VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC
DEF 14A, 1997-07-02
MEASURING & CONTROLLING DEVICES, NEC
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<PAGE>
                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)
 
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
 
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
                PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    Filed by the Registrant /X/
    Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
 
    Check the appropriate box:
    / /  Preliminary Proxy Statement
    / /  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
         14a-6(e)(2))
    /X/  Definitive Proxy Statement
    / /  Definitive Additional Materials
    / /  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section240.14a-11(c) or
         Section240.14a-12
 
                                     VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
                                             Not Applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
 
/ /  No Filing Fee Required.
/ /  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
     (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
     (2) Aggregrate number of securities to which transaction applies:
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
     (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
         pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
         filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
     (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
     (5) Total fee paid: transaction:
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
/X/  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:.
 
/ /  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
     0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
     previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
     or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
     (1) Amount Previously Paid:
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     (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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     (4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
                             VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
                                 TERMINAL DRIVE
                           PLAINVIEW, NEW YORK 11803
 
                                                                    July 2, 1997
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
    You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders of
Veeco Instruments Inc. ("Veeco") to be held at 9:30 a.m. (E.S.T.) on July 25,
1997, at the Corporate Center, 395 North Service Road, Lower Auditorium,
Melville, New York.
 
    At the Special Meeting, the stockholders of Veeco (the "Veeco Stockholders")
will be asked to consider and vote upon the proposed merger (the "Merger") of
Veeco Acquisition Corp., a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco
("Acquisition"), with and into Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation
("Wyko"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 28,
1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among Veeco, Acquisition and Wyko and the
securityholders of Wyko. As a result of the Merger, Wyko will become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco.
 
    The Merger Agreement provides, among other things, that each issued and
outstanding share of Class A Common Stock of Wyko will be converted into the
right to receive 10.182435 shares (the "Conversion Ratio") of the common stock,
$.01 par value per share, of Veeco (the "Veeco Common Stock") upon consummation
of the Merger. The aggregate number of shares of Veeco Common Stock to be issued
to Wyko's stockholders will represent a total of 2,863,810 shares and
approximately 33% of the total shares of the Veeco Common Stock anticipated to
be outstanding immediately following the Merger. In addition, pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, holders of currently outstanding options to acquire 13,375
shares of Wyko common stock will receive options to acquire 136,190 shares of
the Veeco Common Stock, which amount was calculated on the basis of the
Conversion Ratio. The Merger Agreement requires the approval of the Veeco
Stockholders. Veeco's Board of Directors has unanimously approved the Merger
Agreement, having determined that the acquisition of Wyko pursuant to the Merger
Agreement is fair and in the best interests of Veeco and the Veeco Stockholders.
Veeco's financial advisor, Montgomery Securities, has advised Veeco that in its
opinion, based upon certain assumptions, the consideration to be paid to the
stockholders of Wyko pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair to the Veeco
Stockholders from a financial point of view. If the Veeco Stockholders approve
the Merger, it is currently anticipated that the Merger will be consummated as
promptly as practicable after the satisfaction of certain conditions to the
Merger. The proposed Merger is described in the accompanying Proxy Statement
which includes a summary of the terms of the Merger and certain other
information relating to the proposed transaction. I urge you to review carefully
the Proxy Statement and accompanying Appendices.
 
    At the Special Meeting, the Veeco Stockholders will also be asked to
consider and vote upon (i) an amendment to Veeco's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (as amended to date, the "Certificate of
Incorporation") to increase the number of shares of authorized Veeco Common
Stock from 9,500,000 shares to 25,000,000 shares and (ii) an amendment to the
Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Employees Stock Option Plan (as
amended to date, the "Employees' Plan") to increase the number of shares of
Veeco Common Stock for which stock options may be granted pursuant to such plan
from 1,226,787 shares to 1,426,787 shares.
 
    Your Board of Directors believes that the Merger being presented to the
Veeco Stockholders is in the best interests of the Veeco Stockholders and
unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" the Merger. Your Board of Directors also
believes that approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation and
the amendment to the Employees' Plan is in the best interests of the Veeco
Stockholders and unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" each of these proposals.
 
    Your vote is very important. Whether or not you are personally able to
attend, it is important that your shares be represented at the meeting.
Accordingly, you are requested to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy
promptly. If you do attend the Special Meeting, you may still revoke your proxy
and vote in person. Your prompt cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          /s/ EDWARD H. BRAUN
                                          EDWARD H. BRAUN
                                          CHAIRMAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                          OFFICER AND PRESIDENT
<PAGE>
                             VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
                                 TERMINAL DRIVE
                              PLAINVIEW, NY 11803
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                                 JULY 25, 1997
 
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special
Meeting") of Veeco Instruments Inc. ("Veeco") will be held at 9:30 a.m. (E.S.T.)
on July 25, 1997, at the Corporate Center, 395 North Service Road, Lower
Auditorium, Melville, New York for the purpose of considering and acting upon
the following matters as set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
 
        1. To consider and vote on the proposed merger (the "Merger") of Veeco
    Acquisition Corp., a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco
    ("Acquisition"), with and into Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation
    ("Wyko"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April
    28, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among Veeco, Acquisition and Wyko and the
    security holders of Wyko. As a result of the Merger, Wyko will become a
    wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco.
 
        2. To consider and vote upon a proposed amendment to Veeco's Amended and
    Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended to date, to increase the
    authorized shares of Veeco's common stock, $.01 par value per share (the
    "Veeco Common Stock"), from 9,500,000 shares to 25,000,000 shares.
 
        3. To consider and vote upon a proposed amendment to the Veeco
    Instruments Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Employees' Stock Option Plan, as
    amended to date, to increase the number of shares of the Veeco Common Stock
    for which stock options may be granted pursuant to such plan from 1,226,787
    shares to 1,426,787 shares.
 
        4. The transaction of such other business as may properly come before
    the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
 
    Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 1997 are
entitled to notice of the Special Meeting. A certified list of stockholders
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will be available for examination,
during business hours, by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the Special
Meeting for a period of not less than ten days immediately preceding the Special
Meeting at the offices of Veeco, Terminal Drive, Plainview, New York 11803.
 
                                          By order of the Board of Directors,
 
                                          /s/ JOHN F. REIN, JR.
 
                                          JOHN F. REIN, JR.
                                          SECRETARY
 
July 2, 1997
 
    ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE STAMPED AND ADDRESSED ENVELOPE ENCLOSED FOR YOUR
CONVENIENCE. STOCKHOLDERS CAN HELP VEECO AVOID UNNECESSARY EXPENSE AND DELAY BY
PROMPTLY RETURNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. THE BUSINESS OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
TO BE ACTED UPON BY THE STOCKHOLDERS CANNOT BE TRANSACTED UNLESS AT LEAST 50% OF
THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF THE VEECO COMMON STOCK ARE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL
MEETING.
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
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PROXY STATEMENT..........................................................................................          1
 
PROPOSAL 1--THE MERGER...................................................................................          3
  Introduction...........................................................................................          3
  The Parties to the Merger..............................................................................          3
  Background of the Merger...............................................................................          3
  Reasons for the Merger.................................................................................          4
  Recommendation of Veeco's Board of Directors...........................................................          6
  Potential Effects of the Merger on the Veeco Stockholders and Veeco Stockholder Rights.................          6
  Sales of Veeco Common Stock by the Stockholders of Wyko May Have a Negative Effect on the Market for
    Veeco Common Stock...................................................................................          7
  Opinion of Financial Advisor...........................................................................          7
  Accounting Treatment...................................................................................         11
  Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger..........................................................         11
  Market Price for Veeco Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters....................................         12
 
THE MERGER AGREEMENT.....................................................................................         12
  The Closing............................................................................................         12
  Conditions.............................................................................................         13
 
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA................................................         18
 
INFORMATION ABOUT VEECO..................................................................................         23
  Veeco's Business.......................................................................................         23
  Recent Developments....................................................................................         23
  Industry Background....................................................................................         24
  Veeco's Products.......................................................................................         26
  Ion Beam Systems.......................................................................................         26
  Surface Metrology Equipment............................................................................         27
  Industrial Measurement Equipment.......................................................................         29
  Strategic Alliances....................................................................................         30
  Sales and Service......................................................................................         32
  Customers..............................................................................................         32
  Engineering, Research and Development..................................................................         33
  Manufacturing..........................................................................................         34
  Backlog................................................................................................         34
  Competition............................................................................................         35
  Patents, Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property....................................................         35
  Environmental Matters..................................................................................         35
  Employees..............................................................................................         36
  Facilities.............................................................................................         37
  Legal Proceedings......................................................................................         37
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF VEECO...........         38
 
INFORMATION ABOUT WYKO...................................................................................         43
  Wyko's Business........................................................................................         43
  Wyko's Products........................................................................................         43
  Micro-Structure Measurements...........................................................................         44
  Macro-Contour Measurements.............................................................................         45
</TABLE>
 
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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  Angle and Distance Measurements........................................................................         46
  Sales and Service......................................................................................         46
  Customers and End Users................................................................................         46
  Engineering, Research and Development..................................................................         47
  Manufacturing..........................................................................................         47
  Backlog................................................................................................         48
  Competition............................................................................................         48
  Patents, Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property....................................................         48
  Executive Officers and Key Employees...................................................................         48
  Employees..............................................................................................         49
  Facilities.............................................................................................         49
  Legal Proceedings......................................................................................         50
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF WYKO............         51
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................................         54
 
PROPOSAL 2--AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF
  VEECO COMMON STOCK.....................................................................................         62
 
PROPOSAL 3--AMENDMENT TO THE VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED 1992 EMPLOYEES' STOCK OPTION
  PLAN...................................................................................................         63
 
COMPENSATION.............................................................................................         68
  Executive Compensation.................................................................................         68
  Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year......................................................................         69
  Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values......................         70
  Director Compensation..................................................................................         70
  Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation............................................         70
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION..................................................         71
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN OF VEECO, PEER GROUP AND NASDAQ MARKET INDEX.....................................         73
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP.......................................................................................         74
 
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.....................................................................................         75
 
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT.............................................         75
 
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE...............................................................................         76
 
OTHER MATTERS............................................................................................         76
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC............................................................       VF-1
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF WYKO CORPORATION.................................................................       WF-1
</TABLE>
 
APPENDIX A--AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
APPENDIX B--OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
APPENDIX C-- RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT
             TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
 
APPENDIX D-- RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
              AMENDED AND RESTATED 1992 EMPLOYEES' STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>
                             VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
                                 TERMINAL DRIVE
                              PLAINVIEW, NY 11803
 
                                PROXY STATEMENT
 
    This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the stockholders (the "Veeco
Stockholders") of Veeco Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Veeco"), in
connection with the Special Meeting of Stockholders of Veeco (the "Special
Meeting") to be held at 9:30 a.m. (E.S.T.) on July 25, 1997, at the Corporate
Center, 395 North Service Road, Lower Auditorium, Melville, New York. The
accompanying proxy is being solicited by Veeco's Board of Directors (the "Board
of Directors") to be voted at the Special Meeting and any adjournments or
postponements thereof.
 
    The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement and the accompanying
proxy will first be mailed to Veeco Stockholders is July 2, 1997.
 
    At the Special Meeting, the Veeco Stockholders will be asked to consider and
vote upon the proposed merger (the "Merger") of Veeco Acquisition Corp., a newly
formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco ("Acquisition"), with and into Wyko
Corporation, an Arizona corporation ("Wyko"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan
of Merger, dated as of April 28, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among Veeco,
Acquisition and Wyko and the securityholders of Wyko. As a result of the Merger,
Wyko will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco. A copy of the Merger
Agreement is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
 
    The Merger Agreement provides, among other things, that each issued and
outstanding share of Class A Common Stock of Wyko will be converted into the
right to receive 10.182435 shares (the "Merger Shares") of the common stock,
$.01 par value per share, of Veeco (the "Veeco Common Stock") upon consummation
of the Merger. The Merger Agreement also provides that each outstanding option
to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock of Wyko under
Wyko's 1986 employee stock option plan, by virtue of the Merger, will be assumed
by Veeco and converted into the right to receive an option to purchase 10.182435
shares of Veeco Common Stock (the "Conversion Ratio"). The number of shares of
the Veeco Common Stock to be issued to stockholders of Wyko will represent a
total of 2,863,810 shares and approximately 33% of the total shares of Veeco
Common Stock anticipated to be outstanding immediately following the Merger; in
addition, options to purchase 136,190 shares of Veeco Common Stock will be
issued to Wyko's current optionholders. The Merger Agreement requires the
approval of the Veeco Stockholders. On June 26, 1997, the closing price of the
Veeco Common Stock on The NASDAQ National Market ("NASDAQ") was $37.125. Veeco's
Board of Directors has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement, having
determined that the acquisition of Wyko pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair
and in the best interests of Veeco and the Veeco Stockholders. Veeco's financial
advisor, Montgomery Securities, has advised Veeco that in its opinion, based
upon certain assumptions, the consideration to be paid to the stockholders of
Wyko pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair to the Veeco Stockholders from a
financial point of view. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP ("Ernst & Young"),
Veeco's independent certified public accountants for the year ended December 31,
1996 and the year ending December 31, 1997, will be present at the Special
Meeting and may make a statement if they so desire. They also will be available
to respond to appropriate questions. If the Veeco Stockholders approve the
Merger, it is currently anticipated that the Merger will be consummated as
promptly as practicable after the satisfaction of certain conditions to the
Merger. Other than the filings of the Certificates of Merger (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the
Arizona Corporation Commission, as applicable, and the filing of this Proxy
Statement, there are no applicable federal or state regulatory requirements
which must be complied with or federal or state approvals which must be obtained
in connection with the Merger.
 
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    At the Special Meeting, the Veeco Stockholders will also be asked to
consider and vote upon (i) an amendment to Veeco's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (as amended to date, the "Certificate of
Incorporation") to increase the number of shares of authorized Veeco Common
Stock from 9,500,000 shares to 25,000,000 shares and (ii) an amendment to the
Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Employees' Stock Option Plan
(as amended to date, the "Employees' Plan") to increase the number of shares of
Veeco Common Stock for which stock options may be granted pursuant to such plan
from 1,226,787 shares to 1,426,787 shares.
 
    Accompanying this Proxy Statement is a notice of the Special Meeting and a
form of proxy solicited by the Board of Directors. Proxies in the accompanying
form which are properly executed and duly returned to Veeco and not revoked
prior to the voting at the Special Meeting will be voted as specified. If no
contrary specification is made and if not designated as broker non-votes, the
shares of Veeco Common Stock represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted FOR
the approval of the Merger ("Proposal 1"), FOR the approval of the amendment to
Veeco's Certificate of Incorporation ("Proposal 2") and FOR the approval of the
amendment to the Employees' Plan ("Proposal 3"). In addition, the shares of
Veeco Common Stock represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted by the
persons named therein, in such persons' discretion, with respect to any other
business which may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments
or postponements thereof. Any Stockholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke
it at any time prior to the voting by filing with the Secretary of Veeco written
notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by voting
in person at the Special Meeting.
 
    The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on June 6, 1997 as
the record date for the determination of Veeco Stockholders who are entitled to
receive notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. The holders of 50% of the
voting power of all issued and outstanding shares of Veeco Common Stock present
in person, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at the Special
Meeting. An affirmative vote by a majority of the votes cast at the Special
Meeting at which a quorum is present is required for approval of each of
Proposals 1 and 3. An affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Veeco Common Stock present, or represented by proxy,
and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting at which a quorum is present is
required for approval of Proposal 2.
 
    On June 6, 1997, the record date for the Special Meeting, Veeco had
outstanding 5,972,157 shares of Veeco Common Stock. Each share of Veeco Common
Stock is entitled to one vote with respect to (i) the proposed Merger (Proposal
1), (ii) the proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (Proposal
2), (iii) the proposed amendment to the Employees' Plan (Proposal 3) and (iv)
any other matters to be voted upon at the Special Meeting.
 
    In accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, shares represented by
proxies marked as abstentions or designated as broker non-votes will be counted
for purposes of determining a quorum. Shares represented by proxies marked as
abstentions will also be treated as present for purposes of determining the
outcome of a vote on any matter, but will not constitute a vote "for" or
"against" any matter. Shares represented by proxies designated as broker
non-votes, however, will not be treated as present for purposes of determining
the outcome of a vote on any matter.
 
    To the extent that this Proxy Statement discusses expectations about market
conditions or about market acceptance and future sales of Veeco's or Wyko's
products, or otherwise makes statements about the future, such statements are
forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These
factors include the ability of Veeco to complete the Merger, the cyclical nature
of the mass memory and semiconductor industry, risks associated with the
acceptance of new products by individual customers and by the marketplace, and
other factors discussed in the Business Description and Management's Discussion
and Analysis sections of Veeco's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Annual Report to
Stockholders.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                             PROPOSAL 1--THE MERGER
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    The following discussion includes summary information about the Merger
Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
The following information summarizing the terms of the Merger Agreement is
expressly qualified by reference to the full Merger Agreement set forth in
Appendix A. The following summary is not a substitute for a careful reading of
the Merger Agreement.
 
THE PARTIES TO THE MERGER
 
    VEECO.  Veeco, which was incorporated in Delaware in 1989, acquired its
business operations from a company that was founded in 1945 under the same name.
Veeco is engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing and servicing of a broad
line of precision ion beam systems and surface metrology equipment used to test
and manufacture microelectronic products for high-growth microelectronic markets
such as thin film magnetic heads and advanced semiconductor devices as well as
for a broad range of industrial applications. Veeco sells its products worldwide
to many of the leading data storage and semiconductor manufacturers. In
addition, Veeco sells its products to companies in the flat panel display and
high frequency device industries, as well as to other industries, research and
development centers and universities. Veeco's manufacturing and research and
development facilities are located in Plainview, New York and Santa Barbara,
California. Global sales and service offices are located throughout the United
States, Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific. The executive offices of Veeco are
located at Terminal Drive, Plainview, New York 11803, and its telephone number
is (516) 349-8300.
 
    WYKO.  Wyko, which was incorporated in Arizona in 1982, designs,
manufactures and markets high-performance, non-contact surface metrology
equipment and angle and distance measurement systems for manufacturers in the
data storage, semiconductor, machined surfaces, research and optics industries.
Utilizing proprietary laser and optical technology combined with advanced
software and electronics, Wyko instruments and systems enable manufacturers to
increase product yield and improve product quality by generating precise,
consistent quantitative data on product defects during and after the
manufacturing process. Wyko's products are utilized in production control,
failure analysis, prototype development and advanced research. Wyko's
manufacturing and research and development facilities are located in Tucson,
Arizona with sales offices in Santa Clara, California and Chelmsford,
Massachusetts and sales representatives and distributors worldwide. The
executive offices of Wyko are located at 2650 East Elvira Road, Tucson, Arizona
85706, and its telephone number is (520) 741-1044.
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
    From time to time, Veeco has conducted preliminary discussions with numerous
merger and acquisition candidates who primarily manufacture high precision test
and measurement equipment for the microelectronics industry. In September 1995,
while attending Diskcon '95, a trade show, in San Jose, California, Edward H.
Braun, Veeco's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, and James C.
Wyant, Wyko's President, exchanged general information about their businesses.
Both agreed that further discussion should be pursued.
 
    During 1996, management of Wyko continued to meet with Mr. Braun as well as
with representatives of several other companies with similar product lines to
those of Veeco to discuss the possibility of a merger or acquisition. On March
25, 1996, Mr. Walter Scherr, a member of the Board of Directors and a consultant
to Veeco, met with Dr. Wyant at Wyko's headquarters in Tucson, Arizona to
discuss the companies' respective businesses and how they might compliment each
other as part of a combined entity. These discussions were followed by a meeting
in Tucson on April 10, 1996 between Mr. Braun and Dr. Wyant during which they
principally discussed technological developments being worked on in the surface
metrology area by each of the companies and potential synergies that could
result from a merger or other business combination. The two chief executive
officers next met on August 19, 1996 at Veeco's
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
headquarters in Plainview, New York during which discussions on these topics
were continued. The two then met at the Diskcon '96 trade show in San Jose,
California on September 26, 1996 and discussed the markets served by the
respective companies and the advantages of combining the two companies. On
October 28, 1996, Mr. Braun, Mr. John F. Rein, Jr., Veeco's Vice
President--Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and Brian Bristol, a
representative of Veeco's financial advisor, met at Wyko's headquarters with Dr.
Wyant to discuss the terms of a preliminary merger proposal proposed by Veeco in
which the Wyko stockholders would receive shares of Veeco Common Stock in
exchange for their shares of Class A Common Stock of Wyko. This meeting was
followed by a meeting on November 16, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada attended by Mr.
Braun, Dr. Wyant, Ms. Esther J. Davenport, a Director and Executive Vice
President of Wyko, and Mr. John B. Hayes, a Director and Vice President of Wyko,
at which the parties continued to discuss Veeco's preliminary proposal and
developments in the businesses of the respective companies. During this period,
Wyko continued to have discussions with other companies regarding a possible
merger or acquisition and did not officially respond to Veeco's preliminary
proposal. Although Wyko held discussions with a number of companies, it held
serious discussions with one such company which were terminated when such other
company announced it was to be acquired by a third party.
 
    In March 1997, representatives of Veeco's and Wyko's management commenced
more serious discussions as to a possible merger of the two companies. On March
4, 1997, Mr. Braun and Dr. Wyant met at Veeco's headquarters to begin to refine
the terms of a merger proposal. These negotiations led to a jointly developed
proposal providing for Wyko to merge into Veeco in a transaction that would
involve an exchange of shares and which would be accounted for in accordance
with the "pooling of interests" method required by Opinion No. 16 of the
Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants. As a result of this proposal, on March 10, 1997, Veeco announced
that it had signed a letter of intent to acquire Wyko. Subsequent to the
announcement of the letter of intent, on March 14, 1997, representatives of
Veeco and Wyko, including Mr. Braun, Mr. Rein, Dr. Wyant and Ms. Davenport met
at Wyko's headquarters to begin negotiating the terms of the Merger Agreement
and to conduct business and legal due diligence reviews. Meetings continued
among the principals and their counsel throughout March and April 1997 to
continue due diligence and to complete negotiations of the Merger Agreement.
 
    The jointly developed merger proposal resulted from the underlying
conviction of management of both Veeco and Wyko that the combination of the two
companies would create a very strong competitor in the various markets
historically served by both companies. The managements of both companies also
believe that major customers in the semiconductor and data storage industries
(as well as other industries that the companies service) are more willing to do
significant amounts of business with larger suppliers who are better able to
provide worldwide service and support than smaller companies and that the merger
will aid the combined company in this regard. The combination will also give
each of the companies access to important technologies to bolster their product
lines and access to the research and development efforts of the other. These
mutually held convictions led to specific negotiations regarding the
consideration to be paid in a business combination between the two companies.
The parties jointly determined that the consideration to be received by the
stockholders of Wyko would be shares of Veeco Common Stock in a transaction that
would be accounted for as a pooling of interests. The final determination of the
number of shares of Veeco Common Stock to be issued was based upon the parties'
separate views of the value of Wyko's contribution to the combined company in
the future, the consideration paid in similar business transactions in the
semiconductor equipment supply industry and, ultimately, on what the
stockholders of Wyko would accept in exchange for their shares. On April 24,
1997, the Board of Directors of Veeco approved the proposed transaction and
authorized management to execute the Merger Agreement.
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
    The Board of Directors believes that the Merger is in the best interests of
the Veeco Stockholders and that the terms of the Merger are fair from a
financial point of view to all of the Veeco Stockholders. The
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
Board of Directors came to its conclusion based upon a number of factors
including the opinion of Montgomery Securities, Veeco's financial advisor,
discussed below. See "Opinion of Financial Advisor."
 
    The Board of Directors believes that the Merger is consistent with Veeco's
objectives and strategies to gain access to new markets, technologies and
products in order to maintain its competitive position and that the Merger will
create a stronger company both from a financial and operational viewpoint. The
Board of Directors considered a number of factors in reaching its determination
that the Merger is in the best interests of the Veeco Stockholders. The Board of
Directors believes that the addition of Wyko's complementary product lines,
manufacturing capabilities, engineering, research and development programs,
sales, marketing and management personnel will allow the combined company to
expand its market share in several of its product lines and strengthen its
position in the overall industry. The Board of Directors noted that the Merger
will extend Veeco's current surface metrology product line to include automated,
non-contact optical testing systems and thus offer Veeco's semiconductor and
data storage customers a complete range of measurement technologies for yield
improvement and integrated test programs. The Board of Directors based its
beliefs on the rapid rate of growth in sales of Wyko's optical products and the
fact that the addition of Wyko will allow for the marketing of Veeco's products
to Wyko's customers and the marketing of Wyko's products to many of Veeco's
customers. The Board of Directors determined that additional advantages would
flow from a merger with Wyko, including: (i) improving the variety and diversity
of the product line available to be sold to customers of both companies because
of the diverse products produced by each Company; (ii) expansion of Veeco's
worldwide customer base by the addition of Wyko's international customers; (iii)
enhancement of Veeco's purchasing power with its suppliers because of its
increased size and buying power; (iv) lessening the present and future
dependency on major customers because of an increased customer base; (v)
strengthening and expanding customer service and support; (vi) enhancement of
Veeco's research and development efforts; and (vii) Wyko's human resources, with
numerous years of technical experience and strong academic training, would be
made available to Veeco and its customers.
 
    The Board of Directors also considered the potential risks and disadvantages
of the Merger. The Board of Directors considered the fact that a large
percentage of Wyko's sales are attributable to the mass memory industry, as is
the case with Veeco. Accordingly, Veeco's dependence on the mass memory industry
would increase as a result of the Merger. The mass memory industry has been
characterized by cyclicality. The industry has experienced significant economic
downturns at various times in the last decade, characterized by diminished
product demand, accelerated erosion of average selling prices and production
over-capacity. Due to increased dependence on the mass memory industry, as a
result of the Merger,Veeco may experience greater period-to-period fluctuations
in future operating results due to general industry conditions or events
occurring in the general economy than it would otherwise experience. The Board
of Directors also considered the negative impact the Merger would have on the
historical earnings per share of the combined companies on a pro forma basis,
but was convinced, based upon the prospects of the companies, that the Merger
would have a positive impact on earnings per share in the future. The "Selected
Pro Forma Combined Financial Data" included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement
demonstrates that the Merger would have enhanced the earnings per share of Veeco
for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.
 
    In addition to the reasons discussed above under "Background of the Merger",
the board of directors of Wyko believes that the Merger is in the best interests
of the stockholders of Wyko because it will allow Wyko to gain access to new
markets, product lines and major customers (including IBM Corporation, Applied
Magnetics Corp. and Texas Instruments) in the semiconductor and data storage
industries. In addition, pursuant to the Merger the stockholders of Wyko will
receive a publicly traded security in exchange for their shares of Class A
Common Stock of Wyko.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
RECOMMENDATION OF VEECO'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the Merger, the Board of Directors did not find it practicable to,
and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative weights to
specific factors considered in reaching its determination. In addition,
individual members of the Board of Directors may have given different weights to
different factors. All of the factors discussed above regarding the advisability
of the Merger were carefully considered by Veeco's management and Board of
Directors. Veeco entered into the Merger Agreement because its Board of
Directors concluded that there are significant opportunities for growth in sales
and earnings upon integrating both companies' operations and that the terms of
the transaction are fair from a financial point of view to and in the best
interests of the Veeco Stockholders. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT THE VEECO STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF THE MERGER ON THE VEECO STOCKHOLDERS AND VEECO STOCKHOLDER
  RIGHTS
 
    Upon consummation of the Merger, the Veeco Stockholders will remain
stockholders of Veeco, and their rights as stockholders of Veeco will continue
to be governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), Veeco's
Certificate of Incorporation and Veeco's Amended and Restated By-Laws.
Therefore, the rights of the Veeco Stockholders after the Merger will be
identical to their current rights.
 
    Upon the consummation of the Merger, Edward H. Braun will continue as
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Veeco. Pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, Veeco will use reasonable efforts to cause James C.
Wyant, President of Wyko, to be elected as a member of the Board of Directors of
Veeco. It is contemplated that the employees and executive officers of Wyko will
remain with Wyko following the Merger. The executive officers of Veeco will
remain unchanged.
 
    As a result of the Merger, the stockholders of Wyko will own approximately
33% of the total shares of Veeco Common Stock anticipated to be outstanding
after the Merger and the Veeco Stockholders will own the remaining 67% of such
shares. The Wyko stockholders consist of three individuals, Dr. Wyant, his wife,
Louise Wyant (who owns Wyko shares jointly with Dr. Wyant), and John B. Hayes,
Vice President of Wyko. As a result of the Merger, James C. Wyant and Louise
Wyant will jointly own approximately 24% and John B. Hayes will own
approximately 9% of the total shares of Veeco Common Stock anticipated to be
outstanding after the Merger and collectively such individuals will be the
largest stockholders of Veeco. The Board of Directors of Veeco determined that,
while a significant amount of the voting power of Veeco would be held by two
individuals as a result of the Merger, this fact will also incentivize the Wyko
stockholders and management to continue their focus on Wyko's growth and on
Wyko's future contribution to Veeco's overall financial strength. Esther J.
Davenport, Executive Vice President of Wyko, currently owns options to purchase
(i) 9,375 shares of Class A Common Stock of Wyko at an exercise price of $12.96
per share and (ii) 3,000 shares of Class B Common Stock of Wyko at an exercise
price of $22.37 per share, and Roberto Constantakis, Vice President of
Manufacturing of Wyko, currently owns options to purchase 1,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock of Wyko at an exercise price of $22.19 per share, and are each
party to the Merger Agreement. As a result of the Merger, the options held by
Ms. Davenport and Mr. Constantakis, all of which are currently exercisable, will
be converted into the right to receive options to purchase 126,008 shares and
10,182 shares, respectively, of Veeco Common Stock.
 
    The "Selected Pro Forma Combined Financial Data" included elsewhere in this
Proxy Statement demonstrates that although the Merger would have had a dilutive
effect on the earnings per share of Veeco for the fiscal years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, the Merger would have enhanced the
earnings per share of Veeco for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
SALES OF VEECO COMMON STOCK BY THE STOCKHOLDERS OF WYKO MAY HAVE A NEGATIVE
  EFFECT ON THE MARKET FOR VEECO COMMON STOCK
 
    The 2,863,810 shares of Veeco Common Stock to be issued to the stockholders
of Wyko will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), when they are issued, and will be "restricted securities"
under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. Ordinarily, under Rule 144, a person
holding restricted securities for a period of one year may, every three months,
sell in ordinary brokerage transactions or in transactions directly with a
market maker an amount equal to the greater of one percent of Veeco's then
outstanding shares and the average weekly trading volume during the four
calendar weeks prior to such sale. Sales of shares pursuant to Rule 144 may have
a depressive effect on the market price of Veeco securities.
 
    In connection with the Merger, the stockholders of Wyko will be granted
certain registration rights with respect to the shares of Veeco Common Stock
they receive in the Merger. See "THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Conditions--Registration
Rights." Sale by the stockholders of Wyko of shares registered for sale to the
public pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") could have a depressive effect on the
market price of Veeco securities. In addition, such registration rights could
adversely impact the ability of Veeco to raise funds through the issuance of
equity in the future.
 
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
    REVIEW AND ASSUMPTIONS.  Pursuant to an engagement letter dated April 25,
1997 (the "Engagement Letter"), Veeco engaged Montgomery Securities to render an
opinion to Veeco's Board of Directors as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to the stockholders of Veeco of the consideration to be paid in the
Merger. Montgomery Securities is a nationally recognized firm and, as part of
its investment banking activities, is regularly engaged in the valuation of
businesses and their securities in connection with merger transactions and other
types of acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of
listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for corporate
and other purposes. Veeco selected Montgomery Securities as its financial
adviser on the basis of its experience and expertise in transactions similar to
the Merger and its reputation in the semiconductor and hard disk drive capital
equipment and investment communities.
 
    Montgomery Securities delivered its written opinion to the Board of
Directors of Veeco, dated as of June 4, 1997, that the consideration to be paid
by Veeco pursuant to the Merger Agreement, when taken as a whole, is fair to the
stockholders of Veeco from a financial point of view, as of the date of the
opinion. The amount of such consideration was determined pursuant to
negotiations between Veeco and Wyko and not pursuant to recommendations of
Montgomery Securities. No limitations were imposed by Veeco on Montgomery
Securities with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed in
rendering its opinion. THE FULL TEXT OF MONTGOMERY SECURITIES' WRITTEN OPINION
TO VEECO'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHICH SETS FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS
CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS OF REVIEW BY MONTGOMERY SECURITIES, IS ATTACHED AS
APPENDIX B TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AND
SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PROXY
STATEMENT. THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF MONTGOMERY SECURITIES' OPINION IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPINION. MONTGOMERY
SECURITIES' OPINION IS ADDRESSED TO VEECO'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS ONLY AND DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY VEECO STOCKHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH STOCKHOLDER
SHOULD VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING. IN FURNISHING ITS OPINION, MONTGOMERY
SECURITIES DID NOT ADMIT THAT IT IS AN EXPERT WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE TERM
"EXPERT" AS USED IN THE SECURITIES ACT, OR THAT ITS OPINION IS A REPORT OR
VALUATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 11 OF THE SECURITIES ACT, AND STATEMENTS
TO SUCH EFFECT ARE INCLUDED IN MONTGOMERY SECURITIES' OPINION. MONTGOMERY
SECURITIES HAS NOT ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR PERFORMING THE LEVEL OF DILIGENCE
OR INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR IT TO RENDER A REPORT OR
VALUATION FOR PURPOSES OF SUCH ACT.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
    Montgomery Securities has informed Veeco that in arriving at its opinion,
Montgomery Securities, among other things: (i) reviewed certain publicly
available financial and other data with respect to Veeco and Wyko including the
consolidated financial statements for recent years to December 31, 1996 and the
consolidated statements of income for interim periods to March 31, 1997 and
certain other relevant financial and operating data relating to Veeco and Wyko
made available to Montgomery Securities from published sources and from the
internal records of Veeco and Wyko; (ii) reviewed the financial terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement; (iii) reviewed this Proxy Statement as filed
in preliminary form with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29,
1997; (iv) reviewed certain publicly available
information concerning the trading of, and the trading market for, the Veeco
Common Stock, (v) compared Wyko from a financial point of view with certain
other companies in the semiconductor and hard disk drive capital equipment
industry that Montgomery Securities deemed to be relevant; (vi) considered the
financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of selected recent business
combinations of certain other companies in the semiconductor and hard disk drive
capital equipment industries that Montgomery Securities deemed to be comparable,
in whole or in part, to the Merger; (vii) reviewed and discussed with
representatives of the management of Veeco and Wyko certain information of a
business and financial nature regarding Veeco and Wyko, furnished to Montgomery
Securities by Veeco and Wyko, including financial forecasts and related
assumptions of Wyko, and reviewed and discussed with representatives of the
management of Veeco financial forecasts of Veeco prepared by Montgomery
Securities on the basis of assumptions provided by and with the assistance of
such representatives; (viii) made inquiries regarding and discussed this Proxy
Statement, the Merger and the Merger Agreement and other matters related thereto
with Veeco's counsel; and (ix) performed such other analyses and examinations as
Montgomery Securities deemed appropriate.
 
    In preparing its opinion, Montgomery Securities assumed and relied upon the
accuracy and completeness of all financial and other information reviewed by it
for purposes of its opinion and did not assume responsibility for independent
verification of any of such information. With respect to the financial forecasts
for Wyko provided to Montgomery Securities by its management and the financial
forecasts for Veeco prepared on the basis of assumptions provided by and with
the assistance of its management, Montgomery Securities assumed for purposes of
its opinion that the forecasts have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting
the best available estimates and judgments of Veeco's and Wyko's managements at
the time of preparation as to the future financial performance of Veeco and Wyko
and that they provide a reasonable basis upon which Montgomery Securities can
form its opinion. Montgomery Securities also assumed that there were no material
changes in Veeco's or Wyko's assets, financial condition, results of operations,
business or prospects since the date of the last financial statements made
available to Montgomery Securities. Montgomery Securities relied on advice of
counsel to Veeco as to all legal matters with respect to Veeco, the Merger, the
Proxy Statement and the Merger Agreement. In addition, Montgomery Securities did
not make an independent evaluation, appraisal or physical inspection of the
assets or individual properties of Veeco or Wyko and was not furnished with any
such appraisals. Further, Montgomery Securities' opinion was based on economic,
monetary and market conditions existing as of June 4, 1997 and on the assumption
that the Merger Agreement will be consummated in accordance with the terms
thereof, without any amendments thereto, and without waiver by Veeco of any of
the conditions to its obligations thereunder.
 
    Set forth below is a brief summary of selected analyses underlying
Montgomery Securities' opinion.
 
    COMPARABLE COMPANY ANALYSIS.  Using public and other available information,
Montgomery Securities determined a range of implied equity values for Wyko based
on the multiples of the latest twelve months ("LTM") and estimated 1997 revenues
and earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") and 1996 and estimated 1997 and
1998 net income at which the following selected semiconductor and hard disk
drive capital equipment companies were traded at June 3, 1997: Applied
Materials, Inc., Cyberoptics Corporation, Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.,
General Scanning Inc., Intevac, Inc., KLA Instruments
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
Corporation, Micrion Corporation, Speedfam International, Inc., Ultratech
Stepper, Inc., Uniphase Corporation, and Zygo Corporation (the "Comparable
Companies"). In its analysis, Montgomery Securities deemed Zygo Corporation
("Zygo") to be the company most comparable to Wyko, based on the similarity of
the two companies' businesses and financial models. The June 3, 1997 stock
prices of the Comparable Companies reflected the following multiple ranges:
1.0--9.5x LTM revenues; 0.9--6.5x estimated 1997 revenues; 5.8--66.1x LTM EBIT;
5.5--36.1x estimated 1997 EBIT; 11.7--74.4x 1996 net income; 13.5-- 47.2x
estimated 1997 net income; and 10.4--30.2x estimated 1998 net income. The June
3, 1997 stock price of Zygo reflected the following multiples: 4.4x LTM
revenues; 3.0x estimated 1997 revenues; 17.8x LTM EBIT; 14.9x estimated 1997
EBIT; 28.5x 1996 net income; 21.8x estimated 1997 net income; and 17.0x
estimated 1998 net income. Montgomery Securities applied the foregoing multiples
to the applicable statistics for Wyko, excluded implied equity values that, in
their judgment, did not adequately reflect the historical and potential
profitability and growth for Wyko, and relied more heavily on the multiples for
Zygo, the most comparable company, resulting in an assessed equity valuation
range for Wyko of between $80.0 and $140.0 million.
 
    COMPARABLE TRANSACTIONS ANALYSIS.  Montgomery Securities reviewed the
consideration paid in the following acquisitions involving semiconductor and
hard disk drive capital equipment companies: Advanced Technology Materials,
Inc./Lawrence Semiconductor Laboratories, Inc.; Novellus Systems, Inc./ Varian
Associates, Inc. (Thin Films Systems Unit); Advanced Technology Materials,
Inc./Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems Nevada, Inc.; Lam Research
Corporation/OnTrak Systems, Inc.; KLA Instruments Corporation/Tencor Instruments
Inc.; Millipore Corporation/Tylan General, Inc.; Applied Materials, Inc./ Opal,
Inc.; Applied Materials, Inc./Orbot Instruments Ltd.; Zygo Corporation/Technical
Instruments Company; Plasma & Materials Technologies, Inc./Electrotech
Equipments Limited; General Scanning Inc./ View Engineering, Inc.; Pacific
Scientific Company/Met One, Inc.; Teradyne Corporation/Megatest Corporation; FSI
International, Inc./Applied Chemical Solutions; Credence Systems
Corporation/EPRO; Hewlett-Packard Company/Versatest, Inc.; and Tencor
Instruments/Prometrix Corporation. Montgomery Securities analyzed the
consideration in such transactions as a multiple of the target companies'
revenues, EBIT and net income for the latest twelve months ("LTM"). Such
analysis yielded the following ranges of multiples: 0.9--4.6x LTM revenues,
8.3--23.8x LTM EBIT, and 14.0--35.4x LTM net income. Montgomery Securities then
applied the foregoing multiples to Wyko's revenues, EBIT and net income for the
LTM ended March 31, 1997 and excluded values for transactions involving
companies that, in their judgment, were less comparable to Wyko, resulting in an
assessed equity valuation range for Wyko of between $60.0 and $120.0 million.
 
    DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS.  Montgomery Securities applied a discounted
cash flow analysis of Wyko's financial forecasts for 1997 through 2001 prepared
by Wyko's management. In conducting such analysis, Montgomery Securities assumed
that Wyko would perform in accordance with such forecasts. First, Montgomery
Securities calculated the estimated future streams of free cash flows that Wyko
would produce through 2001. Second, Montgomery Securities estimated Wyko's
terminal value at the end of 2001 by applying multiples, derived in part from
the current LTM multiples of the Comparable Companies, ranging from 15.0x to
20.0x Wyko's estimated net income for 2001 and multiples ranging from 11.0x to
15.0x Wyko's estimated EBIT for 2001. Such cash flow streams and terminal values
were discounted to present values using discount rates ranging from 20.0% to
30.0%, chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding Wyko's cost of capital.
Based upon this analysis, Montgomery Securities assessed a range of equity
values for Wyko of between $100.0 and $150.0 million.
 
    PRICE/EARNINGS TO GROWTH ANALYSIS.  Montgomery Securities reviewed the 1997
and 1998 price/earnings ("P/E") multiples as a percentage of the forecasted
three-to-five year earnings growth rate ("secular growth rate") for each of the
Comparable Companies to determine the implied P/E multiple for Wyko based on an
assumed secular growth rate. Such analysis yielded an average P/E multiple as a
percentage of growth rate for the Comparable Companies of 75.0% for 1997 and
55.6% for 1998. Montgomery Securities then applied the foregoing percentages to
an assumed secular growth rate for Wyko of 30.0% to yield
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
implied P/E multiples for Wyko of 22.5x for 1997 and 16.7x for 1998 and applied
such multiples to Wyko's estimated net income for 1997 and 1998. Montgomery
Securities also performed a sensitivity analysis using assumed growth rates
ranging from 20.0% to 35.0%. Based upon this analysis, Montgomery Securities
assessed a range of equity values for Wyko of between $110.0 and $140.0 million.
 
    CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS.  Wyko stockholders will receive approximately 33% of
the total shares outstanding of the combined companies after the Merger is
completed. To compare this ownership percentage to the relative contribution
made to the combined company, Montgomery Securities analyzed the contribution of
each of Veeco and Wyko to certain income statement items for the combined
company on a pro forma basis. This analysis showed, among other things, that,
assuming no revenue enhancements or cost savings arising from the combination of
the two companies, Wyko would contribute 17.6%, 20.5% and 20.9%, respectively,
to LTM, estimated 1997 and estimated 1998 revenues, and 31.0%, 36.6% and 34.1%,
respectively, to LTM, estimated 1997 and estimated 1998 net income, and would be
accretive to Veeco's estimated 1997 net income and estimated 1998 net income by
5.8% and 1.8%, respectively.
 
    No company or transaction used in the analyses described under the headings
"Comparable Company Analysis," "Comparable Transactions Analysis" or
"Price/Earnings to Growth Analysis" as a comparison is identical to Wyko or the
Merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing is not simply
mathematical; rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments
concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the
companies, transactions and other factors that could affect the public trading
value of the companies and transactions to which Wyko and the Merger are being
compared.
 
    The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of
the analyses performed by Montgomery Securities in connection with the rendering
of its opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion necessarily is not
susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Montgomery Securities
believes that its analyses and the summary set forth above must be considered as
a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and of the factors
considered, without considering all such analyses and factors, would create an
incomplete view of the analyses performed by Montgomery Securities in connection
with rendering its opinion. In addition, Montgomery Securities may have given
various analyses more or less weight than other analyses, and may have deemed
various assumptions more or less probable than other assumptions, so that the
ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis should not be taken
to be Montgomery Securities' view of the actual value of Veeco, Wyko or the
combined company.
 
    In performing its analyses, Montgomery Securities made numerous assumptions
with respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions
and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Veeco or Wyko. The
analyses performed by Montgomery Securities are not necessarily indicative of
actual values or actual future results, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than suggested by such analyses. Such analyses were prepared solely as
part of Montgomery Securities' analysis of the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to Veeco of the consideration to be paid in the Merger and were
provided to Veeco's Board of Directors in connection with the delivery of
Montgomery Securities' opinion. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or
to reflect the prices at which a company might actually be sold or the prices at
which any securities may trade at the present time or at any time in the future.
Montgomery Securities used in its analyses various projections of future
performance prepared by the managements of Veeco and Wyko. The projections are
based on numerous variables and assumptions which are inherently unpredictable
and must be considered not certain of occurrence as projected. Accordingly,
actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in such
projections.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    FEES AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.  Pursuant to the Engagement Letter, Montgomery
Securities will receive a fee of $175,000 for the delivery of Montgomery
Securities' opinion. No portion of Montgomery Securities' fee is contingent upon
consummation of the Merger. Veeco has also agreed to reimburse Montgomery
Securities for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The Engagement Letter also
provides that, for a period of one year after the date of the Engagement Letter,
Montgomery Securities has the right of first refusal to act as a managing
underwriter or placement agent of a public offering or private placement of debt
or equity securities of Veeco. Pursuant to a separate letter agreement, Veeco
has agreed to indemnify Montgomery Securities, its affiliates, and their
respective partners, directors, officers, agents, consultants, employees and
controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
federal securities laws.
 
    In the ordinary course of its business, Montgomery Securities actively
trades securities of Veeco for its own account and for the accounts of customers
and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such
securities.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
    It is intended that the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of
interests for accounting and financial reporting purposes. The assets and
liabilities of Veeco and Wyko will be carried forward at their historical book
values. The reported income of Veeco and Wyko for prior periods will be combined
and restated as income for the combined company. As a result, financial
statements will be presented on a single combined basis on both a prospective
and historical basis. Ernst & Young has delivered a letter to Veeco, dated the
date of this Proxy Statement, regarding its concurrence with the conclusions of
the managements of Veeco and Wyko, respectively, as to the appropriateness of
pooling of interests accounting for the Merger under Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16 if the Merger is consummated in accordance with the Merger
Agreement. The receipt of this letter is a condition to the obligations of
Veeco, Acquisition and Wyko to consummate the Merger.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
 
    It is a condition to the obligations of Veeco and Acquisition under the
Merger Agreement that Veeco shall have received the opinion of Kaye, Scholer,
Fierman, Hays & Handler, LLP dated the Closing Date, and it is a condition to
the obligations of Wyko under the Merger Agreement that Wyko shall have received
the opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP dated the Closing Date, in each case to
the effect that (i) the Merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes
as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
(the "Code") and (ii) Veeco, Acquisition and Wyko will each be a party to a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. Consistent with
these opinions, (i) no gain or loss will be recognized by Veeco, the Veeco
Stockholders, Acquisition or Wyko as a result of the Merger, (ii) no gain or
loss will be recognized by the stockholders of Wyko upon the conversion of their
shares of Class A Common Stock of Wyko into shares of Veeco Common Stock, except
in respect of cash, if any, received in lieu of fractional share interests,
(iii) the basis to the stockholders of Wyko of the shares of Veeco Common Stock
received pursuant to the Merger will be the same as that of the Class A Common
Stock of Wyko exchanged therefor, reduced by any basis allocable to any
fractional share interest in Veeco Common Stock treated as sold or exchanged
under Section 302 of the Code, as described in clause (v) below, (iv) the
holding period for the shares of Veeco Common Stock received by the stockholders
of Wyko pursuant to the Merger, including any fractional share interests, will
include the period for which the shares of Class A Common Stock of Wyko
exchanged therefor were held, provided that such shares were held as capital
assets at the time of the exchange and (v) any cash received by a stockholder of
Wyko in lieu of any fractional share interest in Veeco Common Stock will be
treated as follows: (A) such Wyko stockholder will be deemed to have received
solely shares of Veeco Common Stock, including fractional shares, for his or her
Class A Common Stock of Wyko, and then (B) the cash received will be treated as
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
received in a distribution in redemption of the fractional share interest in
Veeco Common Stock deemed issued to the Wyko stockholder, subject to the
provisions of Section 302 of the Code. Accordingly, a stockholder of Wyko
generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the
difference between the amount of cash received and the basis of any fractional
share interest in Veeco Common Stock deemed surrendered in exchange therefor
(provided such Wyko stockholder held the surrendered Class A Common Stock of
Wyko as a capital asset).
 
MARKET PRICE FOR VEECO COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
    The Veeco Common Stock is quoted on NASDAQ under the symbol "VECO". The
1997, 1996 and 1995 high and low closing prices are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1997                  1996                  1995
                                                                   --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                     HIGH        LOW       HIGH        LOW       HIGH        LOW
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
First Quarter....................................................  $   31.38  $   21.88  $   15.63  $   11.13  $   15.00  $    7.75
Second Quarter...................................................      41.50*     25.75*     19.25      12.50      20.25      12.75
Third Quarter....................................................     --         --          15.00       9.88      30.00      15.25
Fourth Quarter...................................................     --         --          22.00      11.38      27.00      13.50
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
* Information through June 26, 1997.
 
    On March 7, 1997, the trading day preceding its public announcement of the
proposed Merger, the high and low sale prices for the Veeco Common Stock on
NASDAQ were $25.00 and $24.50, respectively. On June 26, 1997, the closing price
for the Veeco Common Stock on NASDAQ was $37.125. As of June 6, 1997, Veeco had
approximately 97 stockholders of record.
 
    Veeco has not paid dividends on its Common Stock. Veeco intends to retain
future earnings, if any, for the development of its business and, therefore,
does not anticipate that the Board of Directors will declare or pay any
dividends on Veeco Common Stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the
provisions of Veeco's current credit facility limit Veeco's ability to pay
dividends. The Board of Directors will determine future dividend policy based on
Veeco's results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and
other circumstances.
 
                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
    The Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms and conditions
set forth in the Merger Agreement. The following summary of the Merger Agreement
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, a copy of
which is attached hereto as Appendix A and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
THE CLOSING
 
    The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") is scheduled to occur on the
second business day following the day on which the last of the conditions to the
obligations of the parties to consummate the transaction are fulfilled or waived
or such other date as the parties to the Merger Agreement determine, but in no
event later than September 30, 1997, or such later date as the parties to the
Merger Agreement may agree (the "Closing Date").
 
    It is anticipated that immediately prior to the Merger there will be 281,250
shares of Wyko capital stock issued and outstanding which will be converted into
the right to receive 2,863,810 shares of Veeco Common Stock.
 
    The total of 2,863,810 shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement
will represent approximately 33% of the total shares of Veeco Common Stock
anticipated to be outstanding after the
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
Merger. The stockholders of Wyko consist of three individuals, James C. Wyant,
President of Wyko, his wife, Louise Wyant (who owns 206,250 shares of Class A
Common Stock of Wyko jointly with Mr. Wyant), and John B. Hayes, Vice President
of Wyko (who owns 75,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of Wyko). As a result of
the Merger, James C. Wyant and Louise Wyant will jointly own 2,100,127 shares of
Veeco Common Stock and John B. Hayes will own 763,683 shares of Veeco Common
Stock or approximately 24% and 9%, respectively, of the total shares of Veeco
Common Stock anticipated to be outstanding after the Merger. Esther J.
Davenport, Executive Vice President of Wyko, currently owns options to purchase
(i) 9,375 shares of Class A Common Stock of Wyko at an exercise price of $12.96
per share (the "Davenport Class A Options") and (ii) 3,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock of Wyko at an exercise price of $22.37 per share (the "Davenport
Class B Options"), and Roberto Constantakis, Vice President of Manufacturing of
Wyko, currently owns options to purchase 1,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of
Wyko at an exercise price of $22.19 per share (the "Constantakis Options"), and
are each party to the Merger Agreement. As a result of the Merger, the Davenport
Class A Options, the Davenport Class B Options and the Constantakis Options will
be converted into the right to receive options to purchase 95,461 shares, 30,547
shares and 10,182 shares, respectively, of Veeco Common Stock, at exercise
prices of $1.27 per share, $2.20 per share and $2.18 per share, respectively.
The share amounts were calculated on the same basis as the Conversion Ratio. The
exercise prices of the options to purchase shares of Veeco Common Stock were
calculated to make them substantially economically equivalent to the exercise
prices of the Davenport Class A Options, the Davenport Class B Options and the
Constantakis Options, respectively. The options to purchase shares of Veeco
Common Stock will represent the right to purchase approximately 1.54% of the
total shares of Veeco Common Stock anticipated to be outstanding after the
Merger (including the shares to be issued upon exercise of such options). The
Conversion Ratio (10.182435 for 1) was based on arm's length negotiations
between Wyko and Veeco. Based on an assumed market price of $37.125 for each
share of Veeco Common Stock (the closing price of the Veeco Common Stock on
NASDAQ on June 26, 1997), the 3,000,000 shares to be issued to Wyko
securityholders in the Merger (including the shares issuable upon exercise of
the options referred to above) would have a value of $111,375,000.
 
