VALLEY NATIONAL GASES INC
8-K, 1997-10-14
CHEMICALS & ALLIED PRODUCTS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


                        Date of Report: October 14, 1997

              Date of Earliest Event Reported: September 29, 1997


                       VALLEY NATIONAL GASES INCORPORATED
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                                  Pennsylvania
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)


        000-29226                                     23-2888240
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (Commission File Number)               (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


                 67 43rd Street, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          (Address of principal executive office, including zip code)


                                 (304) 232-1541
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
<PAGE>   2
ITEM 2. ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

        On September 29, 1997, Valley National Gases Incorporated completed its 
previously announced acquisition of the industrial gas and welding supply 
distribution business of Goss Brothers Welding Supply, Inc. ("Goss Brothers"). 
The aggregate consideration for the stock of Goss Brothers and certain 
non-competition covenants by the shareholders of Goss Brothers was $9.1 
million, of which $7.9 million was paid in cash at the closing and the balance 
is deferred and payable in installments. Funds for the cash portion of the 
purchase price were borrowed under the company's existing credit facility.

        Goss Brothers has seven locations located in Western Pennsylvania and 
headquarters in Falls Creek, Pennsylvania. Goss Brothers has annualized sales 
of approximately $7.1 million. The business acquired offers a full range of 
products, including industrial gases, welding supplies, arc equipment, safety 
supplies and propane to a broad and established customer base.

ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

        (a)  Financial statements of businesses acquired.

             Not applicable.

        (b)  Pro forma financial information.

             Not applicable.      

        (c)  Exhibits.

             2.1   Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 10, 1997 among 
                   Albert E. Moore, Earle M. Moore, Linda A. Scull, Patricia 
                   Moore, Valley National Gases, Inc., and West Rentals, Inc.
  
<PAGE>   3

                                   SIGNATURES

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


                                            VALLEY NATIONAL GASES INCORPORATED 


                                            By: /s/ Robert D. Scherich
                                                ------------------------------
                                                Robert D. Scherich
                                                Chief Financial Officer


Date: October 14, 1997


<PAGE>   1
                                                                  Exhibit 2.1


                          PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT, made as of the 10th day of September, 1997 by and
among ALBERT E. MOORE, EARLE M. MOORE AND LINDA A. SCULL ("SELLERS" as
hereinafter defined); ALBERT E. MOORE AND PATRICIA MOORE ("REAL ESTATE LESSORS"
as hereinafter defined); EARLE M. MOORE AND LINDA D. MOORE, TRADING AS E&L
CYLINDERS ("CYLINDER SELLERS" as hereinafter defined); VALLEY NATIONAL GASES,
INC., a West Virginia corporation, ("STOCK PURCHASER" as hereinafter defined);
and WEST RENTALS, INC., ("WEST" as hereinafter defined).

         WITNESSETH, that for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements contained in this Agreement and in reliance with the representations
and warranties set forth herein, the parties intending to be legally bound,
agree as follows:

         1.   DEFINITIONS.

         In this Agreement, whenever the context so indicates, the singular or
plural and the masculine, feminine or neutral gender shall be deemed to include
the others, the reference to any statutory provision of law shall include any
subsequent amendments thereto; and the capitalized terms shall have the
following meanings:

                  (a) "ADVERSE TITLE CONDITION" means any restriction,
limitation, adverse claim of right or interest in and/or to all or part of the
Moore Cylinders or Real Estate as well as any lien assessments, charges,
encumbrances, or other cloud on or exception to title, of any nature which
affecting the Moore Cylinders or Real Estate, except for any Permitted
Encumbrances.

                  (b) "AGREEMENT" means this Purchase and Sale Agreement dated
as of the 10th day of September, 1997, by and among Sellers, Real Estate
Lessors, Cylinder Sellers, Stock Purchaser, and West.


<PAGE>   2



                  (c) "BILL OF SALE" means the Bill of Sale and Assignment of
the Moore Cylinders to Stock Purchaser by Cylinder Seller in the form and upon
the terms of Bill of Sale and Assignment attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference as Exhibit "A".

                  (d) "BUSINESS" means the business of Goss for the sale and
distribution of welding supply products, industrial and specialty gases as well
as liquid propane.

                  (e) "CERCLA" means Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980.

                  (f) "CLAIMS" means any claim, liability, expense, loss or
other damage, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses incurred or expended with respect to any of the foregoing; provided,
however, Claims shall not include any right to recover or indemnification for
consequential damages.

                  (g) "CLOSING" means the following:

                      (i)   The sale, transfer and delivery of the Stock by
                            Sellers to Stock Purchaser, and Stock Purchaser's
                            acquisition of one hundred percent (100%) ownership
                            interest in and to Goss, as of the Effective Date,
                            free and clear of restrictions, limitations, liens
                            or encumbrances, for and in consideration of the
                            payment of the Stock Purchase Price, subject to Post
                            Closing Adjustments.

                      (ii)  The execution and delivery by all appropriate
                            parties of any and all incidental and related
                            documents, instruments and assurances as well as the
                            consummation of all prerequisite activities required
                            of any of the parties hereto contemplated and
                            required by the terms and conditions of this
                            Agreement.

                                       2

<PAGE>   3



                  (h) "CLOSING DATE" means the 29th day of September, 1997, at
10:00 o'clock, A.M. (EDT) or such later date and/or time agreeable to all
parties hereto, when the Closing will take place.

                  (i) "CLOSING DATE STOCK PAYMENT" means the Stock Purchase 
Price, subject to and less the Escrow.

                  (j) "CYLINDER SELLERS" means Earle M. Moore and Linda D.
Moore, trading as E&L Cylinders, who own the Moore Cylinders and who at Closing
shall lease the Moore Cylinders to Stock Purchaser under the terms of the Moore
Cylinders Lease and at the Moore Cylinder Closing shall sell, transfer and
assign the Moore Cylinders to Stock Purchaser at Closing by means of the Bill
of Sale for and in consideration of the Moore Cylinder Purchase Payment.

                  (k) "CYLINDERS AND TANKS" means merchantable high and low
pressure gas cylinders, liquid containers and bulk tanks owned by Goss.

                  (l) "DEED" means the instrument wherein Albert E. Moore and
Patricia Moore sell and convey West marketable fee simple title in and to the
Real Estate by conveyance with general warranty.

                  (m) "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the 29th day of September, 1997 
at 12:01 o'clock A.M. (EDT).

                  (n) "EFFECTIVE DATE FINANCIAL STATEMENT" means the balance
sheet and operating and revenue statement with all supplementary information
and notes reflecting Goss's financial condition as of the Effective Date.

                  (o) "EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS" means the following:


                      (i)   The Employment Agreements by and between Stock
                            Purchaser and Earle M. Moore, Linda A. Scull, Linda
                            D. Moore, and Alan

                                       3

<PAGE>   4



                            Moore upon all terms and conditions contained in the
                            Employment Agreements subject of Paragraph 10(b),
                            upon the terms and in the form of Employment
                            Agreements attached hereto and incorporated herein
                            by reference as Exhibits "B-1", "B-2", "B-3", and
                            "B-4".

                      (ii)  The Employment Agreements by and between Stock
                            Purchaser as Purchaser, Goss as Employer, and as
                            well four (4) key employees, namely, David Moore,
                            Scott Miller, Gary Kahle, and Robert Crawford, upon
                            all terms and conditions contained in the respective
                            Employment Agreements subject of Paragraph
                            10(b)(ii), upon the terms and in the form of
                            Employment Agreement attached hereto and
                            incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits "B-5",
                            "B-6", "B-7", and "B-8".

                  (p) "ENVIRONMENTAL LAW" means CERCLA, SARA, RCRA, TSCA, or any
other law or regulation relating to the environment as well as Hazardous
Materials enacted or promulgated by any Federal, state or other governmental
authority.

                  (q) "ESCROW" means the Three Hundred Thirty-one Thousand
Dollars ($331,000.00) which shall be deducted from the Closing Date Stock Price
payment due at Closing, and deposited into an interest bearing Escrow account
pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement, to provide assurance and payment
of cash funds necessary to reimburse Stock Purchaser for Post Closing
Adjustments.

                  (r) "ESCROW AGREEMENT" means the agreement establishing an
governing the Escrow in the term and upon the terms and conditions contained in
the Escrow Agreement attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit "C".


                                       4

<PAGE>   5



                  (s) "EXCLUDED ASSETS" means the following:

                      (i)   Personal notes of Sellers to Goss evidencing
                            corporate loans to shareholders as reflected upon
                            the June 30, 1997 Financial Statements; which
                            indebtedness has been cancelled as of the date of
                            this Agreement as set forth in Paragraph 10(e); and,

                      (ii)  Dividend declared and paid by Goss to Sellers
                            prior to date of this Agreement in the form of
                            marketable securities owned by Goss with a market
                            value as of date of dividend distribution in the
                            amount of Forty-seven Thousand Seven Hundred
                            Seventy-one Dollars ($47,771.00), as set forth in
                            Paragraph 10(e).

                  (t) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means the value of the Real
Estate determined as follows:

                      (i)   In the event West exercises any of the Purchase
                            Options no later than ninety (90) days prior to any
                            applicable Real Estate Closing, West shall procure a
                            real estate appraisal from a qualified, independent,
                            Certified Real Estate Appraiser, at its sole cost
                            and expense, a real estate appraiser of the
                            applicable Real Estate (the Primary Business Site as
                            well as either or both of the Secondary Business
                            Sites pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) to
                            determine its Fair Market Value.  The Fair Market
                            Value of the applicable Real Estate as established
                            by West's appraiser shall be the Fair Market Value
                            of the applicable Real Estate, if agreed to by Real
                            Estate Lessors.

                                       5

<PAGE>   6



                      (ii)  In the event that Real Estate Lessors disagree
                            and dispute the Fair Market Value established by
                            West's appraiser, within fifteen (15) days after
                            receipt of West's Certified Real Estate Appraisal,
                            Real Estate Lessors shall retain, at their sole cost
                            sand expense, a qualified, independent, Certified
                            Real Estate Appraiser to appraise the real estate to
                            determine the Fair Market Value for the applicable
                            Real Estate.  In the event that the value of the
                            applicable tract of real estate as determined by
                            Real Estate Lessors' and West's appraisers varies by
                            ten percent (10%) or less, then the Fair Market
                            Value for the purposes of establishing the Real
                            Estate Purchase Price hereunder shall be the average
                            of the two values established by the said qualified,
                            independent, Certified Real Estate Appraisers.  In
                            the further event that the Fair Market Value as
                            determined by said appraisers varies by more than
                            ten percent (10%), then the said appraisers shall
                            retain a third, independent, qualified, Certified
                            Real Estate Appraiser to determine Fair Market Value
                            of the applicable Real Estate.  In this further
                            event, Fair Market Value for the purposes of
                            establishing the Real Estate Purchase Price shall be
                            the average between the Fair Market Value determined
                            by the third independent appraiser and the appraiser
                            whose Fair Market Value more closely equals the Fair
                            Market Value determined by the third independent
                            appraiser.  The cost and expense of the third
                            appraiser shall be borne equally by the Real Estate
                            Lessors and the West.

