to the performance
         of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, costs
         incident to the preparation of this Agreement, and the fees and
         disbursements of counsel, accountants and consultants employed by such
         party in connection herewith.

         9.14    AAi Guaranty.  AAi hereby guarantees the full and complete
         performance by the Purchaser of all of the Purchaser's obligations
         under this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions contained
         herein.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement as of the date first written above.



                                            FOSTER GRANT HOLDINGS, INC.
                                            
                                            
                                            By:  
                                               ---------------------------------

                                            Title:  
                                                  ------------------------------
                                            
                                            
                                            BEC GROUP, INC.
                                            
                                            
                                            By:  
                                               ---------------------------------

                                            Title:  
                                                  ------------------------------
                                            




                                       47
<PAGE>   52
                                            FOSTER GRANT GROUP, L.P.

                                            
                                            By:  
                                               ---------------------------------

                                            Title:  
                                                  ------------------------------



                                            ACCESSORIES ASSOCIATES, INC.

                                            
                                            By:  
                                               ---------------------------------

                                            Title:  
                                                  ------------------------------





                                       48
<PAGE>   53
                          Schedule 5.3
                       Capital Structure

Class A Preferred Non-Voting Stock:

         Voting Rights:                None
         Dividend Rights:              None
         Convertible:                  No
         Redemption Date:              February 28, 2000

         Redemption Pay-Out:           Will be redeemed by the Purchaser by 
                                       payment of an amount determined with
                                       reference to the combined net sales of
                                       sunglasses, reading glasses and
                                       accessories by the Foster Grant Group and
                                       AAi for the year ending December 31,
                                       1999, determined in accordance with
                                       generally accepted accounting principles
                                       consistently applied and excluding an
                                       amount equal to the net sales determined
                                       in accordance with generally accepted
                                       accounting principles consistently
                                       applied, by AAi of such products for the
                                       year ending December 31, 1996, as
                                       follows:
        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Foster Grant Group Net Sales:             Redemption Amount:
         ----------------------------              ----------------- 
         <S>                                           <C>         
         $90,000,000 or less:                          $1,000,000  
         greater than $100,000,000:                    $2,000,000  
         greater than $110,000,000:                    $4,000,000  
         greater than $120,000,000:                    $6,000,000  
</TABLE>

         The amount payable by Purchaser shall be prorated for net sales between
         the targets specified above.
        
         Optional Payment:             AAi will agree that Seller may, at its 
                                       option, exchange the Preferred Stock for
                                       shares of AAi common stock in the event
                                       AAi completes an initial public offering
                                       ("IPO") at any time within three (3)
                                       years of the Closing Date.  The Seller
                                       shall have sixty (60) days from the date
                                       of the closing of the IPO in which to
                                       exchange the Preferred Stock.  In the
                                       event that the Seller shall fail to
                                       exchange the Preferred Stock in
                                       accordance with the terms of this
                                       Optional Payment, then the Seller shall
                                       forever forfeit the right and privilege
                                       to effect such exchange.  The number of
                                       shares to be issued by AAi upon such
                                       exchange shall be equal to the maximum
                                       potential Redemption Pay-Out divided by
                                       the per share initial offering price,
                                       multiplied by .85.  Any AAi shares so
                                       issued will be restricted securities. 
                                       AAi will afford the holder "piggyback"
                                       registration rights.
        
         Common Stock:                 Ten thousand (10,000) shares of common 
                                       stock, par value of $.01 per share.






<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                           5,358
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   11,467
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     16,858
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                68,265
<PP&E>                                          14,673
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 111,762
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           33,101
<BONDS>                                         18,930
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           176
<OTHER-SE>                                       7,303
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   111,762
<SALES>                                         51,800
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                51,800
<CGS>                                           28,965
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   28,965
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                14,324
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,856
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,655
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,262
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,393
<DISCONTINUED>                                  77,744
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    82,137
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     4.65
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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