CONDITIONS
 
    CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF VEECO AND ACQUISITION.  The obligation of Veeco
and Acquisition to consummate the Merger is subject to the fulfillment or waiver
by Veeco, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions, among
others: (i) the representations and warranties, as set forth in the Merger
Agreement, made by Wyko shall have been true in all material respects on and as
of the Closing Date; (ii) each of Wyko's obligations under the Merger Agreement
shall have been performed in all material respects on or prior to the Closing
Date; (iii) no investigation, suit, action or injunction or final judgment
relating thereto shall be pending or threatened by any public authority or
private person before any court, agency or administrative body in which it is
sought to restrain or prohibit or to obtain damages or other relief in
connection with the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby; (iv) except as otherwise provided in the Merger Agreement,
no holder of options to purchase Wyko's Class A Common Stock or Class B Common
Stock (collectively, the "Wyko Common Stock") shall have the right to acquire
any interest in Wyko, Acquisition or Veeco after the effective time of the
Merger; (v) all licenses and other consents or approvals of governmental
entities or third parties necessary for consummation of the Merger shall have
been obtained; (vi) on or prior to the date on which this Proxy Statement is
first mailed to Veeco Stockholders, a fairness opinion to the effect that the
Merger is fair from a financial point of view to the Veeco Stockholders shall
have been provided by Montgomery Securities and such firm shall not have
withdrawn such fairness opinion (which condition has been fulfilled); (vii) on
or prior to the date on which this Proxy Statement is first mailed to Veeco
Stockholders, Veeco shall have received a letter from Ernst & Young, dated the
date of this Proxy Statement, regarding its concurrence with the conclusions of
the managements of Veeco and Wyko, respectively, as to the appropriateness of
pooling of interests accounting for the Merger under Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16 if the
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
Merger is consummated in accordance with the Merger Agreement (which condition
has been fulfilled); (viii) no holder of outstanding Wyko Common Stock shall
have validly elected, pursuant to Arizona law, to demand an appraisal; (ix) no
material adverse change shall have occurred, nor shall there exist any condition
which could reasonably be expected to result in such a material adverse change,
in the assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or
results of operations of Wyko's business from the date of the Merger Agreement
to the Closing Date; (x) the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by
the Veeco Stockholders and the stockholders of Wyko shall have been obtained;
(xi) Veeco shall have been reasonably satisfied with its due diligence review of
Wyko's assets, liabilities, business, contracts, financial statement and
information, cash flow and prospects which condition shall be deemed fulfilled
unless written notice is given to Wyko by Veeco on or prior to the date on which
this Proxy Statement is first mailed to the Veeco Stockholders (which condition
has been fulfilled); (xii) an opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP shall have been
delivered to Veeco and Acquisition; (xiii) each of the affiliates of Wyko (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) shall have entered into an affiliates
agreement; (xiv) Veeco shall have received an opinion of Kaye, Scholer, Fierman,
Hays & Handler, LLP, to the effect that the Merger will constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and Veeco,
Acquisition and Wyko will each be a party to a reorganization within the meaning
of Section 368(b) of the Code; and (xv) each of the Certificates of Merger (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) shall have been accepted for filing by the
Arizona Corporation Commission and the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, as applicable.
 
    Veeco has no present intention of waiving any of the conditions to the
obligations of Veeco and Acquisition to consummate the Merger. However, if Veeco
decides to waive any such condition and management of Veeco believes that the
failure to satisfy such condition would have a material adverse economic impact
on the Veeco Stockholders, Veeco would resolicit proxies from Veeco
Stockholders.
 
    CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF WYKO.  The obligation of Wyko to consummate the
Merger is subject to the fulfillment or waiver, on or prior to the Closing Date,
of the following conditions, among others: (i) Veeco's and Acquisition's
representations and warranties, as set forth in the Merger Agreement, shall have
been true in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date; (ii) each of
Veeco's and Acquisition's obligations under the Merger Agreement shall have been
performed in all material respects on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) no
investigation, suit, action or injunction or final judgment relating thereto
shall be pending or threatened by any public authority or private person before
any court, agency or administrative body in which it is sought to restrain or
prohibit or to obtain damages or other relief in connection with the Merger
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby; (iv) all
licenses and other consents or approvals of governmental entities or third
parties necessary for consummation of the Merger shall have been obtained; (v)
on or prior to the date on which this Proxy Statement is first mailed to Veeco
Stockholders, Veeco shall have received a letter from Ernst & Young, dated the
date of this Proxy Statement, regarding its concurrence with the conclusions of
the managements of Veeco and Wyko, respectively, as to the appropriateness of
pooling of interests accounting for the Merger under Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16 if the Merger is consummated in accordance with the Merger
Agreement (which condition has been fulfilled); (vi) no material adverse change
shall have occurred, nor shall there exist any condition which could reasonably
be expected to result in such a material adverse change, in the assets,
properties, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or results of
operation of Veeco's business from the date of the Merger Agreement to the
Closing Date; (vii) the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by the
Veeco Stockholders and the stockholders of Wyko shall have been obtained; (viii)
Wyko shall have been reasonably satisfied with its due diligence review of
Veeco's assets, liabilities, business, contracts, financial statement and
information, cash flow and prospects which condition shall be deemed fulfilled
unless written notice is given to Veeco by Wyko on or prior to the date on which
this Proxy Statement is first mailed to the Veeco Stockholders (which condition
has been fulfilled); (ix) Veeco shall have entered into a registration rights
agreement with the stockholders of Wyko; (x) each of the affiliates of Veeco (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) shall have entered into an affiliates
agreement; (xi) Wyko shall have received an opinion of Kaye, Scholer, Fierman,
Hays & Handler, LLP; (xii) Wyko
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
shall have received an opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP, to the effect that
the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of the Code, and Veeco, Acquisition and Wyko will each be a party to a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code; and (xiii) each
of the Certificates of Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement) shall have
been accepted for filing by the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware, as applicable.
 
    REGISTRATION RIGHTS.  In connection with the Merger, the stockholders of
Wyko will receive certain piggyback and demand registration rights with respect
to the Merger Shares. During the first year following the Closing, the
stockholders of Wyko will be entitled to exercise their piggyback registration
rights and prohibited from exercising their demand registration rights.
Thereafter, the stockholders of Wyko will be permitted to exercise both their
piggyback and demand registration rights. The Wyko stockholders may require
Veeco to effect one (1) "demand" registration. With respect to the demand
registration rights, the Wyko stockholders will be permitted to offer for public
sale, an amount equal to 25% of the Merger Shares held at such time by all of
the Wyko stockholders. At any time after January 1, 1998, the Wyko stockholders
may also request that Veeco use its best efforts to file with the Commission a
"shelf" registration statement under the Securities Act for the offering on a
continuous or delayed basis in the future of up to 1,500,000 Merger Shares
(which registration statement may become effective after the date on which the
audited financial statements of Veeco and its subsidiaries for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997 are issued, and continuing in effect for a period of up
to 90 days thereafter). Veeco will bear all expenses incident to the
registration of such shares, excluding underwriters' discounts and commissions.
 
    CERTAIN COVENANTS.  Wyko has agreed that, prior to the Closing, it will,
among other things: (i) permit reasonable access to, and investigation of, its
properties and books and records; (ii) conduct its and its subsidiaries'
business in the usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same
manner as theretofore conducted, to pay and to cause its subsidiaries to pay
debts and tax when due, to preserve its and its subsidiaries' business
organization and to preserve its and its subsidiaries' relationships with
customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees and others having
business dealings with it or its subsidiaries; (iii) except as permitted by the
Merger Agreement, abstain from taking any action, other than in the ordinary
course of business, as a result of which it is reasonably likely that, among
other things, (a) Wyko's authorized or issued capital stock will change, (b)
Wyko's Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws will be amended, (c) salary,
benefits or compensation to any stockholder, director, officer or employee will
be paid or increased, (d) any Wyko benefit plan will be adopted, amended or
payments thereunder increased, (e) any asset or property of Wyko will be
destroyed, (f) any material contract with Wyko will be materially amended,
renewed or terminated, (g) a material asset or property of Wyko will be sold,
leased or otherwise disposed, (h) long-term debt of Wyko will be incurred or
assumed in excess of $10,000, (h) a claim, liability or obligation of Wyko will
be paid, discharged or satisfied other than in the ordinary course, (i) any
material claims or rights of Wyko will be cancelled or waived, (j) any
accounting method used by Wyko will materially change or (k) Wyko will merge or
consolidate with or into any other person; (iv) not (a) declare or pay any
dividends or make any other distributions in respect of its capital stock, (b)
accelerate, amend or change the period of exercisability or vesting of options
or other rights granted under its employee stock plans or director stock plans
or (c) take any action which would interfere with Veeco's ability to account for
the Merger as a pooling of interests; (v) use its best efforts to obtain
consents of all persons and governmental entities necessary for the consummation
of the Merger; (vi) comply in a timely fashion with the requirements of all
environmental laws applicable to the transfer of its business; (vii) file or
cause to be filed on a timely basis all tax returns of Wyko and each of its
subsidiaries; (viii) notify Veeco of (a) any event, condition or circumstance
that would constitute a violation or breach of the Merger Agreement or would
constitute the non-satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Merger
Agreement if the same were to continue to exist as of the Closing Date or (b)
any event, occurrence or transaction that would have been required to be
disclosed in any schedule or statement delivered under the Merger Agreement had
such occurrence existed as of the date of the Merger Agreement; (ix) cause all
indebtedness owed to Wyko by any affiliate (as defined in the Merger
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
Agreement) (other than wholly-owned subsidiaries) to be paid in full prior to
Closing; (x) not (a) solicit or entertain any third-party offers relating to the
acquisition of any Wyko capital stock or all or any substantial portion of
Wyko's business or (b) participate in any discussions or negotiations with any
third party relating thereto; (xi) terminate and not grant any additional
options under the Wyko employee stock option plan; (xii) provide Veeco with an
affiliates agreement from each affiliate of Wyko (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) on or before May 5, 1997; and (xiii) use its best efforts to do all
things necessary to consummate the Merger.
 
    Veeco has agreed that, prior to the consummation of the Merger, it will,
among other things: (i) conduct its business in the usual, regular and ordinary
course in substantially the same manner as theretofore conducted, to pay and to
cause its subsidiaries to pay debts and tax when due, to preserve its and its
subsidiaries' business organization and to preserve its relationship with
customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees and others having
business dealings with it or its subsidiaries; (ii) not do, cause or permit it
or any of its subsidiaries to do, cause or permit (a) subject to the matters
contemplated by this Proxy Statement, any amendments to its Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws, (b) issue, deliver or authorize any shares of its
capital stock, (c) declare or pay any dividends or make any other distributions
in respect of its capital stock, (d) subject to the matters contemplated by this
Proxy Statement, accelerate, amend or change the period of exercisability or
vesting of options or other rights granted under its employee stock plans or
director stock plans or (e) take any action which would interfere with Veeco's
ability to account for the Merger as a pooling of interests; (iii) use its best
efforts to obtain consents of all persons and governmental entities necessary
for the consummation of the Merger; (iv) file or cause to be filed on a timely
basis all tax returns of Veeco and each of its subsidiaries; (v) notify Wyko of
(a) any event, condition or circumstance that would constitute a violation or
breach of the Merger Agreement or would constitute the non-satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement if the same were to continue to
exist as of the Closing Date or (b) any event, occurrence or transaction that
would have been required to be disclosed in any schedule or statement delivered
under the Merger Agreement had such occurrence existed as of the date of the
Merger Agreement; (vi) take all action necessary to hold a meeting of its
stockholders to consider and vote upon the Merger and prepare and file a proxy
statement to be used in connection therewith; (vii) use its reasonable efforts
to cause James Wyant to be elected as a member of the Board of Directors of
Veeco; (viii) take all necessary steps to comply with the securities and blue
sky laws of all jurisdictions which are applicable to the issuance of the Veeco
Common Stock in connection with the Merger; (ix) file with NASDAQ a Notification
Form for Listing of Additional Shares; (x) as promptly as practicable after the
Closing Date, file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act
relating to the Veeco Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of options
received by the optionholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement and use its best
efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; (xi) provide
Wyko with an affiliates agreement from each affiliate of Veeco (as defined in
the Merger Agreement) on or before May 5, 1997; and (xii) use its best efforts
to do all things necessary to consummate the Merger.
 
    INDEMNIFICATION.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Wyko stockholders
have agreed to jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless Veeco,
Acquisition and each of its respective directors, officers, employees, agents,
representatives, controlling persons and affiliates (the "Veeco Indemnitees")
against and from all losses incurred by the Veeco Indemnitees to the extent any
such loss arises out of (i) any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty of
Wyko contained in the Merger Agreement; provided, the Veeco Indemnitees shall
not be entitled to indemnification until all such damages exceed $500,000 and
then only for such damages in excess of such amount; (ii) any failure by Wyko to
perform or comply with any covenant or agreement contained in the Merger
Agreement; (iii) any claim for brokerage or finder's fees or similar payments in
connection with the Merger other than brokers, finders or investment bankers
retained by Veeco; (iv) any claim asserted against Wyko by any direct or
indirect holder or former holder of capital stock or other securities of Wyko;
or (v) Veeco's enforcement of these indemnification provisions. Damages shall
not exceed the product of 275,000 shares of Veeco Common Stock multiplied by the
average of the closing bid prices on NASDAQ for one (1) share of Veeco Common
Stock for the
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
twenty (20) trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the
Closing Date; provided that such limitations shall not apply to any Wyko
stockholder to the extent of damages arising from fraud on the part of such Wyko
stockholder.
 
    Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Veeco has agreed to indemnify and hold
harmless the Wyko stockholders from all losses incurred by them to the extent
any such loss arises out of (i) any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty
by Veeco or Acquisition contained in the Merger Agreement; provided, that the
Wyko stockholders, as a group, shall not be entitled to indemnification until
all such damages exceed $500,000 and then only for such damages in excess of
such amount; (ii) any failure by Veeco to perform or comply with any covenant or
agreement contained in the Merger Agreement; (iii) any claim for brokerage or
finder's fees or similar payments in connection with the Merger other than
brokers, finders or investment bankers retained by Wyko; or (iv) the Wyko
stockholders' enforcement of these indemnification provisions. Damages shall not
exceed the product of 275,000 shares of Veeco Common Stock multiplied by the
average of the closing bid prices on NASDAQ for one (1) share of Veeco Common
Stock for the twenty (20) trading days ending on the trading day immediately
preceding the Closing Date; provided that such limitations shall not apply to
Veeco to the extent of damages arising from fraud on the part of Veeco.
 
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Veeco nor the Wyko stockholders will
have any liability for indemnification for any claim that is not asserted on or
before the date upon which the audited financial statements of Veeco and its
subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 are issued.
 
    TERMINATION; AMENDMENT.  The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing: (i) by mutual written consent of the parties; (ii) by
either party if any governmental entity shall have issued an order, decree,
injunction, judgment or taken any other action restraining or otherwise
prohibiting the Merger and such order or other action is final and
nonappealable; (iii) by either party on or after September 30, 1997, or such
later date as the parties to the Merger Agreement may agree; and (iv) by either
party if the satisfaction of any condition to the obligations of the terminating
party has been rendered impossible.
 
    The Merger Agreement may be amended by action taken by the respective Boards
of Directors of Veeco and Wyko at any time; provided, however that following
approval by stockholders no amendment may be made which under the Arizona
Business Corporation Act or the DGCL would require the further approval of the
stockholders without obtaining such approval.
 
    APPRAISAL RIGHTS.  Under Section 262 of the DGCL, appraisal rights are
available for the holder of shares of any class or series of stock of a
constituent corporation in a merger who dissents from the merger, provided,
however, that no such appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any
class or series of stock which, at the record date fixed to determine the
stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting of
stockholders to act upon the agreement of merger, were either (i) listed on a
national securities exchange or designated as a national market system security
on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. Because the
Veeco Common Stock is quoted on NASDAQ, holders of Veeco Common Stock are not
entitled to appraisal rights.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
           SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The selected historical consolidated data of Veeco as of and for the years
ended December 31, 1992 through 1996 have been derived from its audited
historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which as of and
for the years ended December 31, 1994 through 1996 are included elsewhere
herein, and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements and
notes thereto. The selected historical consolidated data of Veeco as of March
31, 1997 and for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 have been
derived from its unaudited historical consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto, which are included elsewhere herein, and should be read in
conjunction with such financial statements and notes thereto. The selected
historical consolidated data of Wyko as of and for the years ended December 31,
1992, 1993 and 1994 and as of March 31, 1997 and for the three months ended
March 31, 1996 and 1997 have been derived from its unaudited historical
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto (as applicable), which as of
March 31, 1997, for the year ended December 31, 1994 and for the three months
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 are included elsewhere herein, and should be read
in conjunction with such financial statements and notes thereto. The selected
historical consolidated data of Wyko as of and for the years ended December 31,
1995 and 1996 have been derived from its audited historical consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto, which are included elsewhere herein, and
should be read in conjunction with such financial statements and notes thereto.
 
    The selected unaudited pro forma combined financial data give effect to the
proposed Merger under the pooling of interests method of accounting. The
unaudited pro forma combined financial data are based on the historical
consolidated financial statements of Veeco and Wyko. The unaudited pro forma
combined balance sheet assumes that the Merger took place on March 31, 1997 and
combines Veeco's March 31, 1997 unaudited consolidated balance sheet with Wyko's
March 31, 1997 unaudited consolidated balance sheet. The unaudited pro forma
combined statements of operations assume that the Merger took place as of the
beginning of the periods presented and combine Veeco's consolidated statements
of operations for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and for the
three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 with Wyko's for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and for the three months ended March 31, 1996
and 1997, respectively. This presentation is consistent with the fiscal years
expected to be combined after the date of the closing of the Merger.
 
    The unaudited pro forma combined financial data is presented for
illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined
financial position or results of operations of future periods or the results
that actually would have been realized had the entities been a single entity
during these periods. The unaudited pro forma combined financial data is derived
from the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements included elsewhere
herein and should be read in conjunction with those statements and notes
thereto. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements."
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31                        MARCH 31
                                                -----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                                  1996       1995       1994       1993       1992        1997        1996
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA(1):
    Net sales.................................  $  96,832  $  72,359  $  49,434  $  43,149  $  36,346   $  29,551   $  20,644
    Cost of sales.............................     54,931     39,274     28,940     25,736     21,847      16,642      11,437
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Gross profit..............................     41,901     33,085     20,494     17,413     14,499      12,909       9,207
    Costs and expenses........................     29,719     24,289     16,511     15,482     13,081       8,768       6,522
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Operating income..........................     12,182      8,796      3,983      1,931      1,418       4,141       2,685
    Interest (income) expense--net............       (678)      (391)     2,620      2,341      3,006        (105)       (200)
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Income (loss) before income taxes and
      extraordinary item......................     12,860      9,187      1,363       (410)    (1,588)      4,246       2,885
    Income tax provision (benefit)............      4,822      2,395       (795)    --         --           1,609       1,075
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Income (loss) before extraordinary item...      8,038      6,792      2,158       (410)    (1,588)      2,637       1,810
    Extraordinary (loss), net of $355 tax
    benefit...................................     --         --           (679)    --         --          --          --
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Net income (loss).........................  $   8,038  $   6,792  $   1,479  $    (410) $  (1,588)  $   2,637   $   1,810
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
    Income (loss) before extraordinary item...  $    1.36  $    1.24  $    0.87  $   (0.22) $   (0.84)  $    0.43   $    0.31
    Extraordinary (loss)......................     --         --          (0.27)    --         --          --          --
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Net income (loss).........................  $    1.36  $    1.24  $    0.60  $   (0.22) $   (0.84)  $    0.43   $    0.31
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Shares used in computing earnings per
    share.....................................      5,906      5,484      2,472      1,874      1,897       6,150       5,893
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                                          AS OF
                                                                  AS OF DECEMBER 31                     MARCH 31
                                                -----------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                                  1996       1995       1994       1993       1992        1997
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA(1):
    Cash and cash equivalents.................  $  21,209  $  17,568  $   2,279  $     386  $   1,063   $  24,819
    Working capital...........................     43,454     37,461     16,122      6,666      7,264      44,591
    Excess of cost over net assets acquired...      4,448      4,579      4,710      4,840      4,835       4,433
    Total assets..............................     80,327     67,380     40,931     32,596     31,464      88,053
    Long-term debt and capital leases
      (including current installments)........     --         --             39     24,934     25,150      --
    Shareholders' equity (deficit)............     57,970     49,751     28,289     (1,681)    (1,226)     60,456
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Veeco completed an initial public offering (the "IPO") on December 6, 1994
    in which $24,290,000 of net proceeds were received by Veeco. The net
    proceeds were used to repay the Company's outstanding debt and for working
    capital and other general corporate purposes. Prior to the IPO, the Company
    was highly leveraged with approximately $23,700,000 of debt and accrued
    interest outstanding. Veeco completed an additional public offering on July
    31, 1995 (the "Follow-On Offering") in which $14,460,000 of net proceeds
    were received by Veeco. The net proceeds have been used for general
    corporate purposes. Prior to the completion of the IPO, Veeco incurred
    significant interest expense on its outstanding debt. Since the completion
    of the IPO and the Follow-On Offering, Veeco has earned net interest income.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                                WYKO CORPORATION
 
                SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31                        MARCH 31
                                                -----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                                  1996       1995       1994       1993       1992        1997        1996
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
    Net sales.................................  $  18,210  $  13,466  $  10,597  $   9,088  $   7,886   $   8,203   $   3,782
    Cost of sales.............................      7,270      5,392      4,734      3,827      3,030       3,603       1,636
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Gross profit..............................     10,940      8,074      5,863      5,261      4,856       4,600       2,146
    Costs and expenses........................      6,447      5,479      5,063      5,381      5,122       2,170       1,526
    Legal fees and claims related to
    litigation(1).............................         --         --      2,051        995        401          --          --
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Operating income (loss)...................      4,493      2,595     (1,251)    (1,115)      (667)      2,430         620
    Interest (income) expense - net...........       (120)       239        379        326         47          17          31
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Income (loss) before income taxes.........      4,613      2,356     (1,630)    (1,441)      (714)      2,413         589
    Income tax provision (benefit)............      1,816        (89)        87        (20)      (287)        945         227
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
    Net income (loss).........................  $   2,797  $   2,445  $  (1,717) $  (1,421) $    (427)  $   1,468   $     362
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                                       AS OF MARCH
                                                                  AS OF DECEMBER 31                        31
                                                -----------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                                  1996       1995       1994       1993       1992        1997
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
    Cash and cash equivalents.................  $   2,256  $     957  $   1,146  $   1,148  $     990   $   1,380
    Working capital...........................      5,907      1,846        561      3,607      4,641       7,488
    Total assets..............................     16,470     12,230      9,885     10,625     10,370      18,736
    Long-term debt and capital leases
    (including current installments)..........      2,669      2,766      2,800      2,800      2,800       2,644
    Shareholders' equity......................      8,300      5,503      3,058      4,775      6,196       9,768
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) See Note 8 to the Wyko Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial
    Statements included elsewhere herein for a description of legal fees and
    claims related to litigation.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
                   SELECTED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31             MARCH 31
                                                                           --------------------------------  --------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                              1996       1995       1994       1997       1996
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales..............................................................  $  115,042  $  85,825  $  60,031  $  37,754  $  24,426
  Cost of sales..........................................................      62,201     44,666     33,674     20,245     13,073
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Gross profit...........................................................      52,841     41,159     26,357     17,509     11,353
  Costs and expenses.....................................................      36,166     29,768     21,574     10,938      8,048
  Legal fees and claims related to litigation............................      --         --          2,051     --         --
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Operating income.......................................................      16,675     11,391      2,732      6,571      3,305
  Interest (income) expense--net.........................................        (798)      (152)     2,999        (88)      (169)
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item...............      17,473     11,543       (267)     6,659      3,474
  Income tax provision (benefit).........................................       6,638      2,306       (708)     2,554      1,302
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Income before extraordinary item.......................................  $   10,835  $   9,237  $     441  $   4,105  $   2,172
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
  Income before extraordinary item.......................................  $     1.22  $    1.09  $    0.08  $    0.45  $    0.24
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
  Shares used in computing earnings per share(1).........................       8,906      8,484      5,472      9,150      8,893
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                             AS OF
                                                                           MARCH 31,
                                                                              1997
                                                                           ----------
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Cash and cash equivalents.......................................................................................    $   26,199
  Working capital.................................................................................................        49,329
  Excess of cost over net assets acquired.........................................................................         4,433
  Total assets....................................................................................................       106,789
  Long-term debt and capital leases (including current installments)..............................................         2,644
  Shareholders' equity............................................................................................        67,474
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Shares used in computing pro forma combined earnings per share is based upon
    the pro forma weighted average number of outstanding common and equivalent
    shares, if dilutive, of Veeco and Wyko for each period at the exchange ratio
    of 10.182435 shares of Veeco Common Stock for each share of Wyko Common
    Stock.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                           COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
    The following table sets forth certain historical per share data of Veeco
and Wyko and unaudited pro forma combined per share data of Veeco and unaudited
equivalent pro forma per share data of Wyko, in each case after giving effect to
the Merger on a pooling of interests basis at the Conversion Ratio (10.182435
shares of Veeco Common Stock for each share of Class A Common Stock of Wyko).
This data should be read in conjunction with the selected historical
consolidated financial data, the pro forma combined financial statements and the
historical consolidated financial statements of each of Veeco and Wyko and the
notes thereto which are included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. The pro
forma combined and equivalent pro forma financial data are not necessarily
indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have been
achieved had the Merger been consummated at the beginning of the periods
presented and should not be construed as indicative of future operations.
Neither Veeco nor Wyko has ever declared or paid cash dividends on their
respective shares of capital stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    THREE MONTHS
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31         ENDED MARCH 31
                                                               -------------------------------  --------------------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                 1996       1995       1994       1997       1996
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
HISTORICAL VEECO:
Income before extraordinary item (1).........................  $    1.36  $    1.24  $    0.87  $    0.43  $    0.31
Book value per share (2).....................................       9.93     --         --          10.30     --
HISTORICAL WYKO:
Income (loss) before extraordinary item (3)..................       9.49       8.30      (5.83)      4.98       1.23
Book value per share (4).....................................      29.51     --         --          34.73     --
PRO FORMA COMBINED:
Income before extraordinary item (5).........................       1.22       1.09       0.08       0.45       0.24
Book value per share (6).....................................       7.33     --         --           7.72     --
EQUIVALENT PRO FORMA WYKO:
Income before extraordinary item (7).........................      12.42      11.10       0.81       4.58       2.44
Book value per share (8).....................................      74.64     --         --          78.61     --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) The historical income before extraordinary item of Veeco per share is based
    upon the weighted average number of common and equivalent shares of Veeco
    outstanding for each period.
 
(2) The historical book value of Veeco per share is computed by dividing
    shareholders' equity by the number of shares of Veeco Common Stock
    outstanding at the end of each period.
 
(3) The historical income (loss) before extraordinary item of Wyko per share is
    based upon the weighted average number of common and equivalent shares of
    common stock of Wyko, if dilutive, outstanding for each period.
 
(4) The historical book value of Wyko per share is computed by dividing
    shareholders' equity by the number of shares of common stock of Wyko
    outstanding at the end of the period.
 
(5) Pro forma combined income before extraordinary item per share is based upon
    the pro forma weighted average number of common and equivalent shares of (i)
    Veeco outstanding for each period and (ii) Wyko outstanding for each period
    multiplied by the Conversion Ratio.
 
(6) The pro forma combined book value per share is computed by dividing pro
    forma shareholders' equity by the number of shares of common stock of (i)
    Veeco outstanding at the end of the period and (ii) Wyko outstanding at the
    end of the period multiplied by the Conversion Ratio.
 
(7) Equivalent pro forma income before extraordinary item of Wyko per share is
    computed by multiplying pro forma combined income before extraordinary item
    by the Conversion Ratio.
 
(8) The equivalent pro forma book value of Wyko per share is computed by
    multiplying the pro forma combined book value per share by the Conversion
    Ratio.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                            INFORMATION ABOUT VEECO
 
VEECO'S BUSINESS
 
    Veeco is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and servicing of a
broad line of precision ion beam systems and surface metrology systems used to
test and manufacture microelectronic products. Demand for Veeco's products has
been driven by the increasing miniaturization of microelectronic components and
the need for manufacturers to meet reduced time-to-market schedules while
ensuring the quality of those components. The ability of Veeco's products to
precisely etch sub-micron patterns, deposit precise thin films and measure
critical surface conditions in these components enables manufacturers to achieve
high yields and assure quality in the fabrication of advanced microelectronic
devices.
 
    Veeco sells its products worldwide to many of the leading data storage and
semiconductor manufacturers, including Seagate Technology, Inc. ("Seagate"),
Read-Rite Corp. ("Read-Rite"), IBM Corporation ("IBM"), Motorola, Inc.
("Motorola"), Applied Magnetics Corp. ("AMC"), Mitsubishi Semiconductor
("Mitsubishi") and Quantum Corp. ("Quantum"). In addition, Veeco sells its
products to companies in the flat panel display and high frequency device
industries, as well as to other industries, research and development centers and
universities.
 
    Veeco acquired its business operations from a company that was founded in
1945 under the same name (the "Predecessor"). In August 1989, Edward H. Braun,
Veeco's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, who was then the
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Predecessor,
incorporated Veeco Instruments Acquisition Corp. with certain other members of
Veeco's senior management for the purpose of acquiring a substantial portion of
the assets used in the Predecessor's industrial equipment product group business
(the "Equipment Group"). In January 1990, Veeco Instruments Acquisition Corp.
completed its acquisition of these assets (the "Acquisition") for approximately
$29,200,000 and the assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of the
Equipment Group relating to such assets. In connection with the Acquisition, the
Predecessor changed its name to "Lambda Electronics Inc." and Veeco Instruments
Acquisition Corp. changed its name to "Veeco Instruments Inc."
 
    On December 6, 1994, Veeco completed an initial public offering (the "IPO")
whereby 2,500,000 shares of Veeco Common Stock were issued and sold at $11.00
per share. The net proceeds were used to repay Veeco's debt and for working
capital and other general corporate purposes.
 
    On July 31, 1995, Veeco completed a public offering (the "Public Offering")
in which 2,300,000 shares of Veeco Common Stock were sold, 800,000 of which were
sold by Veeco and 1,500,000 of which were sold by certain selling stockholders,
at the public offering price of $20.00 per share. The unused net proceeds
received by Veeco will be used for working capital and general corporate
purposes, including potential acquisitions.
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
    In April 1997, Veeco acquired certain assets of the Media and Magnetics
Applications Division ("MMA") of Materials Research Corporation. Such assets
were previously employed by MMA in developing a line of high performance
physical vapor deposition sputtering equipment (the "PVD Equipment") used in
advanced MR/GMR thin film head and magnetic disk fabrication. MR/GMR beta site
systems are currently undergoing process evaluation at several United States and
Japanese thin film head manufacturers. Veeco believes that the acquisition of
MMA will provide Veeco customers a wide selection of deposition technologies to
address MR/GMR applications. The PVD Equipment will broaden Veeco's process and
product capability which currently includes Ion Beam Etch, Diamond Like Carbon,
Secondary Ion Beam Deposition and Ion Assisted Deposition. As a result of the
acquisition, Veeco will be capable of handling up to twenty-three etch and
deposition process steps required in a typical MR head fabrication. In
connection with purchased research and development acquired by Veeco as part of
the acquisition, Veeco will incur certain one-time charges to earnings in the
second quarter of 1997 which are expected to range between $0.35 and $0.45 per
share on an after-tax basis.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
    MICROELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING PROCESS.  Semiconductor devices (e.g.,
integrated circuits) and mass memory data storage devices are fabricated by
performing a complex series of process steps on a silicon substrate or wafer.
The three primary categories of wafer processing steps are deposition,
photolithography and etching. During deposition, layers of conductive or
insulating films are deposited on an unpatterned wafer. During photolithography
(also known as "patterning"), the wafer is covered with light-sensitive material
called photoresist, which is then exposed to light projected in patterns which
form integrated circuit components. During etching (which may be accomplished by
several processes, including ion beam etching), certain areas of the patterned
(metal or insulating) film are removed to leave the desired circuit pattern.
Each of these steps is typically repeated several times during the fabrication
process, with alternating layers of conducting and insulating films being
deposited each time to create a multi-layered structure.
 
    The resulting finished wafer consists of many integrated circuits. Depending
on the specific design of a given integrated circuit, a variety of film
thickness and a number of layers and film types will be used to achieve desired
performance characteristics. Surface metrology systems are used repeatedly
throughout the fabrication process to monitor process accuracy by measuring
critical dimensions and other physical properties such as film thickness, line
width, step height, sidewall angle and surface roughness.
 
    PRECISION ETCHING, DEPOSITION AND SURFACE METROLOGY MARKET REQUIREMENTS.
Veeco sells its ion beam systems and surface metrology products to manufacturers
of microelectronic devices (primarily in the data storage and semiconductor
industries), which in turn supply the broader worldwide electronics markets, as
well as to industrial and other customers. As the range of end products has
expanded to include items such as hand-held and lap-top computers and consumer
cellular telecommunications products, the performance and complexity of
semiconductor and data storage devices have expanded as well. Fabrication of
these miniaturized components requires increasing numbers of manufacturing
process steps. (For example, a typical one megabyte DRAM with a smallest feature
size of one micron is manufactured using approximately 200 manufacturing steps.
In comparison, a 64 megabyte DRAM is currently being manufactured in volume with
a smallest feature size of .35 micron using approximately 500 manufacturing
steps.) The increased number of manufacturing steps includes greater use of
precise etching and deposition equipment and surface metrology systems to ensure
critical process control and semiconductor product quality. Growth in the
etching, deposition and surface metrology markets is driven by end-users'
requirements for greater performance capabilities, and by the increasing
miniaturization of components, which has resulted in a demand for equipment
capable of etching and measuring sub-micron features (i.e., below one micron).
 
    Manufacturers base their purchases of metrology systems on a variety of
criteria, including resolution, accuracy, repeatability and ease of use, total
cost of ownership (which depends upon factors including system cost, throughput,
reliability, operating costs, up-time and service response time), and the value
of the data produced, which depends on the accuracy and speed with which the
measurement parameter (for example, step height or film thickness) can be
determined. In addition, as metrology systems are incorporated into the
production process, automated features such as cassette-to-cassette wafer
handling and pattern recognition have become increasingly important, as has the
ability of a system to communicate with other systems within the manufacturing
process.
 
    ION BEAM SYSTEMS.  The fabrication of integrated circuits and thin film
magnetic heads (for the hard drive industry) requires some form of etching to
create the pattern of either an electrical circuit or a mechanical feature.
Historically, the industry has utilized several older etching techniques,
including chemical wet etching and plasma etching, which offer limited control
of critical dimensions, require the use of reactive chemistries, and produce
undesired isotropic etching results.
 
    As device geometries have decreased and the need for sub-micron features
etched with accurate side wall angles has increased, the use of collimated ion
beam etching has expanded. Compared with other
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
etching technologies, ion beam etching permits precise sub-micron, low
temperature, low pressure anisotropic (highly directional) etching of any
material, including many multi-layered films which cannot be etched by known
reactive chemical processes.
 
    With ion beam etching, a precisely controlled, highly collimated broad ion
beam removes material from a substrate by physically sputtering any material not
protected by a finely patterned photo resist mask. Examples of ion beam etched
products include high density thin film magnetic heads, high frequency
telecommunication devices, infrared detectors, ferroelectric memory devices, and
microsensors. Veeco's ion beam etch equipment is used in multiple fabrication
process steps in the production of thin film magnetic heads, for both circuit
patterning and micromachining. As the demand for multi-layer, integrated
circuits and microsensors with sub-micron features grows, Veeco believes the
demand for its ion beam etching systems will increase.
 
    Ion beam systems are also increasingly important for the deposition of thin
films. Historically these films have been deposited either by electro-chemical
processes or cathodic sputtering. Ion beam deposition offers greater control of
deposition rate, film morphology and minimized contaminants than do the
historical processes. In addition to thin film magnetic heads, applications
include tribological coatings for magnetic media, protective coatings for
plastic and glass lenses, passivation layers for optoelectronics, and
interference coatings and mirrors for precision optics.
 
    SURFACE METROLOGY SYSTEMS.  Microelectronic device manufacturers use surface
metrology systems to measure critical dimensions and physical properties such as
film thickness, line width, step height, sidewall angle and surface roughness to
ensure that products are being manufactured to increasingly demanding
specifications. Surface metrology systems are used throughout the manufacturing
process to monitor the accuracy of the manufacturing process.
 
    Metrology systems capable of measuring dimensions above one micron include
stylus surface profilers, scanning electron microscopes ("SEMs") and optical
measurement systems. In response to decreasing geometries and increasingly
complex processes and specifications, a demand has grown for new surface
measurement systems which permit measurement of sub-micron features on a
three-dimensional basis. To meet this demand, Veeco offers the SXM Workstation
which incorporates atomic force microscopy ("AFM") technology including
non-contact, non-destructive scanning features with the ability to measure
critical dimensions as small as 0.25 microns. Veeco believes that demand for
products incorporating non-contact AFM technology will grow, as product
complexities continue to increase and as component geometries continue to
decrease.
 
    INDUSTRIAL MEASUREMENT PRODUCTS.  Thickness measurement systems measure the
thickness and composition of metals used in printed circuit boards and
electronic components, as well as in the general metal finishing industries.
Products in this category rely on a variety of measurement technologies,
including Beta Backscatters, resistivity probes, Hall-Effect, eddy-current and
electromagnetic-induction, as well as XRF-based products. XRF systems operate by
generating a collimated X-Ray beam which is directed at a sample, causing the
sample to emit characteristic X-Ray fluorescence. A proportional counter detects
the X-Ray fluorescence and generates corresponding electrical impulses, which
are used to calculate and display the plating thickness or alloy composition of
the sample. Veeco believes that the XRF market will continue to grow, as
increased accuracy and advances in measurement technology, together with on-line
production and lower cost systems, bring XRF technology into new applications.
 
    Leak detectors, which provide a non-destructive precise identification of
the size and location of leaks in sealed components, are used in a broad range
of electronic, aerospace and transportation products with applications in the
production of automotive airbags, semiconductor devices, air conditioning and
refrigeration, chemical valves, medical devices and fiber optic cable
production.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
VEECO'S PRODUCTS
 
    Veeco's products encompass equipment and systems used in the manufacture of
microelectronics products. The following table summarizes Veeco's major products
in each of its product lines and the principal industries to which it offers
such products:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               VEECO PRODUCT OFFERINGS
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>            <C>
                                                                        SEMI-           DATA         FLAT PANEL
  PRODUCT                                                             CONDUCTOR        STORAGE         DISPLAY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------
ION BEAM SYSTEMS
  ETCHING SYSTEMS:
  Microetch Air to Air Batch Systems.............................             x               x
  Microetch Cluster Systems......................................             x               x
 
  DEPOSITION SYSTEMS:
  Secondary Ion Beam Sputtering Systems..........................             x               x
  Direct Ion Beam (Diamond Like Coating)
    Deposition Systems...........................................                             x
 
SURFACE METROLOGY PRODUCTS
  Dektak Stylus Profilers........................................             x               x               x
  Dektak FPD Surface Profilers...................................                                             x
  Dektak Atomic Force Microscope.................................             x               x
  TMS Microroughness Scatterometers..............................             x               x
 
Industrial Measurement Products
  XRF-Series X-Ray Fluorescence Measurement
    Systems......................................................             x
  SEA-Series Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Measurement Systems........             x               x
  Portable Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors......................             x               x
  Console Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors.......................             x               x
  Industrial Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors....................
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                                                <C>
                                                                     UNIVERSITY AND
                                                                      RESEARCH AND
                                                                       INDUSTRIAL
  PRODUCT                                                              DEVELOPMENT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------
ION BEAM SYSTEMS
  ETCHING SYSTEMS:
  Microetch Air to Air Batch Systems.............................               x
  Microetch Cluster Systems......................................               x
  DEPOSITION SYSTEMS:
  Secondary Ion Beam Sputtering Systems..........................               x
  Direct Ion Beam (Diamond Like Coating)
    Deposition Systems...........................................
SURFACE METROLOGY PRODUCTS
  Dektak Stylus Profilers........................................               x
  Dektak FPD Surface Profilers...................................               x
  Dektak Atomic Force Microscope.................................               x
  TMS Microroughness Scatterometers..............................               x
Industrial Measurement Products
  XRF-Series X-Ray Fluorescence Measurement
    Systems......................................................               x
  SEA-Series Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Measurement Systems........               x
  Portable Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors......................               x
  Console Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors.......................               x
  Industrial Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors....................               x
</TABLE>
 
ION BEAM SYSTEMS
 
    Veeco develops and produces ion beam systems, sold under the Microetch brand
name. These systems can etch precise, complex features and deposit thin films
for use primarily by data storage and semiconductor manufacturers in the
fabrication of discrete and integrated microelectronic devices. Veeco believes
that it holds the leadership position in the overall market for ion beam etching
systems, and believes that it is the leading seller of ion beam systems utilized
for production of thin film magnetic heads. Since the Acquisition, Veeco has
sold over 200 ion beam systems.
 
    Ion beam deposition provides greater control of precise deposition rate,
film morphology and incorporated contaminants than traditional processes used in
the manufacture of semiconductors or mass memory storage devices. Ion beams can
be used two ways to deposit films. Beams can directly deposit material by
braking down a feed gas and accelerating non-volatile components at the
substrate in a controlled manner (e.g., diamond like carbon coatings for thin
film magnetic head slider coatings); or, a beam can be directed at a material
target of the required element or alloy, and have an ion beam sputtered film
precisely deposited on the substrate (e.g., giant magneto-resistive read
elements in thin film magnetic heads).
 
    Ion beam etching permits precise submicron low temperature etching of any
material, including many which cannot be etched by other processes, and has
emerged as a leading fabrication process in the thin
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
film magnetic head (hard drive) industry for both circuit patterning and
micromachining. This technology is utilized in multiple steps of the advanced
thin film magnetic head fabrication process. In addition, as the demand for
integrated circuits and microsensors with sub-micron features grows, Veeco
believes the demand for ion beam etching systems will increase.
 
    Veeco's ion beam etching product line has progressed from use principally in
research and development applications to automated systems used in production.
This evolution was driven by the incorporation of features such as automated
wafer handling, advanced substrate cooling technique and load-locked process
control which increases throughput and wafer yield.
 
    Sales of ion beam systems were approximately $53,213,000, $33,184,000,
$20,984,000, $17,898,000 and $9,620,000 and accounted for approximately 54.9%,
45.9%, 42.4%, 60.6% and 46.6% of Veeco's net sales for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
 
    The ion beam systems product line consists of the following:
 
    MICROETCH AIR TO AIR BATCH ION BEAM ETCHING SYSTEMS.  The RF-1201 is an
air-to-air system for high throughput batch processing for deep trench (long
etch) feature applications. These systems feature an RF ion source that provides
higher etch rates and increased time between maintenance. Sales prices for
Veeco's Air to Air Batch Systems range from $450,000 to $550,000.
 
    MICROETCH CLUSTER ION BEAM ETCHING AND DEPOSITION SYSTEMS.  The Cluster
System has been developed for next-generation requirements of sub-micron etching
and deposition. The system can be configured for up to three etch or deposition
process modules on a common platform and provides maximum throughput with the
advantage of single wafer etching and deposition for process control and
uniformity. The system is targeted at advanced next-generation thin film
magnetic head memory and high frequency device customers. The Cluster System
utilizes Veeco's enhanced control system and patented "Flowcool" substrate
cooling technology. Sales prices for Veeco's Cluster Systems range from
$1,000,000 to $2,500,000.
 
    SECONDARY ION BEAM SPUTTERING SYSTEMS.  Secondary ion beam sputtering
systems utilize the process module concept of the etching systems, allowing the
deposition module to be mated to Veeco's Cluster System platform to allow either
parallel or sequential etch/deposition processes. These systems are available as
automatic load locked cassette to cassette system or as automatic single
substrate systems. Sales prices for Veeco's Secondary Ion Beam Sputtering
Systems range from $750,000 to $2,000,000.
 
    DIRECT ION BEAM DEPOSITION SYSTEMS.  Veeco's ion beam direct deposit diamond
like carbon deposition system has been developed to deposit tribological
coatings on advanced thin film head sliders. The system consists of a single
substrate carrier vacuum load lock and a high vacuum processing chamber with two
ion beam sources. Sales prices of these systems range from approximately
$600,000 to $1,000,000.
 
SURFACE METROLOGY EQUIPMENT
 
    Veeco's surface metrology product line, which includes stylus surface
profilers, the non-contact atomic force microscope workstation and laser based
scatterometers, offers a wide range of innovative products to customers in the
semiconductor, data storage and flat panel display industries, as well as in
other industries.
 
    Sales of Veeco's surface metrology equipment were approximately $23,902,000,
$20,830,000, $13,184,000, $6,610,000 and $5,678,000 and accounted for
approximately 24.7%, 28.8%, 26.7%, 22.4% and 27.5% of Veeco's net sales for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the three months ended
March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
    STYLUS SURFACE PROFILERS
 
    Veeco's stylus surface profiler systems are manufactured by its subsidiary
Sloan Technology Corp. ("Sloan") at its facility in Santa Barbara, California.
Sloan's line of stylus surface profiler systems all utilize
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
the same principle of operation. A stage moves the wafer, or sample, beneath a
diamond tipped stylus. As the sample moves under the stylus, surface variations
cause vertical translation of the stylus, which is tracked and measured. This
data is then used to produce cross-sectional representations and/or a magnified
contour map, which is displayed on a video monitor. Stylus surface profilers'
applications include height, width, pitch and roughness measurements of features
on semiconductor devices, magnetic and optical storage media (e.g., hard
drives), flat panel displays, and hybrid circuits. Veeco believes that its
stylus surface profiler products are recognized for their accuracy,
repeatability, ease of use and technology features, as well as features designed
for industry specifications and customer needs. Each of Veeco's stylus surface
profilers incorporates a proprietary software package. Since the Acquisition,
Veeco has sold over 1,100 stylus surface profiler systems.
 
    Veeco's stylus surface profiler products include:
 
    DEKTAK STYLUS PROFILERS.  The Dektak line of stylus profilers permits
testing of wafers, disks, hybrids, optics and other precision surfaces. In July
1996, Veeco surface metrology introduced the V300SI, the first model of its new
Series V stylus profiler product line which includes the V300SL, V200SI and
V200SL as well. The Series V product line is the next generation of stylus
profilers which incorporates leading edge performance and features such as
photo-like 3D rendering software, the LIH2 low inertia / low force stylus head,
high precision stage control and positioning, host communication software and
mini-environment compatible design for operation in fully automated lab
environments. The V300SI is a 300mm profiler designed specifically for next
generation 300mm wafer labs, and is the industry's first 300mm stylus profiler.
The Dektak stylus profilers can sample up to 65,000 points per scan, which is
particularly important for applications such as hard disk substrates and optics
analysis. The Dektak D(3) and D(3)ST models are designed for measuring fine
geometries on 150mm and smaller samples. These systems are used for both
thick-film hybrid and thin film microelectronic applications. Sales prices of
the Dektak stylus profilers range from approximately $30,000 to $205,000.
 
    DEKTAK FLAT PANEL DISPLAY PROFILERS.  The Dektak FPD Surface Profilers are
designed to measure deposition thickness and surface roughness during
manufacture of flat panel display. These advanced surface profilers are capable
of precise measurements of step heights, line widths and surface texture of flat
panel substrate up to 720mm x 720mm. In addition, this product line offers a
cassette-to-cassette wafer handling option and pattern recognition for fully
automated operation. Sales prices of the Dektak FPD Surface Profilers range from
approximately $100,000 to $300,000.
 
    NON-CONTACT ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE WORKSTATION
 
    Veeco is IBM's exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative to
market, sell and service the IBM-manufactured SXM Workstation to the
semiconductor industry and data storage industries. The AFM technology used in
the SXM Workstation is a variation of a technique invented by two IBM scientists
who shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986 for their invention.
 
    The SXM Workstation is an automated, in-line manufacturing inspection tool
which is capable of non-contact, non-destructive nanometer scale three
dimensional measurement and imaging of sub-micron structures in ambient
conditions. (A nanometer is equal to one-billionth of a meter.) By scanning a
probe tip across a surface at a distance of approximately 30 angstroms,
extremely precise measurements of sub-microscopic features can be produced, with
resolution down to three angstroms. These measurements include height, width,
roughness and sidewall angle characteristics. A "critical dimension" (CD) option
permits the user to profile vertical sidewalls, measure sidewall angles and
obtain true width measurements of sub-micron lines and trenches. Unlike
alternative technologies, the SXM Workstation has the unique ability to make
precise three dimensional measurements without damaging or breaking the wafer,
which at the time of measurement may have a manufacturing cost of between
$10,000 and $100,000.
 
    Veeco believes that the SXM Workstation represents a significant extension
of the stylus surface profiler instrument line produced by Sloan. By permitting
measurements on features with dimensions as small as 0.25 microns, Veeco
believes that the SXM Workstation provides the precise measurements that
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
semiconductor and data storage manufacturers require in their current and next
generation products. See "--Strategic Alliances."
 
    Sales prices of the SXM Workstation range from approximately $600,000 to
$1,000,000. Since its introduction in the third quarter of 1993, Veeco has sold
33 SXM Workstations.
 
    Veeco and IBM are jointly developing a new lower cost SXM product which will
be manufactured by IBM for sale by Veeco. See "--Strategic Alliances".
 
    LASER BASED SCATTEROMETER
 
    Veeco is Schmitt Measurement Systems' ("SMS") exclusive distributor for the
Texture Measurement System ("TMS") product line for all regions of the world
excluding Japan. The TMS products are laser based scatterometers which directly
measure microroughness using a technique referred to as Total Integrated Scatter
or T.I.S. The TMS products quickly and repeatably measure microroughness as
small as a few angstroms for applications such as disk texture for the hard
drive industry as well as backside/ frontside roughness of bare silicon wafers.
The TMS product line includes the TMS 2000 for hard drive disks, the TMS 2000W
for wafers up to 200mm in diameter and the TMS 3000W for 300mm wafers. Pricing
of these systems ranges from $65,000 to $110,000.
 
INDUSTRIAL MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
 
    Veeco's industrial measurement products include X-Ray fluorescence thickness
measurement systems as well as leak detection/vacuum equipment. These products
have applications in a wide range of industries including electronic, aerospace,
transportation and semiconductor. Sales of industrial measurement equipment were
approximately $19,717,000, $18,345,000, $15,266,000, $5,043,000 and $5,346,000
and accounted for approximately 20.4%, 25.3%, 30.9%, 17.0% and 25.9% of Veeco's
net sales, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
    UPA TECHNOLOGY X-RAY FLUORESCENCE THICKNESS MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
 
    Veeco believes that its XRF systems incorporate an advanced technology for
non-destructive thickness and composition measurement of plated parts, providing
high accuracy and precision on a cost-effective basis. As industries increase
their emphasis on tighter process control manufacturing specifications (e.g.,
ISO 9000), XRF technology has become important due to its speed, repeatability,
accuracy and non-destructive measurement capability. Due to increased
miniaturization of components in the microelectronics industry and the increased
need for on-line production testing, Veeco believes that the XRF market will
continue to grow and that XRF technology will be brought into new applications,
such as fine-pitch printed circuit board production and the measurement of
multi-layered microelectronic and metal finishing corrosion resistant coatings.
Veeco's XRF products incorporate Veeco's XPert software package, which operates
in an MS-DOS or Microsoft Windows environment and offers features including
advanced user-friendly interface and sophisticated statistical data analysis.
 
    Veeco's XRF product line includes the following products:
 
    XRF SERIES.  The XRF Series is an advanced XRF product line designed to
measure plating thickness and composition for the high-end circuit board and
microelectronics applications. The XRF Series has a small diameter beam,
automated servo driven staging and laser focus capability. The software, which
operates in the Microsoft Windows environment, features a real-time video
window, a user configurable interface, and point and shoot sample positioning.
Sales prices for the XRF Series range from approximately $15,000 to $60,000.
 
    SEA SERIES.  The SEA Series, produced by Seiko Instruments and marketed in
North America and Europe by Veeco, features micro XRF measurement capabilities
for deposition thickness, composition and uniformity of thin film magnetic pole
structures, hard disks and microelectronic devices. It also provides the ability
to analyze the constituent elements of a bulk sample-elemental analysis. Sales
prices of these products range from approximately $50,000 to $170,000. See
"--Strategic Alliances."
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    LEAK DETECTION/VACUUM EQUIPMENT
 
    For over 50 years, Veeco (and its predecessors) have produced mass
spectrometry leak detection equipment used for the non-destructive precise
identification of the size and location of leaks in sealed components. Leak
detectors are used in a broad range of electronic, aerospace and transportation
products, with applications in the production of automotive airbags,
semiconductor devices, air conditioning and refrigeration components, chemical
valves, medical devices such as pacemakers, and fiber optic cable production.
Since the Acquisition, Veeco has sold more than 1,000 leak detectors throughout
the world and services an installed base of approximately 5,000 units, including
portable and console units. Veeco also produces vacuum components, including
vacuum pumping stations and gauges, which are sold primarily to research and
university customers.
 