                                       6

<PAGE>   7



                  (u) "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" means the following: (i) all
balance sheets together with operating and revenue statements for Goss, with all
supplementary information and notes for the three (3) twelve (12) month periods
ending December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996, attached hereto and incorporated
herein collectively as Exhibit "D"; (ii) the June 30, 1997 balance sheet
together with operating and revenue statements for Goss, with all supplementary
information and notes; (iii) the Effective Date Financial Statement, as
herein before defined; and (iv) Goss's Federal income tax returns and state
income tax returns for its three (3) fiscal years 1994, 1995 and 1996. None of
the Financial Statements shall be audited Financial Statements.

                  (v) "GAAP" means Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

                  (w) "GOSS" means Goss Brothers Welding Supply, Inc., a
Pennsylvania corporation, which has its principal place of business at the
Primary Business Site, 167 Third Street, Falls Creek, Pennsylvania 15840, and
which has branch operations at the Secondary Business Sites and at the Tertiary
Business Sites.

                  (x) "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" means any hazardous or toxic
material, waste or substances now identified as hazardous or toxic by CERCLA,
SARA, RCRA, TSCA or any other Environmental Law.

                  (y) "INTERIM ORDINARY COURSE LIABILITIES" means Goss's costs
and expenses incurred in the operation of the Business in the ordinary and
customary course (non-capital costs and/or expenditures) during the period of
time from June 30, 1997 up through and including Closing Date.

                  (z) "MOORE CYLINDER LEASE" means the Lease of all of the
Moore Cylinders by Cylinder Sellers, as Lessor, to Stock Purchaser, as Lessee,
for a lease term extending from Closing Date up through the Moore Cylinder
Purchase Closing Date for an

                                       7

<PAGE>   8



aggregate monthly rental of One Dollar ($1.00), in the form and upon the term of
Moore Cylinder Lease attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit "E".

                    (aa) "MOORE CYLINDER PURCHASE CLOSING" means the following:

                         (i)  Sale, transfer and assignment by means of the
                              Bill of Sale of the Moore Cylinders by the
                              Cylinder Sellers to Stock Purchaser, and Stock
                              Purchaser's acquisition of all of the Moore
                              Cylinders as of the Moore Cylinder Purchase
                              Closing Date free and clear of restrictions,
                              limitations, liens and encumbrances for and in
                              consideration of payment by Stock Purchaser to
                              Cylinder Sellers, of the Moore Cylinder Purchase
                              Price by bank wire transfer.

                         (ii) The execution and delivery by all appropriate
                              parties of any and all incidental and related
                              documents, instruments and assurances as well as
                              the consummation of all prerequisite activities
                              required of any of the parties hereto contemplated
                              and required by the terms and conditions of this
                              Agreement.

                    (bb) "MOORE CYLINDER PURCHASE CLOSING DATE" means the 1st
day of June, 1998, at 10:00 o'clock A.M. (EDT) or such later date and/or time
agreeable to all parties hereto, when the Moore Cylinder Purchase Closing will
take place.

                    (cc) "MOORE CYLINDER PURCHASE PAYMENT" means One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000.00), together with interest accrued thereon for and during
the eight (8) month period from Closing Date to the Moore Cylinder Purchase
Closing Date equivalent to the per annum rate one (1) year U.S. treasury bill
rate in effect on the 26th day of September, 1997, plus one-half percent (1/2%).

                                       8

<PAGE>   9



                    (dd) "MOORE CYLINDER PURCHASE PAYMENT LETTER OF CREDIT"
means an irrevocable letter of credit issued by Bank One, Indiana, N.A. securing
the Moore Cylinder Purchase Price Payment.

                    (ee) "MOORE CYLINDERS" means all merchantable high and low
pressure gas cylinders, liquid containers and bulk tanks owned by Cylinder
Sellers of the number, type and unit value, set forth on Exhibit "F".

                    (ff) "NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENTS" means the agreements in
the form and upon the terms of the Non-Competition Agreements attached hereto
and incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits "G-1", "G-2", and "G-3".

                    (gg) "PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES" shall mean the following:

                         (i)  Existing zoning ordinances, rules and regulations;
                              and

                         (ii) Real Estate taxes and assessments not due and
                              payable.

                    (hh) "POST CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS" means any applicable
adjustment to Stock Purchase Price, to be made one hundred forty (140) days
after Closing, as required by and pursuant to Paragraph 3(b) and all
subparagraphs thereof.

                    (ii) "PRIMARY BUSINESS SITE" means the Real Estate with all
buildings and improvements situate at 167 Third Street, Falls Creek,
Pennsylvania, currently owned by Albert E. Moore and Patricia Moore, and
utilized by Goss in and about the operation of the Business as its primary
business location.

                    (jj) "PURCHASE OPTION" means the following:

                         (i)  The sole right and option of West to purchase
                              the Primary Business Site Real Estate at the
                              termination of the Primary Business Site Real
                              Estate Lease for and in consideration of payment
                              at the Real Estate Closing by West, its successors
                              and

                                       9

<PAGE>   10



                                    assigns, of the Real Estate Purchase Price
                                    to Real Estate Lessors, their successors and
                                    assigns, pursuant to and in accordance with
                                    the "Purchase Option" provision contained in
                                    the Primary Business Site Real Estate Lease,
                                    Exhibit "H-1" attached hereto.

                           (ii)     The sole right and option of West to
                                    purchase the Brookville Real Estate, one of
                                    the Secondary Business Sites Real Estate at
                                    the termination of the Real Estate Lease
                                    for the Brookville Real Estate for and in
                                    consideration of payment at the Real Estate
                                    Closing by West, its successors and
                                    assigns, of the Real Estate Purchase Price
                                    to Real Estate Lessors, their successors
                                    and assigns, pursuant to and in accordance
                                    with the "Purchase Option" provision
                                    contained in the Secondary Business Sites
                                    Real Estate Lease, Exhibit "H-2" attached
                                    hereto.

                           (iii)    The sole right and option of West to
                                    purchase the Clearfield Real Estate, one of
                                    the Secondary Business Sites Real Estate at
                                    the termination of the Real Estate Lease for
                                    the Clearfield Real Estate for and in
                                    consideration of payment at the Real Estate
                                    Closing by West, its successors and assigns,
                                    of the Real Estate Purchase Price to Real
                                    Estate Lessors, their successors and
                                    assigns, pursuant to and in accordance with
                                    the "Purchase Option" provision contained in
                                    the Secondary Business Sites Real Estate
                                    Lease, Exhibit "H-3" attached hereto.

                  (kk)     "RCRA" means the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act.

                                       10

<PAGE>   11



                  (ll) "REAL ESTATE" means the Primary Business Site, the
description of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit "I-1", as well the Secondary Business Sites, the descriptions of which
are attached hereto as Exhibits "I-2" and "I- 3", respectively; all of which
owned by Real Estate Lessors are to be leased by Real Estate Lessors to West,
and are subject to the Purchase Option.

                  (mm) "REAL ESTATE CLOSING" means the following:

                           (i)      In the event West exercises the Purchase
                                    Option for the Primary Business Location,
                                    Real Estate Lessors' sale, transfer and
                                    conveyance of marketable fee simple title
                                    to the Primary Business Site by General
                                    Warranty Deed, free and clear of any
                                    Adverse Title Condition on the 1st day of
                                    October, 2007, at 167 Third Street, Falls
                                    Creek, Pennsylvania  15840, or such other
                                    location in the Village of Falls Creek,
                                    Pennsylvania, or such other location
                                    mutually agreeable to Real Estate Lessors
                                    and West, for and in consideration of the
                                    payment by West to Real Estate Lessors of
                                    the Real Estate Purchase Price for the
                                    Primary Business Site; and as well the
                                    execution and delivery by all appropriate
                                    parties of any and all incidental and
                                    related documents, instruments and
                                    assurances as well as the consummation of
                                    all prerequisite activities required of any
                                    of the parties hereto contemplated and
                                    required by the terms and conditions of
                                    this Agreement.

                           (ii)     In the event West exercises the Purchase
                                    Option for either or both of the Secondary
                                    Business Sites, Real Estate Lessors' sale,
                                    transfer and conveyance of marketable fee
                                    simple title to the Secondary

                                       11

<PAGE>   12



                                    Business Sites to be sold and conveyed by
                                    General Warranty Deed, free and clear of
                                    any Adverse Title Condition on the 1st day
                                    of October, 2002, at 167 Third Street,
                                    Falls Creek, Pennsylvania 15840, or such
                                    other location in the Village of Falls
                                    Creek, Pennsylvania, or such other location
                                    mutually agreeable to Real Estate Lessors
                                    and West, for and in consideration of the
                                    payment by West to Real Estate Lessors of
                                    the Real Estate Purchase Price for the
                                    Secondary Business Sites for which West has
                                    exercised its Purchase Option; and as well
                                    the execution and delivery by all
                                    appropriate parties of any and all
                                    incidental and related documents,
                                    instruments and assurances as well as the
                                    consummation of all prerequisite activities
                                    required of any of the parties hereto
                                    contemplated and required by the terms and
                                    conditions of this Agreement.

                  (nn)     "REAL ESTATE LEASES" means the following:

                           (i)      The ten (10) year lease between Real Estate
                                    Lessors and West for the Primary Business
                                    Site in the form and upon all terms of the
                                    Primary Business Site Lease attached hereto
                                    and incorporated herein by reference as
                                    Exhibit "H-1".
                           (ii)     The five (5) year lease between Real Estate
                                    Lessors and West for the Brookville,
                                    Pennsylvania Real Estate, one of the
                                    Secondary Business Sites, in the form and
                                    upon all terms of the Secondary Business
                                    Sites Lease attached hereto and
                                    incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit
                                    "H-2".

                                       12

<PAGE>   13



                           (iii)            The five (5) year lease between
                                            Real Estate Lessors and West for
                                            the Clearfield, Pennsylvania Real
                                            Estate, one of the Secondary
                                            Business Sites, in the form and
                                            upon all terms of the Secondary
                                            Business Sites Lease attached
                                            hereto and incorporated herein by
                                            reference as Exhibit "H-3".