    Veeco's leak detection product line includes the following products:
 
    AUTOMATIC PORTABLE LEAK DETECTORS.  Fully automatic low-cost portable leak
detectors provide gross and fine leak detection for a wide range of
applications, including use in semiconductor cleanrooms. They feature automatic
tuning and calibrating and require minimal operator training. Sales prices of
the portable leak detectors range from approximately $20,000 to $30,000.
 
    CONSOLE LEAK DETECTORS.  Designed for production use, Veeco's line of
console leak detectors feature an automatic monitor display and a unique dual
mass spectrometer for high resolution and accuracy. Sales prices of the console
leak detectors range from approximately $30,000 to $40,000.
 
    ILD-4000 INDUSTRIAL LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS.  The ILD-4000's are industrial
leak detection systems for high production, in-line process testing
applications. Sales prices of the industrial leak detectors range from
approximately $60,000 to $200,000.
 
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
 
    Veeco's overall business strategy includes the formation of alliances with
strategic partners with complementary products or businesses, to assist Veeco in
gaining access to new markets, technologies and products.
 
    IBM AGREEMENT.  As part of its strategic alliance strategy, Veeco is party
to an agreement with IBM (as amended, the "IBM Agreement") with respect to the
IBM-manufactured SXM Workstation and the new IBM-manufactured SXM 200M (Manual)
which is in the development phase. Pursuant to the IBM Agreement, Veeco has been
appointed exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative to market,
service and sell the SXM Workstation and the SXM 200M (Manual) to customers in
the semiconductor and data storage industries. With respect to the SXM
Workstation, the IBM Agreement expires in October 1998 and Veeco, at its option,
may extend the agreement to October 2000. With respect to the SXM 200M (Manual),
the IBM Agreement expires three years from the product completion date (which
Veeco anticipates to be in January 1998) or around January 2001 and Veeco, at
its option, may extend the agreement for an additional two years. Pursuant to
the IBM Agreement, Veeco has agreed to purchase a minimum number of SXM
Workstations and SXM 200M (Manual) instruments. At May 31, 1997, Veeco's
purchase commitment under this agreement was approximately $3,480,000 with
respect to the SXM Workstation and $600,000 with respect to the SXM 200M
(Manual). In addition, with respect to the SXM 200M (Manual), Veeco is required
to pay a fee of $1,400,000 to IBM in consideration for access to IBM's source
code, exclusive marketing rights of the product and a license to manufacture the
product under certain circumstances; such fee is payable over a seven month
period.
 
    Pursuant to the IBM Agreement, in the event that IBM (a) discontinues
production of the SXM Workstation or the SXM 200M (Manual), (b) is unable to
provide sufficient production of the SXM Workstation or the SXM 200M (Manual),
or (c) fails to provide required support for the SXM Workstation or the SXM 200M
(Manual), IBM has agreed to grant Veeco an exclusive worldwide license to
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
manufacture the SXM Workstation or the SXM 200M (Manual), as the case may be,
for sale to the semiconductor and data storage industries. In such event, the
parties have agreed to negotiate a mutually agreeable royalty and license
agreement.
 
    In the event of such a discontinuance, Veeco's ability to manufacture and
distribute the SXM Workstation or the SXM 200M (Manual) on a timely basis could
be disrupted until such time as Veeco's production operations for the SXM
Workstation or the SXM 200M (Manual) are established and the parties conclude
the royalty and license agreement. IBM is obligated to ship products for which
orders have been accepted by IBM prior to the effective date of such
discontinuance, and to provide Veeco with an opportunity to purchase additional
quantities of the SXM Workstation and SXM 200M (Manual) instruments to meet
Veeco's requirements. Under the IBM Agreement, IBM would not be liable for any
lost profits or other consequential damages (including damages based upon
third-party claims) incurred by Veeco as a result of IBM's actions (or
inactions) with respect to the IBM Agreement.
 
    Pursuant to the IBM Agreement, IBM may, and has in the past, licensed
intellectual property rights relating to AFM technology to third parties.
 
    VEECO/SEIKO INSTRUMENTS AGREEMENTS.  In July 1993, Veeco entered into
agreements with Seiko Instruments (the "Veeco/Seiko Instruments Agreements"),
pursuant to which, among other things, Veeco became the exclusive sales agent
and servicer of Seiko Instruments' XRF products in North America, South America
and Europe, and Seiko Instruments became Veeco's distribution, marketing and
servicing representative in Japan and other parts of Asia. The Veeco/Seiko
Instruments Agreements, in addition to providing Veeco with enhanced access to
the Japanese and other Asian markets for its XRF products, also give Veeco
access to Seiko Instruments' large installed customer base in the United States
and broadens Veeco's product line.
 
    Under the Veeco/Seiko Instruments Agreements, Veeco is required to purchase
for sale in North America, South America and Europe a minimum of Seiko
Instruments' XRF products (measured by sales volume), and Seiko Instruments is
required to purchase for sale in Japan and other parts of Asia a minimum of the
UPA Technology XRF products (measured by sales volume). These minimum
requirements are to be re-negotiated by Veeco and Seiko Instruments for each
twelve-month period during the term of the agreements; if the parties fail to
timely agree on minimum sales requirements for a twelve-month period, the
applicable agreement will terminate. Failure by either party to achieve minimum
sales levels will give the other party the right to terminate the applicable
agreement upon 60 days' notice. Each of the Veeco/Seiko Instruments Agreements
is for a three-year term, which is automatically extended for additional
one-year terms unless either party provides the other with notice of its desire
to terminate an agreement. In April 1993, Seiko Instruments was appointed by
Veeco as the exclusive distributor in Japan of Veeco's ion beam systems product
line.
 
    OTHER STRATEGIC ALLIANCES.  Since 1968, Ulvac has been the exclusive
distributor of Veeco's (and its predecessors) stylus surface profiler products
in Japan and in 1993, Ulvac was appointed as the exclusive distributor of the
SXM Workstation in Japan. The current Distribution Agreement between Veeco and
Ulvac was initially entered into on December 15, 1974 and will remain in effect
until either party gives the other 90 days' prior notice of its intention to
terminate such Agreement. In 1994, Sloan introduced the Dektak FPD-650, a flat
panel display profiler developed by Veeco to meet product specifications defined
by Ulvac in response to the specific needs of flat panel display manufacturers
in Japan. Ulvac is also the exclusive distributor of Veeco's Dektak FPD-650 in
South Korea and Taiwan.
 
    On September 18, 1996, Sloan entered into a Distribution Agreement (the
"Schmitt Distribution Agreement") with Schmitt Measurement Systems, Inc.
("Schmitt"), pursuant to which Sloan was appointed the worldwide exclusive
distributor for certain products of Schmitt (with certain exceptions). Under the
Schmitt Distribution Agreement, Sloan will market, sell and service Schmitt's
current product line as well as assist in engineering and automating Schmitt
products for volume production applications. The term of the Schmitt
Distribution Agreement ends on September 17, 1998, and is automatically
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
renewed for consecutive one-year periods unless either party notifies the other
of its intention to terminate the Agreement six months prior to the expiration
of the then current term.
 
    Veeco believes that these strategic alliances enable Veeco to continue to
access new technologies and introduce innovative products in a cost-efficient
manner and will expand Vecco's worldwide customer base. Future strategic
arrangements may take the form of joint ventures or joint research and
development projects, as well as acquisitions or other business combinations.
 
SALES AND SERVICE
 
    SALES.  Veeco sells its products worldwide through a combination of direct
(i.e., Veeco-employed) sales representatives and independent distributors, whose
territories do not overlap within a product line. Veeco believes that the size,
location and expertise of its sales organization represents a competitive
advantage in the markets it serves. Veeco employs approximately 56 sales
professionals in its worldwide sales organization, with sales offices located in
Milpitas, California; Santa Barbara, California; Tustin, California; Plainview,
New York; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Dourdan, France; Munich, Germany; Watford,
England; Hong Kong; and Tokyo, Japan. In addition to Ulvac and Seiko, Veeco has
entered into exclusive distribution agreements with several independent
distributors throughout the world. Other than Ulvac, none of these independent
distributors accounted for more than 10% of Veeco's sales during the year ended
December 31, 1996. See "--Customers."
 
    Independent distributors typically carry a full line of Veeco's products
within a product line, and some distributors, such as Seiko Instruments,
distribute products from more than one of Veeco's product lines. Most
distributors also provide product support and servicing for the Veeco products
sold by them. As previously described, in 1993 Veeco entered into exclusive
distributorship arrangements in Japan with Seiko Instruments with respect to the
ion beam systems product line.
 
    See Note 8 to the Veeco Consolidated Financial Statements for data
pertaining to Veeco's net sales to unaffiliated customers by geographic area and
for Veeco's United States operations export sales.
 
    SERVICE.  Veeco believes that its field service organization is a
significant factor in Veeco's success. Veeco provides worldwide customer service
from five service centers in the United States, three in Europe (Dourdan,
France; Watford, England; and Munich, Germany) and four in Asia (Tokyo, Japan;
Hong Kong; Bangkok, Thailand and Penang, Malaysia). In addition, most
distributors provide service and technical support for the Veeco products they
sell. Because of the large installed base of its ion beam systems, surface
metrology, X-ray fluorescence measurement systems and mass spectrometry leak
detection products, its multiple service centers and its responsiveness to
customer needs, Veeco believes that its service organization provides Vecco with
opportunities for future sales to existing customers.
 
    Veeco provides service pursuant to warranty, service contract or on a
service-call basis. Veeco's products typically carry a one-year warranty, which
includes labor costs and replacement of defective parts. Veeco also offers
enhanced warranty coverage.
 
    Veeco offers several types of service contracts, including preventative
maintenance plans, on-call, on-site service-call plans and other comprehensive
service arrangements. Veeco provides training for its customers and employees
and consultation services, including a 24-hour hotline service, for certain
products.
 
    Approximately 23% of Veeco's 1996 net sales were generated from service and
support and the sale of spare parts and components.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
    Veeco sells its products to many of the world's major data storage,
semiconductor, and flat panel display manufacturers, and to customers in other
industries, research centers and universities. For the year
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
ended December 31, 1996 and for the three months ended March 31, 1997,
approximately 55.5% and 63.3%, respectively, of Veeco's total net sales were to
customers in the data storage industry; approximately 27.4% and 23.3%,
respectively, were sales to customers in the semiconductor industry;
approximately 3.8% and 2.2%, respectively, were sales to customers in the flat
panel display industry; and the remaining approximately 13.3% and 11.2%,
respectively, of net sales were to other industry customers and to universities
and research centers.
 
    Sales to Read-Rite, which utilizes products primarily from Veeco's ion beam
system product line totaled $16,682,000, $6,631,000, $893,000, $7,117,000 and
$3,294,000 representing 17.2%, 9.2%, 1.8%, 24.1% and 16.0% of Veeco's net sales
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the three months
ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
    Sales to Seagate, which also utilizes products primarily from Veeco's ion
beam system product line, totaled $15,469,000, $16,768,000, $13,499,000,
$7,010,000 and $4,151,000 representing 16.0%, 23.2%, 27.3%, 23.7% and 20.1% of
Veeco's net sales for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for
the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. According to
industry reports, Seagate is one of the world's largest disk drive
manufacturers.
 
    Excluding sales to Read-Rite and Seagate, sales to the next five top
customers accounted for 22.9%, 22.7%, 23.7%, 15.7% and 31.0%, in the aggregate,
of total net sales of Veeco for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
    End-users of Veeco's products in each of the following categories include:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           SEMICONDUCTOR                          DATA STORAGE                       FLAT PANEL DISPLAY
- ------------------------------------  ------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
  AMD                                 Applied Magnetics                     Applied Komatsu
  AT & T                              Headways Technology                   Casio Computer
  CNET/SGS Thomson                    IBM                                   Dai Nippon Print
  DEC                                 Komag                                 Dai Nippon Screen
  Harris Semiconductor                Mitsumi                               IBM Japan
  Hewlett Packard Company             Quantum                               Samsung
  Hyundai                             Read-Rite                             Sumitomo Corp.
  Micron                              SAE Magnetics                         Toshiba Corp.
  Mitsubishi                          Seagate
  Motorola                            Sony
  National Semiconductor
  NEC
  Philips
  Samsung
  Seiko Instruments Inc.
  Siemens
  Texas Instruments
  Toshiba
  VLSI Technology, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
ENGINEERING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    Veeco believes that continued and timely development of new products and
enhancements to existing products are necessary to maintain its competitive
position and relies on a combination of its own internal expertise and strategic
alliances with other companies to enhance its research and development efforts.
Veeco utilizes information supplied by its distributors and customers to design
and develop new products and product enhancements and to reduce time-to-market
for these products. Through its strategic
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
alliances, Veeco has obtained the rights to sell additional products on a timely
and cost efficient basis. See "--Strategic Alliances."
 
    Veeco's engineering, research and development programs are organized by
product line; new products have been introduced into each of Veeco's product
lines in each of 1996, 1995 and 1994. During 1996, Veeco added 13 new products
to its product lines: the RF-350S, the Reactive Secondary Ion Beam Sputtering
Deposition System, and the Multitarget Secondary Ion Beam Deposition System to
its ion beam systems line; the Dektak 300 SI, 300 SL, 200 SI and 200 SL Series V
Stylus profilers, the Dektak TMS-2000, TMS-2000W, and TMS-3000W Optical
Scatterometers (developed by Schmitt Measurement Systems) and the High
Definition SXM Atomic Force Microscope to its surface metrology line; and the
MS-50 Console Leak Detector and MS-50 Dual Port Console Leak Detector to its
industrial measurement line.
 
    Engineering research and development expenses of Veeco were approximately
$9,804,000, $7,101,000, $5,096,000, $2,952,000 and $2,004,000 or 10.1%, 9.8%,
10.3%, 10.0% and 9.7% of net sales, for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994 and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
These expenses consisted primarily of salaries, project material and other
product development and enhancement costs.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
    Veeco's principal manufacturing activities, which consist of design,
assembly and test operations, take place at its Plainview, New York
headquarters, where ion beam systems, XRF and leak detection/vacuum equipment
product lines are produced, and in Santa Barbara, California, at the
headquarters of Veeco's Sloan subsidiary, where the stylus surface metrology
system product line is produced. The SXM workstation sold by Veeco is
manufactured by IBM at its Boca Raton, Florida facility.
 
    Veeco's manufacturing and research and development functions have been
organized by product line. Veeco believes that this organizational structure
allows each product line manager to more closely monitor the products for which
he is responsible, resulting in more efficient sales, marketing, manufacturing
and research and development. Veeco has also implemented a Total Quality
Management program, which seeks to emphasize customer responsiveness, customer
service, high quality products and a more interactive management style. By
implementing these management philosophies, Veeco believes that it has increased
its competitiveness and positioned itself for future growth.
 
    Certain of the products sold by Veeco are obtained from single sources
pursuant to written agreements. Veeco relies upon IBM for manufacture of the SXM
Workstation, and termination of Veeco's agreement with IBM or other disruptions
in the supply of product could have an adverse effect on Veeco's results of
operations. In addition, certain of the components and sub-assemblies included
in Veeco's other products are obtained from a single source or a limited group
of suppliers. Although Veeco does not believe it is dependent upon any supplier
of the components and sub-assemblies referred to in the previous sentence as a
sole source or limited source for any critical components (other than as set
forth above), the inability of Veeco to develop alternative sources, if
required, or an inability to meet a demand or a prolonged interruption in supply
or a significant increase in the price of one or more components could adversely
affect Veeco's operating results.
 
BACKLOG
 
    Veeco's backlog consists generally of product orders for which a purchase
order has been received and which are scheduled for shipment within twelve
months. Because a large percentage of Veeco's orders require products to be
shipped in the same quarter in which the order was received, and due to possible
changes in delivery schedules, cancellations of orders and delays in shipment,
Veeco does not believe that the level of backlog at any point in time is an
accurate indicator of Veeco's performance.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
 
    Veeco faces substantial competition from established competitors in each of
the markets that it serves, some of which have greater financial, engineering,
manufacturing and marketing resources than Veeco. In addition, to a lesser
extent many of Veeco's product lines face competition from alternative
technologies, some of which are better established than those used by Veeco in
its products. Significant marketing factors for surface metrology and ion beam
systems include system performance, accuracy, repeatability, ease of use,
reliability, cost of ownership, and technical service and support. Veeco
believes it competes favorably on the basis of these factors in each of Veeco's
served markets for such products. None of Veeco's competitors competes with
Veeco across Veeco's product lines.
 
    Veeco's ion beam systems compete with other ion beam system manufacturers
such as Commonwealth Scientific Corporation, Hitachi and Nordiko.
 
    In the market for surface metrology systems, Veeco competes with several
companies. The SXM Workstation competes with AFM products produced by other
manufacturers such as Digital Instruments as well as with high-end SEM equipment
produced by manufacturers such as Hitachi, Ltd. In the surface profiler market,
Veeco competes primarily with Tencor Instruments.
 
    In the XRF market, Veeco competes with other manufacturers of XRF products,
including Twin City International, Inc., CMI International, and Fischer, Inc. In
the leak detector/vacuum equipment market, Veeco competes primarily with Varian
Associates, Inc., Leybold A.G. and Alcatel, NV.
 
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
    Veeco's success depends in part on its proprietary technology. Although
Veeco attempts to protect its intellectual property rights through patents,
copyrights, trade secrets and other measures, there can be no assurance that
Veeco will be able to protect its technology adequately or that competitors will
not be able to develop similar technology independently.
 
    Veeco has more than 50 patents covering its various products which Veeco
believes provides it with a competitive advantage. Veeco has a policy of seeking
patents when appropriate on inventions concerning new products and improvements
as part of its on-going research, development and manufacturing activities.
Veeco believes that there are no patents which are critical to Veeco's
operations, and that the success of its business depends primarily on the
technical expertise, innovation, creativity and marketing and distribution
ability of its employees.
 
    Veeco also relies upon trade secret protection for its confidential and
propriety information. There can be no assurance that others will not
independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and
techniques or otherwise gain access to Veeco's trade secrets or disclose such
technology or that Veeco can meaningfully protect its trade secrets.
 
    Veeco is the licensee of certain intellectual property owned by IBM which is
associated with the SXM Workstation, including "SXM," which is a registered
trademark owned by IBM. See "--Strategic Alliances."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    In October 1993, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board,
Central Coast Region (the "RWQCB") issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order ("CAO")
for the site (the "Site") of a facility which was leased by a predecessor of
Sloan ("Old Sloan") in Santa Barbara, California. The CAO declared that Lambda
Electronics Inc. ("Lambda"), Veeco and certain other parties had caused or
permitted certain hazardous waste to be discharged into waters of the State at
the Site where they create, or threaten to create, a condition of nuisance.
(Veeco is named as a "discharger" in the CAO because it acquired the
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
assets and liabilities of Old Sloan pursuant to the Acquisition; in addition,
Veeco may be required to indemnify Lambda for obligations incurred by Lambda as
a result of Old Sloan's operations.)
 
    In compliance with the CAO, Veeco submitted a corrective action plan for
remediating contaminated soils at the Site, by excavating them, spreading them,
tilling them, and then refilling the excavated areas with these soils. The RWQCB
approved this corrective action plan on June 6, 1994 and on November 29, 1994,
the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District exempted the corrective
action activities from the District's air permit requirements. The soil
remediation was completed in September 1995. Veeco is currently performing post
soil remediation groundwater monitoring.
 
    Reports prepared by consultants hired by Veeco and by owners of the Site
indicate elevated levels of certain contaminants in samples of groundwater
underneath the Site. Veeco's consultants have recommended that additional
groundwater assessment activities and the preparation of a groundwater
corrective action workplan, as required by the CAO, should await the results of
groundwater testing conducted by other parties near the Site. Until that time,
Veeco (with the acquiescence of the RWQCB) is monitoring groundwater
contamination levels at the Site on a quarterly basis, and is reviewing the
results of third party groundwater assessment and monitoring activities being
conducted in the vicinity of the Site. Veeco cannot predict the extent of
groundwater contamination and cannot determine at this time whether any or all
of the groundwater contamination may be attributable to the activities of
neighboring parties. Veeco may be held responsible for the costs of remediating
any groundwater contamination under or in the vicinity of the Site but Veeco
cannot predict the potential scope of such costs at this time.
 
    Pursuant to the Acquisition, Veeco is required to pay, and has paid for each
of the past seven years, up to $15,000 per year of the expenses incurred in
connection with the operation of certain equipment used in connection with the
monitoring and remediation of certain environmental contamination at Veeco's
Plainview, New York facility. Veeco may under certain circumstances also be
obligated to pay up to an additional $250,000 in connection with the
implementation of a comprehensive plan of environmental remediation at the
Plainview facility; pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition, Lambda (as well as
its corporate parent, Unitech, and certain of Lambda's subsidiaries) are
required to pay all other costs and expenses relating to any such plan of
environmental remediation. Because no such comprehensive plan of remediation has
been required to date, Veeco is not in a position to estimate more precisely
what any actual liability might be.
 
    Veeco is aware that petroleum hydrocarbon contamination has been detected in
the soil at the site of the facility leased by Sloan in Santa Barbara,
California (the "Sloan Building"). For 18 months after the Acquisition, Veeco
owned all of the outstanding capital stock of a company which held title to the
Sloan Building, and a leasehold in the property on which the Sloan Building is
located. In July 1991, the capital stock of such company was transferred to
Lambda, pursuant to provisions in the agreement relating to the Acquisition.
Although there appears to be no evidence that the petroleum constituents found
in the soil are associated with any activities of Sloan at the Sloan Building,
under Federal and California environmental statutes, current "owners and
operators" and "owners and operators" at the time of disposal of hazardous
substances may be deemed liable for removal and remediation of contamination at
a facility. In connection with the Acquisition, Lambda and Unitech plc agreed to
indemnify Veeco for liabilities incurred by Veeco which arise from the
environmental contamination at the site, and any costs and expenses relating to
the remediation thereof.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    At March 31, 1997, Veeco had approximately 357 full time employees,
including 111 in manufacturing and testing, 56 in sales and marketing, 64 in
service and support, 79 in engineering, research and development, and 47 in
general administration and finance. The success of Veeco's future operations
depends in large part on Veeco's ability to recruit and retain engineers,
technicians and other highly-skilled professionals who are in considerable
demand. There can be no assurance that Veeco will be successful in
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
retaining or recruiting key personnel. None of Veeco's employees is represented
by a labor union and Veeco has never experienced a work stoppage, slowdown or
strike. Veeco considers its employee relations to be good.
 
    None of Veeco's senior management or key employees is subject to an
employment agreement; in addition, none of such individuals is subject to an
agreement not to compete with Veeco. However, Mr. Scherr, a director of Veeco,
is party to a consulting agreement with Veeco.
 
FACILITIES
 
    Veeco's headquarters, principal manufacturing and research and development
facilities are located in an 80,000 square foot building in Plainview, New York,
which is owned by Veeco. In addition, Veeco leases the Sloan Building from
Lambda. The Sloan Building, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a 30,000
square foot building which serves as the administrative, sales, manufacturing
and research and development facility of Sloan. The lease expires in June 1998.
 
    Veeco also leases two facilities located in Milpitas, California and Tustin,
California, for use as sales and service centers for certain of its products.
Subsidiaries of Veeco lease space for use as sales and service centers in
Dourdan, France; Munich, Germany; Watford, England; Hong Kong and Tokyo, Japan.
 
    Veeco believes that it will be able to either renew the lease for the Sloan
Building on satisfactory terms or find a suitable substitute for such facility.
Based on the foregoing, Veeco believes its facilities are adequate to meet its
current needs.
 
    Certain levels of environmental contamination have been detected at the
Plainview, New York and Santa Barbara, California facilities of Veeco. See
"Business--Environmental Matters."
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    See "Business--Environmental Matters". Except as described therein, there
are no material legal proceedings involving Veeco or any of its subsidiaries.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                  CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF VEECO
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the relationship
(in percentages) of selected items of Veeco's consolidated statements of
operations to its total net sales:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 THREE
                                                                                                                 MONTHS
                                                                                                                 ENDED
                                                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31           MARCH 31,
                                                                         -------------------------------  --------------------
                                                                           1996       1995       1994       1997       1996
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net sales..............................................................      100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Cost of sales..........................................................       56.7       54.3       58.5       56.3       55.4
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Gross profit...........................................................       43.3       45.7       41.5       43.7       44.6
Operating expenses:
  Research and development.............................................       10.1        9.8       10.3       10.0        9.7
  Selling, general and administrative..................................       20.2       23.3       22.6       19.5       21.2
  Amortization.........................................................         .2         .2         .7         .2         .3
  Other--net...........................................................         .2         .2        (.2)    --             .4
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total operating expenses...............................................       30.7       33.5       33.4       29.7       31.6
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating income.......................................................       12.6       12.2        8.1       14.0       13.0
Interest (income) expense..............................................        (.7)       (.5)       5.3        (.4)      (1.0)
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item......................       13.3       12.7        2.8       14.4       14.0
Income tax provision (benefit).........................................        5.0        3.3       (1.6)       5.5        5.2
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before extraordinary item.......................................        8.3        9.4        4.4        8.9        8.8
Extraordinary (loss), net of tax.......................................     --         --           (1.4)    --         --
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income.............................................................        8.3%       9.4%       3.0%       8.9%       8.8%
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996
 
    Net sales for three months ended March 31, 1997 increased by approximately
$8,907,000 or 43% over the comparable 1996 period. The increase principally
reflects continuing growth in ion beam system sales. Sales in the US increased
approximately 53%, while international sales included an approximately 45%
decrease in Japan, a 31% decrease in Europe and a 400% increase in Asia-Pacific.
The Company believes that there will continue to be quarter to quarter
variations in the geographic concentration of sales. However, there appears to
be a trend of increasing sales demand in Asia-Pacific attributable to the
expansion of hard drive and semiconductor industries in that region.
 
    Sales of ion beam systems for the first quarter of 1997 of approximately
$17,898,000 increased by approximately $8,278,000 or 86% over the comparable
period in 1996, driven principally by increased demand from the data storage
industry for high-density hard drives. Of this increase, approximately 73.8% was
due to growth in volume, with the balance of the increase due to an
approximately 30.7% higher average selling price of a system resulting from a
shift in customer demand to multi-process modules with increased automation.
Sales of surface metrology products for the first quarter of 1997 of
approximately $6,610,000 increased by approximately $933,000 or 16% over the
comparable 1996 period, reflecting increased SXM product sales as a result of
the semiconductor industry's investment in next generation sub-0.35 micron and
smaller-featured device production. Of this increase, approximately 39.1% was
due to growth in volume, with the balance of the increase due to an
approximately 17.2% higher average selling price of surface metrology products.
Sales of industrial measurement products for the first quarter of 1997
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
of approximately $5,043,000 decreased by approximately $304,000 or 6% compared
to the comparable period in 1996, as the result of a decrease in leak detection
equipment sales.
 
    Veeco booked approximately $31,399,000 of orders in the first quarter of
1997 compared to approximately $25,449,000 of orders in the first quarter of
1996, reflecting both the increased demand for high density hard drives and the
continued industry transition to the next generation MR thin film magnetic heads
and increasing orders for SXM products.
 
    Gross profit for the first quarter of 1997 of approximately $12,909,000
represents an increase of approximately $3,702,000 or 40% over the comparable
1996 period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 43.7% for
the first quarter of 1997 from 44.6% for the first quarter of 1996. This decline
was principally due to changes in product mix.
 
    Research and development expense in the first quarter of 1997 increased by
approximately $948,000 or by 47% compared to the first quarter of 1996,
principally driven by the increased R&D investment in ion beam systems.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 1997
increased by approximately $1,392,000 or by 32% compared to the first quarter of
1996. The increase was primarily due to approximately $1,065,000 of additional
selling expense comprised of sales commissions related to the higher sales
volume, as well as increased sales and sales support compensation and travel
expense.
 
    Operating income increased to approximately $4,141,000 or 14% of net sales
for the first quarter of 1997 compared to approximately $2,685,000 or 13% of net
sales for the first quarter of 1996, due to the above noted factors.
 
    Income taxes for the first quarter of 1997 amounted to approximately
$1,609,000 or 38% of income before income taxes in 1997 compared to
approximately $1,075,000 or 37% of income before taxes for the same period in
1996.
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
    Net sales were $96,832,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996 representing
an increase of approximately $24,473,000, or 33.8%, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 as compared to 1995. The increase reflects growth in all three
of Veeco's product lines--ion beam systems, surface metrology and industrial
measurement. Sales in the U.S. increased approximately 38.6%, while
international sales included a 37.8% increase in Asia Pacific and a 56.2%
increase in Japan and a 3% decrease in Europe.
 
    Sales of ion beam systems increased by 60.3% to approximately $53,213,000 in
1996 compared to 1995. Of this increase, approximately 55.9% is due to growth in
volume, with the balance of the increase attributable to an approximately 27.7%
higher average selling price of a system resulting from a shift in customer
demand to multi-process modules with increased automation. This growth was
principally driven by increased demand for mass memory storage due to the
capacity ramp up in both magnetoresistive and inductive thin film magnetic heads
required in high density hard drives.
 
    Sales of surface metrology products increased by 14.6% to approximately
$23,902,000 in 1996 compared to 1995 principally as a result of increased sales
of SXM Workstations for semiconductor applications.
 
    Sales of industrial measurement products increased by 7.7% to approximately
$19,717,000 in 1996 compared to 1995 as a result of increased volume due to the
introduction of new products in the leak detection product line, while the
average sales price of a product was comparable in 1996 and 1995.
 
    Gross profit increased to approximately $41,901,000, or 43.3% of net sales
for 1996, compared to $33,085,000, or 45.7% of net sales for 1995. The decline
in gross margin percentage was principally due to product and geographic mix
changes in surface metrology and industrial measurement products lines. The
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
lower gross profit percentage attributable to product mix resulted from
increased sales of the SXM Workstation and other products distributed for other
manufacturers, which historically have had lower gross margins, as well as for
increases in sales of newly introduced products, the costs of which are
generally higher than for mature products. Export sales, which generally have
higher sales discounts and service and distribution costs, increased by 46.0%,
which negatively impacted gross margins.
 
    Research and development expense increased by approximately $2,703,000 to
approximately $9,804,000, or 10.1% of net sales in 1996 compared to
approximately $7,101,000 or 9.8% of sales in 1995, as Veeco increased its R&D
investment in each of its product lines with particular emphasis on ion beam
products.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately
$2,714,000 to 20.2% of net sales in 1996 from 23.3% for 1995. Selling expense
increased $2,353,000 principally comprised of sales commissions related to
higher sales volume, as well as increased compensation and travel expense as a
result of additional sales and service personnel required to support Veeco's
growth. Veeco received approximately $107 million of orders in 1996 compared to
approximately $84 million of orders in 1995 for a 27.9% increase. This resulted
in a book to bill ratio of 1.11 to 1 for 1996.
 
    Operating income increased to approximately $12,182,000 or 12.6% of net
sales for 1996 compared to $8,796,000 or 12.2% of net sales for 1995, due to the
above noted factors. Veeco incurred an operating loss in its foreign operations
for the year ended December 31, 1996 of approximately $300,000 compared to
operating income of approximately $257,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995,
principally as a result of an approximately $253,000 unfavorable change in
foreign exchange transactions, a sales volume decline and the sale of additional
SXM Workstations at lower gross profit margins than Veeco's other product lines.
 
    Income taxes amounted to $4,822,000 or 37.5% of income before income taxes
and extraordinary item for 1996 as compared to $2,395,000 or 26.1% of income
before income taxes and extraordinary item for 1995. Veeco's effective tax rate
in 1995 was lower as a result of Veeco recognizing previously unrecognized
deferred tax assets.
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
 
    Net sales increased by approximately $22,925,000, or 46.4%, for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1995 to approximately $72,359,000 as compared to 1994.
The increase reflects growth in all three of Veeco's product lines--ion beam
systems, surface metrology and industrial measurement. Sales in the U.S.
increased approximately 48%, while international sales included an approximately
44% increase in European sales and an approximately 47% increase in Asia Pacific
sales including Japan.
 
    Sales of ion beam systems increased by 58.1% to approximately $33,184,000 in
1995 compared to 1994. This increase was principally attributable to an increase
in volume while the average sales price of a system was comparable in 1995 and
1994. This increase was driven by increased demand from mass memory storage and
telecommunications markets.
 
    Sales of surface metrology products increased by 58.0% to approximately
$20,830,000 in 1995 compared to 1994 as a result of increased sales of SXM
Workstations for semiconductor applications and increased sales of surface
profilers in Asia Pacific and Europe. This increase was principally attributable
to an increase in volume while the average sales price of a system was
comparable in 1995 and 1994.
 
    Sales of industrial measurement products increased by 20.2% to approximately
$18,345,000 in 1995 compared to 1994 as a result of the introduction of new
products in both the leak detection and XRF thickness measurement systems
product lines. This increase was principally attributable to an increase in
volume while the average sales price of a system was comparable in 1995 and
1994.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    Gross profit increased to approximately $33,085,000, or 45.7% of net sales,
for 1995 compared to $20,494,000, or 41.5% of net sales for 1994. This
improvement was due to the sales volume increases described above, product mix
changes and improved operating efficiencies. Product mix favorably impacted
gross margins in 1995 as compared to 1994 due to the increase in sales of ion
beam systems and stylus profilers which generate higher gross margins than
Veeco's industrial measurement products. Operating efficiencies were obtained in
1996 compared to 1995 by reduction in cycle times and higher throughput.
 
    Research and development expense increased by approximately $2,005,000 to
approximately $7,101,000, or 9.8% of net sales in 1995 compared to approximately
$5,096,000 or 10.3% of sales in 1994, as Veeco increased its R&D investment in
each of its product lines.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately
$5,651,000 to 23.3% of net sales in 1995 from 22.6% for 1994. Selling expense
increased $4,150,000 principally comprised of sales commissions related to
higher sales volume, as well as increased compensation and travel expense as a
result of additional sales and service personnel required to support Veeco's
growth. Veeco received approximately $84 million of orders in 1995 compared to
approximately $55 million of orders in 1994.
 
    Operating income increased to approximately $8,796,000 or 12.2% of net sales
for 1995 compared to $3,983,000 or 8.1% of net sales for 1994, due to the above
noted factors.
 
    As a result of the repayment of all outstanding debt in December 1994 from
the proceeds of the IPO and the investment of the net proceeds from the Public
Offering completed in July 1995, Veeco had $391,000 of interest income in 1995
compared to $2,620,000 of interest expense in 1994.
 
    Income taxes amounted to $2,395,000 or 26.1% of income before income taxes
and extraordinary item for 1995. Veeco's effective tax rate is lower than the
statutory tax rate as a result of Veeco recognizing previously unrecognized
deferred tax assets. It is anticipated that Veeco's effective tax rate in 1996
will approach the statutory tax rate.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    Net cash provided by operations totaled approximately $4,718,000 for the
first three months of 1997 compared to approximately $133,000 for the comparable
1996 period. This increase reflects an increase in net income for the first
quarter of 1997 of approximately $827,000 over the comparable 1996 period
coupled with favorable changes in operating assets and liabilities. Net cash
provided by operations totaled $7,173,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996 compared to $1,980,000 for 1995, due primarily to net income of $8,038,000
in 1996 compared to net income of $6,792,000 in 1995. Cash flow in 1995 was also
impacted by an increase of approximately $6,072,000 in accounts receivable. Net
cash provided by operations of $1,980,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995 compared to $808,000 for 1994 primarily due to net income of $6,792,000 in
1995 compared to net income of $1,479,000 in 1994 partially offset by changes in
operating assets and liabilities.
 
    Accounts receivable increased by approximately $843,000 at December 31, 1996
to $19,826,000 from $18,983,000 at December 31, 1995, due primarily to increased
sales. Accounts receivable increased by approximately $6,291,000 to $18,983,000
at December 31, 1995 from $12,692,000 at December 31, 1994, primarily due to the
increased sales.
 
    Inventories increased by approximately $5,468,000 at December 31, 1996 to
$21,263,000 from $15,795,000 at December 31, 1995. The increase was principally
due to purchases required for the increased level of sales orders. Inventories
increased by approximately $5,101,000 at December 31, 1995 to $15,795,000 at
December 31, 1995 from $10,694,000 at December 31, 1994 principally due to
purchases required for the introduction of new products and increased level of
sales orders.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
    Accounts payable increased by $2,467,000 at December 31, 1996 to $11,196,000
from $8,729,000 at December 31, 1995 due to a higher level of purchases
associated with the increased sales volume. Accounts payable increased by
$1,316,000 at December 31, 1995 to $8,729,000 from $7,413,000 as a result of
purchases required for the introduction of new products.
 
    Accrued expenses increased by $2,441,000 at December 31, 1996 to $9,964,000
from $7,523,000 at December 31, 1995 as a result of increased customer deposits
and payroll-related liabilities.
 
    Working capital totaled approximately $43,454,000 at December 31, 1996
compared to approximately $37,461,000 at December 31, 1995. Cash increased to
approximately $21,209,000 at December 31, 1996 as a result of cash from
operations partially offset by approximately $3,766,000 of capital expenditures.
Working capital was approximately $37,461,000 at December 31, 1995 compared to
approximately $16,122,000 at December 31, 1994. Cash increased to approximately
$17,568,000 at December 31, 1995 from $2,279,000 at December 31, 1994 as a
result of cash from operations and Veeco's Public Offering.
 
    Veeco made capital expenditures of approximately $1,266,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 1997 compared to approximately $439,000 in the comparable
1996 period. Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 1997 principally
reflect investments in building improvements, laboratory tools and business
information systems. Veeco made capital expenditures of $3,766,000 for fiscal
year 1996, principally for manufacturing facilities, laboratory and test
equipment and computer system upgrades, as compared to $965,000 of capital
expenditures for 1995. Veeco's capital expenditures for 1995 related primarily
to the purchase of laboratory and test equipment and manufacturing facility
improvements. Veeco expects that capital expenditures will increase in the next
year as it improves its manufacturing facilities and acquires additional
equipment for its ion beam deposition systems business.
 
    Relative to the acquisition in April 1997 of the Media and Magnetics
Applications business of Materials Research Corporation, Veeco believes that it
will expend approximately $10,000,000 of cash during the last nine months of
1997 for the purchase of this business as well as for future capital
expenditures and working capital requirements. The expected time-frame for
developing the acquired technology into commercially viable products is
approximately 12 months from the acquisition date and it is anticipated that
during this time-frame between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 of expense will be
incurred in connection with the technical and research and development efforts
necessary to develop these products.
 
    In July 1996, Veeco entered into a new credit facility (the "Credit
Facility") with Fleet Bank, N.A. and The Chase Manhattan Bank. The Credit
Facility, which may be used for working capital, acquisitions and general
corporate purposes, provides Veeco with up to $30 million of availability. The
Credit Facility bears interest at the prime rate of the lending banks, but is
adjustable to a maximum rate of 3/4% above the prime rate in the event Veeco's
ratio of debt to cash flow exceeds a defined ratio. A LIBOR based interest rate
option is also provided. As of March 31, 1997 there were no amounts outstanding
under the Credit Facility. As of March 31, 1997, Veeco's availability under the
Credit Facility was reduced by approximately $1,000,000 as a result of
outstanding letters of credit, which consist of a standby letter of credit in
the amount of $365,000 in favor of IBM established pursuant to the IBM Agreement
and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of $635,000 to support foreign
purchases. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of Veeco's
personal property, as well as the stock of its Sloan subsidiary.
 
    Pursuant to a sales and marketing agreement with IBM, Veeco has agreed to
purchase a minimum number of IBM-manufactured SXM Workstations, and the new
IBM-manufactured SXM 200M (Manual) which is in the development phase, for sale
by Veeco to customers in the semiconductor and data storage industries. As of
May 31, 1997, Veeco's purchase commitment for SXM Workstations under this
agreement was approximately $3,480,000, of which $1,230,000 in products are
required to be purchased prior to July 1997 and $2,250,000 in products are
required to be purchased prior to a date to be determined. As of May 31, 1997,
Veeco's purchase commitment for SXM 200M (Manual) instruments under this
agreement was approximately $600,000; as this product is still being developed,
the date by which such purchases must be made has yet to be determined. Also
under the IBM Agreement, Veeco is required to pay a $1,400,000
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
fee with respect to the SXM 200M (Manual) over a period of seven months. In
addition, Veeco has minimum purchase obligations pursuant to agreements with
certain other suppliers. See "Strategic Alliances."
 
    Veeco believes that the cash generated from operations, funds available from
the Credit Facility described above and existing cash balances will be
sufficient to meet Veeco's projected working capital and other cash flow
requirements for at least the next 24 months.
 
                             INFORMATION ABOUT WYKO
 
WYKO'S BUSINESS
 
    Wyko was founded in December 1982 to design and develop non-contact,
high-precision test and measurement equipment. Wyko designs, manufactures,
markets and services a broad line of high performance, non-contact surface
metrology equipment. Using laser and white light optical technology combined
with advanced software and electronics, Wyko instruments assist manufacturers in
increasing product yield and improving new product design by generating precise,
consistent quantitative data on the surface structure of critical components.
Wyko's customers are predominately large manufacturers in the mass memory,
semiconductor, machined surfaces and optics industries. Current customers
include Hewlett Packard Company, Hughes Missile Systems, IBM, Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory, Quantum, Seagate, Read-Rite, and SAE Magnetics. Wyko also
sells its products to other industries, research and development centers,
national standards laboratories, and universities.
 
    Historically, test and measurement equipment consisted of contact profiling
devices and visual, qualitative inspection systems. Advancing technologies allow
manufacturers in a variety of industries to produce smaller devices, requiring
more precise tolerances and intricate design geometries. For example, read-write
heads currently produced for computer hard drives are one-third the size of
read-write heads manufactured five years ago. This trend toward miniaturization
and tighter tolerances creates new challenges for manufacturers, as they are
required to handle, measure and test increasingly smaller components. High
performance, non-contact metrology instruments are an enabling technology for
the mass memory, semiconductor and other high technology industries to produce
these smaller components.
 
    Instrumentation is increasingly used to accurately measure the conformity of
parts to their specifications, detect defects directly on the manufacturing
line, and provide statistical feedback to improve process control. As the mass
memory, semiconductor, and micro-electronic device manufacturing industries
install more sophisticated production and assembly processes, these industries
are adding measurement and defect detection instruments to improve production
control, yield and product quality.
 
    Substantially all Wyko instruments are designed to make non-contact surface
measurements using interferometry technology. Wyko instruments employ either
white light or laser sources to measure surface roughness and shape by creating
interference patterns from the optical path difference between the test surface
and a reference surface. Using a combination of phase shifting interferometry
and vertical scanning interferometry, Wyko instruments are designed to rapidly
and precisely measure and characterize a range of surface sizes and shapes.
 
WYKO'S PRODUCTS
 
    Wyko products are currently used in the data storage, semiconductor,
micro-machined devices, optics and research industries for production control,
failure analysis, prototype development and advanced
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
research. The following table summarizes Wyko's current principal products and
the principal industries to which it offers such products.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               UNIVERSITY AND
                                                      SEMI-         DATA         MICRO-        OPTICS           RESEARCH AND
PRODUCT                                             CONDUCTOR      STORAGE      MACHINED      INDUSTRY     INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
- ------------------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
MICRO-STRUCTURE MEASUREMENTS
  NT 2000.......................................        x                           x             x                   x
  HD 2000.......................................                      x
MACRO-CONTOUR MEASUREMENTS
  Wyko 400......................................                      x                           x                   x
  Wyko 6000.....................................                                                  x                   x
ANGLE AND DISTANCE MEASUREMENTS
  Static Attitude Test Inspection System
    (SATIS).....................................                      x                                               x
</TABLE>
 
MICRO-STRUCTURE MEASUREMENTS
 
    Wyko pioneered the use of phase shifting interferometry (PSI), developed in
1983, and vertical scanning interferometry (VSI), developed in 1992, to measure
surfaces as smooth as .03 nanometers or as rough as 2 millimeters.
Interferometry, coupled with microcomputers and state of the art software, is a
powerful method of rapidly measuring and characterizing surface microstructure
on a variety of surface types.
 
    Wyko's current principal micro-structure surface measurement equipment
products consist of:
 
    NT 2000.  Manufacturers of precision parts and components use the NT 2000
line of microstructure measurement instruments to measure surface roughness,
heights, and shapes. Customers use the Wyko systems because they are
non-contact, offer both areal measurements and high-resolution linear profiles
and provide high-precision, quantitative results with extensive software
analysis.
 
    The NT 2000 incorporates both phase-shifting and vertical-scanning
interferometry to obtain measurement results on surfaces as smooth as 0.3
nanometers or as rough as 2 millimeters. This combination of technologies
provides the basis for a broad range of applications in many industries.
 
    The semiconductor industry uses these instruments to measure wafer
roughness, CMP polishing pad surfaces, and wafer edges. For advanced packaging
applications, Wyko has developed a specialized version of the NT 2000
(identified as the Bump Measurement Profiler System--BMPS) for measuring bump
connections. This profiler measures surface height, bump volume and diameter and
bump coplanarity on silicon wafers and ceramic substrates. This instrument
provides greater accuracy than traditional laser scanning techniques which may
miss peaks, underestimate heights, and are often less determinate in focusing
with coatings. The BMPS instrument accommodates 4 to 8 inch wafers without any
hardware change. The fully-automated BMPS system integrates a vertical scanning
interference microscope (based on the NT 2000) with precision robotic wafer
handling and Wyko's measurement and analysis software. The BMPS instrument
provides rapid, accurate and repeatable measurements of surfaces at the bump,
die, wafer, substrate and lot level and reports bump statistics in accordance
with pre-configured computerized instructions on bump location and pass/fail
criteria. Measurements are compared to the customer's drawings, which disclose
bump locations to automatically determine missing, bridged and extra bumps.
 
    Manufacturers in semiconductor-related industries use the NT 2000 for
measuring probe card patterns, IC patterns, microsensors, magnetic ink, detector
arrays and micro-machined devices in silicon. As an engineering research and
development instrument, or a failure analysis tool used by quality engineering
departments, the data generated during measurement may be analyzed by the Wyko
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
Vision-TM-proprietary software package that includes statistical analysis, image
processing, database options and graphical displays.
 
    Wyko has also developed special packaging and software applications to
extend the NT 2000 technology nationally and internationally to a broad industry
base. Extensions include applications for automotive engine cylinder
measurements and analox roll testing in the print industry.
 
    HD 2000.  The HD 2000 instruments are a line of microstructure measurement
equipment used by manufacturers of mass memory components including
manufacturers of heads, disks, drives and suspensions. Manufacturers of mass
memory components use the HD 2000 to measure surface roughness, heights, and
shape. These customers use the Wyko systems because they are non-contact, fast,
repeatable, and offer both areal measurement and high-resolution linear profiles
and provide high-precision, quantitative results with extension software
analysis specific to this industry. HD 2000 instruments are used for research
and development, production control, process improvement, final parts
inspection, incoming parts inspection, and field failure analysis.
 
    The HD 2000 is designed for high-throughput, dedicated testing. The
instrument may be purchased to operate with manual controls or full automation.
Many customers from this industry elect to purchase fully automated instruments
to eliminate operator variability. With diminished feature sizes in the head and
suspensions, the HD 2000 is a reliable tool for measuring whether manufacturing
processes yield parts that meet critical specifications.
 
    The Wyko proprietary software for the HD 2000 provides a number of benefits
to Wyko customers including immediate feedback on new head design parameters,
reduction in the product design cycle, and a reduction in the time required to
transfer new product designs from engineering to manufacturing.
 
MACRO-CONTOUR MEASUREMENTS
 
    Macro-contour measurement equipment is designed to obtain measurements of
surface figure of part sizes ranging from less than one inch to 24 inches. Wyko
instruments used to measure surface figure are typically of Fizeau or
Twyman-Green interferometry designs. Incorporating algorithms for phase ramping,
phase stepping, phase unwrapping, data reduction and analysis, Wyko
macro-contour measurement instruments are currently used by leading
manufacturers and laboratories world-wide including, among others, National
Institute of Standard Technology ("NIST"), Commonwealth Scientific and
Industrial Research Organization ("CSIRO"), Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratories, Mitsubishi, Quantum, Seagate, Hughes Missile Systems and Lockheed
Martin.
 
    A primary application for the macro-contour instruments is in the
measurement of hard disk shape in the mass memory market. Wyko macro-contour
instruments measure the flatness and performance parameters of disks at each
stage in the manufacturing process. Manufacturers use these instruments to
measure disks made of a range of substrates including metals, glass and
ceramics.
 
    Wyko macro-contour instruments are used to monitor performance throughout
the production process, including unpolished disk blanks, in-process disks
during polishing, and disks assembled in drives. All macro-contour instruments
include Wyko proprietary software for analyzing shape, runout, velocity and
acceleration. Data may be analyzed graphically in three dimensions,
two-dimensional profiles, and contour plots.
 
    Macro-contour measurement equipment is also used in the optics industry to
measure optical surface figure and transmitted wavefront accuracy.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
ANGLE AND DISTANCE MEASUREMENTS
 
    In 1994, Wyko introduced the Static Attitude Test probe (SAT). In
collaboration with its leading customers, Wyko combined laser triangulation and
auto-collimation to produce an instrument to accurately measure the position and
angular orientation of the surface of the suspensions used in magnetic head
production. With the Static Attitude Test Inspection System ("SATIS"), a
sophisticated fixture properly references the position of the suspension
relative to its mounting boss and elevator point positions. In manual mode, an
operator uses a micrometer to set the offset distance while monitoring the
distance on a computer screen. The measurement is made in less than one fifth of
a second. Software provides rapid data analysis. Wyko customers for these
products include Hutchinson Technology, Inc., Read-Rite, SAE Magnetics, and
Quantum.
 
SALES AND SERVICE
 
    SALES.  Wyko sells its products in the United States through direct sales
employees and internationally through independent distributors. In the United
States, Wyko employs approximately nine direct sales engineers with sales
offices located in Tucson, Arizona, Chelmsford, Massachusetts and Santa Clara,
California. International sales are made through twelve distributors, covering
sales and service in more than sixteen countries including Japan, China, Hong
Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan,
United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and France. International sales are
managed through Wyko's headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Wyko employees train and
provide technical guidance to Wyko distributors. Wyko distributors directly sell
to international customers and provide product installation and field support
services.
 
    SERVICE.  Wyko believes that a strong commitment to service is essential to
customer satisfaction. Wyko recruits professional sales and service engineers to
support Wyko's more than 300 customers and 1,200 installations of instruments
worldwide. The customer service and applications department installs Wyko
products, provides a minimum of one day training in the field, conducts customer
training classes, and provides on-going software consulting services. Wyko
provides a one year parts and labor warranty and makes available post warranty
service agreements for the hardware and software updates and preventive
maintenance.
 
CUSTOMERS AND END USERS
 
    Wyko sells its instruments to many of the world's large manufacturers in the
data storage, semiconductor, research, micro-machined devices and optics
industries. Examples of end users of Wyko products in these categories include:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              MICRO-MACHINED
DATA STORAGE                        SEMICONDUCTOR              AND RESEARCH               OPTICS
- --------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------  ---------------------------
<S>                         <C>                             <C>                 <C>
Hoya                        Hewlett Packard Company         3M                  CSIRO
Hutchinson Technology       Lucent Technology               AMP                 Hughes Missile Systems
IBM                         MEMC                            Ciena               Lawrence Livermore
Komag                       Motorola                        Eastman Kodak       National Laboratory
Maxtor                      NEC                             JPL                 Lockheed Martin
Quantum                     Mitsubishi Silicon              Rockwell            Los Almos
Read-Rite                   Sumitomo Corp.                  Rosemont            NIST
SAE Magnetics               Texas Instruments               Siecor              Schott Glass
Seagate                                                                         Vistakon
Yamaha
</TABLE>
 
Sales to one of Wyko's distributors, AMAC Corporation, totaled approximately
$2,700,000, $1,600,000, $2,000,000, $1,000,000 and $700,000 representing 15%,
12%, 19%, 12% and 19% of Wyko's net sales for
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the three months ended
March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Sales to another distributor of Wyko,
DYMEK ASIA Company, totaled approximately $2,500,000, $1,000,000, $700,000,
$1,700,000 and $200,000 representing 14%, 7%, 7%, 21% and 5% of Wyko's net sales
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the three months
ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
    In January 1996, Wyko entered into an agreement (as amended to date, the
"Livermore Agreement") with University of California Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory ("Livermore"). Pursuant to the Livermore Agreement, Wyko has agreed
to deliver certain instruments to Livermore for a total purchase price of
$2,734,735. In April 1997, Wyko entered into a further agreement with Livermore
(the "Blanket Purchase Agreement"), pursuant to which Wyko is required to
deliver certain additional instruments to Livermore for a total purchase price
of $792,850. The term of the Blanket Purchase Agreement expires at the end of
February 1999 (and may be extended for an additional year at the option of
Livermore).
 
    In December 1995, Wyko entered into an agreement with China Xiao Feng
Technology and Equipment Co. ("China Xiao Feng"), pursuant to which Wyko has
agreed to deliver certain instruments to China Xiao Feng for a total purchase
price of $910,000.
 
ENGINEERING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    Wyko believes that continued and timely development of new products and
enhancements to existing products that meet customer needs for quality and
reliability are necessary to maintain its competitive position. Wyko uses
information supplied by its sales engineers and customers to design and develop
new products and product enhancements. The location of Wyko's headquarters in
Tucson, Arizona has led to a strong association with the University of Arizona's
Optical Sciences Center for the recruiting of qualified candidates for Wyko's
engineering department. The State of Arizona has also designated Tucson as the
nucleus of the "Optics Cluster", a forum for the exchange of innovative ideas
and programs related to optics development.
 
    Wyko's engineering departments develop and support the manufacture of
current and future products. Wyko has developed expertise in optical,
electrical, mechanical and software engineering. New products have been
introduced into each of Wyko's product lines in 1996, 1995, and 1994. During
1996, Wyko added six new products to its product lines.
 
    Engineering research and development expenses of Wyko were approximately
$2,660,000, $2,056,000, $1,958,000, $737,000 and $525,000 or 14.6%, 15.3%,
18.4%, 9.0% and 13.9% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995,
and 1994, and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
These expenses consist primarily of salaries, project material and other product
development and enhancement costs.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
    Wyko's manufacturing activities are conducted at its Tucson, Arizona
headquarters. Manufacturing functions for its products consist of design,
assembly and test operations. Some components are supplied by third party
vendors and integrated into Wyko's finished products. Many of these components
are standard products, although some are made to Wyko specifications.
 
    Certain components and sub-assemblies are obtained from a limited group of
suppliers. Wyko uses a computerized management information system to track parts
on order, estimate future requirements, and maintain inventory control. Although
Wyko does not believe it is dependent upon any one supplier as a sole source for
critical components, an interruption in supply could result in delays of product
shipments.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
BACKLOG
 
    Wyko's backlog consists generally of product orders for which a purchase
order has been received and which are scheduled for shipment within twelve
months. Because a large percentage of Wyko's orders require products to be
shipped in the same quarter in which the order was received, and due to possible
changes in delivery schedules, cancellation of orders and delays in shipment,
Wyko does not believe that the level of backlog at any point in time is an
accurate indicator of Wyko's performance. At March 31, 1997, Wyko's firm backlog
was approximately $12,000,000, all of which Wyko expects to fill in 1997. At
March 31, 1996, Wyko's firm backlog was approximately $4,600,000.
 
COMPETITION
 
    Wyko faces substantial competition from established competitors in each of
the markets it serves, some of which have greater financial, engineering,
manufacturing and marketing resources than Wyko. In addition, to a lesser
extent, many of Wyko's product lines face competition from alternative
technologies, some of which are longer established than those used by Wyko in
its products. Significant competitive factors for Wyko's products include system
performance, accuracy, repeatability, ease of use, reliability, and technical
service and support. Wyko believes it competes favorably on the basis of these
factors in each of Wyko's served markets for such products.
 
    Wyko's micro-structure surface measurement systems compete with
manufacturers such as Zygo Corporation, Digital Instruments, Tencor and View
Engineering, Inc. Wyko's macro-contour measurement systems compete with
manufacturers such as Zygo Corporation, Olympus and Tropel. Wyko's angle and
distance measurement equipment compete with CyberOptics Corporation, Brumko
Magnetics Corporation and Advanced Imaging.
 
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
    Wyko's success depends in part on its proprietary technology. Wyko has more
than 30 patents covering its various products which Wyko believes provide it
with a competitive advantage. Wyko has a policy of seeking patents when
appropriate on inventions concerning new products and improvements as part of
its on-going research, development and manufacturing activities. Wyko believes
that there are no patents that are critical to Wyko's operations, and that the
success of its business depends primarily on the technical expertise,
innovation, creativity and marketing ability of its employees. Although Wyko
attempts to protect its intellectual property rights through patents,
copyrights, trade secrets and other measures, there can be no assurance that
Wyko will be able to protect its technology adequately or that competitors will
not be able to develop similar technology independently.
 
    Wyko also relies upon trade secret protection for its confidential and
proprietary information. There can be no assurance that others will not
independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and
techniques or otherwise gain access to Wyko's trade secrets or disclose such
technology or that Wyko can meaningfully protect its trade secrets.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning the executive
officers and key employees of Wyko:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    NAME                           AGE                        POSITION                      EMPLOYEE SINCE
- ---------------------------------------------      ---      ---------------------------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>                                            <C>
James C. Wyant...............................          54   Director and President                                  1984
John B. Hayes................................          44   Director and Vice President                             1985
Esther J. Davenport..........................          46   Director and Executive Vice President                   1988
Roberto Constantakis.........................          59   Vice President of Manufacturing                         1988
Stephen Martinek.............................          45   Vice President of International Sales                   1986
</TABLE>
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
    James C. Wyant has been the President of Wyko since 1984. Prior to 1984, Dr.
Wyant was a Professor of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona since
1974. Dr. Wyant joined the faculty after serving six years as manager of
advanced optical techniques at Itek Corporation.
 
    John B. Hayes has been Vice President of Wyko since 1990. Dr. Hayes joined
Wyko in 1985 after completing the requirements for his graduate degree at the
University of Arizona. Dr. Hayes had prior experience with the Los Alamos
National Laboratory in New Mexico.
 
    Esther J. Davenport has been Executive Vice President of Wyko since 1994.
Ms. Davenport joined Wyko in 1988 and previously held the position of Vice
President of Finance and Administration. Prior to joining Wyko, Ms. Davenport
served in various management positions in the financial and strategic planning
areas at IBM.
 
    Roberto Constantakis has been Vice President of Manufacturing at Wyko since
1990. Mr. Constantakis joined Wyko in 1988 and previously held the position of
Manufacturing Manager. Prior to joining Wyko, Mr. Constantakis served in various
management positions in operations and production at Vega Corporation and
Millipore Corporation.
 
    Stephen Martinek has been Vice President of International Sales at Wyko
since 1994. Mr. Martinek joined Wyko in 1986 and previously held the positions
of production engineer, development engineer and customer services manager.
Prior to joining Wyko, Mr. Martinek held various positions at TRW and Pacific
Sierra Research Corporation.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    On March 31, 1997, Wyko had approximately 118 employees, including 30 in
manufacturing, 27 in sales and service, 47 in engineering, and 14 in general
administration. The success of Wyko's future operations depends in large part on
Wyko's ability to recruit and retain engineers, technicians and other highly
skilled professionals who are in considerable demand. There can be no assurance
that Wyko will be successful in retaining or recruiting key personnel. None of
Wyko's employees is represented by a labor union and Wyko has never experienced
a work stoppage, slowdown or strike. Wyko considers its employee relations to be
good.
 
    None of Wyko's senior management or key employees is subject to employment
agreements; in addition, none of such individuals is subject to an agreement not
to compete with Wyko.
 
FACILITIES
 
    Wyko's headquarters, principal manufacturing and research and development
facilities, customer service, applications laboratory and demonstration
equipment are located in a 110,000 square foot building in Tucson, Arizona. The
facility is owned by Wyko, subject to a mortgage, which at March 31, 1997, had
an outstanding balance of $2,644,000. Approximately 69,335 square feet of this
facility is leased to Intuit, a California corporation specializing in personal
tax and financial accounting software. The Intuit lease initially expires on
August 31, 1998 (plus one option to extend for an additional period of 5 years).
 
    Wyko also leases two facilities for use as product sales and service
centers. Wyko leases a 1,865 square foot space located in Santa Clara,
California. The Santa Clara lease expires on March 31, 1999. Wyko's other sales
and service center is a 978 square foot space located in Chelmsford,
Massachusetts. The Chelmsford lease expires on November 30, 1998.
 
    Wyko believes that its facilities are adequate to meet its current needs,
and that suitable additional or substitute space will be available as needed to
accommodate expansion of Wyko's operations.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    Wyko is a defendant in a patent infringement lawsuit filed in June 1988 in
the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, titled ZYGO
CORPORATION V. WYKO CORPORATION (Number CIV 88-454 TUC JLQ). The suit alleged
that certain Wyko products infringed Zygo's patents, and sought monetary damages
and an injunction. The case was decided adversely to Wyko in June 1994. Wyko
appealed the decision which was partially reversed by a decision of the Court of
Appeals, ZYGO CORP. V. WYKO CORP., 79 F.3d 1563 (Fed. Cir. 1996), with an
opinion determining that only certain Wyko products made in 1988 and 1989
infringed a patent. The case has been remanded to the District Court for a
redetermination of damages. Wyko has been ordered to establish and fund an
escrow account in the amount of $1,500,000 until a final decision is reached.
Wyko believes this escrow amount exceeds the amount sought in final recovery by
the plaintiff. See Note 8 to the Wyko Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated
Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                  CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF WYKO
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the relationship
(in percentages) of selected items of Wyko's consolidated statements of
operations to its total net sales:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               THREE MONTHS
                                                              YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31         ENDED MARCH 31
                                                          -------------------------------  --------------------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                            1996       1995       1994       1997       1996
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net sales...............................................      100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Cost of sales...........................................       39.9       40.0       44.7       43.9       43.3
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Gross profit............................................       60.1       60.0       55.3       56.1       56.7
Operating expenses:
  Research and development..............................       14.6       15.3       18.4        9.0       13.9
  Selling, general and administrative...................       23.0       26.5       30.7       18.8       29.1
  Legal fees and claims related to litigation...........     --         --           19.4         --         --
  Other--net............................................       (2.2)      (1.1)      (1.4)      (1.3)      (2.7)
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total operating expenses................................       35.4       40.7       67.1       26.5       40.3
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating income (loss).................................       24.7       19.3      (11.8)      29.6       16.4
Interest (income) expense--net..........................        (.7)       1.8        3.6         .2         .8
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes.......................       25.4       17.5      (15.4)      29.4       15.6
Income tax provision (benefit)..........................       10.0        (.7)        .8       11.5        6.0
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income (loss).......................................       15.4%      18.2%     (16.2)%      17.9%       9.6%
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996
 
    Net sales were approximately $8,203,000 for the three months ended March 31,
1997, representing an increase of approximately $4,421,000 or 116.9% as compared
to the three months ended March 31, 1996. The increase reflects growth in demand
for instruments used in the mass memory, semiconductor and micro-electronics
industries. Of this increase, approximately 82.0% was due to growth in volume,
with the balance of the increase attributable to an approximately 25.0% higher
average selling price of a system. Sales in the U.S. increased approximately
105%, while international sales increased nearly 130 %. Wyko received
approximately $7,205,000 million of orders in the first quarter of 1997 compared
to approximately $5,713,000 million of orders in the comparable period of 1996
or an increase of 26.1%. This resulted in a book to bill ratio of 0.9 to 1 for
the first quarter of 1997.
 
    Gross profit increased to approximately $4,600,000 or 56.1% of net sales for
the first quarter of 1997, compared to $2,146,000 or 56.7% of net sales for the
first quarter of 1996. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales
was principally caused by changes in product mix. The shipment of several new
products in the first quarter led to an increase in the warranty reserve
(thereby decreasing profit margins), while established products had higher
margins due to improvements in cost from higher volumes.
 
    Research and development expense increased by approximately $212,000 to
approximately $737,000, or 9.0% of net sales in the first quarter of 1997
compared to approximately $525,000 or 13.9% of net sales in the first quarter of
1996, as Wyko increased its R&D investment in its core technologies, automation,
and software.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately
$439,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 from the three months ended
March 31, 1996, but decreased as a percentage of net sales to 18.8% for the
three months ended March 31, 1997 from 29.1% for the three months ended March
31, 1996. Sales and customer service expenses increased due to sales commissions
related to higher sales volume, as well as increased service personnel required
to support Wyko's growth.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
    Operating income increased to approximately $2,430,000 or 29.6% of net sales
for the first quarter of 1997 as compared to $620,000 or 16.4% of net sales for
the first quarter of 1996, due to the above-noted factors.
 
    Income taxes amounted to $945,000 or 39.2% of income before income taxes for
the first quarter of 1997 as compared to $227,000 or 38.5% of income before
income taxes for the first quarter of 1996.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
    Net sales were approximately $18,210,000 for the year ended December 31,
1996 representing an increase of approximately $4,744,000 or 35.2% for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to 1995. The increase reflects
growth in demand for instruments used in the mass memory, semiconductor and
micro-electronics industries. Of this increase, approximately 96.4% was due to
growth in volume, with the balance of the increase attributable to an
approximately 6.8% higher average selling price of a system. Sales in the U.S.
increased approximately 19%, while international sales increased nearly 60%.
International sales have increased significantly because customers for Wyko
products have rapidly increased their demand for equipment in their overseas
production facilities. The data storage industry has significantly increased
production in Malaysia, China, Thailand and Indonesia. Wyko received
approximately $28 million of orders in 1996 compared to approximately $15
million of orders in 1995 for an 87% increase. This resulted in a book to bill
ratio of 1.5 to 1 for 1996.
 
    Gross profit increased to approximately $10,940,000 or 60.1% of net sales
for 1996, compared to $8,074,000 or 60.0% of net sales for 1995.
 
    Research and development expense increased by approximately $604,000 to
approximately $2,660,000, or 14.6% of net sales in 1996 compared to
approximately $2,056,000 or 15.3% of net sales in 1995, as Wyko increased its
R&D investment in its core technologies, automation, and software.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately
$607,000 in 1996 from 1995, but decreased as a percentage of net sales to 23.0%
in 1996 from 26.5% in 1995. Sales and customer service expenses increased due to
sales commissions related to higher sales volume, as well as increased service
personnel required to support Wyko's growth.
 
    Operating income increased to approximately $4,493,000 or 24.7% of net sales
for 1996 as compared to $2,595,000 or 19.3% of net sales for 1995, due to the
above-noted factors.
 
    Income taxes amounted to $1,816,000 or 39.4% of income before income taxes
for 1996 as compared to an $89,000 benefit for 1995. Wyko recorded a net income
tax benefit in 1995 as a result of Wyko recognizing previously unrecognized
deferred tax assets.
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
 
    Net sales were approximately $13,466,000 for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1995 representing an increase of approximately $2,869,000 or 27.1% for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 as compared to 1994. This increase reflects
growth in demand for non-contact measurement and test equipment. Of this
increase, approximately 86.5% was due to growth in volume, with the balance of
the increase attributable to an approximately 5.5% higher average selling price
of a system. Sales in the U.S. increased approximately 40%, while international
sales increased approximately 11%. Wyko received approximately $15 million of
orders in 1995 compared to approximately $10 million of orders in 1994 for a 50%
increase.
 
    Gross profit increased to approximately $8,074,000 or 60.0% of net sales for
1995 compared to $5,863,000 or 55.3% of net sales for 1994, due to improved
efficiencies and product mix. The increase in gross profit margin was due to the
volume impact on the absorption of fixed overhead, improved margins for
specially engineered products and favorable product mix.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
    Research and development expense increased by approximately $98,000 to
approximately $2,056,000 or 15.3% of net sales in 1995 compared to approximately
$1,958,000 or 18.4% of net sales in 1994.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately
$367,000 in 1995 from 1994, but decreased as a percentage of net sales to 26.5%
from 30.7%. Selling expenses increased principally due to increased commissions
for sales and increased staffing for customer services and applications support.
The decrease in expenses as a percentage of net sales resulted from operating
and cost efficiencies achieved by better utilization of space, equipment and
personnel and improved prices from vendors.
 
    In 1994 Wyko accrued $1,500,000 related to a patent lawsuit and incurred
legal and other costs of $551,000, as described in footnote 8 to the Wyko
consolidated financial statements.
 
    Operating income increased to approximately $2,595,000 or 19.3% of net sales
for 1995 compared to an operating loss of $1,517,000 or 14.3% of net sales for
1994, due to the above noted factors.
 
    A net income tax benefit of $89,000 was recorded in 1995 as a result of Wyko
recognizing previously unrecognized deferred tax assets.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    Net cash used in operations totaled approximately $821,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 1997, principally due to an increase in accounts
receivable of approximately $2,818,000 partially offset by net income of
approximately $1,468,000 and changes in other operating assets and liabilities.
Net cash provided by operations totaled approximately $2,000,000 for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996 compared to $4,000 for 1995. The increase in cash
provided by operations in 1996 compared to 1995 is principally due to making
$1,170,000 of escrow deposits in 1995 and receiving $1,320,000 in escrow refunds
in 1996. Net cash provided by operations of $4,000 for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1995 compared to a use of $311,000 for 1994 was primarily due to
net income of $2,445,000 in 1995 compared to a net loss of $1,717,000 in 1994,
partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities.
 
    Accounts receivable increased by approximately $1,602,000 at December 31,
1996 to $4,288,000 from $2,686,000 at December 31, 1995, due primarily to
increased sales. Accounts receivable decreased by approximately $224,000 to
$2,686,000 at December 31, 1995 from $2,910,000 at December 31, 1994.
 
    Inventories increased by approximately $2,032,000 at December 31, 1996 to
$4,088,000 from $2,056,000 at December 31, 1995. The increase was principally
due to purchases required for the increased level of sales orders. Inventories
increased by approximately $302,000 at December 31, 1995 to $2,056,000 at
December 31, 1996 from $1,754,000 at December 31, 1994 principally due to
purchases required for the introduction of new products and increased level of
sales orders.
 
    Accounts payable increased by $403,000 at December 31, 1996 to $679,000 from
$276,000 at December 31, 1995 due to a higher level of purchases associated with
the increased sales volume. Accounts payable increased by $111,000 at December
31, 1995 to $276,000 from $165,000 at December 31, 1994.
 
    Working capital totaled approximately $7,488,000 at March 31, 1997,
representing an increase of approximately $1,581,000 compared to December 31,
1996. Cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,380,000 at March 31, 1997
decreased by approximately $876,000 from December 31, 1996 principally due to
cash used in operations. Working capital totaled approximately $5,907,000 at
December 31, 1996 compared to approximately $1,846,000 at December 31, 1995.
Cash and cash equivalents increased to approximately $2,256,000 at December 31,
1996 as a result of cash from operations. Working capital was approximately
$1,846,000 at December 31, 1995 compared to approximately $561,000 at December
31, 1994.
 
    Wyko made capital expenditures of $117,000 for fiscal year 1996, compared to
$190,000 of capital expenditures for 1995.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
    During 1996, Wyko entered into a revolving credit agreement (the "Credit
Facility") with Northern Trust Bank of Arizona, N.A., which replaced its
previous credit facility. The working capital Credit Facility enables Wyko to
borrow up to $1,500,000. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a
rate based on the prime rate of the lending bank, adjustable to a maximum rate
of 3/4% above the prime rate. The Credit Facility expires October 20, 1997. The
Credit Facility is secured by accounts receivable and finished goods
inventories. The Credit Facility also contains certain restrictive covenants
which, among other things, impose limitations with respect to changes in
ownership. Wyko is also required to satisfy certain financial tests, including
the maintenance of a specified consolidated tangible net worth and maintaining
certain net worth and current ratios. As of March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996
and 1995, no borrowings were outstanding under Wyko's credit facilities. It is
contemplated that the Credit Facility will be terminated prior to the
consummation of the Merger.
 
    Long-term debt consists of a mortgage note, which at March 31, 1997, had an
outstanding balance of $2,644,000. The mortgage note, which bears interest at a
rate of 8.5% and will mature on October 14, 2002, is collateralized by land and
a building.
 
    Wyko believes that the cash generated from operations, funds available from
the Credit Facility and existing cash balances will be sufficient to meet Wyko's
projected working capital and other cash flow requirements for at least the next
12 months. However, in the event that the Merger is consummated, working capital
requirements which would have been funded from the Credit Facility will be
funded by Veeco.
 
               UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements give effect
to the proposed Merger between Veeco and Wyko under the pooling of interests
method of accounting. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are
based on the respective historical consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto (as applicable) of Veeco and Wyko which are included elsewhere herein.
The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet assumes that the Merger took
place on March 31, 1997 and combines Veeco's March 31, 1997 consolidated balance
sheet with Wyko's March 31, 1997 consolidated balance sheet. The unaudited pro
forma combined statements of operations assume that the Merger took place as of
the beginning of 1994 and combine Veeco's consolidated statements of income for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the three months
ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 with Wyko's consolidated statements of operations
for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the three
months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. This presentation is
consistent with the fiscal years expected to be combined after the date of the
closing of the Merger.
 
    The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are based on the
estimates and assumptions set forth in the notes to such statements. The pro
forma adjustments made in connection with the development of the pro forma
information are preliminary and have been made solely for purposes of developing
such pro forma information for illustrative purposes necessary to comply with
the disclosure requirements of the Commission. The unaudited pro forma combined
financial statements do not purport to be indicative of the results of
operations for future periods or the combined financial position or the results
that actually would have been realized had the entities been a single entity
during these periods.
 
    Veeco and Wyko estimate that they will incur direct transaction costs of
approximately $2,750,000 associated with the Merger which will be charged to
operations in the fiscal quarter in which the Merger is consummated. This amount
is a preliminary estimate only and is therefore subject to change. There can be
no assurance that Veeco will not incur additional charges in subsequent quarters
to reflect costs associated with the Merger.
 
    These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and the
related notes thereto of Veeco and Wyko, which are included elsewhere herein.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
                               AT MARCH 31, 1997
 
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       HISTORICAL              PRO FORMA
                                                                  --------------------  ------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                    VEECO      WYKO     ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents...................................  $  24,819  $   1,380                $  26,199
    Short-term investments......................................         --        484                      484
    Accounts and trade receivables..............................     20,276      7,106                   27,382
    Inventories.................................................     23,619      4,437                   28,056
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets...................        808         --                      808
    Deferred income taxes.......................................      1,987        511                    2,498
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Total current assets............................................     71,509     13,918          --       85,427
 
Property, plant and equipment...................................     10,792      3,306                   14,098
Excess of cost over net assets acquired, net....................      4,433         --                    4,433
Escrow deposit..................................................         --      1,500                    1,500
Other assets....................................................      1,319         12                    1,331
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Total assets....................................................  $  88,053  $  18,736          --    $ 106,789
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable............................................  $  13,901  $     905                $  14,806
    Accrued expenses............................................     11,015      4,390   $   2,750       18,155
    Income taxes payable........................................      2,002      1,029                    3,031
    Current portion of long-term debt...........................         --        106                      106
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Total current liabilities.......................................     26,918      6,430       2,750       36,098
 
Deferred income taxes...........................................        257         --                      257
Other liabilities...............................................        422         --                      422
Long-term debt..................................................         --      2,538                    2,538
 
Shareholders' Equity:
    Common stock (9,500,000 shares authorized,
      5,871,959 actual shares and 8,735,769 pro
      forma shares issued and outstanding)......................         59         --          29           88
    Common stock, Class A, voting, no par value
      (5,000,000 shares authorized, 281,250 actual
      shares and no pro forma shares issued and
      outstanding)..............................................         --          2          (2)          --
    Common stock, Class B, nonvoting, no par
      value (5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares
      issued or outstanding)....................................         --         --                       --
  Additional paid-in capital....................................     47,993         --         (27)      47,966
  Retained earnings.............................................     12,246      9,766      (2,750)      19,262
  Cumulative translation adjustment.............................        158         --                      158
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Total shareholders' equity......................................     60,456      9,768      (2,750)      67,474
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity......................  $  88,053  $  18,736          --    $ 106,789
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
  See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                   FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         HISTORICAL               PRO FORMA
                                                                    --------------------  -------------------------
                                                                      VEECO      WYKO      ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
  Net sales.......................................................  $  29,551  $   8,203                 $   37,754
  Cost of sales...................................................     16,642      3,603                     20,245
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Gross profit....................................................     12,909      4,600                     17,509
  Costs and expenses..............................................      8,768      2,170                     10,938
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Operating income................................................      4,141      2,430                      6,571
  Interest income.................................................       (105)        17                        (88)
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Income before income taxes......................................      4,246      2,413                      6,659
  Income tax provision............................................      1,609        945                      2,554
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Net income......................................................  $   2,637  $   1,468                 $    4,105
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
 
Earnings per share................................................  $    0.43                            $     0.45
                                                                    ---------                            ----------
                                                                    ---------                            ----------
 
  Shares used in computing earnings per share.....................      6,150                   3,000         9,150
                                                                    ---------                   -----    ----------
                                                                    ---------                   -----    ----------
</TABLE>
 
  See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                   FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           HISTORICAL               PRO FORMA
                                                                      --------------------  --------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
                                                                        VEECO      WYKO      ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                                                      ---------  ---------  -------------  -----------
  Net sales.........................................................  $  20,644  $   3,782                  $  24,426
  Cost of sales.....................................................     11,437      1,636                     13,073
                                                                      ---------  ---------                 -----------
  Gross profit......................................................      9,207      2,146                     11,353
  Costs and expenses................................................      6,522      1,526                      8,048
                                                                      ---------  ---------                 -----------
  Operating income..................................................      2,685        620                      3,305
  Interest income...................................................       (200)        31                       (169)
                                                                      ---------  ---------                 -----------
  Income before income taxes........................................      2,885        589                      3,474
  Income tax provision..............................................      1,075        227                      1,302
                                                                      ---------  ---------                 -----------
  Net income........................................................  $   1,810  $     362                  $   2,172
                                                                      ---------  ---------                 -----------
                                                                      ---------  ---------                 -----------
Earnings per share..................................................  $    0.31                             $    0.24
                                                                      ---------                            -----------
                                                                      ---------                            -----------
  Shares used in computing earnings per share.......................      5,893                   3,000         8,893
                                                                      ---------                   -----    -----------
                                                                      ---------                   -----    -----------
</TABLE>
 
  See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         HISTORICAL               PRO FORMA
                                                                    --------------------  -------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
                                                                      VEECO      WYKO      ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------
  Net sales.......................................................  $  96,832  $  18,210                 $  115,042
  Cost of sales...................................................     54,931      7,270                     62,201
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Gross profit....................................................     41,901     10,940                     52,841
  Costs and expenses..............................................     29,719      6,447                     36,166
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Operating income................................................     12,182      4,493                     16,675
  Interest income.................................................       (678)      (120)                      (798)
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Income before income taxes......................................     12,860      4,613                     17,473
  Income tax provision............................................      4,822      1,816                      6,638
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Net income......................................................  $   8,038  $   2,797                 $   10,835
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
Earnings per share................................................  $    1.36                            $     1.22
                                                                    ---------                            ----------
                                                                    ---------                            ----------
  Shares used in computing earnings per share.....................      5,906                   3,000         8,906
                                                                    ---------                   -----    ----------
                                                                    ---------                   -----    ----------
</TABLE>
 
  See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         HISTORICAL               PRO FORMA
                                                                    --------------------  -------------------------
                                                                      VEECO      WYKO      ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
  Net sales.......................................................  $  72,359  $  13,446                 $   85,825
  Cost of sales...................................................     39,274      5,392                     44,666
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Gross profit....................................................     33,085      8,074                     41,159
  Costs and expenses..............................................     24,289      5,479                     29,768
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Operating income................................................      8,796      2,595                     11,391
  Interest (income) expense--net..................................       (391)       239                       (152)
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Income before income taxes......................................      9,187      2,356                     11,543
  Income tax provision (benefit)..................................      2,395        (89)                     2,306
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Net income......................................................  $   6,792  $   2,445                 $    9,237
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
 
Earnings per share................................................  $    1.24                            $     1.09
                                                                    ---------                            ----------
                                                                    ---------                            ----------
 
  Shares used in computing earnings per share.....................      5,484                   3,000         8,484
                                                                    ---------                   -----    ----------
                                                                    ---------                   -----    ----------
</TABLE>
 
  See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         HISTORICAL               PRO FORMA
                                                                    --------------------  -------------------------
                                                                      VEECO      WYKO      ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
  Net sales.......................................................  $  49,434  $  10,597                 $   60,031
  Cost of sales...................................................     28,940      4,734                     33,674
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Gross profit....................................................     20,494      5,863                     26,357
  Costs and expenses..............................................     16,511      5,063                     21,574
  Legal fees and claims related to litigation.....................     --          2,051                      2,051
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Operating income................................................      3,983     (1,251)                     2,732
  Interest expense................................................      2,620        379                      2,999
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item........      1,363     (1,630)                      (267)
  Income tax provision (benefit)..................................       (795)        87                       (708)
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item.........................  $   2,158  $  (1,717)                $      441
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
                                                                    ---------  ---------                 ----------
 
Earnings per share:
  Income before extraordinary item................................  $     .87                            $      .08
                                                                    ---------                            ----------
                                                                    ---------                            ----------
 
  Shares used in computing earnings per share.....................      2,472                   3,000         5,472
                                                                    ---------                   -----    ----------
                                                                    ---------                   -----    ----------
</TABLE>
 
  See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
           NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. PERIODS COMBINED
 
    The Veeco consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1997 has been combined
with the Wyko consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1997.
 
    The Veeco consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March
31, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 have
been combined with the Wyko consolidated statements of operations for the three
months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
2. MERGER COSTS
 
    Veeco and Wyko estimate they will incur direct transaction costs of
approximately $2,750,000 associated with the Merger, consisting of fees for
investment banking, legal, accounting, financial printing and other related
charges which will be charged to operations in the fiscal quarter in which the
Merger is consummated. The pro forma balance sheet includes the effect of such
costs.
 
3. EXCHANGE OF STOCK
 
    Entry reflects the reclassification to additional paid-in capital of Wyko
resulting from the issuance of Veeco Common Stock.
 
4. PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
    The unaudited pro forma combined earnings per share and equivalent share is
based upon the weighted average number of outstanding common and equivalent
shares, if dilutive, of Veeco and Wyko for each period at the exchange ratio of
10.182435 shares of Veeco Common Stock for each share of Wyko Common Stock.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
                          PROPOSAL 2--AMENDMENT TO THE
                    CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE
             THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF VEECO COMMON STOCK
 
    The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 9,500,000
shares of Veeco Common Stock. As of June 6, 1997, there were 5,972,157 shares of
Veeco Common Stock issued and outstanding and no shares of Veeco Common Stock
held in Veeco's treasury. As of May 31, 1997, there were 1,366,680 shares of
Veeco Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options which
have been granted or may be granted pursuant to the Employees' Plan and Veeco's
Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (as amended to
date, the "Directors Plan") and reserved for issuance under Veeco's Employees
Stock Purchase Plan. As of May 31, 1997, options to purchase 756,019 shares of
Veeco Common Stock pursuant to the Employees' Plan and the Directors Plan were
outstanding.
 
    At the Special Meeting, the Veeco Stockholders will be asked to consider and
vote upon a proposal, recommended by the Board of Directors, to amend Article 4
of the Certificate of Incorporation, in order to increase the number of shares
of Veeco Common Stock that Veeco has authority to issue from 9,500,000 shares to
25,000,000 shares. The purpose of the amendment is to provide Veeco with
additional shares of Veeco Common Stock which may be used in connection with
future acquisitions, for stock splits and stock dividends and for other
corporate purposes, including the raising of additional capital, at times when
the Board of Directors, in its discretion, deems it advantageous to do so.
 
    If the Merger is consummated, 2,863,810 shares of Veeco Common Stock will be
issued to the stockholders of Wyko. In view of the foregoing, it is anticipated
that Veeco will have approximately 760,000 authorized and unissued shares of
Veeco Common Stock after the Merger to use for the purposes set forth above. If
the amendment is approved by the Veeco Stockholders, this number would increase
to approximately 16,260,000 shares of Veeco Common Stock, which the Board of
Directors would be able to authorize for issuance for the foregoing purposes, at
any time, without obtaining further authorization from the holders of Veeco
Common Stock, unless such authorization is required by applicable law,
regulation or the rules of any stock exchange on which shares of Veeco's Common
Stock may then be listed. Except as described above, no specific use of the
additional shares is presently contemplated, although Veeco has considered
additional acquisitions from time to time and reserves the right to use any
additional authorized shares in the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Holders of shares of Veeco Common Stock have no preemptive rights in connection
with the issuance of additional shares of Veeco Common Stock. A VOTE IN FAVOR OF
THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED TO
BE A VOTE TO APPROVE THE MERGER.
 
    The issuance of additional shares of Veeco Common Stock may dilute the
present equity ownership position of Veeco Stockholders. The issuance of
additional shares of Veeco Common Stock may, among other things, have a dilutive
effect on earnings per share and on the equity and voting power of existing
Veeco Stockholders and may adversely affect the market price of the Veeco Common
Stock.
 
    The availability for issuance of additional shares of Veeco Common Stock
could enable the Board of Directors to render more difficult or discourage an
attempt to obtain control of Veeco. The additional shares also could be utilized
to render more difficult a merger or similar transaction even if it appears to
be desirable to a majority of the Veeco Stockholders. Veeco is not aware of any
pending or threatened efforts to obtain control of Veeco.
 
    THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION IS SET FORTH IN APPENDIX C HERETO AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENT HEREIN IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
APPENDIX C.
 
    The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote thereon will be required to amend Veeco's Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Veeco Common Stock.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BELIEVES THAT THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO
VEECO'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF VEECO AND THE
VEECO STOCKHOLDERS. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE
AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF SHARES OF VEECO COMMON STOCK AS
DESCRIBED ABOVE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND IT IS INTENDED THAT PROXIES NOT
MARKED TO THE CONTRARY AND NOT DESIGNATED AS BROKER NON-VOTES WILL BE SO VOTED.
IN THE EVENT THAT PROPOSAL 2 IS NOT APPROVED BY THE VEECO STOCKHOLDERS AT THE
SPECIAL MEETING, THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION IN EFFECT AS OF THE DATE
HEREOF WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.
 
                            PROPOSAL 3--AMENDMENT TO
                THE VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED
                       1992 EMPLOYEES' STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    The Board of Directors has determined that it would be in the best interests
of Veeco to further amend the Employees' Plan to provide that the number of
shares of Veeco Common Stock for which stock options (the "Stock Options") may
be granted pursuant to such plan be increased from 1,226,787 shares to 1,426,787
shares. Pursuant to the Employees' Plan, no employee may be granted Stock
Options to purchase more than 100,000 shares, in the aggregate, of stock in any
calendar year. As of May 31, 1997, Stock Options to purchase 705,022 shares, in
the aggregate, granted pursuant to such plan were outstanding, and Stock Options
to purchase 327,412 shares remained available for future grant thereunder. The
proposed amendment would make 200,000 additional shares available for issuance
upon exercise of Stock Options granted under the Employees' Plan. The Board of
Directors believes that an increase in the number of Stock Options available for
grant pursuant to the Employees' Plan is necessary in order to provide Vecco
with an effective incentive to attract and retain key employees, including the
additional employees to be employed by Veeco if the Merger is consummated. A
VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE EMPLOYEES' PLAN SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED
TO BE A VOTE TO APPROVE THE MERGER.
 
    Section 1.6 of the By-Laws of Veeco provides that corporate action to be
taken by stockholder vote, other than the election of directors, shall be
authorized by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the stockholders.
Therefore, the approval of the amendment to the Employees' Plan requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BELIEVES THAT THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE
EMPLOYEES' PLAN IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF VEECO AND THE VEECO STOCKHOLDERS.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE
EMPLOYEES' PLAN AS DESCRIBED ABOVE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND IT IS INTENDED
THAT PROXIES NOT MARKED TO THE CONTRARY AND NOT DESIGNATED AS BROKER NON-VOTES
WILL BE SO VOTED. IN THE EVENT THAT PROPOSAL 3 IS NOT APPROVED BY THE VEECO
STOCKHOLDERS AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, THE EMPLOYEES' PLAN IN EFFECT AS OF THE
DATE HEREOF WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.
 
VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED 1992 EMPLOYEES' STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    The following is a summary description of the Employees' Plan in effect as
of the date hereof. The Employees' Plan was adopted and approved by the Board of
Directors and the Veeco Stockholders in 1992, and became effective on April 15,
1992 (the "Effective Date"). The first amendment and restatement of the
Employees' Plan was approved and adopted by the Board of Directors and the Veeco
Stockholders on October 15, 1994. The Employees' Plan was further restated in
January 1995, further amended and restated in June 1995 and May 1996, and
further amended in May 1997.
 
    The principal features of the Employees' Plan (as in effect as of the date
hereof) are summarized below:
 
    The Employees' Plan provides for the granting of Stock Options to purchase
shares of Veeco Common Stock to certain key employees (each an "Optionee") of
Veeco and its subsidiaries, as such term is defined in Section 425 of the Code.
The total number of shares of Veeco Common Stock for which Stock
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
Options may be granted under the Employees' Plan may not exceed, in the
aggregate 1,226,787 shares, and no employee may be granted Stock Options to
purchase more than 100,000 shares, in the aggregate, in any calendar year. (If
Proposal 3 is adopted by the Veeco Stockholders at the Special Meeting, then the
Employees' Plan will be amended to increase the number of shares of Veeco Common
Stock for which Stock Options may be granted to 1,426,787.)
 
    The Employees' Plan is intended to provide an incentive to certain key
employees and its subsidiaries in order to encourage them to remain in the
employ of Veeco or any subsidiary and contribute to Veeco's success by granting
them Stock Options.
 
    The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, at any time prior to
April 15, 2002, may authorize the granting of Stock Options to such of the
officers, managerial or supervisory personnel and other key employees of Veeco
and its subsidiaries as it may select (approximately 100 employees as of March
31, 1997), and in such amounts as it shall designate, subject to the provisions
of the Employees' Plan.
 
    Each Stock Option granted to an Optionee is evidenced by a written agreement
(a "Stock Option Agreement") containing such provisions as approved by the
Compensation Committee not inconsistent with the Employees' Plan and which need
not be identical in respect of each Optionee. Stock Options granted under the
Employees' Plan will have the following terms:
 
        (a) EXERCISE PRICE. The exercise price (the "Exercise Price") of a Stock
    Option equals the Fair Market Value (as defined below) per share of the
    Veeco Common Stock covered by the Stock Option at the time that the Stock
    Option is granted. "Fair Market Value" per share of Common Stock as of a
    particular date means, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation
    Committee, the closing price per share of the Veeco Common Stock as reported
    by NASDAQ for the last preceding date on which a sale was reported. The
    closing price per share of the Veeco Common Stock on June 26, 1997 as
    reported by NASDAQ was $37.125 per share.
 
        (b) TERM. No Stock Option may be exercised later than ten years from the
    date such Stock Option was granted and a Stock Option may terminate at an
    earlier date, as described below. No Stock Option may be transferred by an
    Optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During
    the lifetime of an Optionee, the Stock Option is exercisable only by such
    Optionee or, in the case of disability, by such Optionee's personal
    representative.
 
        (c) VESTING. Unless otherwise provided in any Stock Option Agreement,
    Stock Options granted pursuant to the Employees' Plan become exercisable as
    follows:
 
           (i)  with respect to one-third of the shares of the Veeco Common
       Stock covered by the Stock Option, on the first anniversary date of the
       grant of such Stock Option;
 
           (ii)  with respect to an additional one-third of the shares of the
       Veeco Common Stock covered by the Stock Option, on the second anniversary
       date of the grant of such Stock Option; and
 
           (iii)  with respect to the remaining one-third of the shares of the
       Veeco Common Stock covered by the Stock Option, on the third anniversary
       date of the grant of such Stock Option.
 
    For purposes of the Employees' Plan and this Proxy Statement, the term
    "Vested Options" means, with respect to any particular Optionee, those Stock
    Options which have become exercisable; and the term "Vested Shares" shall
    mean, with respect to any particular Optionee, those shares of the Veeco
    Common Stock subject to one or more Vested Options.
 
        (d) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. In the event (i) of a termination by
    Veeco of an Optionee's employment (other than for Cause, as defined in the
    applicable Stock Option Agreement), (ii) an Optionee voluntarily leaves the
    employ of Veeco or (iii) an Optionee dies or becomes disabled (as
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
    defined in the Employees' Plan) while the Optionee is employed by Veeco,
    such Optionee, his estate or his legal guardian, as the case may be, will be
    entitled to exercise the Optionee's Vested Options for a period of 90 days
    following the date of such termination, voluntary departure, death or
    disability. In the event that an Optionee's employment with Veeco is
    terminated by Veeco for Cause (as defined in the applicable Stock Option
    Agreement), such Optionee's right to exercise Vested Options will
    immediately terminate and all of such Optionee's Stock Options, whether or
    not vested, will be rendered null, void and unexercisable. Upon the
    occurrence of any of the termination events set forth above, non-Vested
    Options will terminate and be rendered null, void and unexercisable.
    Non-Vested Options which are so terminated may be reissued by Veeco pursuant
    to the Employees' Plan.
 
    The aggregate purchase price for the Veeco Common Stock to be issued upon
the exercise of any Vested Options must be paid in full on the date of purchase.
Payment may be made either in cash or in such other consideration as the
Compensation Committee deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, the
Veeco Common Stock already owned by the Optionee or the Veeco Common Stock to be
acquired by the Optionee upon the exercise of Vested Options having a total fair
market value, as determined by the Compensation Committee, equal to the
aggregate purchase price, or a combination of cash and Veeco Common Stock having
a total fair market value as so determined, equal to the aggregate purchase
price.
 
    The total number of shares of the Veeco Common Stock which may be issued
under the Employees' Plan, the number of shares of the Veeco Common Stock which
may be purchased upon the exercise of Stock Options and the Exercise Price of
such Stock Options will be adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number
of outstanding shares of the Veeco Common Stock resulting from the payment of a
Veeco Common Stock dividend on the Veeco Common Stock, a subdivision or
combination of shares of the Veeco Common Stock or a reclassification of the
Veeco Common Stock and in the event of a consolidation or a merger in which
Veeco is the surviving corporation. After any merger of one or more corporations
into Veeco in which Veeco is the surviving corporation, or after any
consolidation of Veeco and one or more other corporations, each Optionee will be
entitled, at no additional cost, upon any exercise of his Stock Options, to
receive (subject to any required action by Veeco Common Stockholders), in lieu
of the number of shares as to which such Stock Options will then be so
exercised, the number and class of shares of the Veeco Common Stock or other
securities to which such Optionee would have been entitled pursuant to the terms
of the applicable agreement of merger or consolidation if at the time of such
merger or consolidation such Optionee had been a holder of record of a number of
shares of the Veeco Common Stock equal to the number of shares to which such
Optionee's Stock Options may have then been so exercised. Comparable rights will
accrue to each Optionee in the event of successive mergers or consolidation of
the character described above.
 
    In the event of any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Veeco,
or any merger of Veeco into another corporation, or any dissolution or
liquidation of Veeco or, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, any
consolidation or other reorganization in which it is impossible or impracticable
to continue in effect any Stock Options, all Stock Options granted under the
Employees' Plan and not previously exercised will become exercisable by
Optionees who are at such time in the employ of Veeco, commencing ten days
before the scheduled closing of such event, and will terminate unless exercised
at least one business day before the scheduled closing of such event; provided,
however, that the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, require instead
that all Stock Options granted under the Employees' Plan and not previously
exercised be assumed by such other corporation on the basis provided in the
preceding paragraph.
 
    Stock Options granted under the Employees' Plan are intended to be
"nonqualified stock options" that will not be governed by the special tax
treatment applicable to "incentive stock options" described in Sections 421 and
422 of the Code. The following is a summary description of the Federal income
tax consequences of the Employees' Plan.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
    The grant of a Stock Option under the Employees' Plan is not taxable to the
Optionee at the time of grant. Upon the exercise of a Stock Option,
 
        (1) the Optionee will recognize taxable ordinary income in an amount
    equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Veeco Common Stock
    acquired on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price;
 
        (2) Veeco will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the
    same amount as the Optionee recognizes income; and
 
        (3) upon a sale of the Stock so acquired, the Optionee will have
    short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be, in an
    amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale and
    the tax basis of the Veeco Common Stock sold.
 
    If payment of the Exercise Price is made entirely in cash, the tax basis of
the Common Stock will be equal to its fair market value on the date of exercise,
but not less than the Exercise Price, and the holding period will begin on the
day after the date of exercise. If, with the consent of the Compensation
Committee, the Optionee uses previously owned Veeco Common Stock to pay all or
part of the Exercise Price, the transaction will not be considered to be a
taxable disposition of the previously owned Veeco Common Stock. The Optionee's
tax basis and holding period of the previously owned Veeco Common Stock will be
carried over to the equivalent number of shares of Veeco Common Stock received
on exercise. The tax basis of the additional shares of the Veeco Common Stock
received upon exercise will be the fair market value of the Veeco Common Stock
on the date of exercise, but not less than the amount of cash used in payment,
and the holding period for such additional shares of the Veeco Common Stock will
begin on the day after the date of exercise.
 
    Veeco does not impose restrictions on the resale of shares of the Veeco
Common Stock obtained pursuant to the Employees' Plan; however, certain
Optionees may be subject to restrictions on resale imposed by federal or state
securities laws or by contract.
 
    The Employees' Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The Board
of Directors may at any time terminate, amend or modify the Employees' Plan;
provided, however, that no such action of the Board of Directors, without the
approval of the Veeco Stockholders, may (i) effectuate any change for which
stockholder approval is required to qualify under Rule 16(b)-3 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") or (ii) subject to certain
exceptions, effectuate any change inconsistent with the qualifications of Stock
Options as "performance based" under Section 162(m) of the Code; and provided,
further, that no amendment, modification or termination of the Employees' Plan
may in any way affect any Stock Option theretofore granted under the Employees'
Plan without the consent of the then holder of the Stock Option.
 
    THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION AMENDING THE EMPLOYEES' PLAN IS
ATTACHED HERETO AS APPENDIX D.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
    Future grants of Stock Options under the Employees' Plan are not currently
determinable. The table below, however, sets forth the Stock Options granted
under the Employees' Plan to the Named Officers and groups indicated during 1996
and a value of such Stock Options (all of which are currently unexercisable).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DOLLAR VALUE      NUMBER OF
NAME & POSITION                                                                           (1)        STOCK OPTIONS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C>
Edward H. Braun...................................................................    $    90,000         12,000
  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
John F. Rein, Jr..................................................................    $    75,000         10,000
  Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
Francis Steenbeke.................................................................    $    60,000          8,000
  Vice President-International Sales and Marketing
Emmanuel N. Lakios................................................................    $    90,000         12,000
  Vice President and General Manager-Ion Beam Systems
Dr. Timothy J. Stultz.............................................................    $    75,000         10,000
  Vice President and General Manager-Surface Metrology Products
Executive Group...................................................................    $   480,000         64,000
Non-Executive Director Group......................................................    $    75,000         10,000
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group(2)(3)........................................    $   785,813         88,625
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Represents the positive spread between the respective exercise prices
    ($10.25 to $17.75) of such Stock Options and the closing price ($22.00) of
    the Veeco Common Stock on December 31, 1996, as reported by NASDAQ.
 
(2) Does not include Stock Options to purchase 10,000 shares of the Veeco Common
    Stock granted to Walter J. Scherr, a current director of Veeco who at the
    time of such grant was an employee of Veeco, pursuant to the Employees' Plan
    on April 23, 1996; such Stock Options are included in the total for the
    Non-Executive Director Group.
 
(3) Does not include Stock Options which have been canceled.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
                                  COMPENSATION
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The following table sets forth a summary of annual and long-term
compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the Chief Executive Officer of
Veeco and each of the four most highly compensated executive officers (as
defined in Rule 3b-7 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act) of Veeco
(other than the Chief Executive Officer) whose total annual salary and bonus for
the year ended December 31, 1996 was in excess of $100,000 (collectively, the
"Named Officers"):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         LONG TERM
                                                                                       COMPENSATION
                                                                                          AWARDS
                                                       ANNUAL COMPENSATION             -------------
                                             ----------------------------------------   SECURITIES
                                                                       OTHER ANNUAL     UNDERLYING      ALL OTHER
                                    YEAR     SALARY(1)    BONUS(2)   COMPENSATION(3)    OPTIONS(#)    COMPENSATION
                                  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                               <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>               <C>            <C>
Edward H. Braun.................  1996 1995  $  288,950  $   55,000    $     10,200         12,000      $   1,800(4)
Chairman, Chief Executive              1994     274,918     108,000          10,200         25,000          1,800(4)
  Officer and President                         250,024      20,000           4,250         --              1,152(4)
 
John F. Rein, Jr................  1996 1995     151,186      30,000           8,400         10,000          2,259(4)(5)(6)
Vice President-Finance, Chief          1994     140,150      60,000           8,400         20,000          1,926(4)(5)(6)
  Financial Officer, Treasurer                  130,000      13,000           8,400         --              1,399(4)(6)
  and Secretary
 
Francis Steenbeke (7)...........  1996 1995     142,910      40,000        44,400(8)         8,000         --
Vice President-International           1994     148,828      60,000        36,663(8)        15,000         --
  Sales and Marketing                           123,832      10,000          17,313         --             --
 
Emmanuel N. Lakios..............  1996 1995     143,720     242,033           8,400         12,000          2,094(4)(5)(6)
Vice President and General             1994     125,650     165,500           8,400         35,000          6,981(4)(5)(6)
  Manager-Ion Beam Systems                      103,000     127,500         --               3,333             62(4)
 
Dr. Timothy J. Stultz...........  1996 1995     165,769      25,000        70,090(9)        10,000          2,365(4)(5)(6)
Vice President and General             1994     147,663      60,000        24,214(9)        15,000          1,679(4)(5)(6)
  Manager-Surface Metrology                     140,138      14,000         5,886(9)        20,000            313(4)
  Products
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Amounts shown include the dollar value of base salary (cash and non-cash)
    earned and received by the Named Officers.
 
(2) With respect to bonuses listed for 1996, includes bonuses for the year ended
    December 31, 1996, all or part of which were paid in February 1997. With
    respect to bonuses listed for 1995, includes bonuses for the year ended
    December 31, 1995, all or part of which were paid in February 1996. With
    respect to bonuses listed for 1994, includes bonuses for the year ended
    December 31, 1994, all or part of which were paid in 1995.
 
(3) Unless otherwise described in other notes to this table, reflects
    reimbursement for automobile-related expenses. Does not include any discount
    a Named Officer received on the purchase of Veeco Common Stock from Veeco
    under the Employees' Plan since full-time employees generally are eligible
    to participate in such plan.
 
(4) Reflects payments by Veeco of premiums for group term life insurance.
 
(5) Reflects contributions by Veeco to Veeco's 401(k) Plan.
 
(6) Reflects payments by Veeco of premiums for supplemental long-term disability
    insurance.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
(7) Certain components of Mr. Steenbeke's compensation have been paid in French
    Francs. In 1996, Mr. Steenbeke was paid 813,156 French Francs in salary and
    227,600 French Francs in bonus. In 1995, Mr. Steenbeke was paid 742,560
    French Francs in salary, 302,200 French Francs in bonus and 90,525 French
    Francs as a portion of his other annual compensation. In 1994, Mr. Steenbeke
    was paid 686,775 French Francs in salary, 55,400 French Francs in bonus and
    96,019 French Francs in other annual compensation.
 
(8) For 1996, includes an $8,400 car allowance and a $36,000 housing allowance
    paid to Mr. Steenbeke. For 1995, includes a $15,000 housing allowance and a
    $21,663 automobile allowance (the equivalent of $18,163 of which was paid in
    French Francs) paid to Mr. Steenbeke. The 1996 allowances and 1995
    allowances (other than the $18,163 (or 90,525 French Francs) automobile
    allowance) were provided because Mr. Steenbeke was required to perform
    services for Veeco in the United States for the entire year in 1996 and for
    five months during 1995.
 
(9) In addition to a reimbursement of $4,900 in 1994 and $8,400 in each of 1995
    and 1996 for automobile-related expenses, Dr. Stultz was paid, in connection
    with his relocation to Santa Barbara, California, a housing allowance of
    $986 in 1994, $15,814 in 1995 and $61,690 in 1996. See also "Certain
    Transactions".
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning individual
grants of stock options made during 1996 to the Named Officers. Also reported
are potential realizable values of each such stock option at assumed annual
rates of stock price appreciation for the term of the option representing the
product of (a) the difference between: (i) the product of the closing price per
share of Veeco Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ on the date of the grant
($14.50 on April 23, 1996) and the sum of one plus the adjusted stock price
appreciation rate (5% and 10%) compounded annually over the term of the option
(10 years) and (ii) the exercise price of the option ($14.50); and (b) the
number of shares of Veeco Common Stock underlying the option grant at December
31, 1996.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                                                            VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                                                                                         ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                                                                                                                 PRICE
                                                                                                            APPRECIATION FOR
                                                                 INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                           OPTION TERM($)
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>              <C>              <C>          <C>         <C>
                                              NUMBER OF     % OF TOTAL
                                             SECURITIES       OPTIONS
                                             UNDERLYING     GRANTED TO        EXERCISE
                                               OPTIONS     EMPLOYEES IN       PRICE PER     EXPIRATION
NAME                                         GRANTED(1)     FISCAL YEAR      SHARE($)(2)      DATE(3)        5%         10%
- -------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------  ---------------  -----------  ----------  ----------
Edward H. Braun............................      12,000           7.27%       $   14.50       04/23/06   $  109,440  $  290,820
John F. Rein, Jr...........................      10,000           6.06%           14.50       04/23/06       91,200     242,350
Francis Steenbeke..........................       8,000           4.85%           14.50       04/23/06       72,960     193,880
Emmanuel N. Lakios.........................      12,000           7.27%           14.50       04/23/06      109,440     290,820
Dr. Timothy J. Stultz......................      10,000           6.06%           14.50       04/23/06       91,200     242,350
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) On April 23, 1996, pursuant to the Employees' Plan, options to acquire an
    aggregate of 128,025 shares of Veeco Common Stock were granted to certain
    employees of Veeco, including the Named Officers. The options granted to the
    Named Officers become exercisable as follows: (i) for one-third of the
    shares covered thereby, on April 23, 1997; (ii) for an additional one-third
    of the shares covered thereby, on April 23, 1998; and (iii) for the
    remaining shares covered thereby, on April 23, 1999. See "Veeco Instruments
    Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Employees' Stock Option Plan."
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
(2) Represents the closing price per share of the Veeco Common Stock as reported
    by NASDAQ on the last date preceding the date of grant on which a sale was
    reported. See "Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Employees'
    Stock Option Plan."
 