                  (oo) "REAL ESTATE LESSORS" means Albert E. Moore and
Patricia Moore, owners of the Primary Business Site and Secondary Business
Sites.

                  (pp) "REAL ESTATE PURCHASE PRICE" means the Fair Market Value
of the Real Estate as determined for each of the Primary Business Site and
Secondary Business Sites as applicable, in the event West exercises its
Purchase Option for the purchase of Primary Business Site and/or either or both
of the Secondary Business Sites.

                  (qq) "SARA" means the Superfund Amendment and 
Re-authorization Act of 1986.

                  (rr) "SECONDARY BUSINESS SITES" means the Real Estate with
all buildings and improvements situate in or about Brookville, Pennsylvania and
Clearfield, Pennsylvania, currently owned by Albert E. Moore and Patricia
Moore, and utilized by Goss in and about the operation of the Business as
branch Business locations.

                  (ss) "SELLERS" means Albert E. Moore, Earle M. Moore and
Linda A.  Scull.  Sellers, who collectively are all of the [one hundred percent
(100%)] owners of the Stock of Goss in the following shareholding amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SHAREHOLDER                        NUMBER OF SHARES
                  -----------                        ----------------
                  <S>                                 <C>
                  Albert E. Moore                        249 shares
                  Earle M. Moore                           1 share
                  Linda A. Scull                           1 share

                  TOTAL SHARES:                          251 shares
</TABLE>

                                       13

<PAGE>   14



                  (tt) "STOCK" means all [one hundred percent (100%)] of the
issued and outstanding capital stock of Goss, comprised of two hundred
fifty-one (251) shares of Goss common stock with Ten Dollar ($10.00) par value.

                  (uu) "STOCK PURCHASE PRICE" means Six Million Six Hundred
Twenty Thousand Dollars ($6,620,000.00), subject to Post Closing Adjustments.

                  (vv) "TERTIARY BUSINESS SITES" means the five (5) Business
locations in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania; Indiana, Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney,
Pennsylvania; DuBois, Pennsylvania; and Clarion, Pennsylvania, utilized by Goss
in and about the operation of the Business and branch Business locations.

                  (ww) "TSCA" means the Toxic Substances Control Act.

                  (xx) "WEST" means West Rentals, Inc., a West Virginia 
corporation, with its principal place of business at 67 - 43rd Street,
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003.

         2. AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE. Subject to the terms and conditions
contained in this Agreement, at Closing the Sellers hereby agree to sell,
assign, transfer and deliver the Stock as of the Effective Date to Stock
Purchaser, and Stock Purchaser agrees to purchase all of the Stock from
Sellers; said sale and purchase of the Stock to be made free and clear of all
restrictions, limitations, liens, pledges, charges and encumbrances of any
nature for and in consideration of the payment of the Stock Purchase Price by
Stock Purchaser to Sellers;

         3. PURCHASE PAYMENTS.

                  (a)  Closing Payments.  At Closing, the Stock Purchaser
shall pay to Sellers the Closing Date Stock Payment subject to and less the
Escrow, by means of Stock Purchaser's bank wire transfer.


                                       14

<PAGE>   15



                  (b)      Post Closing Adjustments.

                           (i)      CYLINDER AND TANK ADJUSTMENT:  As of
                                    Closing, Goss and Cylinder Sellers will own
                                    free and clear of any and all liens and
                                    encumbrances at least sixteen thousand
                                    three hundred twenty-six (16,326) Cylinders
                                    and Tanks (excluding liquid containers
                                    hereinafter referenced) with an agreed upon
                                    unit value of Seventy- five Dollars
                                    ($75.00) per cylinder as well as at least
                                    one hundred twenty (120) liquid containers
                                    with an agreed upon unit value of One
                                    Thousand Dollars ($1000.00) each.  Within
                                    one hundred forty (140) days after Closing,
                                    Sellers and Stock Purchaser shall have
                                    jointly conducted (1) a book audit of
                                    Sellers' Cylinder and Tank records and/or
                                    (2) a physical inventory of Sellers'
                                    Cylinders and Tanks, to determine that Goss
                                    and Cylinder Sellers have at least the said
                                    sixteen thousand three hundred twenty-six
                                    thousand (16,326) Cylinders and Tanks and
                                    one hundred twenty (120) liquid containers.
                                    In the event after audit and inventory, the
                                    number of Cylinders and Tanks owned by Goss
                                    as of Closing, free and clear of liens and
                                    encumbrances, is less than the said number
                                    of Cylinders and Tanks represented as owned
                                    by Goss and Cylinder Sellers in this
                                    Paragraph 3(b)(i), the Stock Purchase Price
                                    shall be reduced as part of the Post
                                    Closing Adjustment by a dollar amount equal
                                    to the aggregate value of such deficiency
                                    of Cylinders and Tanks.  The value of any
                                    such deficiency shall be calculated by
                                    multiplying the number of of Cylinders and
                                    Tanks and liquid

                                       15

<PAGE>   16



                                    containers determined by the audit and
                                    inventory to be actually owned by Goss and
                                    Cylinder Sellers by Seventy-five Dollars
                                    ($75.00) per unit for missing cylinders and
                                    One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per unit
                                    for missing containers. Notwithstanding the
                                    foregoing, Stock Purchaser and Sellers
                                    agree that:


                                    (A)     In any instance wherein
                                            Stock Purchaser declines to bill a
                                            customer for lost Cylinders
                                            determined after the Cylinder
                                            audit and inventory aforesaid, there
                                            shall be no reduction in the
                                            Purchase Price attributable to such
                                            missing and lost Cylinders and
                                            Tanks and/or liquid containers;

                                    (B)     Notwithstanding Settlement pursuant
                                            to Paragraph 3(b)(iv) hereinafter,
                                            Sellers shall be entitled to credit
                                            for and repayment by Stock
                                            Purchaser or its successors in an
                                            amount not to exceed the amount of
                                            deductions to the Stock Purchase
                                            Price arising out of any Post
                                            Closing Adjustments to the Stock
                                            Purchase Price with respect to
                                            missing and lost Cylinders and
                                            Tanks, and/or liquid containers,
                                            which Goss receives with respect to
                                            the recovery and return of such
                                            Cylinders and Tanks and/or liquid
                                            containers by Goss or its
                                            successors during the period
                                            following settlement up to one (1)
                                            year after Closing Date;and,

                                    (C)     There shall be no reduction in the
                                            Purchase Price with respect to any
                                            Cylinder and Tanks lost or missing
                                            on with respect to the Kovalchick
                                            Corp. account.

                                       16

<PAGE>   17



                           (ii)     ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:  at Closing, Sellers
                                    shall furnish Stock Purchaser a schedule of
                                    Goss's accounts receivable certified as of
                                    Closing Date, fully itemized as to
                                    customer, amount and account aging history.
                                    After Closing Date, Stock Purchaser shall
                                    first apply all accounts receivable
                                    payments collected from each pre- closing
                                    account debtor to the oldest outstanding
                                    and unpaid account invoice for such
                                    pre-closing account debtor.  As of one
                                    hundred forty (140) days after Closing
                                    Date, Stock Purchaser (having used its best
                                    efforts to do so) expects to have collected
                                    all of Goss's Closing Date accounts
                                    receivable.  In the event that, as of one
                                    hundred forty (140) days after Closing
                                    Date, Stock Purchaser has not collected all
                                    of Goss's accounts receivable, the Stock
                                    Purchase Price shall be reduced as part of
                                    the Post Closing Adjustment by the
                                    equivalent dollar amount by which accounts
                                    receivable actually collected by Stock
                                    Purchaser is less than the amount reflected
                                    upon Sellers' certified schedule of Closing
                                    Date accounts receivable pursuant to an
                                    itemization of such uncollected accounts
                                    receivable, and delivered by Stock
                                    Purchaser to Sellers.  After payment to
                                    Stock Purchaser of Post Closing Adjustments
                                    hereunder in accordance with Paragraph
                                    3(b)(iv) Stock Purchaser shall assign and
                                    transfer all such uncollected Closing Date
                                    accounts receivables to Sellers.

                           (iii)    INVENTORY:  Prior to Closing, Sellers and 
                                    Goss shall permit Stock Purchaser to conduct
                                    a physical Inventory of Goss's inventory to

                                       17

<PAGE>   18



                                    determine the amount and value of Saleable
                                    Hardgoods Inventory. The term "Saleable
                                    Hardgoods Inventory" shall be defined for
                                    the purposes of this provision as (1) non
                                    shopworn, non defective hardgoods inventory
                                    items, and (2) listed for sale in the
                                    manufacturer's current catalog.  The value
                                    of all Saleable Hardgoods Inventory shall be
                                    calculated at Goss's historical cost, or in
                                    the absence thereof at the manufacturer's
                                    current pricing for Goss. The term
                                    "Inventory Value" shall be defined for the
                                    purposes of this Agreement as the value of
                                    Inventory as reflected upon Goss's June 30,
                                    1997 Financial Statement, as adjusted for
                                    variations to date of the physical inventory
                                    arising out of sale and acquisition of gas
                                    and hardgoods inventory in the ordinary
                                    course of business. In the event that at the
                                    date of the physical inventory, Saleable
                                    Hardgoods Inventory does not equal the
                                    Inventory Value, the Stock Purchase Price
                                    shall be reduced as part of Post Closing
                                    Adjustments, by an amount equal to the per
                                    dollar amount by which the value of the
                                    Saleable Hardgood Inventory as determined
                                    herein is less than the Inventory Value.

                           (iv)     SETTLEMENT: One hundred forty (140) days
                                    after Closing Date, Sellers shall pay Stock
                                    Purchaser by wire transfer, an amount equal
                                    to all applicable Post Closing Adjustments
                                    to the Stock Purchase Price as required
                                    under this Paragraph 3(b) and subparagraphs
                                    thereof, if any, less Escrow funds which
                                    will be first applied to any and all such
                                    Post Closing Adjustments pursuant

                                       18

<PAGE>   19



                                    to the Escrow Agreement. Any and all Escrow
                                    Funds which are not required to extinguish
                                    Post Closing Adjustments payment
                                    requirements hereunder shall be the
                                    property of and paid over to Sellers in
                                    accordance with the terms and conditions of
                                    the Escrow Agreement.

         4. CLOSING. The consummation of the Stock transaction described
herein, including, but not limited to, the sale, transfer and delivery of the
Stock to Stock Purchaser, as well as any and all other related transactions
required to be consummated at the Closing but effective as of the Effective
Date; provided all conditions precedent to Closing are satisfied, the Closing
shall take place on the Closing Date at the office of John C. Dennison, II,
Esquire, 293 Main Street, Brookville, Pennsylvania 15825-1921, or at such other
place, date and time to be mutually agreeable to Stock Purchaser and Sellers.

         5.       CLOSING ITEMS.

                  (a)      At Closing, Sellers shall deliver to Stock Purchaser
                           the following items:

                           (i)      Certificates representing all of the Stock
                                    properly endorsed for transfer or
                                    accompanied by duly executed stock powers as
                                    provided for in paragraph 9(a)(iii);

                           (ii)     Stock Purchaser Certificates required in
                                    paragraphs 9(a)(i), 9(a)(ii) and 9(a)(iv);

                           (iii)    Resignation of all officers and directors 
                                    of Goss as required in paragraph 9(v);

                           (iv)     Certified schedule of Goss account
                                    receivables as of Closing Date as required
                                    in paragraph 3(b)(ii);

                           (v)      Non-Competition Agreement as required in
                                    paragraph 10(a);

                                       19

<PAGE>   20



                           (vi)     Employment Agreements as required in
                                    paragraph 10(b)(i) and paragraph 10(b)(ii);

                           (vii)    Sellers' Affidavit as required in 
                                    paragraph 9(a)(v);

                           (viii)   All other documents, instruments and
                                    certificates required to be delivered by
                                    Sellers pursuant to the terms of this
                                    Agreement.

(b)      On or before the Closing Date, Stock Purchaser shall deliver to
Sellers the following items:

                           (i)      The Closing Date Payment as provided for in
                                    paragraphs 3(a);

                           (ii)     Certificates required in 
                                    paragraphs 9(b)(i), 9(b)(ii), and 9(b)(iii);

                           (iii)    Certified resolution the certificate of 
                                    Purchaser required in paragraph 9(c)(iv);

                           (iv)     All other documents, instruments and
                                    certificates required to be delivered by
                                    Stock Purchaser pursuant to the terms of
                                    this Agreement.

         6.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  (a) To the best of Sellers' knowledge, Sellers represent and
warrant to Stock Purchaser as of the date hereof, and as of the Closing Date as
follows:

                           (i)      ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND QUALIFICATION.
                                    Goss is a duly organized, validly existing
                                    corporation and chartered and in good
                                    standing under the laws of the State of
                                    Pennsylvania; is duly licensed, qualified
                                    to do business; and has full corporate
                                    power and authority and all material
                                    permits, consents and authorizations
                                    necessary to own and lease its properties
                                    and to carry on its

                                       20

<PAGE>   21



                                    business as now conducts, including but not
                                    limited to, any fictitious name
                                    registrations required to be filed.

                           (ii)     SUBSIDIARIES.  Goss has no subsidiaries.

                           (iii)    CAPITALIZATION OF GOSS.  The authorized 
                                    capital stock of Goss consists of two
                                    hundred fifty-one (251) shares of the Stock,
                                    with $10.00 par value per share.  As of the
                                    Closing Date, the issued and outstanding
                                    Stock of Goss shall consist of two hundred
                                    fifty-one (251) shares of capital stock;
                                    which Stock shall be validly issued, fully
                                    paid, non-assessable and owned by Sellers.
                                    There are no outstanding subscriptions,
                                    options, rights, warrants, conversion
                                    rights, agreements, or commitments of any
                                    kind outstanding which obligate Goss to
                                    issue, acquire or transfer any shares of the
                                    Stock.

                           (iv)     OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF STOCK.  Sellers
                                    own all of the Stock, beneficially and of
                                    record, free and clear of all liens,
                                    encumbrances, pledges, options, claims,
                                    charges, and restrictions of any nature.

                           (v)      CORPORATE DOCUMENTS. All Goss corporate
                                    record books are accurate as to the actions
                                    contained therein, and the Bylaws contained
                                    therein are the Bylaws of Goss as of the
                                    date of this Agreement and shall be the
                                    Bylaws of Goss as of the Closing Date.

                           (vi)     AUTHORIZATION.  The execution and delivery
                                    of this Agreement and the consummation of
                                    the transactions contemplated hereby will
                                    not

                                       21

<PAGE>   22



                                    violate any provision of, or result in the
                                    breach of, or accelerate or permit the
                                    acceleration of the performance required by
                                    the terms of: (i) the Articles of
                                    Incorporation or Bylaws of Goss (ii) any
                                    agreement to which Sellers, Goss are party
                                    or by which any of them may be bound, or
                                    (iii) any order, judgment, or decree
                                    applicable to Sellers or Goss will not
                                    result in the creation of any claim, lien,
                                    charge or encumbrance upon the Stock, any
                                    property or assets of Goss; and will not
                                    terminate or result in the termination of
                                    any such agreement, or in any way affect or
                                    violate the terms or conditions of, or
                                    result in the cancellation, modification,
                                    revocation, or suspension of, any of the
                                    licenses, franchises, approvals,
                                    certificates, permits, or authorizations
                                    held by Goss.

                           (vii)    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Within sixty (60) 
                                    days after Closing Date, Sellers, at their
                                    sole cost and expense, shall furnish Stock
                                    Purchaser the Effective Date Financial
                                    Statement.  Stock Purchaser shall provide
                                    Sellers, and their agents free and
                                    unrestricted access to all books and records
                                    of Goss up to and including sixty (60) days
                                    after Closing Date, at 167 Third Street,
                                    Falls Creek, Pennsylvania  15840, or such
                                    other place as Stock Purchaser and Sellers
                                    mutually agree, to allow Sellers to prepare
                                    and deliver the Effective Date Financial
                                    Statement.  The Financial Statements are and
                                    will be (1) in accordance with the books and
                                    records of Goss

                                       22

<PAGE>   23



                                    and prepared in accordance with GAAP
                                    consistently applied; and (2) present fairly
                                    and accurately the financial condition of
                                    Goss as of the Closing Date or other date of
                                    respective periods and results of the
                                    operations of Goss and the Business for each
                                    respective period then ending.

                           (viii)   UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set 
                                    forth on Exhibit "J", Goss has not incurred
                                    or suffered any debt, liability or other
                                    obligation of a material nature, whether
                                    accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise,
                                    and whether due or to become due, other than
                                    (1) debts, liabilities, or other obligations
                                    reflected in the June 30, 1997 Financial
                                    Statements and (2) Interim Ordinary Course
                                    Liabilities.

                           (ix)     TAXES, TAX RETURNS, AND AUDITS.  Goss has
                                    timely filed, caused to be timely filed, or
                                    shall timely file, all Federal, state, and
                                    local tax returns as to the operations of
                                    Goss which are required by law to be filed
                                    on or before Closing Date, and all such tax
                                    returns are complete and accurate in
                                    accordance with all legal requirements
                                    applicable thereto insofar as they relate
                                    to the operations of Goss and the Business.
                                    Goss has paid all taxes for said periods
                                    which have become due pursuant to said tax
                                    returns, or pursuant to any assessment or
                                    otherwise, and there is no further
                                    liability (whether or not disclosed on such
                                    returns or assessments) for any taxes,
                                    interest, or penalties relating to such
                                    periods.  Further, Goss has filed or prior
                                    to the Closing shall file the necessary
                                    documents for

                                       23

<PAGE>   24



                                    and paid all payroll, real or personal
                                    property taxes, business and occupation
                                    taxes, and any interest assessments and/or
                                    penalties on any of same, required to be
                                    filed prior to the Closing Date and that
                                    same are or shall be complete and accurate
                                    in accordance with all legal requirements,
                                    applicable thereto.

                           (x)      TITLE TO ASSETS.  Goss has good and
                                    marketable title to all of the assets and
                                    properties owned by it as of Closing Date
                                    as reflected in the Financial Statements,
                                    whether real, personal, or mixed, tangible
                                    or intangible, free and clear of
                                    restrictions on, or conditions to, transfer
                                    or assignment, and of mortgages, liens,
                                    pledges, charges, encumbrances, security
                                    interests, equities, claims, easements,
                                    rights of way, covenants, conditions, and
                                    restrictions except:

                                    (A)  As expressly set forth as liens and
                                         encumbrances upon Exhibit "K";

                                    (B)  Liens for current taxes not yet due
                                         and payable;

                                    (C)  Possible minor liens or encumbrances 
                                         that, in the aggregate, are not
                                         material in amount and do not
                                         materially detract from or interfere
                                         with the present use of any material
                                         properties, or materially impair the
                                         business operations of Goss. For
                                         purposes of this subparagraph,
                                         "material" shall be deemed to mean in
                                         excess of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)
                                         in the aggregate; and,

                                       24

<PAGE>   25



                                    (D)   Property leased by Goss set forth on 
                                          Exhibit "L".

                             (xi)   NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR OPTIONS.
                                    There are no outstanding rights or options
                                    in any third party to acquire Goss or any
                                    interest therein, or as well to acquire any
                                    assets or other properties of Goss or any
                                    interest therein, except as expressly set
                                    forth on Exhibit "M".

                            (xii)   COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  Goss has not 
                                    received any currently effective notice of
                                    any violations of any existing applicable
                                    federal, state, or local law or regulation
                                    affecting its assets or the operation of its
                                    business, and, as to any past notices which
                                    are no longer effective, appropriate
                                    remedial steps have been taken. Goss is in
                                    substantial compliance with all existing
                                    applicable Federal, state, and local laws
                                    and regulations including, without
                                    limitation, those respecting the health and
                                    safety of its employees, the benefit or
                                    welfare plans provided for its employees,
                                    the hiring, firing, and conditions of
                                    employment of its employees and the
                                    protection of the environment. Further, Goss
                                    has not unlawfully stored, dumped, or
                                    deposited nor participated in the unlawful,
                                    dumping or depositing of any Hazardous
                                    Materials upon any of its properties, or
                                    elsewhere; and Goss has not, at any time,
                                    received, nor does it have any knowledge or
                                    reason to believe that it may receive notice
                                    of all alleged violation of any existing
                                    Environmental Law, rule,


                                       25

<PAGE>   26



                           regulations or orders issued with respect thereto 
                           from any governmental authority.

                           (xiii)   CONTRACTS. Except for the leases set forth
                                    on Exhibit "L", third party rights and
                                    options set forth on Exhibit "M", and
                                    contracts set forth on Exhibit "N" to this
                                    Agreement, Goss is not bound by any written
                                    or oral:

                                    (A)     Agreement or understanding not made
                                            in the ordinary course of the
                                            Business;

                                    (B)     Employment contract or contract for
                                            personal services not terminable at
                                            will;

                                    (C)     Continuing contract for the future
                                            purchase of material, supplies,
                                            machinery, or other equipment in
                                            excess of the requirements of the
                                            Business now booked or of normal
                                            operating requirements;

                                    (D)     Sales agency agreement or
                                            advertising contracts;

                                    (E)     Except in the ordinary course of 
                                            business, any contract or 
                                            commitment for goods, services
                                            and/or capital expenditures, in
                                            excess of $1,000.00 in the
                                            aggregate;

                                    (F)     Contract or agreement containing
                                            covenants by Goss not to compete in
                                            any lines or business or with any
                                            person; or

                                    (G)     Leases not cancelable upon not
                                            greater than thirty (30) days
                                            notice.