(3) Options may terminate at an earlier date upon the occurrence of certain
    events. See "Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Employees'
    Stock Option Plan."
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of
shares of Veeco Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of options by the Named
Officers during 1996 and the value realized upon such exercises determined by
calculating the positive spread between the exercise price of the options
exercised and the closing price of the Veeco Common Stock on the date of
exercise. Also reported are the number of options to purchase Veeco Common Stock
held by the Named Officers as of December 31, 1996 and values for "in-the-money"
options that represent the positive spread between the exercise price of the
outstanding options ($0.69 to $14.50) and the closing price ($22.00) of the
Veeco Common Stock on December 31, 1996 as reported by NASDAQ.
 
   AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
                                     VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NUMBER
                                         OF                                                  VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                     SECURITIES                 NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED      IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                      ACQUIRED                OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END       FISCAL YEAR-END
                                         ON          VALUE    --------------------------  --------------------------
NAME                                  EXERCISE     REALIZED   EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------------  -------------  ---------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Edward H. Braun...................       --           --           8,333        28,667     $  71,875    $   233,750
John F. Rein, Jr..................       --           --          36,667        23,333       627,500        190,000
Francis Steenbeke.................       --           --           5,000        18,000        43,125        146,250
Emmanuel N. Lakios................                                15,556        35,333       194,409        330,000
Dr. Timothy J. Stultz.............        5,000(1) $  41,250      20,000        20,000       305,625        161,250
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) On August 7, 1996, Dr. Stultz exercised 5,000 options with an exercise price
    of $4.50. The closing price of the Veeco Common Stock on such date as
    reported by NASDAQ was $12.75.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
    Directors, other than those who are employees of Veeco, receive a per
meeting fee of $2,000 for attendance at Board of Directors and committee
meetings. In addition, each of the current non-employee directors received
16,999 options, in the aggregate, to purchase Veeco Common Stock pursuant to the
Directors Plan, and under such plan each non-employee director who meets the
eligibility criteria for such plan will receive an annual grant of 7,000
options. Mr. Braun, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of
Veeco, receives no compensation for his service as a director.
 
    Veeco is party to an agreement with Walter J. Scherr, a director of Veeco,
pursuant to which he is employed as a consultant to Veeco with respect to
acquisition and new business opportunities, as well as other matters. During
1996, Mr. Scherr received $72,568 pursuant to such consulting arrangement. In
addition, Mr. Scherr received a $40,000 bonus in 1996 for his employment by
Veeco during 1995 as an executive officer. On April 23, 1996, Mr. Scherr also
received options to purchase 10,000 shares of Veeco Common Stock at an exercise
price of $14.50 per share pursuant to Employees' Plan.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
    Veeco's Compensation Committee is comprised of Messrs. D'Amore, Elftmann and
Low.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
            COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
 
    The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of three
outside, non-employee directors. The Committee reviews and approves all of
Veeco's executive compensation programs. The Compensation program is based on
the following principles:
 
        1)  Executive officers' compensation should be tied to annual
    performance goals that maximize Veeco Stockholder value.
 
        2)  Veeco emphasizes variable incentive compensation in order to ensure
    continuously improving corporate performance and to align the interests of
    executive officers with those of Veeco Stockholders.
 
        3)  Compensation must be competitive in order to attract, motivate and
    retain the management talent needed to achieve Veeco's business objectives.
 
    In determining competitive levels, the committee reviews information of
comparative companies from both independent survey data and public company
filings.
 
COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION
 
    Veeco's executive compensation program consists of three principal elements:
 
        1)  Base Salary--Base salaries have been set within salary ranges based
    on compensation reports published by Radford Associates and Alexander and
    Alexander Consulting Group on comparable size and type manufacturing
    companies. Individual salary increases are based on the officer's
    contribution to Veeco and the relationship of current pay to the current
    value of the job.
 
        2)  Annual Incentive Awards--Annual incentive awards are based on
    performance against objectives in the calendar year and are ordinarily
    payable in the first quarter of the succeeding year. Incentive awards for
    executive officers are a percentage of base salary. The percentage can range
    to up to 40% of base salary for achievement of 110% of business plan
    objectives. In exceptional circumstances, when Veeco or a business unit
    exceeds 110% of planned objectives, the Compensation Committee may
    selectively make incentive awards at a higher level. Annual incentive awards
    are based on selected financial criteria tied to the annual business plan.
    In 1996, this plan was objectively based on operating income criteria and
    subjectively on the ability of executive management to strategically
    position Veeco for growth.
 
        3)  Stock Option Grants--Stock option grants are awarded as a
    recognition of exceptional current performance and an expectation of
    continued high quality contribution to enhancing Veeco Stockholder value.
    The committee believes that stock options encourage officers to relate their
    long-term economic interests to those of other Veeco Stockholders. Stock
    options are granted at fair market value on the date of grant and vest over
    three years. The options have an exercise period of ten years from the date
    of grant.
 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S COMPENSATION
 
    The compensation of Veeco's Chief Executive Officer, Edward H. Braun, is
determined by the Compensation Committee in accordance with the policies
described above relating to all executive officers' compensation. In particular,
the Compensation Committee established Mr. Braun's base salary after an
evaluation of his personal performance and the committee's objective to have his
base salary comparable with salaries being paid to similarly situated chief
executive officers. Mr. Braun's bonus was based upon Veeco's operating income
achieved compared with the 1996 business plan, as well as development of and
progress in Veeco's long-term goals and strategies.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
POLICY ON DEDUCTIBILITY OF COMPENSATION
 
    Section 162(m) of the Code limits to $1,000,000 per year Veeco's tax
deduction for compensation paid to each of the Named Officers, unless certain
requirements are met. The Compensation Committee believes it unlikely in the
short term that such limitation will affect Veeco. The Compensation Committee's
present intention is to structure executive compensation so that it will be
fully deductible, while maintaining flexibility to take actions which it deems
to be in the best interest of Veeco and the Veeco Stockholders but which may
result in Veeco paying certain items of compensation that may not be fully
deductible.
 
                    Submitted by the Compensation Committee:
 
                               Richard A. D'Amore
 
                                  Paul R. Low
 
                                Joel A. Elftmann
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
                            CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
                  OF VEECO, PEER GROUP AND NASDAQ MARKET INDEX
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             VEECO INSTRUMENTS,
                    INC.            PEER GROUP    NASDAQ MARKET INDEX
<S>        <C>                     <C>           <C>
11/29/94                  $100.00       $100.00                $100.00
12/31/94                    92.57         86.68                 100.09
3/31/95                    128.00        112.90                 103.04
6/30/95                    153.14        160.56                 112.73
9/30/95                    240.00        178.42                 125.61
12/31/95                   132.57        129.09                 124.60
3/31/96                    137.14        109.50                 130.35
6/30/96                    129.14         96.85                 140.01
9/30/96                    132.57         92.02                 143.87
12/31/96                   201.14        120.29                 150.64
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             VEECO
   QUARTERLY PERIOD       INSTRUMENTS                    NASDAQ
        ENDING               INC.        PEER GROUP   MARKET INDEX
- ----------------------  ---------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                     <C>              <C>          <C>
       11/29/94             100.00         100.00        100.00
       12/31/94              92.57          86.68        100.09
       3/31/95              128.00         112.90        103.04
       6/30/95              153.14         160.56        112.73
       9/30/95              240.00         178.42        125.61
       12/31/95             132.57         129.09        124.60
       3/31/96              137.14         109.50        130.35
       6/30/96              129.14          96.85        140.01
       9/30/96              132.57          92.02        143.87
       12/31/96             201.14         120.29        150.64
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
    Information is presented beginning with November 29, 1994, the date on which
the Common Stock was registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and
assumes $100 invested on November 29, 1994 and reinvestment of dividends, if
any.
 
    The peer group chosen by Veeco consists of the following corporations:
Applied Materials, Inc., FSI International, Inc., KLA Instruments Corp., LAM
Research Corp., Mattson Technology, Inc., Novellus Systems, Inc., Silicon Valley
Group, Inc., Tencor and Ultratech Stepper, Inc.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
                               SECURITY OWNERSHIP
 
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of Veeco Common Stock as of May 31, 1997 (unless otherwise specified
below) by (i) each person known by Veeco to own beneficially more than five
percent of the outstanding shares of Veeco Common Stock, (ii) each director of
Veeco, and (iii) all executive officers and directors of Veeco as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, Veeco believes that each of the persons or entities
named in the table exercises sole voting and investment power over the shares
that each of them beneficially owns, subject to community property laws where
applicable.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                                                                                      BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1)
                                                                                     ------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
                                                                                                 PERCENT OF
                                                                                                TOTAL SHARES
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                                      SHARES    OPTIONS(2)     TOTAL     OUTSTANDING
- -----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -------------
Putnam Investments, Inc.(3)................................    666,500      --         666,500         11.2%
J.&W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated(4).......................    624,800      --         624,800         10.5
Edward H. Braun............................................    223,019      20,667     243,686          4.1
Walter J. Scherr...........................................     --          --          --                *
Richard A. D'Amore.........................................     16,701      16,999      33,700            *
Paul R. Low................................................     --          16,999      16,999            *
Joel A. Elftmann(5)........................................      2,000      16,999      18,999            *
John F. Rein, Jr...........................................        941      46,667      47,608            *
Francis Steenbeke..........................................     74,339      --          74,339          1.2
Emmanuel N. Lakios.........................................        304       5,222       5,526            *
Dr. Timothy J. Stultz......................................     --          13,333      13,333            *
All Executive Officers and Directors
  as a Group (12 persons)..................................    328,506     152,220     480,726          7.8%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Denotes less than a 1% interest.
 
(1) A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be
    acquired by such person within 60 days of May 31, 1997 upon the exercise of
    warrants and/or stock options. Each person's percentage ownership is
    determined by assuming that warrants and stock options held by such person
    (but not those held by any other person) which are exercisable within 60
    days of May 31, 1997 have been exercised.
 
(2) Represents stock options exercisable within 60 days of May 31, 1997.
 
(3) This information is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission
    in March 1997. Putnam Investment Management, Inc., a Massachusetts
    corporation, holds shared dispositive power over 613,700 shares of the Veeco
    Common Stock. The Putnam Advisory Company, Inc. holds shared voting power
    over 44,400 shares of the Veeco Common Stock, and shared dispositive power
    over 52,800 shares of the Veeco Common Stock. Both of these entities are
    wholly owned by Putnam Investments, Inc. Putnam OTC & Emerging Growth Fund,
    a Massachusetts business trust, holds 375,000 shares, or 6.4%, as part of
    the 613,700 shares held by Putnam Investment Management, Inc. The address of
    Putnam Investments, Inc. is One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts
    02109.
 
(4) This information is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission
    in April 1997. J.&W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated beneficially owns and holds
    sole dispositive and voting power over 624,800 shares of the Veeco Common
    Stock. The address of J.&W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated is 100 Park Avenue,
    New York, New York 10017.
 
(5) Includes 2,000 shares of the Veeco Common Stock held by the Elftmann Family
    Limited Partnership, a family limited partnership of which Mr. Elftmann is
    the general partner.
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    On April 23, 1996, options to purchase shares of the Veeco Common Stock were
issued to each of the following executive officers and significant employees in
the following amounts pursuant to the Employees' Plan, all at an exercise price
of $14.50 per share (the fair market value at the date of grant): Edward H.
Braun, options to purchase 12,000 shares; John F. Rein, Jr., options to purchase
10,000 shares; Francis Steenbeke, options to purchase 8,000 shares; Emmanuel N.
Lakios, options to purchase 12,000 shares; Robert P. Oates, options to purchase
5,000 shares; Dr. Timothy J. Stultz, options to purchase 10,000 shares; and John
P. Kiernan, options to purchase 2,000 shares. Also on such date, options to
purchase 10,000 shares at an exercise price of $14.50 per share were issued to
Walter J. Scherr under the Employees' Plan.
 
    On January 17, 1997, options to purchase shares of the Veeco Common Stock
were issued to each of the following executive officers and significant
employees in the following amounts pursuant to the Employee's Plan, all at an
exercise price of $24.875 per share (the fair market value at the date of
grant): Edward H. Braun, options to purchase 20,000 shares; John F. Rein, Jr.,
options to purchase 12,000 shares; Francis Steenbeke, options to purchase 10,000
shares; Emmanuel N. Lakios, options to purchase 12,000 shares; Robert P. Oates,
options to purchase 10,000 shares; Dr. Timothy J. Stultz, options to purchase
10,000 shares; and John P. Kiernan, options to purchase 2,000 shares. On April
24, 1997, options to purchase shares of the Veeco Common Stock were issued to
each of the following executive officers in the following amounts pursuant to
the Employees' Plan, all at an exercise price of $31.00 per share (the fair
market value at the date of grant): Edward H. Braun, options to purchase 40,000
shares; John F. Rein, Jr., options to purchase 30,000 shares; Emmanuel N.
Lakios, options to purchase 20,000 shares; and Dr. Timothy J. Stultz, options to
purchase 10,000 shares. Also on April 24, 1997, options to purchase 10,000
shares at an exercise price of $31.00 per share were issued to Walter J. Scherr
under the Employees' Plan.
 
    In August 1996 and in May 1997, 9,999 options, in the aggregate, and 21,000
options, in the aggregate, respectively, were granted to the non-employee
directors pursuant to the Directors Plan.
 
    An involuntary petition for relief under Chapter 7 of Title 11 of the United
States Code was filed against Peak Systems, Inc. (case no. 93-48654) in the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California on
December 10, 1993, and an Order for Relief was granted by the Court to the
petitioning creditors on January 13, 1994. As of May 15, 1997, such case
remained open. Dr. Timothy J. Stultz, Veeco's Vice President and General
Manager--Surface Metrology Products, was President and Chief Executive Officer
of Peak Systems, Inc. from September 1983 to November 1993.
 
    In May 1996, Veeco made a loan to Dr. Timothy J. Stultz to finance the
purchase of his home in the principal sum of $100,000, with simple interest on
unpaid principal at the rate of 5% per annum. Interest is payable annually, on
each January 5 during the term of the loan. The $100,000 principal and all
accrued but unpaid interest will be due in full in one lump sum on January 5,
2001. The loan is secured by a second mortgage on the property.
 
          COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
 
    Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Veeco's officers and directors,
and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of Veeco's
equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. These persons are required by regulation
of the Commission to furnish Veeco with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they
file.
 
    Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or
written representations from certain persons that no Forms 5 were required for
those persons, Veeco believes that during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996, Veeco's officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners
complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements.
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
                           INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
 
    Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement shall be deemed to be modified
or superseded for purposes of this Proxy Statement to the extent that a
statement contained in this Proxy Statement (or in any other subsequently filed
document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement incorporates the
following documents by reference:
 
    1. Veeco's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996.
 
    2. Veeco's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 5, 1997.
 
    3. Veeco's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
1997.
 
    All documents filed by Veeco pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this Proxy Statement and prior to
the date of the Special Meeting shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
into this Proxy Statement.
 
    Veeco hereby undertakes to provide, without charge, upon written or oral
request, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference listed above. Such
requests should be directed to Veeco at Terminal Drive, Plainview, NY 11803,
telephone: (516) 349-8300, Attention: Investor Relations.
 
                                 OTHER MATTERS
 
    The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to come before the Special
Meeting. Should any other business properly come before the Special Meeting, the
persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote on such matters in
accordance with their best judgment.
 
    The cost of preparing and mailing this Proxy Statement and the accompanying
proxy, and the cost of solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of
Directors, will be borne by Veeco. Veeco has retained Shareholder Communications
Corp. ("SCC") to solicit proxies. SCC may contact the Veeco Stockholders by
mail, telephone, telex, telegraph and personal interviews. SCC will receive from
Veeco a fee of $15,000 for such services, plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket
expenses, and Veeco has agreed to indemnify SCC against certain liabilities and
expenses in connection with such solicitation, including liabilities under the
federal securities laws. Some personal solicitation also may be made by
directors, officers and employees without special compensation, other than
reimbursement for expenses.
 
    Proposals which the Veeco Stockholders wish to include in Veeco's proxy
materials relating to the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received
by Veeco no later than December 10, 1997. Any such proposals will comply with
the requirements of the Commission's proxy solicitation rules.
 
    PLEASE PROMPTLY COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED
SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE.
 
                                          By order of the Board of Directors,
 
                                                   [LOGO]
 
                                          JOHN F. REIN, JR.
 
                                          Secretary
 
Plainview, New York
 
July 2, 1997
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
I. DECEMBER 31 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                   <C>
  Report of Independent Auditors....................................................  VF-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995.........................  VF-3
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
    1994............................................................................  VF-4
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31,
    1996, 1995 and 1994.............................................................  VF-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995
    and 1994........................................................................  VF-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................................  VF-7
  Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts....................................  VF-18
</TABLE>
 
II. MARCH 31 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                   <C>
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31,
    1997 and 1996...................................................................  VF-19
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996.....  VF-20
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March
    31, 1997 and 1996...............................................................  VF-21
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements..............................  VF-22
</TABLE>
 
                                      VF-1
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
To the Shareholders and The Board of Directors
Veeco Instruments Inc.
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Veeco
Instruments Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. Our audits
also included the financial statement schedule included elsewhere herein. These
financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Veeco
Instruments Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.
 
                                               /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Melville, New York
February 7, 1997
 
                                      VF-2
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  DECEMBER 31
                                                                                              --------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>        <C>
                                                                                                1996       1995
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................................................  $  21,209  $  17,568
  Accounts and trade notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $482 in 1996
    and $517 in 1995........................................................................     19,826     18,983
  Inventories...............................................................................     21,263     15,795
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................................................        858        923
  Deferred income taxes.....................................................................      1,937      1,221
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total current assets........................................................................     65,093     54,490
 
Property, plant and equipment at cost, net..................................................      9,761      7,381
Excess of cost over net assets acquired, less accumulated amortization of $910 in 1996 and
    $779 in 1995............................................................................      4,448      4,579
Other assets--net...........................................................................      1,025        930
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total assets................................................................................  $  80,327  $  67,380
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..........................................................................  $  11,196  $   8,729
  Accrued expenses..........................................................................      9,964      7,523
  Income taxes payable......................................................................        479        777
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total current liabilities...................................................................     21,639     17,029
Deferred income taxes.......................................................................        257        118
Other liabilities...........................................................................        461        482
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock (9,500,000 shares authorized, 5,836,021 and 5,787,214 shares issued and
    outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively)................................         58         58
  Additional paid-in capital................................................................     47,638     47,353
  Retained earnings.........................................................................      9,609      1,571
  Cumulative translation adjustment.........................................................        665        769
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total shareholders' equity..................................................................     57,970     49,751
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity..................................................  $  80,327  $  67,380
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      VF-3
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                   -------------------------------
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                     1996       1995       1994
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Net sales........................................................................  $  96,832  $  72,359  $  49,434
Cost of sales....................................................................     54,931     39,274     28,940
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Gross profit.....................................................................     41,901     33,085     20,494
Costs and expenses:
  Research and development expense...............................................      9,804      7,101      5,096
  Selling, general and administrative expense....................................     19,536     16,822     11,171
  Amortization expense...........................................................        236        202        344
  Other--net.....................................................................        143        164       (100)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                      29,719     24,289     16,511
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
 
Operating income.................................................................     12,182      8,796      3,983
Interest (income) expense--net...................................................       (678)      (391)     2,620
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item................................     12,860      9,187      1,363
Income tax provision (benefit)...................................................      4,822      2,395       (795)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before extraordinary item.................................................      8,038      6,792      2,158
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Extraordinary (loss) on prepayment of debt, net of $355 tax benefit..............     --         --           (679)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income.......................................................................  $   8,038  $   6,792  $   1,479
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
 
Earnings per share:
  Income before extraordinary item...............................................  $    1.36  $    1.24  $     .87
  Extraordinary (loss)...........................................................     --         --           (.27)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net income.....................................................................  $    1.36  $    1.24  $     .60
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Shares used in computing earnings per share......................................      5,906      5,484      2,472
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      VF-4
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   PREFERRED
                                                                                                                   TREASURY
                                             COMMON STOCK           PREFERRED STOCK      ADDITIONAL    RETAINED      STOCK
                                        -----------------------  ----------------------    PAID-IN     EARNINGS    ---------
                                          SHARES      AMOUNT       SHARES      AMOUNT      CAPITAL     (DEFICIT)    SHARES
                                        ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993..........                             1,846,154  $   4,354   $     316    $  (6,700)    (85,128)
 
Conversion of Preferred Stock.........   1,761,026   $      18    (1,846,154)    (4,354)      4,277                   85,128
Exercise of outstanding warrants......     337,449           3                                  112
Conversion of Series B Subordinated
  debt and accrued interest...........     313,878           3                                3,450
Stock issued for prepayment penalty...      36,364           1                                  399
Net proceeds from initial public
  offering............................   2,500,000          25                               24,265
Translation adjustment................
Net income............................                                                                     1,479
                                        ----------         ---   -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994..........   4,948,717          50       --          --          32,819       (5,221)     --
 
Exercise of stock options.............      38,497      --                                       82
Net proceeds from public offering.....     800,000           8                               14,452
Translation adjustment................
Net income............................                                                                     6,792
                                        ----------         ---   -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995..........   5,787,214          58       --          --          47,353        1,571      --
 
Exercise of stock options and stock
  issuances under stock purchase
  plan................................      48,807      --                                      285
Translation adjustment................
Net income............................                                                                     8,038
                                        ----------         ---   -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996..........   5,836,021   $      58       --       $  --       $  47,638    $   9,609      --
                                        ----------         ---   -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                                        ----------         ---   -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                      CUMULATIVE
                                                      TRANSLATION
                                          AMOUNT      ADJUSTMENT      TOTAL
                                        -----------  -------------  ---------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>            <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993..........   $     (59)    $     408    $  (1,681)
Conversion of Preferred Stock.........          59                     --
Exercise of outstanding warrants......                                    115
Conversion of Series B Subordinated
  debt and accrued interest...........                                  3,453
Stock issued for prepayment penalty...                                    400
Net proceeds from initial public
  offering............................                                 24,290
Translation adjustment................                       233          233
Net income............................                                  1,479
                                               ---         -----    ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994..........      --               641       28,289
Exercise of stock options.............                                     82
Net proceeds from public offering.....                                 14,460
Translation adjustment................                       128          128
Net income............................                                  6,792
                                               ---         -----    ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995..........      --               769       49,751
Exercise of stock options and stock
  issuances under stock purchase
  plan................................                                    285
Translation adjustment................                      (104)        (104)
Net income............................                                  8,038
                                               ---         -----    ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996..........   $  --         $     665    $  57,970
                                               ---         -----    ---------
                                               ---         -----    ---------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      VF-5
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                   -------------------------------
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                     1996       1995       1994
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating activities
Net income.......................................................................  $   8,038  $   6,792  $   1,479
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization..............................................      1,599      1,200      1,425
      Deferred income taxes......................................................       (577)       147     (1,250)
      Loss on debt prepayment....................................................         --         --      1,034
      Other......................................................................         11         --        (28)
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
        Accounts receivable......................................................     (1,062)    (6,072)    (3,355)
        Inventories..............................................................     (5,560)    (4,948)    (2,071)
        Accounts payable.........................................................      2,485      1,291      3,492
        Accrued expenses and other current liabilities...........................      2,460      2,984         (2)
        Income taxes payable.....................................................       (298)       686         92
        Other--net...............................................................         77       (100)        (8)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................................      7,173      1,980        808
 
Investing activities
Capital expenditures.............................................................     (3,766)      (965)      (364)
Patents..........................................................................        (17)        --       (165)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Net cash used in investing activities............................................     (3,783)      (965)      (529)
 
Financing activities
Net proceeds from public stock offering..........................................         --     14,460     24,290
Net repayments under revolving credit agreement..................................         --         --     (8,786)
Long-term debt repayments........................................................         --         --    (13,459)
Deferred financing costs.........................................................       (195)       (85)      (201)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of stock under stock purchase plan........        285         82         --
Other............................................................................         --        (39)         9
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities........................................         90     14,418      1,853
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents.....................        161       (144)      (239)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents........................................      3,641     15,289      1,893
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...................................     17,568      2,279        386
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.........................................  $  21,209  $  17,568  $   2,279
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      VF-6
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               December 31, 1996
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    ORGANIZATION
 
    Veeco Instruments Inc. ("Veeco" or the "Company") designs, manufactures,
markets and services a broad line of precision ion beam systems, surface
metrology systems, and industrial measurement equipment used in the manufacture
of microelectronic products. The Company sells its products worldwide to many of
the leading semiconductor and data storage manufacturers. In addition, the
Company sells its products to companies in the flat panel display and high
frequency device industries, as well as to other industries, research and
development centers and universities.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Veeco and its
subsidiaries. Intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
 
    REVENUE
 
    Revenue is recognized when title passes to the customer, generally upon
shipment. Service and maintenance contract revenues are recorded as deferred
income, which is included in other accrued expenses, and recognized as income on
a straight-line basis over the service period of the related contract. The
Company provides for (1) the estimated costs of fulfilling its installation
obligations and (2) warranty costs at the time the related revenue is recorded.
 
    CASH FLOWS
 
    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Interest
paid during 1996, 1995 and 1994 was approximately $70,000, $113,000 and,
$2,661,000, respectively. Taxes paid in 1996 and 1995 were approximately
$5,226,000 and $916,000, respectively. No significant tax payments were made in
1994.
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out
method) or market.
 
    DEPRECIABLE ASSETS
 
    Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by the straight-line
method and are charged against income over the estimated useful lives of
depreciable assets. Amortization of equipment recorded under capital lease
obligations is included in depreciation of property, plant and equipment.
 
                                      VF-7
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    Excess of cost of investment over net assets of business acquired is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Other intangible assets,
principally patents, software licenses and deferred finance costs, of $892,000
and $880,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, are net of accumulated
amortization of $577,000 and $312,000. Other intangible assets are amortized
over periods ranging from 3 to 17 years.
 
    ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REMEDIATION
 
    Environmental compliance costs include ongoing maintenance, monitoring and
similar costs. Such costs are expensed as incurred. Environmental remediation
costs are accrued when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are
probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated.
 
    FOREIGN OPERATIONS
 
    Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S.
dollars at the exchange rates existing at the balance sheet date. Resulting
translation adjustments due to fluctuations in the exchange rates are recorded
as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Income and expense items are
translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods.
 
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
 
    Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and
include expenses for development of new technology and the transition of the
technology into new products or services.
 
    ADVERTISING EXPENSE
 
    The cost of advertising is expensed as of the first showing. The Company
incurred $1,819,000, $1,155,000 and $638,000 in advertising costs during 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    At December 31, 1996, the Company has three stock-based compensation plans,
which are described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. The
Company has elected to continue to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25) and related
Interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans. Under APB
25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options granted
equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no
compensation expense is recognized.
 
    RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain amounts in the 1994 and 1995 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation.
 
    EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
    Earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common
and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year. The Company completed
an initial public offering (the
 
                                      VF-8
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
"IPO") on December 6, 1994, pursuant to which 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock") were issued and sold at $11 per
share. As a consequence of the IPO and pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, stock issued by the Company during the
twelve months immediately preceding the IPO, plus the number of equivalent
shares issuable pursuant to the grant of options during the same period, have
been included in the number of shares used in the calculation of earnings per
share for 1994 as if they were outstanding (using the treasury stock method and
the IPO price). In addition, the calculation of the shares used in computing
earnings per share for 1994 also includes the outstanding convertible preferred
stock which automatically converted into 1,761,026 shares of Common Stock upon
the closing of the IPO as if they were converted to Common Stock on the
respective original dates of issuance.
 
2. BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                DECEMBER 31
                                                                        ----------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>
                                                                            1996           1995
                                                                        -------------  -------------
Inventories:
  Raw materials.......................................................  $   9,546,000  $   4,349,000
  Work in process.....................................................      4,909,000      4,222,000
  Finished goods......................................................      6,808,000      7,224,000
                                                                        -------------  -------------
                                                                        $  21,263,000  $  15,795,000
                                                                        -------------  -------------
                                                                        -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                DECEMBER 31            ESTIMATED
                                                                        ----------------------------    USEFUL
                                                                            1996           1995          LIVES
                                                                        -------------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>
Property, plant and equipment:
  Land................................................................  $   1,400,000  $   1,400,000
  Buildings and improvements..........................................      4,965,000      4,776,000     30 years
  Machinery and equipment.............................................      9,749,000      6,376,000   3-10 years
  Leasehold improvements..............................................        150,000        147,000   3-10 years
                                                                        -------------  -------------
                                                                           16,264,000     12,699,000
 
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization......................      6,503,000      5,318,000
                                                                        -------------  -------------
                                                                        $   9,761,000  $   7,381,000
                                                                        -------------  -------------
                                                                        -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                DECEMBER 31
                                                                        ----------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>
                                                                            1996           1995
                                                                        -------------  -------------
Accrued expenses:
  Deferred service contract revenue...................................  $     401,000  $     670,000
  Customer deposits and advance billings..............................      3,540,000      1,842,000
  Payroll and related benefits........................................      1,836,000      2,046,000
  Other...............................................................      4,187,000      2,965,000
                                                                        -------------  -------------
                                                                        $   9,964,000  $   7,523,000
                                                                        -------------  -------------
                                                                        -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      VF-9
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
 
    In July 1996, the Company entered into a new credit facility (the "Credit
Facility") with Fleet Bank, N.A. and The Chase Manhattan Bank. The Credit
Facility, which is to be used for working capital, acquisitions and general
corporate purposes provides the Company with up to $30 million of availability.
The Credit Facility bears interest at the prime rate of the lending banks, but
is adjustable to a maximum rate of 3/4% above the prime rate in the event the
Company's ratio of debt to cash flow exceeds a defined ratio. A LIBOR based
interest rate option is also provided. The Credit Facility expires July 31,
1999, but under certain conditions is convertible into a term loan, which would
amortize quarterly through July 31, 2002.
 
    The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company's
personal property as well as the stock of its subsidiary Sloan Technology
Corporation. The Credit Facility also contains certain restrictive covenants,
which among other things, impose limitations with respect to incurrence of
certain additional indebtedness, incurrence of liens, payments of dividends,
long-term leases, investments, mergers, consolidations and specified sales of
assets. The Company is also required to satisfy certain financial tests
including maintaining specified consolidated tangible net worth and maintaining
certain interest coverage and capitalization ratios.
 
    As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, no borrowings were outstanding under the
Company's credit facilities. Letters of credit of approximately $931,000 and
$1,900,000 were outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
reducing the Company's availability under its credit facilities.
 
4. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    The Company completed the IPO on December 6, 1994, whereby 2,500,000 shares
of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock") were issued and
sold at $11 per share. The net proceeds were used to prepay debt in the amount
of $23,700,000 and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
 
    The prepayment of the Company's debt and the conversion of the Senior
Subordinated Series B Notes into Common Stock in December 1994, resulted in an
extraordinary charge of $679,000, net of $355,000 of income tax benefit. The
extraordinary charge is principally comprised of a prepayment penalty and the
writeoff of unamortized deferred finance costs.
 
    On July 31, 1995, the Company completed a public offering (the "Public
Offering") in which 2,300,000 shares of Common Stock were sold, 800,000 of which
were sold by the Company and 1,500,000 of which were sold by certain selling
stockholders, at the public offering price of $20 per share.
 
    As of December 31, 1996, the Company has reserved 805,959 and 233,524 shares
of common stock for issuance upon exercise of stock options and issuance of
shares pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan, respectively.
 
5. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
 
    Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
which requires that the information be determined as if the Company has
accounted for its stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under
the
 
                                     VF-10
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED)
fair value method of that Statement. The fair value for these options, was
estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The
Company's pro forma information follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                    --------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
                                                                        1996          1995
                                                                    ------------  ------------
Pro forma net income..............................................  $  7,540,000  $  6,444,000
Pro forma earnings per share......................................  $       1.30  $       1.20
</TABLE>
 
    Because Statement 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994 and employee stock options granted vest over a three-year
period, its effect will not be fully reflected in pro forma net income until
1997.
 
    FIXED OPTION PLANS
 
    The Company has two fixed option plans. The Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended
and Restated 1992 Employees' Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan")
provides for the grant to officers and key employees of up to 826,787 options
(264,245 options available for future grants as of December 31, 1996) to
purchase share of Common Stock of the Company. Stock options granted pursuant to
the Stock Option Plan become exercisable over a three-year period following the
grant date and expire after ten years. The Veeco Instruments Inc. 1994 Stock
Option Plan for Outside Directors (as amended, the "Directors' Option Plan")
provides for the automatic grants of stock options to each member of the Board
of Directors of the Company who is not an employee of the Company. The
Directors' Option Plan provides for the grant of up to 50,000 options (20,003
options available for future grants as of December 31, 1996) to purchase shares
of Common Stock of the Company. Such options granted are exercisable immediately
and expire after ten years.
 
    The fair values of these options at the date of grant was estimated with the
following weighted-average assumptions for 1996 and 1995: risk-free interest
rate of 6.3%, no dividend yield, volatility factor of the expected market price
of the Company's common stock of 50% and a weighted-average expected life of the
option of four years.
 
                                     VF-11
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED)
    A summary of the status of the Company's two fixed stock option plans as of
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and changes during the years ending on those
dates is presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1994                            1995                            1996
                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>                <C>          <C>                <C>          <C>
                                                        OPTION                          OPTION
                                        SHARES           PRICE          SHARES           PRICE          SHARES     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
                                         (000)         PER SHARE         (000)         PER SHARE         (000)      EXERCISE PRICE
                                      -----------  -----------------  -----------  -----------------  -----------  -----------------
Outstanding at beginning of year....         124   $   .69 to $ 3.00         175   $   .69 to $11.00         441       $   11.10
Granted.............................          56      4.50 to  11.00         314      9.50 to  22.75         175           13.68
Exercised...........................      --              --                 (38)      .69 to   4.50         (32)           2.68
Forfeited...........................          (5)      .69 to   4.50         (10)      .69 to  13.38         (62)          19.14
                                             ---   -----------------         ---   -----------------         ---          ------
Outstanding at end of year..........         175   $   .69 to  11.00         441   $   .69 to  22.75         522       $   11.50
                                             ---   -----------------         ---   -----------------         ---          ------
                                             ---   -----------------         ---   -----------------         ---          ------
 
Options exercisable at
  year-end..........................          91   $   .69 to $ 4.50         104   $   .69 to $13.38         188       $    8.74
Weighted-average fair value of
  options granted during the year...                                                          $ 6.62               $         6.24
</TABLE>
 
    The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options
outstanding at December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                              OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                                -----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
                                     NUMBER                                                       NUMBER
                                   OUTSTANDING                                                  OUTSTANDING
                                       AT            WEIGHTED-AVERAGE         WEIGHTED-             AT
           RANGE OF               DECEMBER 31,           REMAINING             AVERAGE         DECEMBER 31,     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
        EXERCISE PRICE                1996           CONTRACTUAL LIFE      EXERCISE PRICE          1996          EXERCISE PRICE
- ------------------------------  -----------------  ---------------------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
<S>                             <C>                <C>                    <C>                <C>                <C>
                                      (000)                                                        (000)
$  .69 to $ 5.00..............            101                  7.2years       $    3.46                 88          $    3.32
  5.01 to  10.00..............             24                  8.0                 9.50                  8               9.50
 10.00 to  15.00..............            387                  8.9                13.45                 82              12.99
 15.00 to  21.50..............             10                  8.5                21.32                 10              21.50
                                                                --
                                          ---                                    ------                ---             ------
$  .69 to $21.50..............            522                  8.5            $   11.50                188          $    8.74
                                                                --
                                                                --
                                          ---                                    ------                ---             ------
                                          ---                                    ------                ---             ------
</TABLE>
 
    EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
    Under the Veeco Instruments Inc. Employees Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"),
the Company is authorized to issue up to 250,000 shares of Common Stock to its
full-time domestic employees, nearly all of whom are eligible to participate.
Under the terms of the Plan, employees can choose each year to have up to 6% of
their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company's Common Stock. The
purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lower of its beginning-of-year or
end-of-year market price. Under the Plan, the Company granted 14,278 shares and
16,476 shares to employees in 1996 and 1995, respectively. The fair value of the
employees' purchase rights were estimated using the following assumptions for
1996 and 1995, respectively: no dividend yield for both years; an expected life
of one year and six months; expected volatility of 70% and 64%; and risk-free
interest rates of 5.2% and 5.7%. The weighted-average fair value of those
purchase rights granted in 1996 and 1995 was $5.20 and $4.40 respectively.
 
                                     VF-12
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
    Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 1996 and
1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                                   ---------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>
                                                                       1996          1995
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Tax over book depreciation.....................................  $    257,000  $     118,000
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Total deferred tax liabilities...................................       257,000        118,000
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Deferred tax assets:
  Inventory valuation............................................     1,620,000      1,122,000
  Foreign net operating loss carryforwards.......................       795,000      1,276,000
  Research tax credit carryforward...............................       --             277,000
  Other..........................................................       317,000        459,000
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Total deferred tax assets........................................     2,732,000      3,134,000
Valuation allowance..............................................      (795,000)    (1,913,000)
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Net deferred tax assets..........................................     1,937,000      1,221,000
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Net deferred taxes...............................................  $  1,680,000  $   1,103,000
                                                                   ------------  -------------
                                                                   ------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    For financial reporting purposes, income before income taxes and
extraordinary item includes the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                    -----------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>
                                                        1996           1995          1994
                                                    -------------  ------------  ------------
Domestic..........................................  $  13,157,000  $  8,926,000  $  2,064,000
Foreign...........................................       (297,000)      261,000      (701,000)
                                                    -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    $  12,860,000  $  9,187,000  $  1,363,000
                                                    -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                    -------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                     VF-13
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
6. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for
income before extraordinary item are presented below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                         -----------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
                                                                             1996          1995          1994
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
Current:
  Federal..............................................................  $  4,712,000  $  3,226,000  $   1,067,000
  Foreign..............................................................       129,000       379,000        217,000
  State................................................................       835,000       260,000        180,000
  Utilization of research tax credits..................................      (277,000)     (909,000)      --
  Utilization of net operating losses..................................       --           (708,000)    (1,294,000)
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
                                                                            5,399,000     2,248,000        170,000
Deferred:
  Federal..............................................................      (525,000)      335,000       (965,000)
  Foreign..............................................................       --            (90,000)      --
  State................................................................       (52,000)      (98,000)      --
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
                                                                             (577,000)      147,000       (965,000)
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
                                                                         $  4,822,000  $  2,395,000  $    (795,000)
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    The reconciliation of income taxes attributable to income before
extraordinary item computed at U.S. federal statutory rates to income tax
expense is:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                         -----------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
                                                                             1996          1995          1994
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
Tax at U.S. statutory rates............................................  $  4,501,000  $  3,123,000  $     463,000
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)............................       334,000        74,000        119,000
Goodwill amortization..................................................        46,000        44,000         44,000
Nondeductible expenses.................................................        39,000        42,000         31,000
Recognition of previously unrecognized deferred tax assets, net........       --           (314,000)      (639,000)
Operating losses not currently realizable..............................       225,000       212,000        456,000
Operating losses currently realizable..................................       --           (708,000)    (1,294,000)
Other..................................................................      (323,000)      (78,000)        25,000
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
                                                                         $  4,822,000  $  2,395,000  $    (795,000)
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
                                                                         ------------  ------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Several of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have net operating loss
carryforwards for foreign tax purposes of approximately $2.0 million at December
31, 1996, a portion of which expires in years 1997 through 2001 and a portion
for which the carryforward period is unlimited.
 
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS
 
    The Company has an agreement with IBM pursuant to which the Company is IBM's
exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative for the SXM Workstation
to the semiconductor and data storage industries. Under this agreement, the
Company has agreed to purchase a minimum number of SXM Workstations by July
1997. At December 31, 1996 such purchase commitment amounted to
 
                                     VF-14
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONTINUED)
approximately $2.25 million. IBM has the right to discontinue production at any
time upon written notice to the Company, in which event IBM has agreed to grant
to the Company an exclusive worldwide license to manufacture the SXM Workstation
for sale to the semiconductor and data storage industries pursuant to a royalty
and license agreement to be negotiated at such time.
 
    Minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 1996 for property and equipment
under operating lease agreements (exclusive of renewal options) are payable as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
1997............................................................  $ 737,000
1998............................................................    489,000
1999............................................................    223,000
2000............................................................     98,000
2001............................................................     36,000
Thereafter......................................................     98,000
                                                                  ---------
                                                                  $1,681,000
                                                                  ---------
                                                                  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Rent charged to operations amounted to $870,000, $772,000 and $825,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. In addition, the Company is obligated under
the leases for certain other expenses, including real estate taxes and
insurance.
 
    In compliance with a Cleanup and Abatement Order ("CAO") issued by the
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Coast Region, the
Company completed soil remediation of a site which was leased by a predecessor
of the Company in September 1995. The cost of the soil remediation was
approximately $35,000. The Company is currently performing post-soil remediation
groundwater monitoring at the site. Reports prepared by consultants indicate
certain contaminants in samples of groundwater underneath the site. The Company
cannot predict the extent of groundwater contamination at the site and cannot
determine at this time whether any or all of the groundwater contamination may
be attributable to activities of neighboring parties. The Company cannot predict
whether any groundwater remediation will be necessary or the costs, if any, of
such remediation.
 
    The Company may, under certain circumstances, be obligated to pay up to
$250,000 in connection with the implementation of a comprehensive plan of
environmental remediation at its Plainview facility. The Company has been
indemnified for any liabilities it may incur in excess of $250,000 with respect
to any such remediation. No comprehensive plan has been required to date.
Despite such indemnification, the Company does not believe that any material
loss or expense is probable in connection with any remediation plan that may be
proposed.
 
    The Company is aware that petroleum hydrocarbon contamination has been
detected in the soil at the site of a facility leased by the Company in Santa
Barbara, California. The Company has been indemnified for any liabilities it may
incur which arise from environmental contamination at the site. Despite such
indemnification, the Company does not believe that any material loss or expense
is probable in connection with any such liabilities.
 
                                     VF-15
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONTINUED)
    The Company's business depends in large part upon the capital expenditures
of data storage, semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturers which
accounted for the following percentages of the Company's net sales:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31
                                                                   -------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                     1996       1995       1994
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Data storage.....................................................       55.5%      40.2%      38.1%
Semiconductor....................................................       27.4       36.4       33.2
Flat panel display...............................................        3.8        6.1        7.3
</TABLE>
 
    The Company cannot predict whether the growth experienced in the
microelectronics industry in the recent past will continue.
 
    Sales to one customer accounted for approximately 17%, 9% and 2% and sales
to another customer accounted for approximately 16%, 23% and 27% of the
Company's net sales during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
    The Company manufactures and sells its products to companies in different
geographic locations. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its
customers' financial condition, generally does not require collateral, and where
appropriate, requires that letters of credit be provided on foreign sales.
Receivables generally are due within 30 days. The Company's accounts receivable
are concentrated in the following geographic locations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31
                                                                 ----------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>
                                                                     1996           1995
                                                                 -------------  -------------
United States..................................................  $  10,699,000  $  10,892,000
Europe.........................................................      3,161,000      5,008,000
Far East.......................................................      5,729,000      3,069,000
Other..........................................................        237,000         14,000
                                                                 -------------  -------------
                                                                 $  19,826,000  $  18,983,000
                                                                 -------------  -------------
                                                                 -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                     VF-16
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
8. FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION
 
    Information as to the Company's foreign operations and geographic area
information (assets not specifically identified to Europe and the Far East are
included in the United States) is summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           NET SALES
                                    UNAFFILIATED CUSTOMERS              OPERATING INCOME                   TOTAL ASSETS
                                -------------------------------  -------------------------------  -------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                  1996       1995       1994       1996       1995       1994       1996       1995       1994
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
United States.................  $  92,063  $  66,826  $  45,713  $  12,613  $   8,670  $   4,702  $  72,589  $  58,051  $  32,518
Europe(1).....................     11,214     11,863      7,297        (69)       651       (541)     6,953      8,790      7,563
Japan.........................        915        913        681       (231)      (394)       (15)       785        539        850
Eliminations..................     (7,360)    (7,243)    (4,257)      (131)      (131)      (163)    --         --         --
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                $  96,832  $  72,359  $  49,434  $  12,182  $   8,796  $   3,983  $  80,327  $  67,380  $  40,931
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Principally reflects the Company's operations and assets in France, United
    Kingdom and Germany.
 
    Export sales from the Company's United States operations are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          1996       1995       1994
                                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
Asia Pacific..........................................................................  $  19,060  $  13,827  $   8,336
Japan.................................................................................     14,606      9,020      7,119
Europe................................................................................        566        544      1,802
Other.................................................................................        749        564        556
                                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                        $  34,981  $  23,955  $  17,813
                                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The aggregate foreign exchange gains and (losses) included in determining
consolidated results of operations were $(153,000), $100,000 and $185,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
                                     VF-17
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                 SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    COL. A                         COL. B               COL. C               COL. D        COL. E
- ----------------------------------------------  ------------  --------------------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>
                                                                      ADDITIONS
                                                              --------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                 BALANCE AT   CHARGED TO    CHARGED TO                   BALANCE AT
                                                BEGINNING OF   COSTS AND       OTHER                       END OF
DESCRIPTION                                        PERIOD      EXPENSES      ACCOUNTS      DEDUCTIONS      PERIOD
- ----------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Year ended December 31, 1996
    Allowance for doubtful accounts...........  $    517,000   $  14,000     $  --        $     49,000  $    482,000
    Valuation allowance on net deferred tax
      assets..................................     1,913,000      --            --           1,118,000       795,000
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
                                                $  2,430,000   $  14,000     $  --        $  1,167,000  $  1,277,000
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Year ended December 31, 1995:
    Allowance for doubtful accounts...........  $    383,000   $ 147,000     $  --        $     13,000  $    517,000
    Valuation allowance on net deferred tax
      assets..................................     2,858,000      --            --             945,000     1,913,000
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
                                                $  3,241,000   $ 147,000     $  --        $    958,000  $  2,430,000
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Year ended December 31, 1994:
    Allowance for doubtful accounts...........  $    385,000   $  54,000     $  --        $     56,000  $    383,000
    Valuation allowance on net deferred tax
      assets..................................     4,294,000      --            --           1,436,000     2,858,000
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
                                                $  4,679,000   $  54,000     $  --        $  1,492,000  $  3,241,000
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
                                                ------------  -----------        -----    ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                     VF-18
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                MARCH 31,
                                                                                          ----------------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>         <C>
                                                                                             1997        1996
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
Net sales...............................................................................  $   29,551  $   20,644
Cost of sales...........................................................................      16,642      11,437
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
Gross profit............................................................................      12,909       9,207
Costs and expenses:
  Research and development expense......................................................       2,952       2,004
  Selling, general and administrative expense...........................................       5,765       4,373
  Amortization expense..................................................................          69          53
  Other--net............................................................................         (18)         92
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
Operating income........................................................................       4,141       2,685
Interest income, net....................................................................         105         200
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
Income before income taxes..............................................................       4,246       2,885
Income taxes............................................................................       1,609       1,075
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
Net income..............................................................................  $    2,637  $    1,810
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
Net income per common share.............................................................  $     0.43  $     0.31
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
Shares used in computation..............................................................   6,150,000   5,893,000
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
                                                                                          ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                     VF-19
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         MARCH 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                            1997          1996
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...........................................................   $   24,819    $   21,209
  Accounts and trade notes receivable.................................................       20,276        19,826
  Inventories.........................................................................       23,619        21,263
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets...........................................          808           858
  Deferred income taxes...............................................................        1,987         1,937
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Total current assets............................................................       71,509        65,093
Property, plant and equipment at cost, net............................................       10,792         9,761
Excess of cost over net assets acquired...............................................        4,433         4,448
Other assets--net.....................................................................        1,319         1,025
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Total assets....................................................................   $   88,053    $   80,327
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable....................................................................   $   13,901    $   11,196
  Accrued expenses....................................................................       11,015         9,964
  Income taxes payable................................................................        2,002           479
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Total current liabilities.......................................................       26,918        21,639
Deferred income taxes.................................................................          257           257
Other liabilities.....................................................................          422           461
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock........................................................................           59            58
  Additional paid-in capital..........................................................       47,993        47,638
  Retained earnings...................................................................       12,246         9,609
  Cumulative translation adjustment...................................................          158           665
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Total shareholders' equity......................................................       60,456        57,970
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity......................................   $   88,053    $   80,327
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                     VF-20
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                   MARCH 31,
                                                                                              --------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>        <C>
                                                                                                1997       1996
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income..................................................................................  $   2,637  $   1,810
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization.............................................................        295        334
  Deferred income taxes.....................................................................        (50)       (12)
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
  Accounts receivable.......................................................................       (697)       868
  Inventories...............................................................................     (2,557)    (3,649)
  Accounts payable..........................................................................      2,727      1,902
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities............................................      2,660     (1,076)
  Other--net................................................................................       (297)       (44)
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by operating activities...............................................      4,718        133
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures........................................................................     (1,266)      (439)
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
    Net cash used in investing activities...................................................     (1,266)      (439)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from stock issuance................................................................        356        206
Other.......................................................................................        (14)    --
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by financing activities...............................................        342        206
Effect of exchange rates on cash............................................................       (184)        51
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents.....................................................      3,610        (49)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............................................     21,209     17,568
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period..................................................  $  24,819  $  17,519
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                     VF-21
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1--BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of
Veeco Instruments Inc. ("Veeco") and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form
10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of
the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation (consisting of normal
recurring accruals) have been included. Operating results for the three months
ended March 31, 1997, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the year ending December 31, 1997. For further information, refer
to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
    Earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common
and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.
 
NOTE 2--INVENTORIES
 
    Interim inventories have been determined by lower of cost (principally
first-in, first-out) or market. Inventories consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MARCH 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         1997          1996
                                                                      -----------  ------------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Raw materials.......................................................   $  11,108    $    9,546
Work-in process.....................................................       6,134         4,909
Finished goods......................................................       6,377         6,808
                                                                      -----------  ------------
                                                                       $  23,619    $   21,263
                                                                      -----------  ------------
                                                                      -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 3--BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 
    Selected Balance Sheet Account Disclosures follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MARCH 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         1997          1996
                                                                      -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Allowance for doubtful accounts.....................................   $     491     $     482
Accumulated depreciation and amortization of property, plant and
  equipment.........................................................   $   6,991     $   6,503
Accumulated amortization of excess of cost over net assets
  acquired..........................................................   $     925     $     910
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4--OTHER INFORMATION
 
    Total interest paid for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 was
$15,000 and $83,000, respectively. The Company made income tax payments of
$103,000 and $308,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
 
                                     VF-22
<PAGE>
                    VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
                                  (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
    On April 28, 1997, Veeco signed a definitive merger agreement with Wyko
Corporation ("Wyko") of Tucson, Arizona, a leading supplier of optical
interferometric measurement systems for the data storage and semiconductor
industries providing for the merger of Veeco Acquisition Corporation, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Veeco, into Wyko. Under the merger agreement, Wyko
shareholders would receive 2,863,810 shares of Veeco common stock and holders of
options to acquire Wyko common stock would receive options to acquire an
aggregate of 136,190 shares of Veeco common stock. The merger is intended to be
accounted for as a pooling of interests transaction. The consummation of the
merger is subject to a number of conditions, including approval by the
shareholders of Veeco, receipt of a fairness opinion from Veeco's financial
advisor and confirmation from Veeco's independent accountants regarding its
concurrence that the merger may be accounted for as a pooling of interests.
 
    On April 10, 1997, the Company acquired certain assets and personnel of the
Media and Magnetics Applications Division of Materials Research Corporation for
cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The acquisition is being
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, a portion of
the purchase price will be allocated to the net assets acquired based on their
estimated fair values as determined by an outside appraisal, including between
$3,500,000 to $4,500,000 to be allocated to in-process engineering and
development projects. These projects have not reached technological feasibility
and have no alternative future uses and thus will be expensed as of the date of
acquisition.
 