                                       26

<PAGE>   27



                           (xiv)    LITIGATION.  There are no actions,
                                    suits, proceedings, or investigations
                                    pending or to the best of Sellers' knowledge
                                    threatened, (1) in any court or before any
                                    governmental agency or instrumentality
                                    against, by or adversely affecting Goss or
                                    the Business, financial condition or any of
                                    the properties or assets of it, or (2) which
                                    would prevent the carrying out of this
                                    Agreement or any of the transactions
                                    contemplated hereby, or (3) which would
                                    render the transactions provided for
                                    hereunder to be unlawful or cause the
                                    recision thereof.

                           (xv)     ABSENCE OF ADVERSE CHANGES OR OTHER EVENTS.
                                    Except as expressly contemplated by and
                                    stated in this Agreement, after June 30,
                                    1997 and up to Closing Date, Goss shall not
                                    have:

                                    (A)     Except as set forth on Exhibit "O"
                                            to this Agreement, created or
                                            incurred any liability (absolute or
                                            contingent) except for unsecured
                                            current liabilities under oral or
                                            written contracts entered into in
                                            the ordinary course of business;

                                    (B)     Loaned any money or otherwise
                                            pledged the credit of Goss or
                                            mortgaged, pledged, or subjected
                                            its assets to any tangible or
                                            intangible lien or encumbrance;

                                    (C)     Except as set forth on Exhibit "M"
                                            to this Agreement, or otherwise
                                            expressly contemplated by this
                                            Agreement, sold or otherwise
                                            disposed of, or contracted to sell
                                            or dispose of, any of its assets,
                                            tangible or intangible; or canceled
                                            any

                                       27

<PAGE>   28



                                            debts owed it or claims held by it
                                            against third party, except in each
                                            case, in the ordinary course of
                                            business;

                                    (D)     Except in the ordinary course of 
                                            the Business made or become a party
                                            to any contract or commitment or
                                            renewed, extended, amended, or
                                            modified any contract or commitment
                                            which in any one case involves an
                                            amount in excess of One Thousand
                                            Dollars ($1,000.00) or a
                                            noncancellable term in excess of
                                            thirty (30) days;

                                    (E)     Issued or sold any shares of its
                                            capital stock or rights, options,
                                            or warrants to purchase its capital
                                            stock, or any securities
                                            convertible into its capital stock;

                                    (F)     Except for sales bonuses in the
                                            amount of Five Thousand Dollars
                                            ($5,000.00) each, paid or to be
                                            paid to Earle M.  Moore and David
                                            Moore; paid or agreed to pay,
                                            conditionally or otherwise, any
                                            bonus, extra compensation, or
                                            severance pay to any director,
                                            officer, or employee, or increased
                                            the compensation, including
                                            salaries, fees, commissions,
                                            bonuses, profit sharing, incentive,
                                            pension, retirement, or other
                                            similar payments paid to any of its
                                            directors, officers, or employees;

                                    (G)     Become bound by or entered into any
                                            contract, commitment, or
                                            transaction other than in the
                                            ordinary course of business;

                                       28

<PAGE>   29



                                    (H)     Made or become a party to any
                                            contract or otherwise enter into
                                            any transaction with Sellers or any
                                            other related party other than in
                                            the ordinary course of business;
                                            or,

                                    (I)     Entered into any contract or
                                            agreement to do or perform any of
                                            the foregoing actions.

                           (xvi)    NO EMPLOYEES TO LEAVE EMPLOYMENT WITH GOSS.
                                    As of the date of this Agreement, neither
                                    Sellers nor Goss have actual knowledge that
                                    any current employee intends to leave
                                    employment of Goss within six (6) months of
                                    Closing Date. Sellers shall promptly furnish
                                    Purchaser notice of any employee who
                                    notifies Goss or Sellers that they intend to
                                    or may leave the employment of Goss.

                           (xvii)   NO UNION, EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE
                                    BARGAINING UNIT OR ORGANIZING ACTIVITY.
                                    Goss is not signatory to any collective
                                    bargaining agreement and is not currently
                                    subject to any present labor collective
                                    bargaining process or organizing efforts by
                                    any union or other collective bargaining
                                    representative; and neither Sellers nor Goss
                                    has any actual knowledge or information,
                                    that any Goss employee, union or collective
                                    bargaining representative is considering or
                                    threatening to organize Goss employees to
                                    form a union or collective bargaining unit.

                           (xviii)  NO LOSS OF CURRENT CUSTOMERS. After 
                                    June 30, 1997 up to and including Closing
                                    Date, no customers of Goss, which in the
                                    aggregate represent and constitute a
                                    material volume of the

                                       29

<PAGE>   30



                                    Business, shall have terminated transacting
                                    business with Goss or shall have furnished
                                    Goss notice of termination or intention to
                                    terminate with respect to transacting
                                    business with Goss. For purposes of this
                                    subparagraph, "material volume of the
                                    Business" for the purposes of this
                                    subparagraph shall mean two percent (2%) or
                                    more of Goss's annual, year end December 31,
                                    1996 gross sales.

                           (xix)    CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF BUSINESS. Goss 
                                    shall be operated in the ordinary course of
                                    business up to and including the Closing
                                    Date except as otherwise expressly
                                    contemplated by this Agreement.

                           (xx)     LONG TERM (NON-CURRENT) LIABILITIES.
                                    Except as set forth on Undisclosed
                                    Liabilities, Exhibit "J" to this Agreement,
                                    Goss has no other long term (non-current)
                                    liabilities.

                           (xxi)    ACCURACY OF INFORMATION. Copies of all 
                                    documents furnished by, or on behalf of,
                                    Sellers or Goss to Stock Purchaser pursuant
                                    to the terms of this Agreement are complete
                                    and accurate. No representation or warranty
                                    by Sellers in this Agreement, nor any
                                    statement or certificate furnished to Stock
                                    Purchaser by Goss contains or will contain
                                    any untrue statement of a material fact.

                           (xxii)   EXCESS LIABILITIES.  As of Closing Date, 
                                    Goss shall have no liabilities in excess of
                                    the total liabilities reflected and stated
                                    upon the June 30, 1997 Financial Statement
                                    as adjusted for Interim Ordinary Course
                                    Liabilities; which liabilities shall include
                                    interest

                                       30

<PAGE>   31



                                    bearing debt of no more than One Hundred
                                    Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).

                           (xxiii)  GOSS EQUITY. Except as adjusted for
                                    Interim Ordinary Course Liabilities and the
                                    value of the Excluded Assets as of Closing
                                    Date, Goss shall have balance sheet net
                                    equity of no less than the net equity
                                    reflected and stated upon the June 30, 1997
                                    Financial Statements.

                  (b) To the best of its knowledge, Stock Purchaser represents
and warrants to Sellers as of the date hereof and respectively as of the
Closing Date as follows:

                           (i)      ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND QUALIFICATION.
                                    Stock Purchaser each is a duly organized,
                                    validly existing corporation, and is in
                                    good standing under the laws of all
                                    applicable states and jurisdictions,
                                    including the State of Pennsylvania; is
                                    duly licensed, qualified to do business,
                                    and in good standing in each jurisdiction
                                    in which the current ownership and
                                    operation of its business requires such
                                    licensing or qualification, including the
                                    State of Pennsylvania; and has full
                                    corporate power and authority, and, to its
                                    knowledge, has all permits, consents and
                                    authorizations, necessary to own and lease
                                    its properties and to carry on its business
                                    as now conducted.

                           (ii)     NO BREACH.  The execution and delivery of
                                    this Agreement by Stock Purchaser, and the
                                    consummation by Stock Purchaser of the
                                    transactions contemplated hereby will not
                                    (i) violate any provisions of, or result in
                                    the breach or termination of, or accelerate
                                    or

                                       31

<PAGE>   32



                                    permit the acceleration of the performance
                                    required by, the terms of: (A) the Articles
                                    of Incorporation or By-Laws of Stock
                                    Purchaser; (B) any agreement to which Stock
                                    Purchaser is a party or by which either is
                                    bound; or (C) any order, judgment, or
                                    decree applicable to Stock Purchaser; (ii)
                                    result in the creation of any claim, lien,
                                    charge or encumbrance upon any property or
                                    assets of Stock Purchaser; or (iii) in any
                                    way affect or violate the terms or
                                    conditions of, or result in the
                                    cancellation, modification, revocation, or
                                    suspension of, any of the licenses,
                                    franchises, approvals, certificates,
                                    permits, or authorizations held by Stock
                                    Purchaser.

                           (iii)    AUTHORITY; ENFORCEABILITY.  Stock
                                    Purchaser has all requisite corporate power
                                    and authority to enter into this Agreement
                                    and to consummate the transactions
                                    contemplated hereby.  This Agreement and
                                    each other agreement herein contemplated to
                                    be executed in connection herewith by Stock
                                    Purchaser have been duly executed and
                                    delivered by Stock Purchaser, as the case
                                    may be, and constitute legal, valid and
                                    binding obligations of Stock Purchaser, as
                                    the case may be, enforceable against Stock
                                    Purchaser, as the case may be, in accordance
                                    with their respective terms.

                           (iv)     LITIGATION.  There are no actions, suits,
                                    proceedings or investigations pending or,
                                    to Stock Purchaser's knowledge,

                                       32

<PAGE>   33



                                    threatened, in any court or before any
                                    governmental agency or instrumentality
                                    against any of the property or assets of
                                    Stock Purchaser, which would prevent Stock
                                    Purchaser from carrying out the transactions
                                    contemplated hereby or would declare the
                                    same unlawful or cause the recision thereof.

                           (v)      ACCURACY OF INFORMATION. Copies of all
                                    documents furnished by, or on behalf of,
                                    Stock Purchaser to Sellers pursuant to the
                                    terms of this Agreement are complete and
                                    accurate in all material respects. To Stock
                                    Purchaser's knowledge and belief, no
                                    statement or certificate furnished to
                                    Sellers by Stock Purchaser pursuant to the
                                    terms of this Agreement contains or will
                                    contain any untrue statement of a material
                                    fact.

         7.       INDEMNIFICATIONS.

         (a) Indemnification by Sellers of Stock Purchaser. Sellers agree to
defend, indemnify and hold Stock Purchaser, its successors and assigns,
harmless from and against any Claims (except those liabilities expressly
provided for and disclosed in Goss's June 30, 1997 Financial Statements,
undisclosed liabilities reflected upon Exhibit "J" hereto, or Interim Ordinary
Course Liabilities) in respect of:

                           (i)      Any and all Claims resulting from or
                                    arising out of Goss and the Business prior
                                    to Closing Date.

                           (ii)     Any and all Claims resulting from the
                                    breach of any representations and
                                    warranties pursuant to and under Paragraph
                                    6(a) hereunder.

                                       33

<PAGE>   34



                           (iii)    Any and all other misrepresentations or 
                                    breach of warranty or violation of any
                                    covenant made by Sellers hereunder, or as
                                    well in any schedule or other instrument or
                                    document furnished or to be furnished by
                                    Sellers hereunder, including, without
                                    limitation, any documents furnished at the
                                    Closing.

                           (iv)     Any and all Claims in respect of any
                                    liabilities of Goss as of the Closing Date.

                           (v)      Any and all Claims in respect of Goss's
                                    federal, state or local taxes, incurred and
                                    due on or before the Closing Date,
                                    including but not limited to income taxes
                                    based upon or measured by income or any
                                    gain or sales or transfer taxes, or which
                                    may be asserted against Goss as a result of
                                    any operations of Goss whether such taxes
                                    be trust fund or employment taxes or taxes
                                    based on property, income, gain or
                                    otherwise.

                           (vi)     Any and all Claims with respect to any and
                                    all plans, policies, labor contracts or
                                    arrangements relating to commissions,
                                    bonuses, group insurance, severance pay,
                                    pensions, profit sharing, any deferred
                                    compensation arrangements or health and
                                    welfare or other benefit plans for
                                    employees of Goss or otherwise arising out
                                    of or related to  Goss's business prior to
                                    the Closing Date, including, but not
                                    limited to, any liability imposed under the
                                    provisions of the Employee Retirement
                                    Income Security Act of 1974, Multiemployer
                                    Pension Plan Amendment Acts of 1980, the
                                    Consolidated Omnibus

                                       34

<PAGE>   35



                                    Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 or the
                                    Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987
                                    as well as any other federal or state law
                                    or regulation.

                           (vii)            Any and all Claims arising out of a
                                            violation of any federal or state
                                            law or regulation, including, but
                                            not limited to, outstanding
                                            grievance, arbitration award, NLRB
                                            unfair labor practice charge, OSHA
                                            citation, EEOC charge, Fair Labor
                                            Standards Act charge, Americans
                                            with Disabilities Act charge,
                                            Family and Medical Leave Act
                                            charge, Immigration Reform and
                                            Control Act charge, or Civil Rights
                                            Restoration Act charge, compliance
                                            review, consent decree,
                                            conciliation agreement, benefit
                                            claim, wage and hour complaint, and
                                            any litigation involving any
                                            personnel practices or policies of
                                            Goss with respect to any employment
                                            relationship, attributable to the
                                            Business prior to the Closing Date.

                           (viii)           Any and all Claims which are
                                            asserted by any  governmental or
                                            regulatory authority for any
                                            penalties or other obligations
                                            attributable to the operations of
                                            Goss and the Business, provided
                                            that the basis for such Claims
                                            existed prior to the Closing.  Said
                                            "other obligations" shall include,
                                            but are not limited to, any
                                            violation by Goss prior to the
                                            Closing in connection with its
                                            business of any applicable federal,
                                            state or local environmental or
                                            health and safety statute,
                                            regulation, ordinance or code or
                                            other governmental requirement,
                                            including, but not limited to,

                                       35

<PAGE>   36



                                    regulations establishing environmental or 
                                    health and safety quality criteria or 
                                    standards for air, water or land.

                           (ix)     Any and all Claims asserted by third
                                    parties, including governmental entities
                                    and Claims arising from Stock Purchaser's
                                    affirmative duty to furnish notice to third
                                    parties, including governmental entities,
                                    arising from or out of any Hazardous
                                    Materials, spilled, released, discharged or
                                    disposed of by Goss, or arising out of
                                    Goss's business operations prior to the
                                    Closing, including without limitation:  (A)
                                    cost of investigation, removal, restoration
                                    or any other remedial work done in
                                    connection with any Hazardous Materials
                                    spilled, released, discharged or disposed
                                    of by Goss or arising out of Goss's
                                    business operations prior to the Closing;
                                    (B) costs incurred to correct a violation
                                    of any applicable Environmental Law,
                                    arising out of or resulting from Goss's
                                    operations prior to the Closing Date; and
                                    (C) costs incurred as a result of being
                                    named a responsible party under CERCLA as
                                    amended by SARA.

                           (x)      Any and all Claims for defective products
                                    or unsatisfactory services furnished to
                                    Goss's customers prior to the Closing Date,
                                    to the extent not indemnified under
                                    currently enforceable insurance coverage.

                                       36

<PAGE>   37



         (b)      Indemnification by Stock Purchaser to Sellers.  Stock
Purchaser agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Sellers and his respective
successors and assigns, harmless from and against any Claims in respect of:

                           (i)      Any and all Claims resulting from or
                                    arising out of Stock Purchaser's operation
                                    of Goss and the Business as well as the
                                    possession, use and control of Goss's
                                    assets after Closing Date.

                           (ii)     Any and all Claims resulting from any
                                    misrepresentation or breach of warranty or
                                    violation of any covenant made by Stock
                                    Purchaser hereunder, or in any document
                                    furnished or to be furnished by Stock
                                    Purchaser hereunder, including, without
                                    limitation, any documents or instruments
                                    furnished at the Closing.

         (c) Determination of Loss. Indemnification pursuant to this Paragraph
7 shall be payable with respect to Claims described herein as subject to
indemnification upon the happening of the earlier of the following:

                           (i)      Resolution of Claims by mutual agreement
                                    among or between Stock Purchaser and
                                    Sellers as well as any applicable
                                    combination thereof; or,

                           (ii)     The issuance of a final award, order or
                                    other ruling by an arbitrator pursuant to
                                    Paragraph 8 hereof.

         (d)      Indemnification Payments.  All amounts payable by one party
to the other pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph 7 shall be payable
within ten (10) days after final determination thereof in accordance with the
provisions hereof.


                                       37

<PAGE>   38



                  (e)      Limitations on Indemnification.

                           (i)      Any amounts which any party hereto may be
                                    obligated to pay another party hereto
                                    pursuant to this Paragraph 7 will be
                                    reduced by an amount equal to: (A) the tax
                                    benefit, if any, realized as a result of
                                    such losses (for purposes of determining
                                    the "tax benefit", if any, the reasonable
                                    joint determination by Stock Purchaser's
                                    and Sellers' outside accountants will be
                                    binding and conclusive as to all parties
                                    hereto); (B) any insurance recovery with
                                    respect to such losses received by the
                                    indemnified party; and/or (C) any insurance
                                    payments paid on behalf of and in
                                    indemnification of the indemnified party.

                           (ii)     Neither Stock Purchaser nor Sellers shall
                                    assert Claims against the other party which
                                    aggregate more than the Stock Purchase
                                    Price.

                           (iii)    Except for Claims pursuant breach of 
                                    representations and warranties under
                                    Paragraphs 6(a)(iv) of this Agreement which
                                    warrant and represent good and marketable
                                    title to the Stock; all of which warranties
                                    and represents shall not be limited as to
                                    time, the right of indemnification afforded
                                    to Stock Purchaser and Sellers pursuant to
                                    this Paragraph 7 shall be available for the
                                    following periods of time:

                                    (A)     With respect to any Claim asserted
                                            under Paragraph 7(a)(v) or any
                                            other tax Claim arising out of and
                                            related to periods of time prior to
                                            Closing Date, for a period of time
                                            limited

                                       38

<PAGE>   39


                                            only by the expiration of any and
                                            all applicable statutes of
                                            limitations.

                                    (B)     With respect to any and all other
                                            Claims, for and during a period of
                                            three (3) years from and after the
                                            Closing Date.

                                    (C)     Notwithstanding anything herein to
                                            the contrary, any Claim for which
                                            specific written notice is given to
                                            any party which has an
                                            indemnification obligation prior to
                                            the date on which such right of
                                            indemnification otherwise
                                            terminates as provided in this
                                            Paragraph 7(e), may continue to be
                                            asserted and shall be indemnified
                                            against pursuant to this Paragraph
                                            7.

         (f) Notification and Duty of Indemnifying Parties. Stock Purchaser and
Sellers, as the case may be, shall, within thirty (30) days of obtaining
knowledge of a Claim, notify the other of the existence or occurrence of any
facts or events which give rise to the assertion of any Claim under the
provisions of this Paragraph 7. If such Claims are due to the claims of third
parties, the indemnifying parties shall promptly and diligently take such
actions as may be reasonably required to defend or settle such claims and shall
keep the indemnified parties advised of the current status thereof. The
indemnified parties shall, at the indemnifying parties' expense, reasonably
cooperate with the indemnifying parties' defense and the indemnifying parties
shall reasonably consider the indemnified parties' advice. The indemnified
party shall make available to the indemnifying party or its representatives all
records and other materials reasonably required to contest any third party
claim and shall cooperate fully with the indemnifying party until defense of
all such claims.

                                       39

<PAGE>   40



            8.    ARBITRATION.

                  (a) Any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of, in
connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance or breach of
this Agreement, including, without limitation, Claims based on contract, tort
or statute and Claims arising out of or relating to the provisions of Paragraph
7 hereof, shall be settled by arbitration. Any arbitration pursuant to this
Agreement shall be conducted in Falls Creek, Pennsylvania before and in
accordance with the then existing Rules for Commercial Arbitration of the
American Arbitration Association, provided that only one arbitrator as selected
by the American Arbitration Association shall conduct any arbitration
proceeding. Any arbitration shall be final and binding. Any judgment upon any
interim or final award or order rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by
any federal or state court having jurisdiction thereof.

                  (b) The parties intend that any agreement pursuant hereto to
arbitrate be valid, enforceable and irrevocable. Each party in any arbitration
proceeding commenced hereunder shall bear such party's own costs and expenses
(including expert witness and attorneys' fees) of investigating, preparing and
pursuing such arbitration claim. The parties to any arbitration shall have the
right to discover the relevant books and records of the other side that are not
privileged or the subject of a bona fide confidentiality or non-disclosure
agreement.

            9.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING.