NOTE 6--NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
 
    In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
128, "Earnings Per Share," which is effective for both interim and annual
financial statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997. At that time,
the Company will be required to change the method currently used to compute
earnings per share and to restate all prior periods. Under the new requirements
for calculating primary earnings per share, the dilutive effect of stock options
will be excluded. The impact of adopting SFAS No. 128 on the calculation of
primary and fully diluted earnings per share is not expected to be material.
 
                                     VF-23
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
I. DECEMBER 31 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  Report of Independent Auditors...................................................  WF-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995........................  WF-3
  Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the Years Ended
    December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...............................................  WF-4
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995
    and 1994.......................................................................  WF-5
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................  WF-6
 
II. MARCH 31 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996....  WF-14
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the Three
    Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996...........................................  WF-15
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March
    31, 1997 and 1996..............................................................  WF-16
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.............................  WF-17
</TABLE>
 
                                      WF-1
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
To the Board of Directors
WYKO Corporation
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WYKO
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, and cash flows for the
years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
WYKO Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
April 3, 1997
 
Tucson, Arizona
 
                                      WF-2
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  DECEMBER 31
                                                                                              --------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>        <C>
                                                                                                1996       1995
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................................................  $   2,256  $     957
  Short-term investments....................................................................        371          2
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $71 in 1996 and $75 in
    1995....................................................................................      4,288      2,686
  Inventories...............................................................................      4,088      2,056
  Deferred income taxes.....................................................................        511        193
  Other current assets......................................................................     --             10
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total current assets........................................................................     11,514      5,904
 
Property, plant and equipment at cost, net..................................................      3,326      3,479
Escrow deposit..............................................................................      1,500      2,820
Long-term investments.......................................................................        118     --
Other assets................................................................................         12         27
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total assets................................................................................  $  16,470  $  12,230
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..........................................................................  $     679  $     276
  Accrued expenses..........................................................................      3,755      3,424
  Income taxes payable......................................................................      1,067        261
  Current portion of long-term debt.........................................................        106         97
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total current liabilities...................................................................      5,607      4,058
 
Long-term debt..............................................................................      2,563      2,669
 
Commitments and contingencies
 
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, Class A, voting, no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 281,250 shares
    issued and outstanding..................................................................          2          2
  Common stock, Class B, nonvoting, no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares
    issued or outstanding...................................................................     --         --
  Retained earnings.........................................................................      8,298      5,501
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total shareholders' equity..................................................................      8,300      5,503
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity..................................................  $  16,470  $  12,230
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      WF-3
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                 ---------------------------------
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                   1996       1995
                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                                          1994
                                                                                                       -----------
                                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
Net sales......................................................................  $  18,210  $  13,466   $  10,597
Cost of sales..................................................................      7,270      5,392       4,734
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
Gross profit...................................................................     10,940      8,074       5,863
Costs and expenses:
    Research and development expense...........................................      2,660      2,056       1,958
    Selling, general and administrative expense................................      4,184      3,577       3,255
    Legal fees and claims related to litigation................................     --         --           2,051
    Other--net.................................................................       (397)      (154)       (150)
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                     6,447      5,479       7,114
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
Operating income (loss)........................................................      4,493      2,595      (1,251)
Interest (income) expense--net.................................................       (120)       239         379
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes..............................................      4,613      2,356      (1,630)
Income tax provision (benefit).................................................      1,816        (89)         87
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
Net income (loss)..............................................................      2,797      2,445      (1,717)
Retained earnings, beginning of year...........................................      5,501      3,056       4,773
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
Retained earnings, end of year.................................................  $   8,298  $   5,501   $   3,056
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      WF-4
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                  ---------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                    1996       1995
                                                                                  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                           1994
                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)...............................................................  $   2,797  $   2,445   $  (1,717)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating
    activities:
    Depreciation and amortization...............................................        270        290         499
    Deferred income taxes.......................................................       (318)      (193)     --
    Gain on sale of capital assets..............................................     --         --             132
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable.......................................................     (1,602)    (1,163)        224
      Inventories...............................................................     (2,032)      (302)         98
      Escrow deposit............................................................      1,320     (1,170)     (1,650)
      Accounts payable..........................................................        403        111          63
      Accrued expenses..........................................................        331       (205)      2,040
      Income taxes payable......................................................        806         28         233
      Other assets..............................................................         25        163        (233)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.............................      2,000          4        (311)
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures, net.......................................................       (117)      (190)       (136)
(Purchases) maturities of held-to-maturity investments, net.....................       (487)        31       1,639
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities.............................       (604)      (159)      1,503
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Long-term debt repayments.......................................................        (97)       (34)     --
Repayments of short term borrowings.............................................     --         --          (1,194)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net cash used in financing activities...........................................        (97)       (34)     (1,194)
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents............................      1,299       (189)         (2)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year....................................        957      1,146       1,148
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year..........................................  $   2,256  $     957   $   1,146
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      WF-5
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    ORGANIZATION
 
    WYKO Corporation ("WYKO" or the "Company") designs, manufactures, markets
and services computer-controlled precision metrology and test instruments used
in a variety of industrial markets throughout the world.
 
    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WYKO and its
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
    REVENUE
 
    Revenue is recognized when title passes to the customer, generally upon
shipment. Service and maintenance contract revenues are recorded as deferred
income, which is included in other accrued expenses, and recognized as income on
a straight-line basis over the service period of the related contract. The
Company provides for (1) the estimated costs of fulfilling its installation
obligations and (2) warranty costs at the time the related revenue is recorded.
 
    For revenues under long-term contracts involving certain new technologies,
revenues and profits are deferred until technological feasibility is established
and customer acceptance is obtained upon a units of delivery basis. As of
December 31, 1996, the Company had two such long-term fixed price contracts.
During 1996, the Company contracted with two separate customers to provide them
with a product involving new technology which management considers
developmental. Accordingly, the Company has deferred as "customer deposits" all
revenues and profits under these two contracts until technological feasibility
is established and customer acceptance is obtained. If customer acceptance of
the products required to be delivered under the contracts is not received, Wyko
would be required to return the customer deposits received in conjunction with
the execution of the contracts and seek to remarket the products or excess
materials to other end-users. Accumulated contract costs are included in
work-in-process inventory as of December 31, 1996. Provision for estimated
contract losses (determined on the basis of whether the costs of fulfilling the
contract will exceed the fixed price established under the contract), if any, is
made in the period such losses are determined. Under the contracts, cash flow is
negatively impacted during the intial phase because of the requirement of
procuring materials at a cost in excess of the customer deposits received upon
execution of the contracts. As units of product are delivered, cash flow is
positively impacted as costs are recouped and profits are realized.
 
    CASH FLOWS
 
    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash
equivalents consist primarily of money market funds. Interest
 
                                      WF-6
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
expensed and paid during 1996, 1995 and 1994 was approximately $231,000,
$280,000 and $317,000, respectively. Taxes paid in 1996, 1995 and 1994 were
approximately $1,177,000, $40,000 and $21,000, respectively. An income tax
refund of $166,000 was received in 1995 relating to prior year federal net
operating loss carrybacks.
 
    INVESTMENTS
 
    Investments consist primarily of municipal bonds with maturities ranging
from seven to thirteen months. All short-term and long-term investments are
classified as held-to-maturity and are recorded at cost, which approximates
market value as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or
market.
 
    DEPRECIABLE ASSETS
 
    Depreciation and amortization are computed by the straight-line method and
are charged against income over the estimated useful lives of depreciable
assets. Amortization of equipment recorded under capital lease obligations is
included in depreciation of property, plant and equipment.
 
    LEGAL FEES
 
    The Company expenses legal fees as they are incurred.
 
    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
 
    Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and
include expenses for development of new technology and the translation of the
technology into new products or services.
 
    ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EXPENSES
 
    All advertising and promotion costs are expensed when incurred. Total
advertising and promotional expenses for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994 were $445,000, $278,000 and $212,000, respectively.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109") which requires recognition of
deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax
consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or
tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are
determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax
bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year
in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are
established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected
to be realized.
 
                                      WF-7
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
 
    At December 31, 1996, the Company had one stock-based compensation plan (see
Note 7). The Company has elected to continue to follow Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related
Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock-based compensation plan.
 
    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The Company's cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts
receivable, long-term investments, current portion of long-term debt, and
long-term debt represent financial instruments as defined by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosure About Fair Value of
Financial Instruments." Management believes the carrying value of these
financial instruments is a reasonable approximation of fair value, primarily due
to the general stability of interest rates from the instruments' inception to
the balance sheet dates.
 
    CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and investments with various
financial institutions. Insurance carried by the various financial institutions
reduces the Company's credit risk. The Company does have credit risk with
respect to net accounts receivable. However, the Company has historically had
only minor losses on the collection of accounts receivable.
 
    One distributor, AMAC Corporation, accounted for approximately 20% of the
accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 1996. As of December 31, 1995, no
one customer or distributor accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivable.
Sales to two distributors, AMAC Corporation and DYMEK ASIA Company, accounted
for approximately $2,700,000 and $2,500,000, respectively, or 15% and 14%,
respectively, of the Company's net sales during the year ended December 31,
1996, approximately $1,600,000 and $1,000,000, respectively, or 12% and 7%,
respectively, of the Company's net sales during the year ended December 31, 1995
and approximately $2,000,000 and $700,000, respectively, or 19% and 7%,
respectively, of the Company's net sales during the year ended December 31,
1994.
 
                                      WF-8
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2. BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31
                                                                          --------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>           <C>           <C>
                                                                              1996          1995
                                                                          ------------  ------------
Inventories:
  Raw materials.........................................................  $  1,613,000  $    918,000
  Work in process.......................................................     1,497,000       473,000
  Finished goods........................................................       978,000       665,000
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                          $  4,088,000  $  2,056,000
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    Inventories related to long-term contracts were approximately $560,000 at
December 31, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31           ESTIMATED
                                                                          --------------------------    USEFUL
                                                                              1996          1995         LIVES
                                                                          ------------  ------------  -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>           <C>           <C>
Property, plant and equipment:
  Land..................................................................  $    766,000  $    766,000
  Furniture and fixtures................................................        59,000        59,000     5 years
  Machinery and equipment...............................................     2,045,000     2,076,000     5 years
  Building and improvements.............................................     2,812,000     2,812,000    31 years
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                             5,682,000     5,713,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization..........................     2,356,000     2,234,000
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                          $  3,326,000  $  3,479,000
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31
                                                                          --------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>           <C>           <C>
                                                                              1996          1995
                                                                          ------------  ------------
Accrued expenses:
Litigation reserve......................................................  $  1,500,000  $  1,500,000
Property, use, sales and other taxes....................................       659,000       642,000
Payroll and related benefits............................................       356,000       212,000
Customer deposits.......................................................       321,000       125,000
Warranty................................................................       311,000       157,000
Legal fees..............................................................       163,000       405,000
Deferred revenue........................................................       131,000        54,000
Other...................................................................       314,000       329,000
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                          $  3,755,000  $  3,424,000
                                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
3. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
 
    During 1996, the Company entered into a revolving line of credit agreement
(the "Credit Facility") with Northern Trust Bank of Arizona, N. A., which
replaced its previous credit facility. The Credit Facility, to be used for
working capital purposes, provides the Company with up to $1,500,000. The Credit
Facility bears an interest rate based on the prime rate of the lending bank,
adjustable to a maximum rate of 3/4% above the prime rate. The Credit Facility
expires October 20, 1997.
 
    The Credit Facility is secured by accounts receivable and finished goods
inventories. The Credit Facility also contains certain restrictive covenants,
which among other things, impose limitations with
 
                                      WF-9
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)
respect to changes in ownership. The Company is also required to satisfy certain
financial tests including maintaining specified consolidated tangible net worth
and maintaining certain net worth and current ratios.
 
    As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, no borrowings were outstanding under the
Company's credit facilities.
 
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Long-term debt consists of a mortgage note which was refinanced in October,
1995. The note, which bears interest at a rate of 8.5% and will mature on
October 14, 2002, is collaterallized by land and a building. Long-term debt
matures in future fiscal years as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
1997.........................................................  $ 106,000
1998.........................................................    115,000
1999.........................................................    125,000
2000.........................................................    136,000
2001.........................................................    149,000
Thereafter...................................................  2,038,000
                                                               ---------
                                                               2,669,000
Less current portion.........................................    106,000
                                                               ---------
                                                               $2,563,000
                                                               ---------
                                                               ---------
</TABLE>
 
5. INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company files income tax returns on a fiscal year ending June 30. At
June 30, 1995, the Company had approximately $2,889,000 of Federal net operating
loss carryforwards. At June 30, 1996, these carryforwards had been utilized and
as a result there are no remaining Federal net operating loss carryforwards.
 
    Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 1996 and
1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31
                                                                        ----------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>
                                                                           1996        1995
                                                                        ----------  ----------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Legal settlement......................................................  $   --      $  528,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------
Total deferred tax liabilities........................................      --         528,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------
Deferred tax assets:
  Inventory valuation.................................................      84,000      91,000
  Federal net operating loss carryforwards............................      --         322,000
Other.................................................................     427,000     308,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------
Total deferred tax assets.............................................     511,000     721,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------
Net deferred taxes....................................................  $  511,000  $  193,000
                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                        ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                     WF-10
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The 1995 income tax provision reflects the benefit of $874,000 due to the
reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance maintained at December 31,
1994.
 
    Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are
presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                       --------------------------------------
                                                           1996         1995         1994
                                                       ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>          <C>
Current:
  Federal............................................  $  1,730,000  $    84,000   $  67,000
  State..............................................       404,000       20,000      20,000
                                                       ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                          2,134,000      104,000      87,000
Deferred:
  Federal............................................      (270,000)    (164,000)     --
  State..............................................       (48,000)     (29,000)     --
                                                       ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                           (318,000)    (193,000)     --
                                                       ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                       $  1,816,000  $   (89,000)  $  87,000
                                                       ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                       ------------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The reconciliation of income taxes attributable to income computed at U.S.
federal statutory rates to income tax expense (benefit) is:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                        --------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>          <C>
                                                            1996         1995         1994
                                                        ------------  -----------  -----------
Tax (benefit) at U.S. statutory rates.................  $  1,568,000  $   801,000  $  (554,000)
State income taxes (net of Federal benefit)...........       219,000       13,000       13,000
Foreign sales corporation.............................       (89,000)     (93,000)     (61,000)
Nondeductible expenses................................        13,000       14,000       10,000
Operating losses currently realizable.................       --          (874,000)     --
Operating losses not currently realizable.............       --           --           629,000
Other.................................................       105,000       50,000       50,000
                                                        ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                        $  1,816,000  $   (89,000) $    87,000
                                                        ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                        ------------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    The Company leases various vehicles, equipment and office space under
operating leases which vary in terms up to five years. Total rent expense was
$51,000, $44,000 and $71,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994.
 
    Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have
initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year, as of
December 31, 1996, are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
1997..............................................................  $  65,000
1998..............................................................     59,000
1999..............................................................     10,000
2000..............................................................      2,000
                                                                    ---------
Total minimum lease payments......................................  $ 136,000
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                     WF-11
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    The Company entered into an agreement to lease a portion of its building to
an unrelated party. The original lease term of five years began September 1,
1993. Rates are based on square footage utilized by the lessee. The minimum
rents to be received are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
1997..............................................................  $ 355,000
1998..............................................................    244,000
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    $ 599,000
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
7. STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN
 
    Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123) which requires that the information be
determined as if the Company has accounted for its stock options granted
subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of SFAS 123. Because
SFAS 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994
and all options granted by the Company were granted prior to that date,
disclosure of this information is not applicable.
 
    The Company has one stock option plan. The WYKO Corporation 1986 Stock
Option Plan--1990 Amendment (the Plan) provides for the grant to officers and
key employees of up to 30,000 Class A options and 15,000 Class B options, to
purchase equivalent Class A common stock and Class B nonvoting common stock.
 
    Stock options granted pursuant to the Plan become exercisable at a rate of
not more than 25 percent per twelve month period following the grant date, as
determined by the Option Committee, and expire in ten years. All options vest
immediately upon a significant change in ownership.
 
    The stock options were granted at prices which range from $12.96 to $22.37
per share, which were equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of
grant. Stock options outstanding are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1996                    1995
                                                                             ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
                                                                              CLASS A     CLASS B     CLASS A     CLASS B
                                                                             ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
Beginning of the year......................................................     10,375       5,812      10,375       5,812
Canceled ($17.09 per share)................................................     --           2,812      --          --
Options granted............................................................     --          --          --          --
                                                                             ---------       -----   ---------       -----
End of the year............................................................     10,375       3,000      10,375       5,812
                                                                             ---------       -----   ---------       -----
                                                                             ---------       -----   ---------       -----
Number of options exercisable..............................................     10,375       3,000      10,375       3,563
                                                                             ---------       -----   ---------       -----
                                                                             ---------       -----   ---------       -----
</TABLE>
 
8. LITIGATION
 
    In 1988, an action was filed by a competitor charging that the Company
infringed on a patent. In March, 1993, the judge ruled that the Company
infringed on the patent. In June, 1994, damages of $2,668,710, plus other costs,
were awarded to the competitor.
 
    Wyko's management believed that none of its redesigned products infringed
the patent and that it should not have liability for more than the profits from
the first 18 units of the original version of the product manufactured by Wyko
plus the profits on related accessories and service contracts and interest on
lost profits, which, in the aggregate, amounted to approximately $1,500,000.
Based upon this view of
 
                                     WF-12
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
8. LITIGATION (CONTINUED)
Wyko's management at December 31, 1994, a litigation reserve of $1,500,000 was
established in the December 31, 1994 financial statements and remains accrued
through December 31, 1996.
 
    The Company was ordered by the court to establish and fund an escrow account
for the amount of the damages awarded to the competitor plus other costs,
pending the outcome of an appeal. As of December 31, 1995, the Company had
funded the entire balance due which consisted of damages of $2,668,710 and
interest and other costs of $151,106 for a total of $2,819,816 paid to the
escrow account. This amount is reported as a deposit in the accompanying 1995
balance sheet.
 
    In March, 1996, the appeals court found that the Company's then current
product did not infringe on the patent, which was the subject of the original
court decision. However, the appeals court did determine that the original
version of the product did infringe, as indicated in the original court
decision. On August 6, 1996, the court reduced the amount of the deposit
required to be held in escrow to $1,500,000 until a final decision is made as to
the new amount of damages to be awarded to the competitor. Management does not
believe the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material impact on
the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
    As of August 29, 1996, the Company received a refund of $1,541,900 from the
escrow account, which included interest. In connection with this refund, the
Company reduced the recorded deposit to $1,500,000 and recognized interest
income of $222,084.
 
9. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION BENEFIT PLAN
 
    The Company has a defined contribution benefit plan under Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Under this plan, employees meeting minimum age and
service requirements may contribute a maximum of 18% of their annual wages.
Employees are immediately vested in their own contributions. In 1996, the
Company matched employee's contributions up to 2% of the employee's annual
wages. In 1995, the Company matched employee's contributions up to 1% of the
employee's annual wages. Contributions from the Company vest over five years at
20% a year. Amounts contributed to the plan in 1996, 1995 and 1994 were
approximately $78,000, $29,000 and $25,000, respectively.
 
                                     WF-13
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                           1996
                                                                                           MARCH 31,   ------------
                                                                                             1997
                                                                                          -----------
                                                                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................................................   $   1,380    $    2,256
  Short-term investments................................................................         484           371
  Accounts receivable...................................................................       7,106         4,288
  Inventories...........................................................................       4,437         4,088
  Deferred income taxes.................................................................         511           511
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
Total current assets....................................................................      13,918        11,514
 
Property, plant and equipment at cost, net..............................................       3,306         3,326
Escrow deposit..........................................................................       1,500         1,500
Long-term investments...................................................................          --           118
Other assets............................................................................          12            12
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
Total assets............................................................................   $  18,736    $   16,470
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable......................................................................   $     905    $      679
  Accrued expenses......................................................................       4,390         3,755
  Income taxes payable..................................................................       1,029         1,067
  Current portion of long-term debt.....................................................         106           106
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
Total current liabilities...............................................................       6,430         5,607
 
Long-term debt..........................................................................       2,538         2,563
 
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, Class A, voting, no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 281,250
    shares issued and outstanding.......................................................           2             2
  Common stock, Class B, nonvoting, no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares
    issued or outstanding...............................................................          --            --
  Retained earnings.....................................................................       9,766         8,298
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
Total shareholders' equity..............................................................       9,768         8,300
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity..............................................   $  18,736    $   16,470
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
                                                                                          -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                     WF-14
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                 MARCH 31,
                                                                                            --------------------
                                                                                              1997       1996
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                         <C>        <C>
Net sales.................................................................................  $   8,203  $   3,782
Cost of sales.............................................................................      3,603      1,636
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Gross profit..............................................................................      4,600      2,146
 
Costs and expenses:
  Research and development expense........................................................        737        525
  Selling, general and administrative expense.............................................      1,539      1,100
  Other--net..............................................................................       (106)       (99)
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
                                                                                                2,170      1,526
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Operating income..........................................................................      2,430        620
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Interest expense--net.....................................................................         17         31
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Income before income taxes................................................................      2,413        589
Income tax provision......................................................................        945        227
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Net income................................................................................      1,468        362
 
Retained earnings, beginning of period....................................................      8,298      5,501
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
 
Retained earnings, end of period..........................................................  $   9,766  $   5,863
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                     WF-15
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                   MARCH 31,
                                                                                              --------------------
                                                                                                1997       1996
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                           <C>        <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
Net income..................................................................................  $   1,468  $     362
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization...........................................................         55         72
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:............................................
      Accounts receivable...................................................................     (2,818)      (456)
      Inventories...........................................................................       (349)      (142)
      Accounts payable......................................................................        226         85
      Accrued expenses......................................................................        635        415
      Income taxes payable..................................................................        (38)        11
      Other assets..........................................................................         --          7
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.........................................       (821)       354
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
Capital expenditures, net...................................................................        (35)        (6)
Liquidations of held-to-maturity investments, net...........................................          5         --
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Net cash used in investing activities.......................................................        (30)        (6)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
Long-term debt repayments...................................................................        (25)       (24)
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Net cash used in financing activities.......................................................        (25)       (24)
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents........................................       (876)       324
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period..............................................      2,256        957
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period....................................................  $   1,380  $   1,281
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                     WF-16
<PAGE>
                       WYKO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1--BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Wyko
Corporation, an Arizona corporation ("Wyko") and its subsidiaries (collectively,
the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information and with the
instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do
not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of
management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been included. Operating results
for the three months ended March 31, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 1997.
 
NOTE 2--INVENTORIES
 
    Interim inventories have been determined by lower of cost (principally
first-in, first-out) or market. Inventories consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MARCH 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         1997          1996
                                                                      -----------  ------------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Raw materials.......................................................   $   1,817    $    1,613
Work-in process.....................................................       1,586         1,497
Finished goods......................................................       1,034           978
                                                                      -----------  ------------
                                                                       $   4,437    $    4,088
                                                                      -----------  ------------
                                                                      -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    Inventories related to long-term contracts were approximately $583,000 at
March 31, 1997 and $560,000 at December 31, 1996.
 
NOTE 3--BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 
    Selected Balance Sheet Account Disclosures follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MARCH 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         1997          1996
                                                                      -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Allowance for doubtful accounts.....................................   $      71     $      71
Accumulated depreciation and amortization of property, plant and
  equipment.........................................................   $   2,421     $   2,356
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4--OTHER INFORMATION
 
    Total interest paid for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 was
approximately $57,000 and $59,000, respectively. The Company made income tax
payments of approximately $984,000 and $16,000 for the three months ended March
31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
NOTE 5--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
    On April 28, 1997, Wyko signed a definitive merger agreement with Veeco
Instruments Inc. ("Veeco") of Plainview New York, a leading supplier of ion beam
systems and surface metrology equipment for the data storage and semiconductor
industries, providing for the merger of Veeco Acquisition Corporation, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Veeco, into Wyko. Under the merger agreement, Wyko
shareholders would receive 2,863,810 shares of Veeco common stock and holders of
options to acquire Wyko common stock would receive options to acquire an
aggregate of 136,190 shares of Veeco common stock. The merger is intended to be
accounted for as a pooling of interests transaction. The consummation of the
merger is subject to a number of conditions, including approval by the
shareholders of Wyko and Veeco and confirmation from Wyko's independent
accountants regarding its concurrence that the merger may be accounted for as a
pooling of interests.
 
                                     WF-17
<PAGE>
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
                                     AMONG
 
                            VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.,
 
                            VEECO ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                      AND
 
                                WYKO CORPORATION
 
                                      AND
 
                              ITS SECURITYHOLDERS
 
                                 APRIL 28, 1997
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  PAGE
                                                                                                                  -----
<C>        <C>           <S>                                                                                   <C>
       I.  DEFINITIONS.......................................................................................           1
                   1.01  Certain Definitions.................................................................           1
 
      II.  THE MERGER........................................................................................           4
                   2.01  The Merger..........................................................................           4
                   2.02  Effective Time of the Merger........................................................           5
                   2.03  Closing of the Merger...............................................................           5
                   2.04  Effects of the Merger...............................................................           5
                   2.05  Conversion of Shares................................................................           5
                   2.06  Subsequent Action...................................................................           6
 
     III.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDERS................................           6
                   3.01  Organization of the Company.........................................................           6
                   3.02  Capitalization......................................................................           6
                   3.03  Subsidiaries........................................................................           7
                   3.04  Authorization.......................................................................           7
                   3.05  Financial Statements................................................................           8
                   3.06  No Undisclosed Liabilities..........................................................           8
                   3.07  Compliance with the Law; Governmental Authorizations................................           8
                   3.08  No Conflicts........................................................................           8
                   3.09  Contracts...........................................................................           9
                   3.10  Litigation..........................................................................          10
                   3.11  Books and Records...................................................................          10
                   3.12  Taxes...............................................................................          10
                   3.13  Absence of Certain Changes or Events................................................          11
                   3.14  Employee Benefit Plans..............................................................          12
                   3.15  Intellectual Property...............................................................          13
                   3.16  Real Property.......................................................................          13
                   3.17  Tangible Property...................................................................          14
                   3.18  Environmental Matters...............................................................          14
                   3.19  Labor Relations.....................................................................          15
                   3.20  Officers and Employees..............................................................          15
                   3.21  Insurance...........................................................................          15
                   3.22  Brokers and Finders.................................................................          15
                   3.23  Banking Relationships...............................................................          15
                   3.24  Transactions with Shareholders and Affiliates.......................................          16
                   3.25  Accounts Receivable.................................................................          16
                   3.26  Inventory...........................................................................          16
                   3.27  Accuracy of Representations and Warranties..........................................          16
                   3.28  Disclosure Schedules................................................................          16
                   3.29  Knowledge of Breach.................................................................          16
                   3.30  Pooling of Interests................................................................          16
                   3.31  No Disposition......................................................................          16
                   3.32  Solvency............................................................................          17
 
      IV.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VEECO AND ACQUISITION...........................................          17
                   4.01  Organization of the Company.........................................................          17
                   4.02  Capitalization......................................................................          17
                   4.03  Non-Contravention...................................................................          17
                   4.04  Reports.............................................................................          18
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  PAGE
                                                                                                                  -----
<C>        <C>           <S>                                                                                   <C>
                   4.05  Absence of Certain Changes..........................................................          18
                   4.06  No Undisclosed Liabilities..........................................................          19
                   4.07  Litigation..........................................................................          19
                   4.08  Restrictions on Business Activities.................................................          19
                   4.09  Governmental Authorization..........................................................          19
                   4.10  Compliance With Laws................................................................          19
                   4.11  Pooling of Interests................................................................          19
                   4.12  Brokers and Finders.................................................................          19
 
       V.  COVENANTS.........................................................................................          20
                   5.01  Access..............................................................................          20
                   5.02  Business Organization...............................................................          20
                   5.03  Conduct of the Business of the Company Pending the Closing Date.....................          20
                   5.04  Conduct of Business of the Company and Veeco........................................          20
                   5.05  Consents............................................................................          21
                   5.06  Environmental Transfer Laws.........................................................          21
                   5.07  Tax Matters.........................................................................          21
                   5.08  Notice of Breach; Disclosure........................................................          22
                   5.09  Payment of Indebtedness by Affiliates...............................................          22
                   5.10  No Negotiation......................................................................          22
                   5.11  Stockholder Approvals...............................................................          22
                   5.12  Stock Options.......................................................................          23
                   5.13  Election as a Director..............................................................          23
                   5.14  FIRPTA..............................................................................          23
                   5.15  Blue Sky Laws.......................................................................          23
                   5.16  Listing of Additional Shares; S-8 Registration......................................          23
                   5.17  Affiliate Agreements................................................................          23
                   5.18  Additional Agreements...............................................................          24
 
      VI.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF VEECO AND ACQUISITION..................................          24
                   6.01  Representations and Warranties......................................................          24
                   6.02  Performance of Covenants............................................................          24
                   6.03  Litigation..........................................................................          24
                   6.04  Options.............................................................................          24
                   6.05  Consents and Approvals..............................................................          24
                   6.06  Fairness Opinion....................................................................          24
                   6.07  Accounting Opinion..................................................................          24
                   6.08  Appraisals..........................................................................          24
                   6.09  Material Changes....................................................................          25
                   6.10  Stockholder Approval................................................................          25
                   6.11  Due Diligence Review................................................................          25
                   6.12  Delivery of Documents...............................................................          25
                   6.13  Legal Opinions......................................................................          25
                   6.14  Affiliate Agreements................................................................          25
                   6.15  Tax Opinion.........................................................................          25
                   6.16  Certificates of Merger..............................................................          25
 
     VII.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY................................................          25
                   7.01  Representations and Warranties......................................................          26
                   7.02  Performance of Covenants............................................................          26
                   7.03  Litigation..........................................................................          26
                   7.04  Consents and Approvals..............................................................          26
                   7.05  Accounting Opinion..................................................................          26
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-ii
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  PAGE
                                                                                                                  -----
<C>        <C>           <S>                                                                                   <C>
                   7.06  Material Changes....................................................................          26
                   7.07  Stockholder Approval................................................................          26
                   7.08  Due Diligence Review................................................................          26
                   7.09  Delivery of Documents...............................................................          26
                   7.10  Affiliate Agreements................................................................          27
                   7.11  Legal Opinion.......................................................................          27
                   7.12  Tax Opinion.........................................................................          27
                   7.13  Certificates of Merger..............................................................          27
 
    VIII.  INDEMNIFICATION; REMEDIES.........................................................................          27
                   8.01  Survival............................................................................          27
                   8.02  Indemnification by the Stockholders.................................................          27
                   8.03  Indemnification by Veeco............................................................          28
                   8.04  Procedure for Indemnification--Third Party Claims...................................          28
 
      IX.  TERMINATION.......................................................................................          29
                   9.01  Termination Events..................................................................          29
                   9.02  Effect of Termination...............................................................          29
                   9.03  Amendment...........................................................................          29
 
       X.  MISCELLANEOUS.....................................................................................          29
                  10.01  Confidentiality.....................................................................          29
                  10.02  Expenses............................................................................          30
                  10.03  Public Announcements................................................................          30
                  10.04  Successors..........................................................................          30
                  10.05  Further Assurances..................................................................          30
                  10.06  Waiver..............................................................................          30
                  10.07  Entire Agreement....................................................................          30
                  10.08  Governing Law.......................................................................          30
                  10.09  Assignment..........................................................................          30
                  10.10  Notices.............................................................................          30
                  10.11  Headings............................................................................          31
                  10.12  Counterparts........................................................................          31
                  10.13  Exhibits and Schedules..............................................................          31
                  10.14  Severability........................................................................          31
                  10.15  No Third-Party Beneficiaries........................................................          31
                  10.16  Time of the Essence.................................................................          31
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
Exhibit     Certificate of Merger to be filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission
A-1
Exhibit     Certificate of Merger to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
A-2         Delaware
Exhibit B   FIRPTA Notification Letter; Form of Notice to Internal Revenue Service together
            with written authorization from Wyko
Exhibit     Wyko Affiliates Agreement
C-1
Exhibit     Veeco Affiliates Agreement
C-2
Exhibit D   Registration Rights Agreement
</TABLE>
 
                                     A-iii
<PAGE>
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
    AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of April 28, 1997, among Veeco
Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation ("VEECO"), Veeco Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco ("ACQUISITION"), and
Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation (the "COMPANY"), and the stockholders
and holders of options to purchase Class A Shares and Class B Shares of the
Company listed on Schedule 3.02(a) hereof (the "STOCKHOLDERS").
 
    The Boards of Directors of the Company, Veeco and Acquisition have
determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of their respective
stockholders for Acquisition to merge with and into the Company with the result
that the Company shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco (the "MERGER"),
upon the terms and conditions set forth herein and in accordance with the
provisions of the Arizona Business Corporation Act (the "ABCA") and the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the "DGCL").
 
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein,
it is agreed as follows:
 
                                I. DEFINITIONS.
 
    1.01  CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.  For purposes of this Merger Agreement, the
following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
        (a) "ACQUISITION" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to
    this Merger Agreement.
 
        (b) "ABCA" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this
    Merger Agreement.
 
        (c) "BENEFIT PLANS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(a).
 
        (d) "CERTIFICATES OF MERGER" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    2.02.
 
        (e) "CLASS A SHARES" shall mean the Company's shares of Class A Common
    Stock, without par value.
 
        (f) "CLASS B SHARES" shall mean the Company's shares of Class B Common
    Stock, without par value.
 
        (g) "CLOSING" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.
 
        (h) "CLOSING DATE" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.
 
        (i) "COBRA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(e).
 
        (j) "CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
    the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
        (k) "COMMISSION" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange
    Commission.
 
        (l) "COMMON STOCK" shall mean the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares,
    collectively.
 
       (m) "COMPANY" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this
    Merger Agreement. As used in this Merger Agreement, the term "Company" shall
    be deemed to refer collectively to the Company and its Subsidiaries, except
    where the context specifically indicates otherwise.
 
        (n) "COMPANY STOCK OPTION PLAN" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 2.05(f).
 
        (o) "CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 2.01.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
        (p) "CONTRACT" shall mean any agreement, arrangement, commitment,
    indemnity, indenture, instrument, lease or understanding, including any and
    all amendments, supplements, and modifications (whether oral or written)
    thereto, whether or not in writing.
 
        (q) "DAMAGES" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.02.
 
        (r) "DGCL" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this
    Merger Agreement.
 
        (s) "EFFECTIVE TIME" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.
 
        (t) "ENVIRONMENT" shall mean the soil, land surface or subsurface
    strata, surface waters (including navigable waters, ocean waters, streams,
    ponds, drainage basins, and wetlands), groundwaters, drinking water supply,
    stream sediments; ambient air (including indoor air), plant and animal life,
    and any other environmental medium or natural resource.
 
        (u) "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" shall mean any state, federal or local laws,
    ordinances, codes or regulations relating to pollution, natural resources,
    protection of the Environment, or public health and safety, including,
    without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the handling and
    disposal of medical and biological waste.
 
        (v) "EQUITY SECURITIES" shall mean any (i) capital stock or any
    securities representing any other equity interest or (ii) any securities
    convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock or any other rights,
    warrants or options to acquire any of the foregoing securities.
 
        (w) "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
    1974, as amended.
 
        (x) "ERISA AFFILIATE" shall mean with respect to any person (i) any
    corporation which is a member of a controlled group of corporations, within
    the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Code, of which that person is a member,
    (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member
    of a group of trades or businesses under common control, within the meaning
    of Section 414(c) of the Code, of which that person is a member, and (iii)
    any member of an affiliated service group, within the meaning of Section
    414(m) and (o) of the Code, of which that person or any entity described in
    clause (i) or (ii) is a member.
 
        (y) "EXCHANGE ACT" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
    amended.
 
        (z) "FAIRNESS OPINION" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.06.
 
       (aa) "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    3.05.
 
       (bb) "FIRPTA" shall mean the Foreign Investment and Real Property Tax Act
    of 1980.
 
       (cc) "GAAP" shall mean United States generally accepted accounting
    principles.
 
       (dd) "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY" shall mean any government or any agency,
    bureau, board, commission, court, department, official, political
    subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality of any government, whether
    federal, state or local, domestic or foreign.
 
       (ee) "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES" shall mean (i) any hazardous or toxic waste,
    substance or material defined as such in (or for the purposes of) any
    Environmental Law, (ii) asbestos-containing material, (iii) medical and
    biological waste, (iv) polychlorinated biphenyls, (v) petroleum products,
    including gasoline, fuel oil, crude oil and other various constituents of
    such products and (vi) any other chemicals, materials or substances,
    exposure to which is prohibited, limited, or regulated by any Environmental
    Laws.
 
        (ff) "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    3.15.
 
       (gg) "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service of the United States
    or any successor agency, and, to the extent relevant, the United States
    Department of the Treasury.
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
       (hh) "ISSUANCE DATE" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.01.
 
        (ii) "KNOWLEDGE" shall mean, (i) with respect to an individual, the
    actual knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of such individual, and (ii)
    with respect to any Person other than an individual, the actual knowledge,
    after reasonable inquiry, of the officers and directors of such entity or
    other persons performing similar functions.
 
        (jj) "LAW" shall mean any constitutional provision or any statute or
    other law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority and any decree,
    injunction, judgment, order, ruling, assessment or writ.
 
       (kk) "LEASED REAL PROPERTY" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    3.16(b).
 
        (ll) "LEASED TANGIBLE PROPERTY" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 3.17(b).
 
      (mm) "LEASES" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(b).
 
       (nn) "LICENSES" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.07(b).
 
       (oo) "LIEN" shall mean any lien, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust,
    security interest, claim, lease, charge, option, right of first refusal,
    easement, servitude, encroachment or other survey defect, transfer
    restriction or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever.
 
       (pp) "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" shall mean, with respect to any entity or
    group of entities, any event, change or effect that is materially adverse to
    the condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets, liabilities,
    business, operations or results of operations of such entity and its
    subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
 
       (qq) "MATERIAL CONTRACT" shall mean any Contract required to be listed on
    Schedule 3.09(a).
 
       (rr) "MERGER" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this
    Merger Agreement.
 
       (ss) "MERGER AGREEMENT" shall mean this Agreement and Plan of Merger.
 
        (tt) "MERGER CONSIDERATION" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    2.05(a).
 
       (uu) "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    3.14(a).
 
       (vv) "NASDAQ" shall mean The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
 
      (ww) "OPTIONS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).
 
       (xx) "OWNED REAL PROPERTY" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    3.16(a).
 
       (yy) "OWNED TANGIBLE PROPERTY" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 3.17(a).
 
       (zz) "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any
    successor thereto.
 
      (aaa) "PERSON" shall mean any individual, corporation, limited liability
    company, partnership, firm, joint venture, association, joint-stock company,
    trust, unincorporated organization, or other organization, whether or not a
    legal entity, and any Governmental Authority.
 
      (bbb) "PROXY STATEMENT" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    5.11(c).
 
      (ccc) "RELEASE" shall mean any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging,
    depositing, escaping, leaching, dumping, or other releasing, whether
    intentional or unintentional.
 
      (ddd) "RULE 145" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.17(a).
 
      (eee) "SECURITIES ACT" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
       (fff) "STOCKHOLDER INDEMNITEES" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 8.03.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
      (ggg) "STOCKHOLDERS" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to
    this Merger Agreement.
 
      (hhh) "SUBSIDIARY" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.
 
       (iii) "SURVIVING CORPORATION" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    2.01.
 
       (jjj) "TANGIBLE PROPERTY LEASES" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 3.17(b).
 
      (kkk) "TAX" or "TAXES" shall mean any and all taxes (whether Federal,
    state, local or foreign), including, without limitation, income, profits,
    franchise, gross receipts, payroll, sales, employment, use, property,
    withholding, excise, occupation, value added ad valorem transfer and other
    taxes, duties or assessments of any nature whatsoever, together with any
    interest, penalties or additions to tax imposed with respect thereto.
 
       (lll) "TAX RETURNS" shall mean any returns, reports and forms required to
    be filed with any Governmental Authority.
 
    (mmm) "THREATENED" shall mean the following: a claim, proceeding, dispute,
    action, or other matter will be deemed to have been "Threatened" if any
    demand or statement has been made (orally or in writing) or any notice has
    been given (orally or in writing) that would lead a prudent Person to
    conclude that such a claim, proceeding, dispute, action, or other matter is
    likely to be asserted, commenced, taken, or otherwise pursued in the future.
 
      (nnn) "VEECO" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this
    Merger Agreement.
 
      (ooo) "VEECO AFFILIATES" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    5.17(b).
 
      (ppp) "VEECO AUTHORIZATIONS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    4.09.
 
      (qqq) "VEECO BALANCE SHEET" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    4.06.
 
       (rrr) "VEECO BALANCE SHEET DATE" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 4.05.
 
       (sss) "VEECO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 4.04.
 
       (ttt) "VEECO OPTIONS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    4.02(b).
 
      (uuu) "VEECO'S BROKERS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.12.
 
      (vvv) "VEECO SEC DOCUMENTS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
    4.04.
 
     (www) "VEECO SHARES" shall mean the common stock, $.01 par value per share,
    of Veeco.
 
      (xxx) "VEECO STOCKHOLDERS MEETING" shall have the meaning set forth in
    Section 5.11(b).
 
      (yyy) "WYKO AFFILIATES" shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule
    5.17(a).
 
    1.02 The words "hereof," "herein," "hereby" and "hereunder," and words of
like import, refer to this Merger Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
Section hereof. References herein to any Section, Schedule or Exhibit refer to
such Section of, or such Schedule or Exhibit to, this Merger Agreement, unless
the context otherwise requires. All pronouns and any variations thereof refer to
the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, singular or plural, as the context may
require.
 
                                II. THE MERGER.
 
    2.01  THE MERGER.  At the Effective Time of the Merger (as defined in
Section 2.02 hereof), Acquisition shall be merged with and into the Company. The
separate existence of Acquisition shall thereupon cease and the Company shall
continue its corporate existence as the surviving corporation (the "SURVIVING
CORPORATION") under the laws of the State of Delaware under its present name.
The Company and Acquisition are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the
"CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS".
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
    2.02  EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER.  At the Closing (as defined in Section
2.03 hereof), the parties hereto shall cause certificates of merger
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT A-1 and EXHIBIT A-2 annexed hereto to be
executed and filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware, respectively, as provided in Section 10-1105 of
the ABCA and Section 252 of the DGCL, respectively (collectively, the
"CERTIFICATES OF MERGER"), and shall take all such other and further actions as
may be required by law to make the Merger effective. The Merger shall become
effective as of the date and time of the filing of such Certificates of Merger.
The date and time of such effectiveness are referred to herein as the "EFFECTIVE
TIME".
 
    2.03  CLOSING OF THE MERGER.  Unless this Merger Agreement shall theretofore
have been terminated pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.01 hereof, the
closing of the Merger (the "CLOSING") shall take place on the second business
day following the day on which the last of the conditions set forth in Articles
VI and VII hereof are fulfilled or waived, subject to applicable laws (the
"CLOSING DATE"), at the offices of Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler, LLP,
425 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022 unless another time, date or place is
agreed to in writing by the parties hereto.
 
    2.04  EFFECTS OF THE MERGER.  At the Effective Time of the Merger:
 
        (a) the separate existence of Acquisition shall cease and Acquisition
    shall be merged with and into the Company, which shall be the Surviving
    Corporation;
 
        (b) the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of Acquisition as in
    effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Certificate of
    Incorporation and By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation until each shall
    thereafter be amended in accordance with each of their terms and as provided
    by law;
 
        (c) the director of Acquisition immediately prior to the Effective Time
    shall be the initial director of the Surviving Corporation, and the officers
    of Acquisition immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial
    officers of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance
    with the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Surviving
    Corporation, in each case until their respective successors are duly elected
    and qualified;
 
        (d) the Surviving Corporation shall possess all the rights, privileges,
    immunities and franchises, of a public as well as of a private nature, of
    each of the Constituent Corporations, and all property, real, personal, and
    mixed, and all debts due on whatever account, and all other choses in
    action, and all and every other interest of or belonging to or due to each
    of the Constituent Corporations shall be taken and deemed to be transferred
    to and vested in the Surviving Corporation without further act or deed; and
 
        (e) the Surviving Corporation shall thenceforth be responsible and
    liable for all liabilities and obligations of each of the Constituent
    Corporations, and any claim existing or action or proceeding pending by or
    against either of the Constituent Corporations may be prosecuted as if such
    Merger had not taken place or the Surviving Corporation may be substituted
    in its place. Neither the rights of creditors nor liens upon the property of
    either of the Constituent Corporations shall be impaired by the Merger.
 
    2.05  CONVERSION OF SHARES.  As of the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any further action on the part of Veeco, Acquisition, the
Company, or any holder of any Equity Securities of the Constituent Corporations:
 
        (a) Each Class A Share of the Company issued and outstanding immediately
    prior to the Effective Time (other than the Class A Shares held in the
    treasury of the Company which shall be canceled and retired) shall be
    converted into the right to receive 10.182435 Veeco Shares (the "MERGER
    CONSIDERATION"), upon surrender of the certificates to Veeco representing
    such Class A Shares.
 
        (b) The Merger Consideration shall be adjusted to reflect fully the
    effect of any stock split, reverse split, stock dividend (including any
    dividend or distribution of securities convertible into Veeco Shares or
    Class A Shares of the Company), reorganization, recapitalization or other
    like change with respect to Veeco Shares or Class A Shares of the Company
    occurring after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time.
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
    (c) No fraction of a Veeco Share will be issued, but in lieu thereof each
holder of shares of Class A Shares of the Company who would otherwise be
entitled to a fraction of a Veeco Share (after aggregating all fractional shares
of Veeco Shares to be received by such holder) shall receive from Veeco an
amount of cash (rounded to the nearest whole cent) equal to the product of (i)
such fraction, multiplied by (ii) the average closing price of a Veeco Share for
the ten most recent days that Veeco Shares have traded ending on the trading day
immediately prior to the Effective Time, as reported on NASDAQ.
 
    (d) Each share of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of Acquisition
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Surviving
Corporation;
 
    (e) All Class A Shares, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on
the part of the holders thereof, shall no longer be outstanding and shall be
canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate
representing any Class A Shares shall thereafter cease to have any rights with
respect to such Class A Shares, except the right to receive the Merger
Consideration for the Class A Shares upon the surrender of such certificate in
accordance with this Section.
 
    (f) Each outstanding option to purchase Class A Shares or Class B Shares
under the Company's 1986 employee stock option plan (the "COMPANY STOCK OPTION
PLAN"), by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
holders thereof, shall be assumed by Veeco and shall be converted into the right
to receive an option to purchase Veeco Shares in an amount and with an exercise
price as set forth on Schedule 2.05.
 
    2.06  SUBSEQUENT ACTION.  If, at any time after the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of
sale, assignments, assurances and any other actions or things are necessary,
desirable or proper to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the
Surviving Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the
rights, properties or assets of the Constituent Corporations as a result of, or
in connection with, the Merger, the officers and directors of the Surviving
Corporation shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on
behalf of the Constituent Corporations or otherwise, all such deeds, bills of
sale, assignments and assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf
of the Constituent Corporations or otherwise, all such other actions and things
as may be necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right,
title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets in the
Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry out this Merger Agreement.
 
III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDERS.
 
    The Company and each of the Stockholders represents and warrants to Veeco
and Acquisition as follows:
 
    3.01  ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY.  The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Arizona, and is qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to do business in
each other jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify would have a Material
Adverse Effect upon its business or operations. The jurisdictions where the
Company is so qualified to do business as a foreign corporation are set forth in
Schedule 3.01. The Company has all requisite corporate power to own, operate and
lease its assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted. The
Company has delivered to Veeco correct and complete copies of its Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws as in effect on the date hereof.
 
    3.02  CAPITALIZATION.  (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of (i) 5,000,000 shares of Class A Shares, of which 281,250 are issued
and outstanding as of the date hereof, and (ii) 5,000,000 Shares of Class B
Shares, of which none are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof. A
complete list of the present record and beneficial owners of all the issued and
outstanding shares of Class A Shares and the holdings of each such record and
beneficial owner are set forth in Schedule 3.02(a).
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
All of the outstanding Class A Shares have been duly authorized and validly
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in conformity with
applicable laws. No other shares of capital stock of the Company are or will be
outstanding or held as treasury shares. No legend or other reference to any
purported Lien appears upon any certificate representing the Common Stock.
 
        (b) As of the date hereof, 10,375 shares of Class A Shares and 3,000
shares of Class B Shares are issuable upon the exercise of options granted under
the Company's Stock Option Rights Plan (the "OPTIONS"). Schedule 3.02(b)
contains a list of all Options outstanding on the date hereof, the number of
Class A Shares or Class B Shares issuable upon the exercise of each such Option,
the name of the optionee and the applicable exercise price. Except for the
Options, there are no outstanding Equity Securities or other obligations to
issue or grant any rights to acquire, any Equity Securities of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, or any Contracts to restructure or recapitalize the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no outstanding Contracts of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire
any Equity Securities of the Company or any such Subsidiary. All outstanding
Equity Securities of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued
and are fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in conformity with
applicable laws. As of the Closing, no options, warrants, convertible securities
or rights will be exercisable or exchangeable for, convertible into, or
otherwise give its holder any right to acquire shares of capital stock of the
Company.
 
    3.03  SUBSIDIARIES.  Schedule 3.03 contains a list of each subsidiary of the
Company (each, a "SUBSIDIARY" and collectively, the "SUBSIDIARIES"), including
its name, jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, other jurisdictions in
which it is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation, and
capitalization (including the identity of each stockholder and the number of
shares held by each). Each Subsidiary is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization
as set forth on Schedule 3.03, with full corporate power and authority to own
its properties and to engage in its business as presently conducted and is not
required to qualify as a foreign corporation in any other jurisdiction where
failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.03, all of the outstanding Equity
Securities of each Subsidiary are owned of record and beneficially by the
Company or one or more Subsidiaries, free and clear of Liens. No legend or other
reference to any purported Lien appears upon any certificate representing equity
securities of each Subsidiary. All of the outstanding Equity Securities of each
Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable and were issued in conformity with applicable laws. There are no
outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights to
subscribe for, to purchase, or Contracts to issue or grant any rights to
acquire, any Equity Securities of any Subsidiary or to restructure or
recapitalize any Subsidiary. There are no outstanding Contracts of any
Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any Equity Securities of
any Subsidiary. The Company has delivered or made available to Veeco complete
and correct copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of each
Subsidiary, as in effect on the date hereof.
 
    3.04  AUTHORIZATION.  The Company has full corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform this Merger Agreement and the Certificates of
Merger and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the
Stockholders has the right, capacity and all requisite authority to execute,
deliver and perform this Merger Agreement and the Certificates of Merger and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Merger Agreement, the Certificates of Merger and all other
documents and agreements to be delivered pursuant hereto and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by
the board of directors of the Company. Prior to the Closing, the execution,
delivery and performance of this Merger Agreement, the Certificates of Merger
and all other documents and agreements to be delivered pursuant hereto and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will be duly and validly
authorized by the stockholders of the Company and no other corporate proceedings
on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize this Merger Agreement, the
Certificates of Merger and any related documents or agreements or to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby. As of the
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
Closing, no stockholder of the Company will have any rights to dissent under
applicable law and there will be no shares of the Company entitled to
dissenters' rights. This Merger Agreement has been and the Certificates of
Merger when executed at the Closing will be duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Company and each of the Stockholders and this Merger Agreement
constitutes, and the Certificates of Merger will constitute, a legal, valid and
binding agreement of the Company and each of the Stockholders enforceable in
accordance with each of their respective terms.
 
    3.05  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  The Company has delivered to Veeco (i)
consolidated balance sheets for the Company and its Subsidiaries as at December
31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and related consolidated statements of income,
retained earnings and cash flows for the fiscal years then ended, together with
the report thereon of Ernst & Young LLP, (ii) consolidated balance sheets for
the Company and its subsidiaries as at December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992,
respectively, and related consolidated statements of income and retained
earnings for the fiscal years then ended, and (iii) an unaudited consolidated
interim balance sheet for the Company and its Subsidiaries as of March 31, 1997
and related interim consolidated statements of income and retained earnings for
the three-month period then ended (collectively, the "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS").
Except as set forth in Schedule 3.05, the Financial Statements fairly present
the financial condition and results of operations of the Company on the dates
and for the financial periods then ended, in accordance with GAAP which have
been applied on a basis consistent with prior periods (except that no footnotes
are provided for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992).
 
    3.06  NO UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.06, the
Company has no obligations or liabilities of any nature (matured or unmatured,
fixed or contingent) other than those (i) set forth or adequately provided for
in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at
December 31, 1996, (ii) not required to be set forth on such balance sheet under
GAAP, or (iii) incurred in the ordinary course of business since December 31,
1996 and consistent with past practice.
 
    3.07  COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW; GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS.  (a) The
Company, to its knowledge, has complied with, and is not in violation of, and
has not received notices of violation with respect to, any Law with respect to
the conduct of its business, or the ownership or operation of its business.
 