                  (a) Stock Purchaser's obligations hereunder are subject, at
its option, to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the
following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived by Stock
Purchaser:

                           (i)      TRUTH OF SELLERS' WARRANTIES AND
                                    REPRESENTATIONS AT CLOSING.  All
                                    representations and warranties of Sellers
                                    contained in this

                                       40

<PAGE>   41



                                    Agreement or in any writing delivered
                                    pursuant hereto shall be true and correct
                                    in all material respects when made and,
                                    except as otherwise expressly provided for
                                    in this Agreement, on and as of the Closing
                                    Date as if made on and as of the Closing
                                    Date, and Sellers and Goss shall deliver to
                                    Purchaser a certificate, dated the Closing
                                    Date, to such effect.

                           (ii)     SELLERS' PERFORMANCE OF COVENANTS AND
                                    AGREEMENTS. Sellers shall have performed
                                    and complied with all material terms,
                                    covenants, and conditions of this Agreement
                                    required to be performed or complied with
                                    by them or any of them at or prior to the
                                    Closing Date and shall have delivered to
                                    Stock Purchaser a certificate, dated the
                                    Closing Date to such effect.

                           (iii)    DELIVERY OF STOCK. Sellers shall have 
                                    delivered to Stock Purchaser the Stock, duly
                                    endorsed in blank or with duly executed
                                    powers attached, in proper form for
                                    transfer, as shall be required, or as may be
                                    desirable in order effectively to vest in
                                    Stock Purchaser's good and enforceable title
                                    to the Stock free and clear of all liens,
                                    charges, and encumbrances of any nature.

                           (iv)     ABSENCE OF LITIGATION. No action, suit or
                                    proceeding shall have been instituted or
                                    threatened before any court or governmental
                                    body by any governmental agency or body to
                                    restrain or prevent the carrying out of the
                                    transactions contemplated hereby, or which
                                    has had or may have, in the opinion of
                                    Stock Purchaser, a

                                       41

<PAGE>   42



                                    materially adverse effect on the business
                                    of Goss taken as a whole, and Sellers shall
                                    deliver to Purchaser a certificate dated
                                    the Closing Date to such effect.

                           (v)      RESIGNATIONS OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.
                                    There shall have been delivered to Stock
                                    Purchaser the written resignations,
                                    effective immediately, of all of the
                                    directors and officers of Goss.

                           (vi)     EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AGREEMENTS AND
                                    PERFORMANCE OF PRE- CLOSING ACTIVITY.  All
                                    of Sellers' agreements contemplated and
                                    required to be performed prior to Closing
                                    by the terms of this Agreement shall have
                                    been duly fulfilled by all appropriate
                                    parties and as well the Non-Competition
                                    Agreements, Employment Agreements, Primary
                                    Site Lease, and Secondary Site Leases and
                                    Moore Cylinder Lease, shall have been duly
                                    executed for delivery at Closing, with all
                                    terms and conditions thereof as fully
                                    binding Agreements of all necessary parties
                                    thereto as of Closing Date; and as well all
                                    requisite pre-closing activity under this
                                    Agreement shall have been fully completed.

                  (b) Sellers' obligations hereunder are subject, at their
option, to fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions, any one or more of which may be waived by Sellers:

                           (i)      TRUTH OF STOCK PURCHASER'S AND WEST'S
                                    WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.  Except as
                                    otherwise expressly provided for in this
                                    Agreement, the representations and
                                    warranties of Stock

                                       42

<PAGE>   43



                                    Purchaser and West contained in this
                                    Agreement or in any writing delivered
                                    pursuant hereto shall be true and correct in
                                    all material respects when made and on and
                                    as of the Closing Date as if made on and as
                                    of the Closing Date and Real Estate Closing
                                    Date, and Stock Purchaser as well as West
                                    shall deliver to Sellers a certificate to
                                    such effect.

                           (ii)     STOCK PURCHASER'S AND WEST'S PERFORMANCE OF
                                    COVENANTS. Stock Purchaser and West shall
                                    have performed and complied with all
                                    material terms, covenants, and conditions
                                    of this Agreement to be performed or
                                    complied with by it at or prior to the
                                    Closing Date and Real Estate Closing Date,
                                    as applicable, and the Stock Purchaser and
                                    West shall have delivered to Sellers a
                                    certificate to such effect.

                           (iii)    ABSENCE OF LITIGATION. No action, suit or 
                                    proceeding shall have been instituted or
                                    threatened before any court or governmental
                                    body by any governmental agency or body to
                                    restrain or prevent Stock Purchaser and West
                                    from carrying out of the transactions
                                    contemplated hereby, and Stock Purchaser and
                                    West shall deliver to Sellers a certificate
                                    to such effect.

                           (iv)     STOCK PURCHASER'S AND WEST'S AUTHORITY.
                                    The execution, delivery and performance of
                                    this Agreement and the transactions
                                    contemplated hereby shall have been duly
                                    authorized and approved by any and all
                                    requisite corporate action of Stock
                                    Purchaser and

                                       43

<PAGE>   44



                                    West and they shall deliver to Sellers at
                                    or before Closing and Real Estate Closing,
                                    as applicable, a proper corporate
                                    certificate to this effect.

            10.   ADDITIONAL MATERIAL CONSIDERATION.

                  (a)   Non-Competition Agreements.  At Closing, Sellers and
Stock Purchaser shall enter into, execute and deliver the Non-Competition
Agreement.

                  (b)   Employment Agreements.  At or prior to Closing,
Sellers shall cause to be executed and delivered to Stock Purchaser the
Employment Agreements.

                  (c)   Real Estate.

                        (i)      LEASE OF REAL ESTATE.  At Closing, West, as
                                 Lessee, and Real Estate Lessors, as Lessors,
                                 shall enter into, execute and deliver the Real
                                 Estate Leases.

                        (ii)     OPTION PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE. In the event
                                 West exercises its Purchase Option, Real Estate
                                 Lessors shall sell and convey the applicable
                                 Real Estate subject of the Purchase Option at
                                 the applicable Real Estate Closing, to West,
                                 for consideration of the payment by West to
                                 Real Estate Lessors of the Real Estate Purchase
                                 Price applicable to such Purchase Option
                                 transaction.

                        (iii)    SITE ASSESSMENT.  West, at its sole
                                 cost and expense, shall have the right to
                                 perform an environmental site assessment
                                 ("AUDIT") of the Real Estate prior to the
                                 Closing Date.  If the Audit reflects the
                                 presence of Hazardous Materials or some other
                                 environmental condition or impairment and
                                 indicates that a Phase II

                                       44

<PAGE>   45



                                       environmental survey ("PHASE II
                                       SURVEY") is necessary, West and
                                       Real Estate Lessors shall jointly
                                       cause a Phase II Survey, to be
                                       conducted upon the affected Real
                                       Estate within thirty (30) days
                                       after Closing Date.  The cost of
                                       any Phase II Survey required
                                       hereunder shall be borne equally by
                                       West and Real Estate Lessors. Real
                                       Estate Lessors shall, at their sole
                                       cost and expense, remediate any and
                                       all Hazardous Materials or other
                                       adverse environmental condition or
                                       impairment reflected in the Audits
                                       and/or Phase II Survey.

                           (iii)       RIGHT TO ENTRY.  At times agreed
                                       upon by the parties, West, its
                                       agents or its consultants may enter
                                       upon the Real Estate for purposes
                                       of conducting the Audit and Phase
                                       II Survey.  West shall indemnify,
                                       defend and hold harmless Real
                                       Estate Lessors, their employees,
                                       agents and beneficiaries, their
                                       heirs, personal representatives,
                                       successors and assigns from any and
                                       all losses, claims, actions,
                                       demands, expenses and liabilities,
                                       including reasonable attorney fees
                                       and consultant fees, which may
                                       arise against any or all of them by
                                       virtue of any activities of West,
                                       its employees, agents, contractors
                                       or licensees, or their agents or
                                       employees, taken, performed or
                                       permitted pursuant to the rights
                                       granted hereunder.

                                       45

<PAGE>   46



                           (iv)   REAL ESTATE LESSOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND
                                  WARRANTIES.  Real Estate Lessors represent
                                  and warrant to West as of the date hereof,
                                  and as of each respective Real Estate
                                  Closing Date as follows:

                                  (A)   OWNERSHIP OF REAL ESTATE.  As of the
                                        date of this Agreement, Real Estate
                                        Lessors own the Real Estate,
                                        beneficially and of record. As of the
                                        date of any Real Estate Closing pursuant
                                        to the Purchase Option, Real Estate
                                        Lessors shall convey the applicable Real
                                        Estate to West, free and clear of any
                                        Adverse Title Condition except for
                                        Permitted Encumbrances, and there shall
                                        be no outstanding rights or options in
                                        any third party to acquire the Real
                                        Estate or any interest therein.

                                  (B)   AUTHORIZATION.  The execution and
                                        delivery of this Agreement and the
                                        consummation of the transactions
                                        contemplated hereby by Real Estate
                                        Lessors (A) will not violate any
                                        provision of, or result in the breach of
                                        or accelerate or permit the acceleration
                                        of the performance required by the terms
                                        of:  (I) any agreement to which Real
                                        Estate Lessors are a party or by which
                                        he may be bound; or (II) any order,
                                        judgment, or decree applicable to Real
                                        Estate Lessors; (B) will not result in
                                        the creation of any claim, lien, charge
                                        or encumbrance upon the Real Estate; (C)
                                        and will not terminate or result in the
                                        termination of

                                       46

<PAGE>   47



                                        any such agreement, or in any way affect
                                        or violate the terms or conditions of,
                                        or result in the cancellation,
                                        modification, revocation, or suspension
                                        of, any of the licenses, franchises,
                                        approvals, certificates, permits, or
                                        authorizations held by Real Estate
                                        Lessors with respect to the Real Estate.

                                  (C)   COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  Real Estate
                                        Lessors have not received any currently
                                        effective notice of any violations of
                                        any applicable federal, state, or local
                                        law or regulation affecting the Real
                                        Estate, and, as to any past notices
                                        which are no longer effective,
                                        appropriate remedial steps have been
                                        taken.  With respect to the Real Estate,
                                        Real Estate Lessors are in substantial
                                        compliance with all existing applicable
                                        Federal, state, and local laws and
                                        regulations including, without
                                        limitation, those respecting the health
                                        and safety of its employees, the benefit
                                        or welfare plans provided for its
                                        employees, the hiring, firing, and
                                        conditions of employment of its
                                        employees and the protection of the
                                        environment. Further, Real Estate
                                        Lessors have not unlawfully stored,
                                        dumped, or deposited nor participated in
                                        the unlawful, dumping or depositing of
                                        any Hazardous Materials upon any of its
                                        Real Estate; Real Estate Lessors are not
                                        in violation of any existing federal,

                                       47

<PAGE>   48



                                        state, local, Environmental Law as well
                                        as all rules, regulations or orders
                                        issued with respect to the Real Estate;
                                        and Real Estate Lessors have not, at any
                                        time, received, nor does he have any
                                        knowledge or reason to believe that he
                                        may receive notice of an alleged
                                        violation of any existing law, rule,
                                        regulations or orders issued with
                                        respect to the Real Estate from any
                                        governmental authority; including but
                                        not limited to any notices that the Real
                                        Estate is not in full compliance with
                                        existing applicable building codes,
                                        environmental, zoning and land use laws
                                        and other existing local, state and
                                        federal laws and regulations.

                                  (D)   NO ADVERSE PROCEEDINGS.  To Real
                                        Estate Lessors' knowledge, no
                                        condemnation, environmental, zoning or
                                        other land-use regulation proceedings
                                        have been instituted nor are any of
                                        those proceedings planned to be
                                        instituted, that would detrimentally
                                        affect the use and operation of the Real
                                        Estate or the value of the Real Estate,
                                        nor has Real Estate Lessors received
                                        notice of any special assessments or
                                        special assessment proceedings affecting
                                        the Real Estate.

                                  (E)   NO LEASES.  Except for a lease to
                                        Linda A. Scull, one of the Seller
                                        herein, for commercial space in the
                                        building and improvements situate upon
                                        the Secondary Business Site real estate
                                        at Brookville, Pennsylvania, which lease
                                        shall

                                       48

<PAGE>   49



                                   continue in effect as long as Real Estate
                                   Lessors own the Brookville, Pennsylvania real
                                   estate; there are no leases, tenancy rights
                                   or other contracts or arrangements with
                                   respect to the Real Estate, other than a
                                   Lease between Real Estate Lessors, as
                                   landlord, and Goss, as tenant, which will be
                                   terminated at the Closing.

                     (d)   Moore Cylinders.

                           (i)     LEASE OF MOORE CYLINDERS.  At Closing,
                                   Stock Purchaser, as Lessee, and Cylinder
                                   Sellers, as Lessors, shall enter into,
                                   execute and deliver the Moore Cylinder
                                   Lease.

                           (ii)    SALE OF MOORE CYLINDERS. At the Moore
                                   Cylinder Purchase Closing, Cylinder Sellers
                                   shall sell, assign and transfer by means of
                                   the Bill of Sale, the Moore Cylinders to
                                   Stock Purchaser, as set forth and subject
                                   of Paragraph 1(bb) for and in consideration
                                   of payment by Stock Purchaser to Cylinder
                                   Sellers of the Moore Cylinder Purchase
                                   Payment by means of Stock Purchaser's bank
                                   wire transfer.

                           (iii)   CYLINDER SELLERS REPRESENTATIONS
                                   AND WARRANTIES.  Cylinder Sellers represent
                                   and warrant to Stock Purchaser as of the date
                                   hereof and as of the Moore Cylinder Purchase
                                   Closing Date as follows:

                                   (A)   Authorization.  The execution and
                                         delivery of this Agreement and the
                                         consummation of the transactions

                                       49

<PAGE>   50



                                            contemplated hereby by Cylinder
                                            Sellers (A) will not violate any
                                            provision of, or result in the
                                            breach of or accelerate or permit
                                            the acceleration of the performance
                                            required by the terms of: (I) any
                                            agreement to which Cylinder Sellers
                                            are a party or by which it may be
                                            bound; or (II) any order, judgment,
                                            or decree applicable to Cylinder
                                            Sellers; (B) will not result in the
                                            creation of any claim, lien, charge
                                            or encumbrance upon Moore Cylinders;
                                            and (C) will not terminate or result
                                            in the termination of any agreement,
                                            or in any way affect or violate the
                                            terms or conditions of, or result in
                                            the cancellation, modification,
                                            revocation, or suspension of, any of
                                            the licenses, franchises, approvals,
                                            certificates, permits, or
                                            authorizations held by Cylinder
                                            Sellers, which would adversely
                                            affect or in any way impair
                                            Purchaser's free and unrestricted
                                            ownership possession or use of as
                                            well as its title to the Moore
                                            Cylinders.

                                    (B)     TITLE TO AND MERCHANTABILITY OF
                                            MOORE CYLINDERS. Cylinder Sellers
                                            own one hundred percent (100%) and
                                            have good and marketable title to
                                            the Moore Cylinders free and clear
                                            of all liens and encumbrances as
                                            well as any other Adverse Title
                                            Condition; and that the Moore
                                            Cylinders are

                                       50

<PAGE>   51



                                   merchantable and fit for the ordinary,
                                   customary and intended use in and about Goss'
                                   Business operations.

                     (e)   Excluded Assets.

                           (i)     Sellers shall not be required to repay
                                   shareholder loans to Sellers from Goss
                                   outstanding as reflected upon the June 30,
                                   1997 Financial Statements, and all such
                                   shareholder debt owed by Sellers to Goss has
                                   been cancelled as of date of this Agreement.

                           (ii)    Prior to date of this Agreement, Goss has
                                   paid a dividend to Sellers in the form of
                                   distribution of marketable securities owned
                                   by Goss having a market value at date of
                                   dividend distribution of no more than
                                   Forty-seven Thousand Seven Hundred
                                   Seventy-one Dollars ($47,771.00).  Such
                                   dividend shall be without tax and liability
                                   to either Goss or Stock Purchaser; and in
                                   that regard, Sellers shall reimburse Goss
                                   the amount of any income tax liability to
                                   Goss or Stock Purchaser arising out of and
                                   related to the dividend by distribution of
                                   marketable securities aforesaid.

         11. FEES AND EXPENSES. Except as expressly provided herein, Sellers,
Stock Purchaser and West shall pay all of their respective costs and expenses,
including any and all legal and accounting fees, incident to the execution of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
whether or not such transactions shall be consummated.

         12. BROKERAGE.  Each of the Sellers, Stock Purchaser and West
shall indemnify and hold harmless the others from and against any claim, cost
or expense arising out of any claim for brokerage commission, finders fees and
the like, relating to this Agreement or any

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transaction contemplated hereby based upon the actions of the indemnifying
party. Stock Purchaser and/or West shall pay all fees and expenses of ADE
Vantage, Inc. and/or William A.  Indelicato.

         13. WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE
CLOSING.  All representations, covenants, warranties and agreements contained
in this Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and Closing as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

         14. COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument.

         15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement together with all Exhibits and
attachments hereto is an integrated document, contains the entire agreement
between the parties, wholly cancels, terminates and supersedes any and all
previous and/or contemporaneous oral agreements, negotiations, commitments and
writings between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
No change, modification, extension, termination, notice of termination,
discharge, abandonment or waiver of this Agreement or any of the provisions
hereof, nor any representations, promise, or condition relating to this
Agreement, shall be binding upon the parties hereto.

         16. CAPTIONS.  The captions of paragraph hereof are for
convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of
any of the provisions of this Agreement.

         17. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.  Any and all schedules, exhibits,
statements, reports, certificates, or other documents or instruments referred
to herein or attached

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<PAGE>   53



hereto are incorporated herein by reference thereto as though fully set forth
at the point referred to in this Agreement.

         18. ASSIGNMENT AND BENEFIT.  This Agreement may not be assigned
by any party without prior written consent.  This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of Sellers, Stock Purchaser and West, and their
respective heir, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.

         19. NOTICES. Any notice, request, instruction, consent, approval or
other communication provided for herein shall be in writing and delivered
personally or sent by first class mail, certified, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid as follows: If to Stock Purchaser and/or West, addressed to 67
- - 43rd Street, Wheeling, West Virginia, Attention: Lawrence E. Bandi, with a
copy to James T. McClure, Esquire, GOMPERS, MCCARTHY, HILL & MCCLURE, 302 Board
of Trade Building, Wheeling, West Virginia, 26003; If to Sellers, Real Estate
Lessors, or Cylinder Sellers, addressed to 167 Third Street, Falls Creek,
Pennsylvania 15840, with a copy to John C. Dennison, II, Esquire, 293 Main
Street, Brookville, Pennsylvania 15825-1291.

         20. APPLICABLE LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the internal law of the State of Pennsylvania
without regard to its conflicts of law principles.


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<PAGE>   54



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed and delivered by all of
the parties hereto, with full authority therefore, to be effective as of the
date and year first written above.

                                        VALLEY NATIONAL GASES, INC., A WEST
                                        VIRGINIA CORPORATION
WITNESSES:

/s/ JOANNE STEUENS
- ---------------------------------       By /s/ LAWRENCE E. BANDI 
/s/ KATHLEEN HAGGERTY                      ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------          Its President


                                        WEST RENTALS, INC., A WEST VIRGINIA
WITNESSES:                              CORPORATION

/s/ JOANNE STEUENS
- ---------------------------------       By /s/ LAWRENCE E. BANDI 
/s/ KATHLEEN HAGGERTY                      ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------          Its Vice President


WITNESSES:

/s/ JOHN C. DENI 
- ---------------------------------          /s/ ALBERT E. MOORE
/s/ LEAH N. CAYLOR                         ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------            ALBERT E. MOORE, INDIVIDUALLY


WITNESSES:

/s/ JOHN C. DENI     
- ---------------------------------          /s/ EARLE M. MOORE
/s/ SANDRA L. FORD                         ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------            EARLE M. MOORE, INDIVIDUALLY


WITNESSES:

/s/ JOHN C. DENI
- ---------------------------------          /s/ LINDA A. SCULL   
/s/ SANDRA L. FORD                         ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------                   LINDA A. SCULL


WITNESSES:

/s/ JOHN C. DENI
- ---------------------------------          /s/ ALBERT E. MOORE
/s/ LEAH N. CAYLOR                         -----------------------------------
- ---------------------------------          ALBERT E. MOORE, REAL ESTATE LESSOR


WITNESSES:

/s/ JOHN C. DENI
- ---------------------------------          /s/ PATRICIA MOORE 
/s/ LEAH N. CAYLOR                         ----------------------------------
- ---------------------------------          PATRICIA MOORE, REAL ESTATE LESSOR


                                       54

<PAGE>   55


WITNESSES:

/s/ JOHN C. DEMI
- ---------------------------------           /s/ EARLE M. MOORE
/s/ SANDRA L. FORD                          ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------           EARLE M. MOORE, CYLINDER SELLER


WITNESSES:

/s/ JOHN C. DEMI
- ---------------------------------           /s/ LINDA D. MOORE    
/s/ SANDRA L. FORD                          ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------           LINDA D. MOORE, CYLINDER SELLER


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