        (b) The Company has obtained all material licenses, permits,
certificates, consents and approvals from Governmental Authorities (the
"LICENSES") that are necessary for the business and operations of the Company.
All such Licenses are listed in Schedule 3.07(b), are in full force and effect,
and no written notice of any material violation has been received by the Company
in respect of any such License. To the Company's knowledge, except as set forth
in Schedule 3.07(b), the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder
and the operation of the business of the Company by the Surviving Corporation in
the manner in which it is currently operated will not require the transfer of
any License that may not be transferred to the Surviving Corporation without the
consent or approval of any Governmental Authority or other Person.
 
    3.08  NO CONFLICTS.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.08, the execution,
delivery and performance by the Company of this Merger Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (a) violate any
provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries, (b) violate, or be in conflict with, or constitute a
default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the
performance required by, or excuse performance by any Person of any of its
obligations under, or cause the acceleration of the maturity of any debt or
obligation pursuant to, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon
any property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, any
Material Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or
by which any of their property or assets are bound, or to which any of the
property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, except
for Material Contracts wherein the other party thereto has consented to the
consummation of this transaction, (c) violate any Law applicable to the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or (d) violate or result in the revocation or
suspension of any License.
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
    3.09  CONTRACTS.  (a) Schedule 3.09 contains a complete and accurate list,
and the Company has delivered or made available to Veeco true and complete
copies (or, in the case of oral contracts, summaries), of:
 
        (i) each Contract that is executory in whole or in part and involves
    performance of services or delivery of goods or materials by the Company of
    an amount or value in excess of $150,000;
 
        (ii) each Contract that is executory in whole or in part and was not
    entered into in the ordinary course of business and that involves
    expenditures or receipts of the Company in excess of $50,000;
 
       (iii) each lease, rental or occupancy agreement, license agreement,
    installment and conditional sale agreement, and any other Contract affecting
    the ownership of, leasing of, title to, use of, or any leasehold or other
    interest in, any real property (except installment and conditional sales
    agreements having a value per item or aggregate payments of less than $1,000
    and with terms of less than one year);
 
        (iv) other than licensing agreements entered into in connection with
    product sales in the ordinary course of the Company's business, each
    licensing agreement or any other Contract with respect to patents,
    trademarks, copyrights, or other Intellectual Property, including Contracts
    with current or former employees, consultants, or contractors regarding the
    appropriation or the non-disclosure of any of the Intellectual Property;
 
        (v) each collective bargaining agreement and any other Contract to or
    with any labor union or other employee representative of a group of
    employees;
 
        (vi) each joint venture, partnership, and any other Contract (however
    named) involving a sharing of profits, losses, costs or liabilities by the
    Company with any other Person;
 
       (vii) each Contract containing covenants that in any way purport to
    restrict the business activity of the Company or limit the freedom of the
    Company to engage in any line of business or to compete with any Person;
 
      (viii) each Contract providing for payments to or by any Person based on
    sales, purchases, or profits, other than direct payments for goods;
 
        (ix) each power of attorney that is currently effective and outstanding
    granted by and relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
 
        (x) each Contract entered into other than in the ordinary course of
    business that contains or provides for an express undertaking by the Company
    to be responsible for consequential damages;
 
        (xi) each Contract for capital expenditures in excess of $25,000;
 
       (xii) each written warranty, guaranty, and/or other similar undertaking
    with respect to contractual performance extended by the Company other than
    in the ordinary course of business; and
 
      (xiii) each Contract with any employee, director or officer.
 
        (b) Each Material Contract is in full force and effect and enforceable
in accordance with its terms (subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and other
proceedings at law or in equity relating to the rights of creditors generally).
 
        (c) The Company has fulfilled in all material respects all obligations
required pursuant to each Material Contract to have been performed by it.
 
        (d) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.09(d), the Company has received no
written notice of default under any Material Contract, no default (beyond any
applicable grace or cure period) has occurred under any Material Contract on the
part of the Company, or to the Company's knowledge, on the part of any other
party thereto, nor to the Company's knowledge, has any event occurred which with
the giving of
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
notice or the lapse of time, or both, would constitute any default on the part
of the Company under any Material Contract nor to the Company's knowledge, has
any event occurred which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both,
would constitute any default on the part of any other party to any Material
Contract.
 
        (e) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.09(e), no consent or approval of
any party to any of the Material Contracts is required for the execution,
delivery or performance of this Merger Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby to which the Company is a party.
 
        (f) To the knowledge of the Company, no officer, director, agent, or
employee of the Company is bound by any Contract that purports to limit the
ability of such officer, director, agent or employee to (i) engage in or
continue any conduct, activity or practice relating to the business of the
Company or (ii) assign to the Company or to any other Person any rights to any
invention, improvement or discovery.
 
    3.10  LITIGATION.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.10, there are no
actions, suits or legal, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings or
governmental investigations pending or, to the Company's knowledge, Threatened
against the Company before or by any Governmental Authority, and, to the
Company's knowledge, no basis exists for any such action. The Company is not a
party to nor subject to any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award
of any Governmental Authority.
 
    3.11  BOOKS AND RECORDS.  To the Company's knowledge, the books and records
of the Company, all of which have been made available to Veeco, set forth in all
respects all material transactions affecting the Company, and such books and
records have been properly kept and maintained and are complete and correct in
all material respects.
 
    3.12  TAXES.  To the knowledge of the Company, the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries have filed or caused to be filed on a timely basis all Tax Returns
that are or were required to be filed by each of them pursuant to the Laws of
each Governmental Authority with taxing power over the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries and each of their respective assets and businesses. Each Tax Return
filed by the Company was true, correct and complete in all material respects
when it was filed and each Tax Return that will be filed on or before the
Closing Date will be true, correct and complete in all material respects when it
is filed. To the knowledge of the Company, the Company has delivered to Veeco
complete copies of all Tax Returns filed for the past three years. The Company
or any of its Subsidiaries have paid, or made provision for the payment of, all
Taxes that have or may have become due pursuant to those Tax Returns, or
otherwise, or pursuant to any assessment received by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries except such Taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith and
as to which adequate reserves have been provided in the Financial Statements.
All Tax Returns required to be filed by the Company for the periods from the
date hereof up to and including the Closing Date have been or will be timely
filed, and all Taxes for such period will be paid by the Company. To the
knowledge of the Company, except as set forth in Schedule 3.12, the United
States federal and state and local income Tax Returns of the Company and each of
its Subsidiaries subject to such Taxes have been audited by the Internal Revenue
Service or relevant state tax authorities or are closed by the applicable
statute of limitations for all taxable years, in the case of United States
federal income Tax Returns, through June 30, 1993 and, in the case of state and
local income Tax Returns, through June 30, 1992. All deficiencies proposed
(including interest, penalties and additions to tax that were or are proposed to
be assessed thereon, if any) as a result of such audits have been paid, reserved
against, settled, or, as described in Schedule 3.12, are being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings. To the knowledge of the Company, all Taxes
that the Company or its Subsidiaries are or were required to pay have been paid
to the proper Governmental Authority or other Person. To the knowledge of the
Company, all Taxes that the Company or its Subsidiaries is, or was, required by
Law to withhold and collect have been duly withheld or collected and, to the
extent required, have been paid to the appropriate Governmental Authority. To
the knowledge of the Company, except as set forth in Schedule 3.12, neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has given, or been requested to give,
waivers or extensions (or is or would be subject to a waiver or extension given
by any other entity) of any statute of limitations relating to the
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>
payment of Taxes for which it (or any Affiliate) may be liable. Except as set
forth in Schedule 3.12, there are no Liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the
properties or assets, real or personal, tangible or intangible, of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries, other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.
Neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries, is a "U.S. real property
holding corporation," as defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Code. There is no
tax sharing agreement that will require any payment by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries after the date of this Merger Agreement.
 
    3.13  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS.  Except as set forth herein and
in Schedule 3.13, since December 31, 1996, other than transactions in the
ordinary course of the Company's business, the Company has not:
 
    (a) changed any of the Company's authorized or issued capital stock; granted
        any stock option or right to purchase shares of capital stock of the
        Company; issued any Equity Security; granted any registration rights;
        purchased, redeemed, retired, or otherwise acquired any shares of any
        such capital stock; or declared or paid any dividend or other
        distribution or payment in respect of shares of capital stock;
 
    (b) amended the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of the Company;
 
    (c) paid or increased any bonuses, salaries, or other compensation to any
        stockholder, director, officer or employee or entered into any
        employment, severance, or similar Contract with any director, officer,
        or employee;
 
    (d) adopted, amended or otherwise increased the payments to or benefits
        under, any Benefit Plan for or with any employees of the Company;
 
    (e) damaged or destroyed or lost any asset or property of the Company,
        whether or not covered by insurance, materially and adversely affecting
        the properties, assets, business, financial condition or prospects of
        the Company;
 
    (f) materially amended, renewed, failed to renew, negotiated, terminated
        (other than due to any scheduled expiration) or received written notice
        of termination (other than due to any scheduled expiration) of, any
        Material Contract or defaulted (beyond any applicable notice or grace
        period) in any of its obligations under any Material Contract or entered
        into any new Material Contract or took any action that would jeopardize
        the continuance of its material suppliers or customer relationships;
 
    (g) sold (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business),
        leased, or otherwise disposed of any material asset or property of the
        Company or mortgaged, pledged, or imposed any Lien on any material asset
        or property of the Company, including the sale, lease, or other
        disposition of any of the Intellectual Property;
 
    (h) incurred or assumed any long-term debt (including obligations in respect
        of capital leases) in excess of $10,000, in the aggregate, (ii) assumed,
        guaranteed, endorsed or otherwise became liable or responsible (whether
        directly, contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of any other
        Person (other than endorsements of checks in the ordinary course) in
        excess of $10,000, in the aggregate, or (iii) made any loans, advances
        or capital contributions to, or investment in, any Person other than a
        Subsidiary in excess of $10,000, in the aggregate;
 
    (i) paid, discharged or satisfied any claims, liabilities or obligations
        (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise),
        other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
        practice, or failed to pay or otherwise satisfied any material claims,
        liabilities or obligations on a basis, and within the time, consistent
        with past practice;
 
    (j) cancelled or waived any material claims or rights;
 
    (k) materially changed any of the accounting methods used by the Company;
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>
    (l) merged or consolidated with or into any other Person; or
 
    (m) agreed, whether orally or in writing, to do any of the foregoing.
 
    3.14  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.  (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14(a),
neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) maintains or contributes to
or has any obligation with respect to, and none of the employees of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries is covered by, any bonus, deferred compensation,
severance pay, pension, profit-sharing, retirement, insurance, stock purchase,
stock option, or other fringe benefit plan, arrangement or practice, written or
otherwise, or any other "employee benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of
ERISA, whether formal or informal (collectively, the "BENEFIT PLANS"). None of
the Benefit Plans is, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (or
any of their ERISA Affiliates) has ever maintained or had an obligation to
contribute to (i) a plan subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title I, Subtitle
B, Part 3 of ERISA, (ii) a "multiemployer plan," as defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA, (a "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN"), (iii) a "multiple employer plan," as defined in
ERISA or the Code, or (iv) a funded welfare benefit plan, as defined in Section
419 of the Code. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
agreement or commitment to create any additional Benefit Plan, or to modify or
change any existing Benefit Plan. The Company and its Subsidiaries do not have
any other ERISA Affiliates.
 
        (b) With respect to each Benefit Plan, the Company has heretofore
delivered or caused to be delivered or made available to Veeco true, correct and
complete copies of (i) all documents which comprise the most current version of
each of such Benefit Plan, including any related trust agreements, insurance
contracts, or other funding or investment agreements and any amendments thereto,
and (ii) with respect to each Benefit Plan that is an "employee benefit plan,"
as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, (w) the three most recent Annual Reports
(Form 5500 Series) and accompanying schedules for each of the Benefit Plans for
which such a report is required, (x) the most current summary plan description
(and any summary of material modifications), (y) the three most recent certified
financial statements for each of the Benefit Plans for which such a statement is
required or was prepared, and (z) for each Benefit Plan intended to be
"qualified" within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code, all IRS
determination letters issued with respect to such Plan. Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.14(b), since the date of the documents delivered, there has not been
any material change in the assets or liabilities of any of the Benefit Plans or
any change in their terms and operations which could reasonably be expected to
affect or alter the tax status or materially affect the cost of maintaining such
Plan, and none of the Benefit Plans has been or will be amended prior to the
Closing Date. Each of the Benefit Plans can be amended, modified or terminated
by the Company or a Subsidiary within a period of thirty (30) days, without
payment of any additional compensation or amount or the additional vesting or
acceleration of any such benefits, except to the extent that such vesting is
required under the Code upon the complete or partial termination of any Benefit
Plan intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code.
 
        (c) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has performed and complied
in all material respects with all of its obligations under and with respect to
the Benefit Plans and each of the Benefit Plans has, at all times, in form,
operation and administration complied in all material respects with its terms,
and, where applicable, the requirements of the Code, ERISA and all other
applicable Laws. Each Benefit Plan which is intended to be "qualified" within
the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has been determined by the IRS to be
so qualified and nothing has occurred which reasonably could be expected to
adversely affect such qualified status.
 
        (d) All group health plans covering employees of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries have been operated in material compliance with the continuation
coverage requirements of Section 4980B of the Code (and any predecessor
provisions) and Part 6 of Title I of ERISA ("COBRA"). Neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries has any obligation to provide health benefits or other
non-pension benefits to retired or other former employees, except as
specifically required by COBRA.
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
        (e) Neither the Company, any of its Subsidiaries nor any other
"disqualified person" or "party in interest," as defined in Section 4975 of the
Code and Section 3(14) of ERISA, respectively, has engaged in any "prohibited
transaction," as defined in Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA,
with respect to any Benefit Plan nor have there been any fiduciary violations
under ERISA which could subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or any
officer, director or employee thereof) to any penalty or Tax under Section
502(i) of ERISA or Sections 4971 and 4975 of the Code.
 
        (f) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14(g), with respect to any Benefit
Plan: (i) no filing, application or other matter is pending with the IRS of
which the Company has received a written notice, the PBGC, the United States
Department of Labor or any other governmental body, (ii) there is no action,
suit or claim pending nor, to the knowledge of the Company, Threatened, other
than routine claims for benefits, and (iii) there are no outstanding liabilities
for Taxes, penalties or fees.
 
        (g) Neither the execution and delivery of this Merger Agreement nor the
consummation of any or all of the contemplated transactions will: (i) entitle
any current or former employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to
severance pay, unemployment compensation or any similar payment, (ii) accelerate
the time of payment or vesting or increase the amount of any compensation due to
any such employee or former employee, or (iii) directly or indirectly result in
any payment made or to be made to or on behalf of any person to constitute a
"parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.
 
    3.15  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.  Schedule 3.15 sets forth a list of all
patents, patent applications, copyrights, trademarks, trademark applications,
trade names and service marks in which the Company has rights. The Company has
previously delivered or made available to Veeco a list of all trade secrets,
software and computer programs, drawings and other proprietary intellectual
property in which the Company has rights. The items set forth on Schedule 3.15
and on the list referred to above are collectively referred to as the
"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY." Except as set forth in Schedule 3.15 or on the list,
the Company either owns and has good title or has the legally enforceable right
to use all of the Intellectual Property. To the Company's knowledge, the Company
is not infringing upon any intellectual property rights of any other Person,
nor, to the knowledge of the Company, is any other Person infringing on any of
the Company's rights in respect of the Intellectual Property.
 
    3.16  REAL PROPERTY.  (a) Schedule 3.16(a) describes all real property owned
by the Company (the "OWNED REAL PROPERTY"). True and complete copies of all
owners policies of title insurance obtained for the benefit of the Company have
been delivered or made available to Veeco. To the knowledge of the Company,
except as set forth in Schedule 3.16(a), the Company has good and marketable
title to all of the Owned Real Property together with all buildings,
improvements, fixtures (including, without limitation, all heating, plumbing,
air conditioning, ventilation and electrical equipment), rights of way,
easements and appurtenances thereto, free and clear of all Liens other than (i)
municipal and zoning ordinances; (ii) recorded easements for public utilities
serving the Real Property; and (iii) Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable,
none of which materially interfere with the use or occupancy of any of the Real
Property; and (iv) the liens disclosed in Schedule 3.16(a). Except as set forth
in Schedule 3.16(a), all Owned Real Property is legally occupied by the Company
and not by any tenants or other occupants. Except as set forth in Schedule
3.16(a), no Owned Real Property shall be subject to any lease or sublease at or
immediately after the Closing.
 
        (b) Schedule 3.16(b) contains a list of all leases (collectively, the
"LEASES") pursuant to which the Company leases any real property (the "LEASED
REAL PROPERTY" and, together with the Owned Real Property, the "REAL PROPERTY").
True and correct copies of the Leases have been delivered or made available to
Veeco. All of the Leases are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with
their terms (subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and other proceedings at law or
in equity relating to the rights of creditors generally), and are in full force
and effect; the Company has received no notice, and has no knowledge, of any
default by the Company (beyond any applicable grace or cure period) under any of
the
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
Leases, and, to the Company's knowledge, no other party to any of the Leases is
in material breach or default thereunder; and all lessors under the Leases have
or by the Closing Date will have consented to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, to the extent that the applicable lease
requires such consent, without requiring modification in the rights or
obligations of the tenant under such Leases. No sublease by the Company of any
Leased Real Property is currently in effect. The Company's leasehold interests
are subject to no Lien or other encumbrance created by the Company.
 
    3.17  TANGIBLE PROPERTY.  (a) Schedule 3.17(a) contains the Company's
depreciation ledger of all machinery, equipment, fixtures, motor vehicles and
other tangible personal property owned by the Company (collectively, the "OWNED
TANGIBLE PROPERTY"). Except as set forth in Schedule 3.17(a), the Company has
good title to all Owned Tangible Property free and clear of all Liens.
 
        (b) Schedule 3.17(b) contains a list as of the date indicated in such
schedule of (i) all machinery, equipment, fixtures and other tangible personal
property owned by another Person subject to any capital lease or rental
agreement that constitutes a Material Contract to which the Company is a party
(collectively, the "LEASED TANGIBLE PROPERTY") and (ii) a list of the leases of
the Leased Tangible Property (the "TANGIBLE PROPERTY LEASES"). Each of the
Tangible Property Leases is in full force and effect and constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of the Company and, to the Company's knowledge, the other
party thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms. The Company has
received no notice, and has no knowledge, of any default by the Company (beyond
any applicable grace or cure period) under any of the Tangible Property Leases,
and, to the Company's knowledge, no other party to any of the Tangible Property
Leases is in material breach or default thereunder.
 
        (c) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.17(c), all Owned Tangible Property
and all Leased Tangible Property (collectively, the "TANGIBLE PROPERTY") is in
good and usable working condition, normal wear and tear excepted, and is
suitable for the purposes for which it is used or is being replaced according to
the Company's replacement policy.
 
    3.18  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  (a) The Company's ownership and operation of
its business is and has been in material compliance with all Environmental Laws.
To its knowledge, the Company has obtained all approvals necessary or required
under all applicable Environmental Laws for the ownership and operation of its
business, all such approvals are in effect, the Company has received no written
notice of any action to revoke or modify any of such approvals, and the
ownership and operation of its business is and has been in material compliance
with all terms and conditions thereof. The Company has received no written
notice of any pending, or Threatened, claim or investigation by any Governmental
Authority or any other Person concerning the Company's potential liability under
Environmental Laws in connection with the ownership or operation of its
business. There has not been a Release of any Hazardous Substance at, upon, in,
from or under any premises now or previously owned or occupied by the Company or
upon which its assets are or were located at any time during the Company's
ownership and/or occupancy thereof. None of the Real Property has been or is
used as a treatment, storage or disposal facility for Hazardous Substances; and
no Hazardous Substances are present on any of the Real Property except in such
quantities as are handled in material compliance with all applicable
manufacturer's instructions and in material compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws and as are used in the operation of the Company's business.
 
        (b) The Company has (i) provided or made available to Veeco all test
results, records, notices, disclosures and reports in the Company's possession
or control with respect to the Real Property and any real property previously
owned or occupied by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including all
correspondence with any Governmental Authority as described in Schedule 3.18(b),
concerning any and all past and/or present health, safety and/or environmental
issues or concerns and (ii) made all disclosures, including notice of a Release
or Threatened Release of a Hazardous Substance, required under any Environmental
Law.
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
        (c) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.18(c), the Company has not
received written notice, or otherwise obtained knowledge, of the existence of
any circumstances or conditions that have a reasonable likelihood of resulting
in any Damages arising pursuant to any Environmental Law.
 
    3.19  LABOR RELATIONS.  To its knowledge, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is conducting its business in violation of any applicable Laws
relating to employment or labor, including, without limitation, those Laws
relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining, unemployment insurance,
workers' compensation, equal employment opportunity and the payment and
withholding of Taxes. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.19, no union or other
collective bargaining unit has been certified as representing any of the
employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries nor has the Company agreed to
recognize any union or other collective bargaining unit. Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.19, there are no labor disputes pending or to the knowledge of the
Company and each of its Subsidiaries, Threatened, involving strikes, work
stoppages, slowdowns or lockouts. There are no grievance proceedings or claims
of unfair labor practices filed or, to the knowledge of the Company, Threatened
to be filed with the National Labor Relations Board against the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries. To the knowledge of the Company, there is no union
representation or organizing effort pending or Threatened against the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries.
 
    3.20  OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.  The Company has previously delivered or made
available to Veeco and Acquisition a true and complete list of the names and
current salaries of all the employees of the Company. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 3.20 or Schedule 3.09, there is no employment agreement, employee
benefit or incentive compensation plan or program or severance policy or program
to which the Company is a party (i) that is or could, pursuant to its terms, be
triggered or accelerated by reason of or in connection with the execution of
this Merger Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Merger Agreement or (ii) which contains "change in control" provisions
pursuant to which the payment, vesting or funding of compensation or benefits is
triggered or accelerated by reason of or in connection with the execution of or
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Merger Agreement. Except
as set forth in Schedule 3.20, no employee whose annual salary is in excess of
$50,000 (exclusive of bonus) has given notice to the Company or any Affiliate to
cancel or otherwise terminate such person's relationship with the Company.
 
    3.21  INSURANCE.  Schedule 3.21 contains a complete list of all of the
Company's policies of insurance in effect as of the date hereof. The insurance
policies to which the Company is a party provide, in the reasonable judgment of
the Company's management, adequate insurance coverage for the assets and
operations of the Company in light of present insurance market conditions. All
of such policies are in full force and effect, and there is no default (beyond
any applicable grace or cure period) with respect to any provision contained in
any such policy, nor has there been any failure to give any notice or present
any claim under any liability policy in a timely fashion or in the manner or
detail required by such liability policy. The Company has delivered or made
available copies of all such policies to Veeco. There are no outstanding unpaid
premiums or claims, and no retroactive or retrospective premium adjustments with
respect to such policies, and no notice of cancellation or nonrenewal has been
received by the Company with respect to, or disallowance of any claim under, any
such policy.
 
    3.22  BROKERS AND FINDERS.  No broker, finder, agent or similar intermediary
has acted on the Company's behalf in connection with this Merger Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby, and there are no brokerage commissions,
finders' fees or similar fees or commissions payable in connection therewith
based on any Contract with the Company or any action taken by the Company.
 
    3.23  BANKING RELATIONSHIPS.  Schedule 3.23 sets forth the names and
locations of all banks, trust companies, savings and loan associations and other
financial institutions at which the Company has a banking relationship. At the
Closing, the Company will deliver to Veeco copies of all records in its
possession, including all signatures or authorization cards, pertaining to such
safe deposit boxes and bank accounts.
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>
    3.24  TRANSACTIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS AND AFFILIATES.  Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.24 and except for salary, benefits, other compensation and expense
reimbursement payable in the ordinary course and consistent with past practices,
there are no amounts in excess of $1,000 owing from the Company to any present
or former shareholder or Affiliate of the Company, nor are there any amounts in
excess of $1,000 owing from any such Person to the Company, nor are there
currently pending any transactions between the Company and any such Person, nor
since December 31, 1996 have there been any transactions between the Company and
any such Person.
 
    3.25  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.25, the
accounts receivable of the Company (a) are bona fide accounts receivable created
in the ordinary and usual course of business in connection with bona fide
transactions and consistent with past practice, (b) are current, and (c) have
been properly accrued in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and any
reserves or allowances for doubtful accounts have been properly accrued in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
 
    3.26  INVENTORY.  All the inventories of the Company are suitable, useable
and saleable in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices,
except to the extent of normal obsolescence or to the extent written down or
reserved against. The inventories stated in the December 31, 1996 balance sheet
have been stated in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. The Company does
not know of any adverse condition affecting a material source of materials
available to the Company.
 
    3.27  ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  All representations and
warranties of the Company set forth in this Merger Agreement and in any
agreement, certificate or other document delivered or given to Veeco or
Acquisition by the Company pursuant to this Merger Agreement will be true and
correct at the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on that
date.
 
    3.28  DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES.  The disclosure in any Schedule to this
Agreement provided by the Company of any exception to a representation or
warranty by the Company shall constitute disclosure of such exception for all
other representations and warranties of the Company under this Agreement with
respect to which it is apparent that such disclosure relates, regardless of the
part of this Agreement in which it is set forth.
 
    3.29  KNOWLEDGE OF BREACH.  The Stockholders shall not be liable (pursuant
to Article VIII or otherwise) for breaches of representations or warranties of
the Company and/or the Stockholders set forth in this Agreement or in any
certificate, schedule or other document delivered by the Company in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby, if and to the extent that (i) (x)
Veeco or Acquisition had knowledge of such breaches prior to the Effective Time
and Veeco consummated the transactions contemplated hereby and (y) the estimated
amount of Damages arising from all such breaches is less than $500,000, or (ii)
Veeco or Acquisition had knowledge of such breaches prior to the date the Proxy
Statement is first mailed to Veeco's stockholders; provided, however, that the
limitations on the Stockholders' liability set forth in this Section 3.29 shall
not apply to the extent the Company had knowledge of such breaches and failed to
disclose them to Veeco and Acquisition as they become aware of this (unless such
knowledge was solely based on a notification from Veeco or Acquisition).
 
    3.30  POOLING OF INTERESTS.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective directors,
officers or stockholders has taken any action which would interfere with Veeco's
ability to account for the Merger as a pooling of interests.
 
    3.31  NO DISPOSITION.  None of the Stockholders has any plan or intention to
sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of a number of shares of Veeco Shares
received in the Merger that would reduce such Stockholder's ownership of Veeco
Shares to a number of shares having a value, as of the Effective Time, of less
than 80 percent of the value of all of the formerly outstanding stock of the
Company held by such Stockholder as of the Effective Time. For purposes of this
representation, shares of Company stock surrendered by dissenters or exchanged
for cash in lieu of fractional shares of Veeco Shares will be treated as
outstanding Company stock as of the Effective Time and shares of Company stock
and Veeco Shares
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>
held by the Stockholders and otherwise sold, redeemed or disposed of prior or
subsequent to the Merger are considered in making this representation.
 
    3.32  SOLVENCY.  The Company is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a
Title 11 or similar case within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the fair market value of the assets of the
Company will, as of the Effective Time, exceed the sum of its liabilities, plus
the amount of liabilities, if any, to which the assets are subject.
 
IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VEECO AND ACQUISITION.
 
    Veeco and Acquisition hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to
the Company as follows:
 
    4.01  ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY.  (a) Each of Veeco and Acquisition is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware, and is qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation
to do business in each other jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify would
have a Material Adverse Effect upon its business or operations. The
jurisdictions in which Veeco and Acquisition are so qualified to do business as
a foreign corporation are set forth in Schedule 4.01. Each of Veeco and
Acquisition has all requisite corporate power to own, operate and lease its
assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of Veeco and
Acquisition has delivered to the Company correct and complete copies of its
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws as in effect on the date hereof.
 
        (b) Each of Veeco and Acquisition has full corporate power and authority
to execute, deliver and perform this Merger Agreement and, in the case of
Acquisition, the Certificates of Merger, and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Merger
Agreement, the Certificates of Merger and all other documents and agreements to
be delivered pursuant hereto and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by the board of
directors of both Veeco and Acquisition. Prior to the Closing, the execution,
delivery and performance of this Merger Agreement, the Certificates of Merger
and all other documents and agreements to be delivered pursuant hereto and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will be duly and validly
authorized by the stockholders of both Veeco and Acquisition and no other
corporate proceedings on the part of Veeco or Acquisition are necessary to
authorize this Merger Agreement, the Certificates of Merger and any related
documents or agreements or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
As of the Closing, no stockholder of Veeco or Acquisition will have any rights
to dissent under applicable law. This Merger Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by both Veeco and Acquisition, and the Certificates of
Merger when executed at the Closing will be duly and validly executed and
delivered by Acquisition. This Merger Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and
binding agreement of both Veeco and Acquisition enforceable in accordance with
its terms.
 
    4.02  CAPITALIZATION.  (a) The authorized capital stock of Veeco consists of
9,500,000 Veeco Shares, of which 5,871,959 are issued and outstanding as of the
date hereof and 500,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which are
outstanding. All of the outstanding Veeco Shares have been duly authorized and
validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in
conformity with applicable laws.
 
        (b) As of the date hereof, 650,383 Veeco Shares are issuable upon the
exercise of options granted under the Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and
Restated 1992 Employees' Stock Option Plan and under the Amended and Restated
Veeco Instruments Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (the "VEECO
OPTIONS"). Except for the Veeco Options, there are no outstanding Equity
Securities or other obligations to issue or grant any rights to acquire, any
Equity Securities of Veeco, or any Contracts to restructure or recapitalize
Veeco. There are no outstanding Contracts of Veeco to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any Equity Securities of Veeco.
 
    4.03  NON-CONTRAVENTION.  The execution, delivery and performance by the
Company of this Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not (a) violate any provision of the Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws of Veeco or Acquisition, (b) violate, or be in
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>
conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse
of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination
of, or accelerate the performance required by, or excuse performance by any
Person of any of its obligations under, or cause the acceleration of the
maturity of any debt or obligation pursuant to, or result in the creation or
imposition of any Lien upon any property or assets of Veeco or Acquisition
under, any Contract to which Veeco or Acquisition is a party or by which any of
their property or assets are bound, or to which any of the property or assets of
Veeco or Acquisition is subject, except for Contracts wherein the other party
thereto has consented to the consummation of this transaction or (c) violate any
Law applicable to Veeco or Acquisition.
 
    4.04  REPORTS.  Veeco has furnished to the Company a true and complete copy
of each statement, report, registration statement (with the prospectus in the
form filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act), definitive proxy
statement, and other filings filed with the SEC by Veeco or Acquisition since
January 1, 1996, and, prior to the Effective Time, Veeco will have furnished the
Company with true and complete copies of any additional documents filed with the
SEC by Veeco or Acquisition prior to the Effective Time (collectively, the
"VEECO SEC DOCUMENTS"). All documents required to be filed as exhibits to the
Veeco SEC Documents have been so filed. All Veeco SEC Documents were filed as
and when required by the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, as applicable. The
Veeco SEC Documents include all documents required to be filed by Veeco and/or
Acquisition pursuant to the Exchange Act and the Securities Act. As of their
respective filing dates, the Veeco SEC Documents complied in all material
respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, as
applicable, and none of the Veeco SEC Documents contained any untrue statement
of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the
circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except to the extent
corrected by a subsequently filed Veeco SEC Document. The financial statements
of Veeco, including the notes thereto, included in the Veeco SEC Documents (the
"VEECO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS"), complied as to form in all material respects with
applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations
of the SEC with respect thereto as of their respective dates, and have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent throughout the
periods indicated and consistent with each other (except as may be indicated in
the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements included in Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC). The Veeco Financial
Statements fairly present the consolidated financial condition and operating
results of Veeco and its subsidiaries at the dates and during the periods
indicated therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal,
recurring year-end adjustments and additional footnote disclosures). There has
been no material change in Veeco accounting policies except as described in the
notes to the Veeco Financial Statements. At all times since January 1, 1996
Veeco has (i) filed as and when due all documents required to be filed with
NASDAQ, and (ii) otherwise timely performed all of Veeco's obligations pursuant
to the rules and regulations of NASDAQ.
 
    4.05  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.  Since December 31, 1996 (the "VEECO
BALANCE SHEET DATE"), Veeco has conducted its business in the ordinary course
consistent with past practice and there has not occurred: (i) any change, event
or condition (whether or not covered by insurance) that has resulted in, or
might reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect to Veeco;
(ii) except as listed on Schedule 4.05, any acquisition, sale or transfer of any
material asset of Veeco or any of its subsidiaries other than in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practice; (iii) any change in
accounting methods or practices (including any change in depreciation or
amortization policies or rates) by Veeco or any revaluation by Veeco of any of
its assets; (iv) any declaration, setting aside, or payment of a dividend or
other distribution with respect to the shares of Veeco, or any direct or
indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition by Veeco of any of its shares
of capital stock; (v) except as listed on Schedule 4.05, any material contract
entered into by Veeco, other than in the ordinary course of business and as
provided to the Company, or any material amendment or termination of, or default
under, any material contract to which Veeco is a party or by which it is bound;
or (vi) any agreement by Veeco or any of its subsidiaries to do any of the
things described in the preceding clauses (i) through (v) (other than
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>
negotiations with the Company and its representatives regarding the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement).
 
    4.06  NO UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  Veeco has no material obligations or
liabilities of any nature (matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent) other than
those (i) set forth or adequately provided for in the Balance Sheet included in
Veeco's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1996 (the
"VEECO BALANCE SHEET"), (ii) not required to be set forth on the Veeco Balance
Sheet under GAAP, or (iii) incurred in the ordinary course of business since the
Veeco Balance Sheet Date and consistent with past practice.
 
    4.07  LITIGATION.  Except as disclosed in Veeco's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, (i) there is no private or governmental
action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration or investigation pending before any
agency, court or tribunal, foreign or domestic, or, to the knowledge of Veeco or
any of its subsidiaries, Threatened against Veeco or any of its subsidiaries or
any of their respective properties or any of their respective officers or
directors (in their capacities as such) that, individually or in the aggregate,
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Veeco, and
(ii) there is no judgment, decree or order against Veeco or any of its
subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of Veeco or any of its subsidiaries, any of
their respective directors or officers (in their capacities as such) that could
prevent, enjoin, alter or materially delay any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, or that could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Veeco.
 
    4.08  RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESS ACTIVITIES.  There is no material agreement,
judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon Veeco or any of its
subsidiaries which has or reasonably could be expected to have the effect of
prohibiting or materially impairing any current or future business practice of
Veeco or any of its subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by Veeco or any of
its subsidiaries or the conduct of business by Veeco or any of its subsidiaries
as currently conducted or as proposed to be conducted by Veeco or any of its
subsidiaries.
 
    4.09  GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION.  Veeco and each of its subsidiaries have
obtained each federal, state, county, local or foreign governmental consent,
license, permit, grant, or other authorization of a Governmental Entity (i)
pursuant to which Veeco or any of its subsidiaries currently operates or holds
any interest in any of its properties or (ii) that is required for the operation
of Veeco's or any of its subsidiaries' business or the holding of any such
interest ((i) and (ii) herein collectively called "VEECO AUTHORIZATIONS"), and
all of such Veeco Authorizations are in full force and effect, except where the
failure to obtain or have any of such Veeco Authorizations could not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Veeco.
 
    4.10  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  Each of Veeco and its subsidiaries has complied
with, are not in violation of, and have not received any notices of violation
with respect to, any federal, state, local or foreign statute, law or regulation
with respect to the conduct of its business, or the ownership or operation of
its business, except for such violations or failures to comply as could not be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Veeco.
 
    4.11  POOLING OF INTERESTS.  Neither Veeco nor any of its subsidiaries nor,
to the knowledge of Veeco, any of their respective directors, officers or
stockholders has taken any action which would interfere with Veeco's ability to
account for the Merger as a pooling of interests.
 
    4.12  BROKERS AND FINDERS.  Except for those Persons ("VEECO'S BROKERS")
previously disclosed to the Company or its agents or representatives, no broker,
finder, agent or similar intermediary has acted on Veeco's or Acquisition's
behalf in connection with this Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby, and there are no brokerage commissions, finders' fees or similar fees or
commissions payable in connection therewith based on any Contract with Veeco or
Acquisition or any action taken by Veeco or Acquisition. Veeco shall pay all
fees and disbursements of Veeco's Brokers.
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>
V. COVENANTS.
 
    5.01  ACCESS.  Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Company
shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, provide Veeco, Acquisition and each
of their authorized employees, agents, officers and representatives with
reasonable access to the properties, books, records, Tax Returns, contracts,
information, documents and personnel of the Company as they relate to the
Company's business as Veeco or Acquisition may reasonably request for the
purpose of making such investigation of the business properties, financial
condition and results of operations of the Company's business as they may deem
appropriate or necessary.
 
    5.02  BUSINESS ORGANIZATION.  Between the date hereof and the Closing Date,
the Company shall:
 
        (a) conduct its business only in the ordinary course of business;
 
        (b) use its reasonable efforts consistent with past practice to preserve
    intact its current business organization, keep available the services of its
    current officers, employees, and agents, and maintain the relations and good
    will with its suppliers, customers, landlords, creditors, employees, agents,
    and others having business relationships with it;
 
        (c) confer with Veeco concerning operational matters of a material
    nature; and
 
        (d) otherwise report periodically to Veeco concerning the status of its
    business, operations and finances.
 
    5.03  CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY PENDING THE CLOSING
DATE.  Except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Merger Agreement, between
the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Company shall not, without the prior
consent of Veeco, take any affirmative action, or fail to take any reasonable
action within its control, as a result of which any of the changes or events
listed in Section 3.13 is reasonably likely to occur.
 
    5.04  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY AND VEECO.  During the period from
the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination
of this Agreement and the Effective Time, each of the Company and Veeco agrees
(except to the extent expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as consented
to in writing by the other), to carry on its and its subsidiaries' business in
the usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same manner as
heretofore conducted, to pay and to cause its subsidiaries to pay debts and
Taxes when due subject (i) to good faith disputes over such debts or taxes and
(ii) in the case of Taxes of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to Veeco's
consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to the
filing of material Tax Returns if applicable, to pay or perform other
obligations when due, and to use all reasonable efforts consistent with past
practice and policies to preserve intact its and its subsidiaries' present
business organizations, use its best efforts consistent with past practice to
keep available the services of its and its subsidiaries' present officers and
key employees and use its best efforts consistent with past practice to preserve
its and its subsidiaries' relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors,
licensors, licensees, and others having business dealings with it or its
subsidiaries, to the end that its and its subsidiaries' goodwill and ongoing
businesses shall be unimpaired at the Effective Time. Each of the Company and
Veeco agrees to promptly notify the other of any event or occurrence not in the
ordinary course of its or its subsidiaries' business, and of any event which
could have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the foregoing, except as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement, neither the Company nor Veeco shall
do, cause or permit any of the following, or allow, cause or permit any of its
subsidiaries to do, cause or permit any of the following, without the prior
written consent of the other:
 
        (a) CHARTER DOCUMENTS. Subject, in the case of Veeco, to the matters
    contemplated by the Proxy Statement in connection with the Annual Meeting of
    Stockholders to be held on May 15, 1997, cause or permit any amendments to
    its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws;
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>
        (b) ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES. Issue, deliver or sell or authorize or
    propose the issuance, delivery or sale of, or purchase or propose the
    purchase of, any shares of its capital stock or securities convertible into,
    or subscriptions, rights, warrants or options to acquire, or other
    agreements or commitments of any character obligating it to issue any such
    shares or other convertible securities, other than the issuance of shares of
    its Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options, warrants or
    other rights therefor outstanding as of the date of this Agreement;
    provided, however, that Veeco may, in the ordinary course of business
    consistent with past practice, grant options for the purchase of Veeco
    Shares under the Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Employees'
    Stock Option Plan.
 
        (c) DIVIDENDS; CHANGES IN CAPITAL STOCK. Declare or pay any dividends on
    or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property) in
    respect of any of its capital stock, or split, combine or reclassify any of
    its capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities
    in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its capital
    stock, or repurchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any
    shares of its capital stock except from former employees, directors and
    consultants in accordance with agreements providing for the repurchase of
    shares in connection with any termination of service to it or its
    subsidiaries;
 
        (d) STOCK OPTION PLANS, ETC. Subject, in the case of Veeco, to the
    matters contemplated by the Proxy Statement in connection with the Annual
    Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 15, 1997, accelerate, amend or
    change the period of exercisability or vesting of options or other rights
    granted under its employee stock plans or director stock plans or authorize
    cash payments in exchange for any options or other rights granted under any
    of such plans.
 
        (e) POOLING. Take any action, which would interfere with Veeco's ability
    to account for the Merger as a pooling of interests; or
 
        (f) OTHER. Take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the
    actions described in Sections 5.04(a) through (e) above, or any action which
    would make any of its representations or warranties contained in this
    Agreement untrue or incorrect or prevent it from performing or cause it not
    to perform its covenants hereunder.
 
    5.05  CONSENTS.  The Company, Veeco and Acquisition shall cooperate and use
their respective best efforts to obtain, prior to the Effective Time, all
licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and
orders of Governmental Authorities and parties to the Material Contracts as are
necessary for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Merger
Agreement and for the Surviving Corporation to enjoy all rights under such
Material Contracts after the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Merger Agreement.
 
    5.06  ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFER LAWS.  The Company shall comply in a timely
fashion with the material requirements of all Environmental Laws applicable to
the transfer of its business and any licenses associated with the operation of
the business. The Company shall complete all necessary disclosure statements
required by Environmental Laws applicable to the transfer of its business and
provide the statements to Veeco prior to Closing, all in proper form for
appropriate recordation and filing, except for actions or failures to take
action which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on the Company.
 
    5.07  TAX MATTERS.  Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the
Company and each of its Subsidiaries and Veeco and each of its Subsidiaries
shall file or cause to be filed on a timely basis all Tax Returns that are
required to be filed by each of them pursuant to the Laws of each Governmental
Authority with taxing power over the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and
each of their respective assets and businesses. Each of such Tax Returns will be
true, correct and complete in all material respects when filed. The Company and
each of its Subsidiaries shall not make any election or file any amended Tax
Return reflecting any position that could result in a material adverse Tax
consequence to Veeco or Acquisition for any period beginning on or after the
Effective Time. All transfer, documentary, gross
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>
receipts, sales, use and property gains Taxes, and liabilities similar in
nature, imposed or payable on the sale or transfer of the Company's business
pursuant to this Merger Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Company. The Company shall timely file
all required transfer Tax Returns and/or notices of the transfer of the
Company's business with the appropriate Governmental Authority. Veeco shall
cooperate with the Company, which cooperation shall include, without limitation,
providing information and executing and delivering documents, in connection with
the Company's obligations under this Section.
 
    5.08  NOTICE OF BREACH; DISCLOSURE.  Each party shall promptly notify the
other of (i) any event, condition or circumstance of which such party becomes
aware occurring from the date hereof to the Closing Date that would constitute a
violation or breach of this Merger Agreement (or a breach of any representation
or warranty contained herein) or, if the same were to continue to exist as of
the Closing Date, would constitute the non-satisfaction of any of the conditions
set forth in Article VI or VII, as the case may be or (ii) any event,
occurrence, transaction, or other item of which such party becomes aware which
would have been required to have been disclosed on any schedule or statement
delivered hereunder had such event, occurrence, transaction or item existed as
of the date hereof.
 
    5.09  PAYMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS BY AFFILIATES.  The Company shall cause all
indebtedness owed to the Company by any Affiliate (other than wholly-owned
Subsidiaries) to be paid in full prior to Closing.
 
    5.10  NO NEGOTIATION.  Until such time, if any, as this Merger Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Section 9.01, the Company shall not solicit or entertain
offers from, negotiate with, or in any manner discuss, encourage, recommend or
agree to any proposal of, any other potential buyer or buyers of all or any
substantial portion of the Company's business or any Equity Interest in the
Company and any such offers received by the Company shall promptly be rejected
in writing. The Company shall promptly inform Veeco and Acquisition of any
contact with any third party relating to the subject matter set forth above.
 
    5.11  STOCKHOLDER APPROVALS.  (a) Prior to the Closing, the Company shall
call and hold a meeting of stockholders for the purpose of approving the
execution, delivery and performance of this Merger Agreement and all other
documents and agreements to be delivered pursuant hereto and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the ABCA.
 
        (b) Veeco shall cause a special meeting of its stockholders (the "VEECO
STOCKHOLDER MEETING") to be duly called and held as soon as reasonably
practicable after the date hereof for the purpose of approving this Merger
Agreement, the Merger and all actions contemplated hereby. Subject to their
fiduciary duties under applicable law, the Board of Directors of Veeco will
recommend that Veeco's stockholders approve the Merger and the adoption of the
Merger Agreement. The Proxy Statement referred to below shall contain such
recommendation. Subject to fiduciary obligations under applicable law, the Board
of Directors of Veeco shall use its best efforts to solicit from stockholders of
Veeco proxies in favor of the Merger and for the approval and adoption of this
Merger Agreement and shall take all other action in its judgment necessary to
secure the vote or consent of the stockholders required by the DGCL to effect
the Merger.
 
        (c) As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, Veeco shall
prepare, file with the Commission under the Exchange Act and use all reasonable
efforts to have cleared by the Commission and mailed to its stockholders, a
proxy (the "PROXY STATEMENT"), with respect to the Veeco Stockholder Meeting,
the form and content of which shall be subject to the Company's reasonable
approval. The term "Proxy Statement" shall mean such proxy statement at the time
it initially is mailed to Veeco's stockholders and all amendments or supplements
thereto. The information provided and to be provided by the Company, Veeco and
Acquisition, respectively, for use in the Proxy Statement, on the date the Proxy
Statement is first mailed to Veeco's stockholders and on the date of the Veeco
Stockholder Meeting shall be true and correct in all material respects and shall
not, on such dates, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact necessary in order to make such information not
misleading, and the Company, Veeco and Acquisition each agree to correct any
information provided by it for use in the Proxy Statement
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>
which shall have become false or misleading in any material respect and take all
steps necessary to cause such corrected information to be filed with the
Commission and disseminated to the stockholders of Veeco, in each case as and to
the extent required by applicable federal securities laws. The Proxy Statement
shall comply as to form in all material respect with all applicable requirements
of federal securities laws.
 
    5.12  STOCK OPTIONS.  At or prior to the Effective Time, the Board of
Directors of the Company shall terminate the Company Stock Option Plan,
effective upon consummation of the Merger, and all outstanding options not
theretofore exercised will be treated as provided in Section 2.05 hereof. The
Company shall not grant any additional options under the Company Stock Option
Plan. The Company shall take all actions necessary under the Company Stock
Option Plan to effect the foregoing.
 
    5.13  ELECTION AS A DIRECTOR.  At or prior to the Closing, Veeco shall use
its reasonable efforts to cause James Wyant to be elected as a member of the
Board of Directors of Veeco.
 
    5.14  FIRPTA.  The Company shall, prior to the Closing Date, provide Veeco
with a properly executed FIRPTA Notification Letter, substantially in the form
of EXHIBIT B attached hereto, which states that shares of capital stock of the
Company do not constitute "United States real property interest" under Section
897(c) of the Code, for purposes of satisfying Veeco's obligations under
Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(c)(3). In addition, simultaneously with
delivery of such Notification Letter, the Company shall have provided to Veeco,
as agent for the Company, a form of notice to the Internal Revenue Service in
accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.897-2(h)(2)
and substantially in the form of EXHIBIT B annexed hereto along with written
authorization for Veeco to deliver such form of notice to the Internal Revenue
Service on behalf of the Company upon the Closing of the Merger.
 
    5.15  BLUE SKY LAWS.  Veeco shall take such steps as may be necessary to
comply with the securities and blue sky laws of all jurisdictions which are
applicable to the issuance of Veeco Shares in connection with the Merger. The
Company shall use its reasonable efforts to assist Veeco as may be necessary to
comply with the securities and blue sky laws of all jurisdictions which are
applicable in connection with the issuance of Veeco Shares in connection with
the Merger.
 
    5.16  LISTING OF ADDITIONAL SHARES; S-8 REGISTRATION.  Prior to the
Effective Time, Veeco shall file with NASDAQ a Notification Form for Listing of
Additional Shares with respect to the Merger Consideration. As promptly as
practicable after the Closing Date, Veeco shall file a registration statement on
Form S-8 under the Securities Act relating to the Veeco Shares to be issued upon
the exercise of options received in accordance with Section 2.05(d) hereof and
shall use its best efforts to cause such registration statement to become
effective.
 
    5.17  AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS.  (a) Schedule 5.17(a) sets forth those Persons
who are directors or executive officers holding shares of, or who the Company
believes may otherwise be deemed to be "Affiliates" of, the Company
(collectively, the "WYKO AFFILIATES"). The Company shall provide Veeco such
information and documents as Veeco shall reasonably request for purposes of
reviewing such list. The Company shall use its best efforts to deliver or cause
to be delivered to Veeco on or before May 5, 1997 (and in each case prior to the
Effective Time) from each of the Wyko Affiliates, an executed Affiliate
Agreement substantially in the form of EXHIBIT C-1 annexed hereto. Veeco and
Acquisition shall be entitled to place appropriate legends on the certificates
evidencing any Veeco Shares to be received by such Wyko Affiliates pursuant to
the terms of this Merger Agreement, and to issue appropriate stop transfer
instructions to the transfer agent for Veeco Shares, consistent with the terms
of such Affiliates Agreements.
 
        (b) Schedule 5.17(b) sets forth those Persons who are directors or
executive officers holding shares of, or who Veeco believes may otherwise be
deemed to be "Affiliates" of, Veeco (collectively, the "VEECO AFFILIATES").
Veeco shall provide the Company such information and documents as the Company
shall reasonably request for purposes of reviewing such list. Veeco shall use
its reasonable efforts to deliver
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>
or cause to be delivered to the Company on or before May 5, 1997 (and in each
case prior to the Effective Time) from each of the Veeco Affiliates, an executed
Affiliate Agreement substantially in the form of EXHIBIT C-2 annexed hereto.
 
    5.18  ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS.  Subject to the terms and conditions provided
in this Agreement, each of Veeco, Acquisition and the Company shall use its
reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or
cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable
laws and regulations to consummate and make effective, as soon as reasonably
practicable, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (including the
satisfaction of the conditions contained in Articles VI and VII hereof as
required thereby).
 
VI. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF VEECO AND ACQUISITION.
 
    The obligation of Veeco and Acquisition to enter into and complete the
Closing is conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver in writing by Veeco (on
behalf of Veeco and Acquisition), on or before the Closing Date, of the
following conditions:
 
    6.01  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations and warranties
made by the Company contained in this Merger Agreement, the Schedules or
Exhibits hereto or in any certificate or document delivered to Veeco and
Acquisition by the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Merger Agreement shall be true in all material respects on and as of the
Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties
were made on such date.
 
    6.02  PERFORMANCE OF COVENANTS.  The Company shall have performed and
complied in all material respects with all of the agreements, covenants and
conditions required by this Merger Agreement to be performed and complied with
by it prior to or on the Closing Date.
 
    6.03  LITIGATION.  No investigation, suit, action or other proceeding, or
injunction or final judgment relating thereto shall be Threatened or pending on
the Closing Date before any court or Governmental Authority in which it is
sought to restrain or prohibit or to obtain Damages or other relief in
connection with this Merger Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
 
    6.04  OPTIONS.  Except as otherwise provided herein, Veeco shall be
reasonably satisfied that no holder of Options will have any right to acquire
any interest in the Company, Acquisition or Veeco after the Effective Time.
 
    6.05  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  All licenses and other consents or approvals
of Governmental Authorities and the consents of the parties to any Material
Contracts referred to in Section 5.04 shall have been obtained.
 
    6.06  FAIRNESS OPINION.  On or prior to the date on which the Proxy
Statement is first mailed to stockholders of Veeco, the board of directors of
Veeco shall have received the written opinion of Montgomery Securities,
financial advisor to Veeco, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Veeco, to the effect that the transactions contemplated by this Merger
Agreement, including the consideration to be paid to the stockholders pursuant
to Section 2.05(a) hereof are fair from a financial point of view to the
stockholders of Veeco (the "FAIRNESS OPINION").
 
    6.07  ACCOUNTING OPINION.  On or prior to the date on which the Proxy
Statement is first mailed to stockholders of Veeco, the board of directors of
Veeco shall have received the written opinion of Ernst & Young LLP, dated the
date of the mailing, the form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Veeco, to
the effect that the Merger may be accounted for as a "pooling of interests"
transaction.
 
    6.08  APPRAISALS.  No holder of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall have validly elected, pursuant to Arizona law, to
demand appraisal of their Common Stock.
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>
    6.09  MATERIAL CHANGES.  There shall not have been any material adverse
change in the assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects
or results of operations of the Company's business from the date hereof to the
Closing Date, nor shall there exist any condition which could reasonably be
expected to result in such a material adverse change.
 
    6.10  STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL.  This Merger Agreement and the Merger
contemplated hereby shall have been approved and adopted by (i) the requisite
vote of the stockholders of Veeco entitled to vote thereon at the Veeco
Stockholder Meeting and (ii) the requisite vote of the stockholders of the
Company entitled to vote thereon.
 
    6.11  DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW.  Veeco shall be reasonably satisfied with its
due diligence review of the Company's assets, liabilities, business, Contracts,
financial statement and information, cash flow and prospects which condition
shall be deemed fulfilled unless written notice is given to the Company by Veeco
on or prior to the date on which the Proxy Statement is first mailed to
stockholders of Veeco.
 
    6.12  DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS.  There shall have been delivered to Veeco and
Acquisition the following:
 
        (i) a certificate of the Company, dated the Closing Date, signed by its
    Chief Executive Officer, to the effect that the conditions specified in
    Sections 6.01 and 6.02 have been fulfilled;
 
        (ii) a certificate of the Secretary of the Company certifying copies of
    (x) the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company; (y) all
    requisite corporate resolutions of the Company approving the execution and
    delivery of this Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
    contemplated herein; and (z) the identification and signature of each
    officer of the Company executing this Merger Agreement; and
 
       (iii) a certificate of the Secretary of the Company certifying the vote
    of the stockholders of the Company at the meeting regarding the Merger.
 
    6.13  LEGAL OPINIONS.  Veeco and Acquisition shall have received an opinion
of Morrison & Foerster, LLP, counsel to the Company, reasonably satisfactory to
Veeco, Acquisition and their counsel addressed to Veeco and Acquisition and
dated the Closing Date. In delivering such opinion, Morrison & Foerster may rely
on Arizona counsel reasonably satisfactory to Veeco and Acquisition with respect
to corporate governance matters with respect to the Company.
 
    6.14  AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS.  Veeco shall have received on or before May 5,
1997 from each of the Affiliates of the Company an executed Affiliate Agreement
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT C-1 annexed hereto.
 
    6.15  TAX OPINION.  Veeco shall have received a written opinion of Kaye,
Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler, LLP, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Veeco, dated on or about the Closing Date, to the effect that
the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of the Code, and Veeco, Acquisition and the Company will each be a party to a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. In rendering
this opinion, counsel shall be entitled to rely upon, among other things,
reasonable assumptions as well as representations of Veeco, Acquisition, the
Company and certain Stockholders.
 
    6.16  CERTIFICATES OF MERGER.  Prior to the Effective Time, each of the
Certificates of Merger shall be accepted for filing with the Arizona Corporation
Commission and the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, as applicable.
 
VII. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY.
 
    The Company's obligation to enter into and complete the Closing is
conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver in writing by the Company, on or
before the Closing Date, of all of the following conditions:
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>
    7.01  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations and warranties
made by Veeco and Acquisition contained in this Merger Agreement, the Schedules
or Exhibits hereto or in any certificate or document delivered to the Company by
Veeco and Acquisition in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Merger Agreement shall be true in all material respects on and as of the Closing
Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties were
made on such date.
 
    7.02  PERFORMANCE OF COVENANTS.  Each of Veeco and Acquisition shall have
performed and complied in all material respects with all of the agreements,
covenants and conditions required by this Merger Agreement to be performed and
complied with by it prior to or on the Closing Date.
 
    7.03  LITIGATION.  No investigation, suit, action or other proceeding, or
injunction or final judgment relating thereto directly or indirectly shall be
Threatened or pending on the Closing Date before any court or Governmental
Authority in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit or to obtain Damages or
other relief in connection with this Merger Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
 
    7.04  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  All licenses and other consents or approvals
of Governmental Authorities and the consents of the parties to any Material
Contracts referred to in Section 6.05 shall have been obtained.
 
    7.05  ACCOUNTING OPINION.  On or prior to the date on which the Proxy
Statement is first mailed to stockholders of Veeco, the board of directors of
Veeco shall have received the written opinion of Ernst & Young LLP, dated the
date of the mailing, the form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Company, to the effect that the Merger may be accounted for as a "pooling of
interests" transaction.
 
    7.06  MATERIAL CHANGES.  There shall not have been any material adverse
change in the assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects
or results of operations of Veeco's business from the date hereof to the Closing
Date, nor shall there exist any condition which could reasonably be expected to
result in such a material adverse change.
 
    7.07  STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL.  This Merger Agreement and the Merger
contemplated hereby shall have been approved and adopted by (i) the requisite
vote of the stockholders of Veeco entitled to vote thereon at the Veeco
Stockholders Meeting and (ii) the requisite vote of the stockholders of the
Company entitled to vote thereon.
 
    7.08  DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW.  The Company shall be reasonably satisfied with
its due diligence review of Veeco's assets, liabilities, business, Contracts,
financial statement and information, cash flow and prospects which condition
shall be deemed fulfilled unless written notice is given to Veeco by the Company
on or prior to the date on which the Proxy Statement is first mailed to
stockholders of Veeco.
 
    7.09  DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS.  There shall have been delivered to the Company
the following:
 
        (i) Certificates of Veeco and Acquisition, dated the Closing Date,
    signed by the respective Chief Executive Officers of Veeco and Acquisition
    to the effect that the conditions specified in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 have
    been fulfilled;
 
        (ii) a certificate of the Secretary of each of Veeco and Acquisition
    certifying copies of (x) the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of
    each of Veeco and Acquisition; (y) all requisite corporate resolutions of
    each of Veeco and Acquisition approving the execution and delivery of this
    Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
    herein; and (z) the identification and signature of each officer of Veeco
    and Acquisition executing this Merger Agreement;
 
       (iii) a certificate of the Secretary of Veeco certifying the vote of the
    stockholders of Veeco at the Veeco Stockholder Meeting regarding the Merger;
    and
 
        (iv) a registration rights agreement substantially in the form of
    EXHIBIT D annexed hereto, duly executed by Veeco.
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>
    7.10  AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS.  The Company shall have received on or before
May 5, 1997 from each of the Affiliates of Veeco an executed Affiliate Agreement
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT C-2 annexed hereto.
 
    7.11  LEGAL OPINION.  The Company shall have received an opinion of Kaye,
Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler, LLP, counsel to Veeco and Acquisition,
reasonably satisfactory to the Company and its counsel addressed to the Company
and dated the Closing Date.
 
    7.12  TAX OPINION.  The Company shall have received a written opinion of
Morrison & Foerster LLP, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Company, dated on or about the Closing Date, to the effect that the Merger will
constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code,
and Veeco, Acquisition and the Company will each be a party to a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. In rendering this opinion,
counsel shall be entitled to rely upon, among other things, reasonable
assumptions as well as representations of Veeco, Acquisition, the Company and
certain Stockholders.
 
    7.13  CERTIFICATES OF MERGER.  Prior to the Effective Time, the Certificates
of Merger shall be accepted for filing with the Arizona Corporation Commission
and the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, as applicable.
 
VIII. INDEMNIFICATION; REMEDIES.
 
    8.01  SURVIVAL.  All representations, warranties and agreements contained in
this Merger Agreement or in any certificate or other document delivered pursuant
to this Merger Agreement shall survive the Closing or any termination of this
Agreement for the time periods set forth herein; PROVIDED, that if the Closing
occurs, the Company shall have no liability (for indemnification or otherwise)
with respect to any representation or warranty, or agreement to be performed and
complied with prior to the Closing unless on or before the date upon which the
audited financial statements of Veeco and its subsidiaries for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997 are issued (the "ISSUANCE DATE"), the Company is given
notice asserting a claim with respect thereto and specifying the factual basis
of that claim in reasonable detail to the extent then known by Veeco. If the
Closing occurs, Veeco shall have no liability (for indemnification or otherwise)
with respect to any representation or warranty, or agreement to be performed and
complied with prior to the Closing, unless on or before the Issuance Date, Veeco
is given notice of a claim with respect thereto and specifying the factual basis
of that claim in reasonable detail to the extent known by the Company.
 
    8.02  INDEMNIFICATION BY THE STOCKHOLDERS.  Each of the Stockholders shall
jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless Veeco, Acquisition and each of
its respective agents, representatives, employees, officers, directors,
stockholders, controlling persons and Affiliates (collectively, the "VEECO
INDEMNITEES"), and shall reimburse the Veeco Indemnitees for, any loss,
liability, claim, damage, expense (including, but not limited to, costs of
investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys' fees), whether or not
involving a third-party claim (collectively, "DAMAGES") arising from or in
connection with (a) any inaccuracy in any of the representations and warranties
of the Company in this Merger Agreement or in any certificate or other document
delivered by the Company pursuant to this Merger Agreement, (b) any failure of
the Company to perform or comply with any agreement to be performed or complied
with by it in this Merger Agreement, (c) any claim by any Person for brokerage
or finder's fees or similar payments in connection with any of the transactions
contemplated hereunder as the result of brokers, finders or investment bankers
retained by the Company, (d) any claim by any direct or indirect holder or
former holder of capital stock or warrants or other securities of the Company,
(e) Veeco's enforcement of the indemnification provisions contained herein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the Indemnifying Stockholders
shall have no liability to Veeco under clause (a) of this Section 8.02 until the
aggregate amount of all Damages under such Section 8.02(a) exceeds $500,000 and
then only for all such
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>
Damages in excess of such amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum
liability of the Stockholders pursuant to this Section 8.02 shall not exceed the
product of 275,000 Veeco Shares multiplied by the average of the closing bid
prices on NASDAQ for one (1) Veeco Share for the twenty (20) trading days ending
on the trading day immediately preceding the Closing Date; provided that the
limitations set forth in this Section 8.02 shall not apply to any Stockholder to
the extent of Damages arising from fraud on the part of such Stockholder.
 
    8.03  INDEMNIFICATION BY VEECO.  Veeco shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Stockholders (the "STOCKHOLDER INDEMNITEES") and shall reimburse the Stockholder
Indemnitees for any Damages arising from or in connection with (a) any
inaccuracy in any of the representations and warranties of Veeco or Acquisition
in this Merger Agreement or in any certificate or other document delivered by
Veeco or Acquisition pursuant to this Merger Agreement, (b) any failure by Veeco
or Acquisition to perform or comply with any agreement to be performed or
complied with by Veeco or Acquisition in this Merger Agreement, (c) any claim by
any Person for brokerage or finder's fees or similar payments in connection with
any of the transactions contemplated hereunder as the result of brokers, finders
or investment bankers retained by Veeco, or (d) the Stockholder Indemnitees'
enforcement of the indemnification provisions contained herein. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Veeco shall have no liability under clause (a) of this Section
8.03 until the aggregate amount of all Damages under such Section 8.03(a)
exceeds $500,000 and then only for all such Damages in excess of such amount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum liability of the Stockholders
pursuant to this Section 8.03 shall not exceed the product of 275,000 Veeco
Shares multiplied by the average of the closing bid prices on NASDAQ for one (1)
Veeco Share for the twenty (20) trading days ending on the trading day
immediately preceding the Closing Date; provided that the limitations set forth
in this Section 8.03 shall not apply to Veeco, to the extent of Damages arising
from fraud on the part of Veeco.
 
    8.04  PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION--THIRD PARTY CLAIMS.  Promptly after
receipt by an indemnified party under Section 8.02 or 8.03 of oral or written
notice of a claim or the commencement of any proceeding against it, such
indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an
indemnifying party under such Section, give written notice to the indemnifying
party of the commencement thereof, but the failure so to notify the indemnifying
party shall not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified
party except to the extent the indemnifying party demonstrates that the defense
of such action is prejudiced thereby. In case any such proceeding shall be
brought against an indemnified party and it shall give notice to the
indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be
entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish (unless
the indemnifying party is also a party to such proceeding and the indemnified
party determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate)
to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such
indemnified party and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such
indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the
indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such
Section for any fees of other counsel or any other expenses with respect to the
defense of such proceeding, in each case, subsequently incurred by such
indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof. If an indemnifying
party assumes the defense of such proceeding, (a) no compromise or settlement
thereof may be effected by the indemnifying party without the indemnified
party's reasonable consent unless (i) there is no finding or admission of any
violation of law or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on
any other claims that may be made against the indemnified party and (ii) the
sole relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the
indemnifying party and (b) the indemnifying party shall have no liability with
respect to any compromise or settlement thereof effected without its consent. If
notice is given to an indemnifying party of the commencement of any proceeding
and it does not, within fifteen (15) business days after the indemnified party's
notice is given, give notice to the indemnified party of its election to assume
the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall be bound by any determination
made in such action or any compromise or settlement thereof effected by the
indemnified party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an indemnified party
determines in good faith that there is a reasonable probability that a
proceeding may adversely affect it or its Affiliates other than as a
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>
result of monetary damages, such indemnified party may, by notice to the
indemnifying party, assume the exclusive right to defend, compromise or settle
such proceeding, but the indemnifying party shall not be bound by any
determination of a proceeding so defended or any compromise or settlement
thereof effected without its consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld).
All indemnification obligations of the parties hereto shall survive any
termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article IX hereof.
 
IX. TERMINATION.
 
    9.01  TERMINATION EVENTS.  This Merger Agreement may be terminated and the
Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time without
prejudice to any other rights or remedies either party may have:
 
        (a) by mutual written consent, duly authorized by the Boards of
    Directors of Veeco, Acquisition and the Company;
 
        (b) by either Veeco and Acquisition or the Company if any Governmental
    Authority shall have issued an order, decree, injunction or judgment or
    taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise
    prohibiting the Merger and such order or other action shall have become
    final and nonappealable;
 
        (c) by either Veeco and Acquisition or the Company if the Effective Time
    shall not have occurred on or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on September
    30, 1997; provided that the right to terminate this Merger Agreement under
    this Section 9.01(c) shall not be available to any party whose failure to
    fulfill any obligation under this Merger Agreement has been the cause of, or
    results in, the failure of the Effective Time to have occurred within such
    period; or
 
        (d) by either Veeco and Acquisition or the Company by notice to the
    other if the satisfaction of any condition to the obligations of the
    terminating party has been rendered impossible.
 
    9.02  EFFECT OF TERMINATION.  In the event this Merger Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Section 9.01, all further obligations of the parties
hereunder shall terminate, except that the obligations set forth in Article VIII
and Section 10.01 shall survive. Each party's right of termination hereunder is
in addition to any other rights it may have hereunder or otherwise and the
exercise of a right of termination shall not be an election of remedies.
 
    9.03  AMENDMENT.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, this Merger
Agreement may be amended by action taken by or on behalf of the respective
Boards of Directors of the Company and Veeco, at any time; provided, however,
that, following approval by stockholders no amendment shall be made which under
the ABCA or the DGCL would require the further approval of the stockholders
without obtaining such approval. This Merger Agreement may not be amended except
by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of all of the parties hereto.
 
X. MISCELLANEOUS.
 
    10.01  CONFIDENTIALITY.  Between the date of this Merger Agreement and the
Closing Date, each party will maintain in confidence, and cause its directors,
officers, employees, agents and advisors to maintain in strict confidence, all
written, oral or other information obtained from another party in connection
with this Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including,
without limitation, sources of supply, vendors, customers, costs, pricing
practices, trade secrets and other Intellectual Property, salaries and wages,
employee benefits, financial information, business plans, budgets, marketing
plans and projections and all other proprietary information (collectively, the
"CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION"), unless (i) the use of such information is necessary
or appropriate in making any filing or obtaining any consent or approval
required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and the
other party consents to such disclosure or (ii) the furnishing or use of such
information is required by law. If the transactions
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>
contemplated by this Merger Agreement are not consummated, each party receiving
another party's Confidential Information will return or, at the disclosing
party's option, destroy all of such Confidential Information, including, but not
limited to, all copies thereof and extracts therefrom and shall not use such
Confidential Information in any manner which may be detrimental to the
disclosing party or its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company
may inform employees of the Company as they deem necessary or desirable of the
existence of this Merger Agreement.
 
    10.02  EXPENSES.  Except as expressly otherwise provided herein, each party
shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with the preparation,
execution and performance of this Merger Agreement and the transaction
contemplated hereby, including all fees and expenses of agents, representatives,
counsel and accountants.
 
    10.03  PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Subject to any requirement of applicable law,
all public announcements or similar publicity with respect to this Merger
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued only with the
consent of Veeco and the Company. Unless consented to by each party hereto in
advance prior to the Closing, all parties hereto shall keep the provisions of
this Merger Agreement strictly confidential and make no disclosure thereof to
any Person, other than such party's respective legal and financial advisors,
subject to the requirements of applicable law.
 
    10.04  SUCCESSORS.  This Merger Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns.
 
    10.05  FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that it will,
from time to time after the date of this Merger Agreement, execute and deliver
such other certificates, documents and instruments and take such other action as
may be reasonably requested by the other party to carry out the actions and
transactions contemplated by this Merger Agreement.
 
    10.06  WAIVER.  Any provision of this Merger Agreement may be waived at any
time by the party which is entitled to the benefits thereof. No such waiver
shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the Company and Veeco.
 
    10.07  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Merger Agreement (together with the
certificates, agreements, Exhibits, Schedules, instruments and other documents
referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior
agreements, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter.
 
    10.08  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS MERGER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO
AGREEMENTS MADE AND PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE AND WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF
LAW DOCTRINES EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT CERTAIN MATTERS ARE PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL
LAW OR ARE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE JURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATION OF THE
RESPECTIVE PARTIES.
 
    10.09  ASSIGNMENT.  Neither Veeco, Acquisition nor the Company may assign
this Merger Agreement to any other Person without the prior written consent of
the other parties hereto.
 
    10.10  NOTICES.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered
personally, (b) when transmitted by telecopy (receipt confirmed), (c) on the
fifth business day following mailing by registered or certified mail (return
receipt requested), or (d) on the next business day following deposit with an
overnight delivery service of national reputation, to the parties at the
following addresses and telecopy numbers (or at such other address or telecopy
number for a party as may be specified by like notice):
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>
       If to Veeco or Acquisition:
 
       Terminal Drive
       Plainview, New York 11803
       Attention: Edward H. Braun,
        Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
       Telephone: (516) 349-8300
       Telecopy: (516) 349-9079
 
       With a copy to:
 
       Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler, LLP
       425 Park Avenue
       New York, New York 10022
       Attention: Rory A. Greiss, Esq.
       Telephone: (212) 836-8261
       Telecopy: (212) 836-7152
 
       If to the Company:
 
       2650 East Elvira Road
       Tucson, Arizona 85706
       Attention: James C. Wyant, President
       Telephone: (520) 741-1044
       Telecopy: (520) 294-1799
 
       With a copy to:
 
       Morrison & Foerster LLP
       755 Page Mill Road
       Palo Alto, California 94304
       Attention: Michael C. Phillips, Esq.
       Telephone: (415) 813-5620
       Telecopy: (415) 494-0792
 
    10.11  HEADINGS.  The headings contained in this Merger Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Merger Agreement.
 
    10.12  COUNTERPARTS.  This Merger Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other party, it being understood that both
parties need not sign the same counterpart.
 
    10.13  EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES.  The Exhibits and Schedules to this Merger
Agreement are incorporated by reference herein and are made a part hereof as if
they were fully set forth herein.
 
    10.14  SEVERABILITY.  The invalidity of any term or terms of this Merger
Agreement shall not affect any other term of this Merger Agreement, which shall
remain in full force and effect.
 
    10.15  NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES.  There are no third party beneficiaries
of this Merger Agreement or of the transactions contemplated hereby and nothing
contained herein shall be deemed to confer upon any one other than the parties
hereto (and their permitted successors and assigns) any right to insist upon or
to enforce the performance of any of the obligations contained herein.
 
    10.16  TIME OF THE ESSENCE.  Time is of the essence with respect to the
obligations of the parties hereunder.
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Merger Agreement as of
the date first above written.
 
                                VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
 
                                By:  /s/ EDWARD H. BRAUN
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Edward H. Braun
                                     Title:   Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
                                              and President
                                VEECO ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                By:  /s/ EDWARD H. BRAUN
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Edward H. Braun
                                     Title:   President
 
                                WYKO CORPORATION
 
                                By:  /s/ JAMES C. WYANT
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  James C. Wyant
                                     Title:   President
 
                                By:  /s/ ESTHER J. DAVENPORT
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Esther J. Davenport
                                     Title:   Executive Vice President
 
                                /s/ JOHN B. HAYES
                                ---------------------------------------------
                                John B. Hayes
 
                                /s/ JAMES C. WYANT
                                ---------------------------------------------
                                James C. Wyant
 
                                /s/ LOUISE WYANT
                                ---------------------------------------------
                                Louise Wyant
 
                                /s/ ESTHER J. DAVENPORT
                                ---------------------------------------------
                                Esther J. Davenport
 
                                /s/ ROBERTO CONSTANTAKIS
                                ---------------------------------------------
                                Roberto Constantakis
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT A-1
 
                        ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND MERGER
                                       OF
                                WYKO CORPORATION
                                      AND
                            VEECO ACQUISITION CORP.
 
To the Arizona Corporation Commission:
 
    Pursuant to the provisions of the Arizona Business Corporation Act governing
the merger of one or more domestic corporations with a foreign corporation, the
undersigned does hereby adopt the following Articles of Amendment and Merger:
 
    FIRST:  The names of the corporations party to the merger are Wyko
Corporation (the "Company"), an Arizona corporation, and Veeco Acquisition Corp.
("Acquisition"), a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco
Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Veeco").
 
    SECOND:  Annexed hereto and made a part hereof is the Agreement and Plan of
Merger (the "Agreement and Plan of Merger"), dated April       , 1997, among
Veeco, Acquisition and the Company and the Company's securityholders, as
approved by resolution of the Board of Directors of each said corporation.
 
    THIRD:  The name of the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation")
is Wyko Corporation. The address of the place of business of the Surviving
Corporation is 2650 East Elvira Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85706.
 
    FOURTH:  The name of the statutory agent of the Surviving Corporation is
            , and its address is             .
 
    FIFTH:  The Certificate of Incorporation of Acquisition shall constitute the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation. An amendment to
Article 1 of the Certificate of Incorporation of Acquisition shall be effected
by the merger such that Article 1 shall read in its entirety as follows:
 
               "The name of the corporation is Wyko Corporation."
 
    SIXTH:  The number of shares of the Company which were outstanding at the
time of the approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger by its shareholders was
281,250 Class A Common Stock, all of which were entitled to vote on such
Agreement. All 281,250 shares of Class A Common Stock were voted in favor of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger.
 
    SEVENTH:  The number of shares of Acquisition which were outstanding at the
time of the approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger by its sole shareholder
was 100, all of which are of one class of common stock and are entitled to vote
on such Agreement. All 100 shares were voted in favor of the Agreement and Plan
of Merger.
 
Executed on this    day of            , 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>        <C>
                                                SURVIVING CORPORATION:
 
                                                By:        ---------------------------------------
                                                           Name:
                                                           Title:
</TABLE>
 
                                    A-A-1-1
<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT A-2
 
                             CERTIFICATE OF MERGER
 
                                       OF
 
                            VEECO ACQUISITION CORP.
                          ----------------------------
 
                            (a Delaware corporation)
 
                                      INTO
 
                                WYKO CORPORATION
                            ------------------------
 
                            (an Arizona corporation)
 
                         Pursuant to Section 252 of the
 
                General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
 
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The undersigned corporation hereby certifies as follows:
 
    1. The names of the constituent corporations are Veeco Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation ("Acquisition") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veeco
Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Veeco"), and Wyko Corporation, an
Arizona corporation (the "Company").
 
    2. The Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement and Plan of Merger")
among Veeco, Acquisition and the Company and its securityholders has been
approved, adopted, certified, executed and acknowledged by Acquisition and the
Company in accordance with Section 252(c) of the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware.
 
    3. The name of the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation") is
Wyko Corporation.
 
    4. The Certificate of Incorporation of Acquisition shall constitute the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation. An amendment to
Article 1 of the Certificate of Incorporation of Acquisition shall be effected
by the merger such that Article 1 shall read in its entirety as follows:
 
              "The name of the corporation is Wyko Corporation."
 
    5. The executed Agreement and Plan of Merger is on file at the office of the
Surviving Corporation located at 2650 East Elvira Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85706.
A copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger will be furnished by the Surviving
Corporation, without cost, to any stockholder of Acquisition or the Company who
sends a written request therefor to the Surviving Corporation at its address set
forth in the preceding sentence.
 
Dated:       , 1997
 
                                          SURVIVING CORPORATION:
 
                                          By:
              ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Name:
                                             Title:
 
                                    A-A-2-1
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT B
 
          NOTICE OF NON U.S. REAL PROPERTY HOLDING CORPORATION STATUS
              PURSUANT TO TREASURY REGULATION SECTION 1.897(H) AND
                      CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS
 
    Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April   , 1997,
among Veeco Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Acquiror"), Veeco
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Acquiror ("Sub"), and Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation ("Target"), and
Wyko's securityholders, Sub shall be merged with and into Target, and Target
shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acquiror. In completing such merger,
Acquiror and/or Sub shall receive shares of Target common stock ("Common Stock")
in exchange for the merger consideration provided for in such Agreement and Plan
of Merger.
 
    Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
provides that a transferee of a U.S. Real Property Interest (as defined below)
must withhold tax if the transferor is a U.S. person. In order to confirm that
neither Acquiror nor Sub, as transferees, are required to withhold tax upon the
receipt of Target Common Stock in exchange for the merger consideration, the
undersigned, in his capacity as President of Target, hereby certifies as
follows:
    1. The Common Stock of Target to be received by Acquiror and/or Sub pursuant
to the merger does not constitute a U.S. Real Property Interest, as that term is
defined in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code;
    2. The determination in Paragraph 1, above, is based on a determination by
Target that Target is not and has not been a U.S. Real Property Holding
Corporation, as that term is defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Code, during
the five-year period preceding the date of this Notice, as indicated below;
    3. Target is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust
or foreign estate (as those terms are defined in the Code and the Income Tax
Regulations);
    4. Target's U.S. employer identification number is       ; and
    5. Target's office address is 2650 East Elvira Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706.
 
    This Notice is made in accordance with the requirements of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.897-2(h). Target understands that any false statement
contained herein could be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.
 
    Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this Notice and
to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and complete, and I
further declare that I have authority to sign this document on behalf of Target.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>        <C>
                                             WYKO CORPORATION
 
Dated:           , 1997                      By:
                                                        ------------------------------------------
                                                        Name:
                                                        Title: President
</TABLE>
 
                                     A-B-1
<PAGE>
                     NOTICE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
 
    This Notice is being provided by Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation
("Target"), pursuant to the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section
1.897-2(h)(2).
 
    Target is located at 2650 East Elvira Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706. Target's
Taxpayer Identification Number is       .
 
    The attached Certificate of Non U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation
Status was not requested by a foreign interest holder. Such Certificate was
requested by Veeco Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Acquiror") and
Veeco Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub"), the transferees
of the stock of Target. Acquiror and Merger Sub are located at Terminal Drive,
Plainview, New York 11803. Acquiror's Taxpayer Identification Number is       .
 
    The interests in question, shares of Target common stock to be received by
Acquiror and Merger Sub pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, are not
U.S. Real Property Interests.
 
    Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this Notice and
the attachment hereto and to the best of my knowledge and belief they are true,
correct and complete, and I further declare that I have authority to sign this
document on behalf of Target.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>        <C>
                                             WYKO CORPORATION
 
Dated:      , 1997                           By:
                                                        ------------------------------------------
                                                        Name:
                                                        Title:
</TABLE>
 
                                     A-B-2
<PAGE>
                        [Letterhead of Wyko Corporation]
 
Veeco Instruments Inc.
 
Terminal Drive
 
Plainview, New York 11803
 
Attn: Edward H. Braun, Chairman, President and CEO
 
Dear Mr. Braun:
 
    Pursuant to Section 5.14 of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
April   , 1997, among Veeco Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Veeco"),
Veeco Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Veeco ("Acquisition"), and Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation (the
"Company"), and Wyko's securityholders, the Company hereby authorizes Veeco to
deliver the attached form of notice to the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of
the Company upon the Closing of the Merger.
 
    Capitalized terms not defined in this letter have the same meaning as set
forth in the above referenced Agreement and Plan of Merger.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>        <C>
                                                Very truly yours,
                                                WYKO CORPORATION
 
                                                By:
                                                           ---------------------------------------
                                                           James C. Wyant
                                                           PRESIDENT
</TABLE>
 
                                     A-B-3
<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT C-1
 
                              AFFILIATES AGREEMENT
 
    THIS AFFILIATES AGREEMENT (the "Affiliates Agreement") is entered into as of
the       day of April, 1997 between Veeco Instruments Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Acquiror"), and the undersigned shareholder (the "Shareholder") of
Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation ("Target").
 
                                    RECITALS
 
    A. Target, Acquiror and Veeco Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acquiror ("Merger Sub"), have entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April       , 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"),
pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged into Target (the "Merger"), and
Target will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acquiror.
 
    B. Upon the consummation of the Merger and in connection therewith, the
undersigned Shareholder will become the owner of shares of common stock, $.01
par value per share, of Acquiror (the "Acquiror Shares").
 
    C. The parties to the Merger Agreement intend to cause the Merger to be
accounted for as a pooling of interests pursuant to APB Opinion No. 16, Staff
Accounting Series Releases No. 130, 135 and 146 and Staff Accounting Bulletins
Topic Two.
 
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements,
provisions and covenants set forth in the Merger Agreement and in this
Affiliates Agreement, it is hereby agreed as follows:
 
    1. The undersigned Shareholder hereby agrees that:
 
        (a) The undersigned Shareholder may be deemed to be (but does not hereby
    admit to be) an "affiliate" of Target within the meaning of Rule 144 under
    the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and
    Accounting Series Release No. 130, as amended, of the Securities and
    Exchange Commission (the "SEC") ("Release No. 130").
 
        (b) The undersigned Shareholder will not sell, exchange, transfer,
    pledge, dispose of or otherwise reduce the undersigned Shareholder's risk
    relative to the Acquiror Shares or any part thereof until such time after
    the Effective Time of the Merger as financial results covering at least
    thirty (30) days of the combined operations of Acquiror and Target after the
    Effective Time of the Merger have been, within the meaning of said Release
    No. 130, filed by Acquiror with the SEC or published by Acquiror in an
    Annual Report on Form 10-K, a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, a Current
    Report on Form 8-K, a quarterly earnings report, a press release or other
    public issuance that includes combined sales and income of Target and
    Acquiror. Acquiror agrees to make such filing or publication as soon as
    practicable and to notify the undersigned Shareholder promptly upon making
    such filing or publication. The undersigned will not, during the thirty (30)
    day period prior to the Effective Time of the Merger as determined in
    Acquiror's reasonable discretion, sell, exchange, transfer, pledge, dispose
    of or otherwise reduce the undersigned Shareholder's risk relative to the
    Acquiror Shares or any part thereof (including any disposition, within such
    period, of Shareholder's shares of Target Common Stock).
 
        (c) The undersigned Shareholder has, and as of the Effective Time of the
    Merger will have, no present plan or intent (a "Plan") to engage in a sale,
    exchange, transfer, pledge, disposition or any other transaction (including
    a distribution by a partnership to its partners or by a corporation to its
    shareholders) that results in a reduction in the risk of ownership
    (collectively, a "Sale") with respect to more than fifty percent (50%) of
    the shares of Acquiror Common Stock to be acquired by the undersigned
    Shareholder upon consummation of the Merger. The undersigned Shareholder is
    not
 
                                    A-C-1-1
<PAGE>
    aware of, or participating in, any Plan on the part of Target's shareholders
    to engage in Sales of the shares of Acquiror Common Stock to be issued in
    the Merger such that the aggregate fair market value, as of the Effective
    Time of the Merger, of the shares subject to such Sales would exceed fifty
    percent (50%) of the aggregate fair market value of all shares of
    outstanding Target Common Stock immediately prior to the Merger. A Sale of
    Acquiror Common Stock shall be considered to have occurred pursuant to a
    Plan if such Sale occurs in a transaction that is in contemplation of, or
    related or pursuant to, the Merger Agreement (a "Related Transaction"). In
    addition, shares of Target Common Stock (i) exchanged for cash in lieu of
    fractional shares of Acquiror Common Stock and (ii) with respect to which a
    Sale occurred in a Related Transaction prior to the Merger shall be
    considered to have been shares of outstanding Target Common Stock that were
    exchanged for Acquiror Common Stock in the Merger and then disposed of
    pursuant to a Plan. If any of the undersigned Shareholder's representations
    in this subsection (c) ceases to be true at any time prior to the Effective
    Time of the Merger, the undersigned Shareholder shall deliver to each of
    Target and Acquiror, prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, a written
    statement to that effect. Except as otherwise set forth in Appendix A, the
    undersigned Shareholder has not engaged in a sale of any shares of Target
    Common Stock since       . The undersigned Shareholder understands and
    acknowledges that Target, Acquiror and their respective shareholders, as
    well as legal counsel to Target and Acquiror, are entitled to rely on (i)
    the truth and accuracy of the undersigned Shareholder's representations
    contained therein and (ii) the undersigned Shareholder's performance of the
    obligations set forth herein.
 
    (d) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 1, the undersigned
Shareholder agrees not to offer, sell, exchange, transfer, pledge or otherwise
dispose of any of the Acquiror Shares unless at that time the time period set
forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 1 has expired and either:
 
        (i) such transaction is permitted pursuant to the provisions of Rule
    145(d) under the Securities Act;
 
        (ii) counsel representing the undersigned Shareholder, satisfactory to
    Acquiror, shall have advised Acquiror in a written opinion letter
    satisfactory to Acquiror and Acquiror's counsel, and upon which Acquiror and
    its counsel may rely, that no registration under the Securities Act is
    required in connection with the proposed sale, transfer or other
    disposition;
 
       (iii) a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the
    Acquiror Shares proposed to be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of,
    describing the manner and terms of the proposed sale, transfer or other
    disposition, and containing a current prospectus, is filed with the SEC and
    made effective under the Securities Act; or
 
        (iv) an authorized representative of the SEC shall have rendered written
    advice to the undersigned Shareholder (sought by the undersigned Shareholder
    or counsel to the undersigned Shareholder, with a copy thereof and of all
    other related communications delivered to Acquiror) to the effect that the
    SEC will take no action, or that the staff of the SEC will not recommend
    that the SEC take action, with respect to the proposed offer, sale,
    exchange, transfer, pledge or other disposition if consummated.
 
    (e) All certificates representing the Acquiror Shares deliverable to the
undersigned Shareholder pursuant to the Merger Agreement and in connection with
the Merger and any certificates subsequently issued with respect thereto or in
substitution therefor shall, unless one or more of the alternative conditions
set forth in the subparagraphs of paragraph (d) of this Section 1 shall have
occurred, bear a legend substantially as follows:
 
       "The shares represented by this certificate may not be offered,
       sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of
       except in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act
       of 1933, as amended, and the other conditions specified in
 
                                    A-C-1-2
<PAGE>
       that certain Affiliates Agreement, dated as of April   , 1997,
       between Acquiror and            , a copy of which Affiliates
       Agreement may be inspected by the holder of this certificate at
       the offices of Acquiror, or Acquiror will furnish, without charge,
       a copy thereof to the holder of this certificate upon written
       request therefor."
 
Acquiror, at its discretion, may cause stop transfer orders to be placed with
its transfer agent with respect to the certificates for the Acquiror Shares but
not as to the certificates for any part of the Acquiror Shares as to which said
legend is no longer appropriate when one or more of the alternative conditions
set forth in the subparagraphs of paragraph (d) of this Section 1 shall have
occurred.
 
    (f) The undersigned Shareholder will observe and comply with the Securities
Act and the General Rules and Regulations thereunder, as now in effect and as
from time to time amended and including those hereafter enacted or promulgated,
in connection with any offer, sale, exchange, transfer, pledge or other
disposition of the Acquiror Shares or any part thereof.
 
    (g) The undersigned Shareholder undertakes and agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless Acquiror, Target, and each of their respective current and future
officers and directors and each person, if any, who now or hereafter controls or
may control Acquiror or Target within the meaning of the Securities Act (an
"Indemnified Person") from and against any and all claims, demands, actions,
causes of action, losses, costs, damages, liabilities and expenses ("Claims")
based upon, arising out of or resulting from any breach or nonfulfillment of any
undertaking, covenant or agreement made by the undersigned Shareholder in
subsection (b), (c), (d) or (f) of this Section 1, or caused by or attributable
to the undersigned Shareholder, or the undersigned Shareholder's agents or
employees, or representatives, brokers, dealers and/or underwriters insofar as
they are acting on behalf of and in accordance with the instruction of or with
the knowledge of the undersigned Shareholder, in connection with or relating to
any offer, sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition of any of the Acquiror
Shares by or on behalf of the undersigned Shareholder, which claim or claims
result from any breach or nonfulfillment as set forth above. The indemnification
set forth herein shall be in addition to any liability that the undersigned
Shareholder may otherwise have to the Indemnified Persons.
 
    (h) Promptly after receiving definitive notice of any Claim in respect of
which an Indemnified Person may seek indemnification under this Affiliates
Agreement, such Indemnified Person shall submit notice thereof to the
undersigned Shareholder. The omission by the Indemnified Person so to notify the
undersigned Shareholder of any such Claim shall not relieve the undersigned
Shareholder from any liability the undersigned Shareholder may have hereunder
except to the extent that (i) such liability was caused or increased by such
omission, or (ii) the ability of the undersigned Shareholder to reduce or defend
against such liability was adversely affected by such omission. The omission of
the Indemnified Person so to notify the undersigned Shareholder of any such
Claim shall not relieve the undersigned Shareholder from any liability the
undersigned Shareholder may have otherwise than hereunder. The Indemnified
Persons and the undersigned Shareholder shall cooperate with and assist one
another in the defense of any Claim and any action, suit or proceeding arising
in connection therewith.
 
    2. REPORTS. From and after the Effective Time of the Merger and for so long
as necessary in order to permit the undersigned Shareholder to sell the Acquiror
Shares pursuant to Rule 145 and, to the extent applicable, Rule 144 under the
Securities Act, Acquiror will file on a timely basis all reports required to be
filed by it pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, referred to in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or,
if applicable, Acquiror will make publicly available the information regarding
itself referred to in paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 144), in order to permit the
undersigned Shareholder to sell, pursuant to the terms and conditions of Rule
145 and the applicable provisions of Rule 144, the Acquiror Shares.
 
    3. WAIVER. No waiver by any party hereto of any condition or of any breach
of any provision of this Affiliates Agreement shall be effective unless in
writing.
 
                                    A-C-1-3
<PAGE>
    4. NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands or other communications that are
required or may be given pursuant to the terms of this Affiliates Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by
hand or mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
 
    (a) If to the Shareholder, at the address set forth below the Shareholder's
signature at the end hereof.
 
    (b) If to Acquiror, Target or the other Indemnified Persons:

           Veeco Instruments Inc.
           Terminal Drive
           Plainview, New York 11803
           Attention: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
           Facsimile No.: (516) 349-9079
           Telephone No.: (516) 349-8300
 
       with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

           Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler, LLP
           425 Park Avenue
           New York, New York 10022
           Attention: Rory Greiss, Esq.
           Facsimile No.: (212) 836-7152
           Telephone No.: (212) 836-8261
 
       and
 
           Wyko Corporation
           2650 East Elvira Road
           Tucson, Arizona 85706
           Attention: James C. Wyant
           Facsimile No.: (520) 294-1799
           Telephone No.: (520) 741-1044
 
       with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
 
           Morrison & Foerster LLP
           755 Page Mill Road
           Palo Alto, CA 94304-1018
           Attention: Michael Phillips, Esq.
           Facsimile No.: (415) 494-0792
           Telephone No.: (415) 813-5600

or to such other address as any party hereto or any Indemnified Person may
designate for itself by notice given as herein provided.
 
    5. COUNTERPARTS. For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Affiliates
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
document.
 
    6. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Affiliates Agreement shall be enforceable
by, and shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon, the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns. Moreover, this Affiliates Agreement
shall be enforceable by, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Indemnified
Persons and their respective successors and assigns. As used herein, the term
"successors and assigns" shall mean, where the context so permits, heirs,
executors, administrators, trustees and successor trustees, and personal and
other representatives.
 
                                    A-C-1-4
<PAGE>
    7. GOVERNING LAW. This Affiliates Agreement shall be governed by and
construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of
New York.
 
    8. EFFECTIVENESS; SEVERABILITY. This Affiliates Agreement shall become
effective at the Effective Time of the Merger. If a court of competent
jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Affiliates Agreement is
unenforceable or enforceable only if limited in time and/or scope, this
Affiliates Agreement shall continue in full force and effect with such provision
stricken or so limited.
 
    9. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The section headings herein are for convenience only
and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Affiliates
Agreement.
 
    10. DEFINITIONS. All capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning
defined in the Merger Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein.
 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Affiliates Agreement to be
executed as of the date first above written.
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                         <C>
ACQUIROR                                               SHAREHOLDER
 
By:
           -----------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------
           Edward H. Braun                             (Signature)
           Chairman, President and
           Chief Executive Officer                     ------------------------------------------
                                                       (Print Name)

                                                       ------------------------------------------
                                                       (Print Address)

                                                       ------------------------------------------
                                                       (Print Telephone Number)
</TABLE>
 
                                    A-C-1-5
<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT C-2
 
                              AFFILIATES AGREEMENT
 
    THIS AFFILIATES AGREEMENT (the "Affiliates Agreement") is entered into as of
the       day of April, 1997 between Veeco Instruments Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Acquiror"), and the undersigned holder (the "Shareholder") of
shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Acquiror Shares"), of
Acquiror.
 
                                    RECITALS
 
    A. Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation ("Target"), Acquiror and Veeco
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Acquiror ("Merger Sub"), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated April       , 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Merger Sub
will be merged into Target (the "Merger"), and Target will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Acquiror.
 
    B. The parties to the Merger Agreement intend to cause the Merger to be
accounted for as a pooling of interests pursuant to APB Opinion No. 16,
Accounting Series Releases No. 130, 135 and 146 and Staff Accounting Bulletins
Topic Two.
 
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements,
provisions and covenants set forth in the Merger Agreement and in this
Affiliates Agreement, it is hereby agreed as follows:
 
    1. The undersigned Shareholder hereby agrees that:
 
        (a) The undersigned Shareholder may be deemed to be (but does not hereby
    admit to be) an "affiliate" of Acquiror within the meaning of Rule 144 under
    the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and
    Accounting Series Release No. 130, as amended, of the Securities and
    Exchange Commission (the "SEC") ("Release No. 130").
 
        (b) The undersigned Shareholder will not sell, exchange, transfer,
    pledge, dispose of or otherwise reduce the undersigned Shareholder's risk
    relative to the Acquiror Shares or any part thereof until such time after
    the Effective Time of the Merger as financial results covering at least
    thirty (30) days of the combined operations of Acquiror and Target after the
    Effective Time of the Merger have been, within the meaning of said Release
    No. 130, filed by Acquiror with the SEC or published by Acquiror in an
    Annual Report on Form 10-K, a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, a Current
    Report on Form 8-K, a quarterly earnings report, a press release or other
    public issuance that includes combined sales and income of Target and
    Acquiror. Acquiror agrees to make such filing or publication as soon as
    practicable and to notify the undersigned Shareholder promptly upon making
    such filing or publication. The undersigned will not, during the thirty (30)
    day period prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, sell, exchange,
    transfer, pledge, dispose of or otherwise reduce the undersigned
    Shareholder's risk relative to the Acquiror Shares or any part thereof.
 
        (c) The undersigned Shareholder undertakes and agrees to indemnify and
    hold harmless Acquiror, Target and each of their respective current and
    future officers and directors and each person, if any, who now or hereafter
    controls or may control Acquiror or Target within the meaning of the
    Securities Act (an "Indemnified Person") from and against any and all
    claims, demands, actions, causes of action, losses, costs, damages,
    liabilities and expenses ("Claims") based upon, arising out of or resulting
    from any breach or nonfulfillment of any undertaking, covenant or agreement
    made by the undersigned Shareholder in subsection (b) of this Section 1, or
    caused by or attributable to the undersigned Shareholder, or the undersigned
    Shareholder's agents or employees, or representatives, brokers, dealers
    and/or underwriters insofar as they are acting on behalf of and in
    accordance with the
 
                                    A-C-2-1
<PAGE>
    instruction of or with the knowledge of the undersigned Shareholder, in
    connection with or relating to any offer, sale, pledge, transfer or other
    disposition of any of the Acquiror Shares by or on behalf of the undersigned
    Shareholder, which claim or claims result from any breach or nonfulfillment
    as set forth above. The indemnification set forth herein shall be in
    addition to any liability that the undersigned Shareholder may otherwise
    have to the Indemnified Persons.
 
        (d) Promptly after receiving definitive notice of any Claim in respect
    of which an Indemnified Person may seek indemnification under this
    Affiliates Agreement, such Indemnified Person shall submit notice thereof to
    the undersigned Shareholder. The omission by the Indemnified Person so to
    notify the undersigned Shareholder of any such Claim shall not relieve the
    undersigned Shareholder from any liability the undersigned Shareholder may
    have hereunder except to the extent that (i) such liability was caused or
    increased by such omission, or (ii) the ability of the undersigned
    Shareholder to reduce or defend against such liability was adversely
    affected by such omission. The omission of the Indemnified Person so to
    notify the undersigned Shareholder of any such Claim shall not relieve the
    undersigned Shareholder from any liability the undersigned Shareholder may
    have otherwise than hereunder. The Indemnified Persons and the undersigned
    Shareholder shall cooperate with and assist one another in the defense of
    any Claim and any action, suit or proceeding arising in connection
    therewith.
 
    2. WAIVER. No waiver by any party hereto of any condition or of any breach
of any provision of this Affiliates Agreement shall be effective unless in
writing.
 
    3. NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands or other communications that are
required or may be given pursuant to the terms of this Affiliates Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by
hand or mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
 
        (a) If to the Shareholder, at the address set forth below the
    Shareholder's signature at the end hereof.
 
        (b) If to Acquiror, Target or the other Indemnified Persons:
 
           Veeco Instruments Inc.
           Terminal Drive
           Plainview, New York 11803
           Attention: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
           Fax: (516) 349-9079
           Tel: (516) 349-8300
 
           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
 
           Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler, LLP
           425 Park Avenue
           New York, New York 10022
           Attention: Rory Greiss, Esq.
           Fax: (212) 836-7152
           Tel: (212) 836-8261
 
           and
 
           Wyko Corporation
           2650 East Elvira Road
           Tucson, Arizona 85706
           Attention: James C. Wyant
           Fax: (520) 741-1799
           Tel: (520) 741-1044
 
                                    A-C-2-2
<PAGE>
           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
 
           Morrison & Foerster LLP
           755 Page Mill Road
           Palo Alto, California 94304-1018
           Attention: Michael Phillips, Esq.
           Fax: (415) 494-0792
           Tel: (415) 813-5600
 
or to such other address as any party hereto or any Indemnified Person may
designate for itself by notice given as herein provided.
 
    4. COUNTERPARTS. For the convenience of the parties hereto, this Affiliates
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
document.
 
    5. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Affiliates Agreement shall be enforceable
by, and shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon, the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns. Moreover, this Affiliates Agreement
shall be enforceable by, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Indemnified
Persons and their respective successor and assigns. As used herein, the term
"successors and assigns" shall mean, where the context so permits, heirs,
executors, administrators, trustees and successor trustees, and personal and
other representatives.
 
    6. GOVERNING LAW. This Affiliates Agreement shall be governed by and
construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of
New York.
 
    7. EFFECTIVENESS; SEVERABILITY. This Affiliates Agreement shall become
effective at the Effective Time of the Merger. If a court of competent
jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Affiliates Agreement is
unenforceable or enforceable only if limited in time and/or scope, this
Affiliates Agreement shall continue in full force and effect with such provision
stricken or so limited.
 
    8. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The section headings herein are for convenience only
and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Affiliates
Agreement.
 
    9. DEFINITIONS. All capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning
defined in the Merger Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein.
 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Affiliates Agreement to be
executed as of the date first above written.
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                          <C>
ACQUIROR                                                SHAREHOLDER
 
By:        ------------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------
           Edward H. Braun                              (Signature)
           Chairman, President and                    
           Chief Executive Officer                      ------------------------------------------
                                                        (Print Name)

                                                        ------------------------------------------
                                                        (Print Address)

                                                        ------------------------------------------
                                                        (Print Telephone Number)
</TABLE>
 
                                    A-C-2-3
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT D
 
                         REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
    REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of             , 1997, between Veeco
Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and John Hayes and
James C. Wyant (collectively, the "Shareholders").
 
    WHEREAS, the Company, Veeco Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation
("Acquisition"), Wyko Corporation ("Wyko"), the Shareholders and certain holders
of options to purchase shares of common stock of Wyko have entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April       , 1997 (the "Merger
Agreement"), pursuant to which Acquisition, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company, will be merged with and into Wyko, and Wyko will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company (the "Merger"); and
 
    WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Merger, the Shareholders' shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share of Wyko, will be converted into the right
to receive shares of the Company's common stock; and
 
    WHEREAS, in connection with the Merger and pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
the Company has agreed to provide the Shareholders with certain registration
rights as set forth herein.
 
    NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I.
 
                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
    The following terms, as used in this Agreement, have the following
respective meanings:
 
    "PERSON" means any natural person, corporation, limited partnership, general
partnership, a limited liability company, joint stock company, joint venture,
association, company, trust, bank, trust company, land trust, business trust or
other organization, whether or not a legal entity, and any government agency or
political subdivision thereof.
 
    "REGISTRABLE SECURITIES" means (i) all or any Shares received by the
Shareholders in connection with the Merger (all such Shares, the "Merger
Shares"), and (ii) any Shares issued as a dividend or distribution or issuable
upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right or other security which is
issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for
or in replacement of, the Merger Shares.
 
    "SHARES" means the Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.
 
    "SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
                                  ARTICLE II.
 
                              REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
    2.01  DEMAND REGISTRATION.  (a) If on any occasion after the first
anniversary of the date hereof one or more of the Shareholders notifies the
Company in writing that he or they wish to offer or cause to be offered for
public sale a portion of the Registrable Securities at least equal to 25% of any
and all Registrable Securities held at such time by all of the Shareholders, the
Company will so notify all Shareholders holding Registrable Securities. Upon
written request (the "Shareholder Request") of any Shareholder given within 30
days after the receipt by such Shareholder from the Company of such
notification, the Company, subject to its obligations under the Registration
Rights Agreement, dated as of
 
                                     A-D-1
<PAGE>
December 6, 1994 (the "Prior Registration Rights Agreement"), agrees promptly to
prepare and file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") to register under the Securities Act all
Registrable Securities requested to be registered by the requesting Shareholders
and to use its best efforts to have such registration statement declared
effective as promptly as practicable (but in any event within 90 days after
receipt of the Shareholder Request) as would permit or facilitate the sale and
distribution of such Shareholder's Registrable Securities as are specified in
such Shareholder Request. The Company shall not be required to effect more than
one registration pursuant to this Section 2.1.
 
    (b) A Shareholder Request shall state the number of Registrable Securities
requested to be registered and the intended method of disposition thereof.
Promptly upon receipt of any Shareholder Request, the Company will send a notice
to all other holders of Registrable Securities, together with a copy of the
Shareholder Request and notice of such public offering. Such other holders may
elect to participate in the registration by notice to the Company given within
30 days following the date of the Company's notice of request for registration.
 
    2.02  INCIDENTAL REGISTRATION.  (a) If at any time after the date hereof the
Company proposes to register any equity securities under the Securities Act for
sale to the public (other than pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4
or Form S-8 (or any successor forms) or any other forms not available for
registering Registrable Securities for sale to the public), either for the
Company's account or for the account of others, the Company shall, not less than
30 nor more than 90 days prior to the proposed date of filing a registration
statement under the Securities Act, give written notice to all holders of
Registrable Securities of its intention to do so. Upon the written request of
any holder of Registrable Securities given within 30 days after transmittal by
the Company of such notice, the Company, subject to its obligations under the
Prior Registration Rights Agreement, will use its best efforts to cause the
Registrable Securities requested to be registered to be so registered under the
Securities Act. A request pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) shall state the number
of Registrable Securities requested to be registered and the intended method of
disposition thereof. The rights granted in this Section 2.2(a) shall apply in
each case where the Company proposes to register equity securities regardless of
whether such rights may have been exercised previously.
 
    (b) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require the Company to
proceed with any registration of its securities pursuant to Section 2.2 after
giving the notice provided in paragraph (a) above.
 
    2.03  SHELF REGISTRATION.  (a) At any time after January 1, 1998, a
Shareholder may submit a written request to the Company (in the manner provided
in Section 2.1(a)) requesting that, promptly after the expiration of the time
period set forth in Section 8.01 of the Merger Agreement, the Company file with
the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act for the
offering on a continuous or delayed basis in the future of up to 1,500,000
Registrable Securities, as requested by the Shareholder(s) (collectively, the
"Shelf Registration"), and, subject to the provisions hereof, the Company shall
use its best efforts to comply with such request. The Shelf Registration shall
be on an appropriate form and the Shelf Registration and any form of prospectus
included therein or prospectus supplement relating thereto shall reflect such
plan of distribution or method of sale as the Shareholder(s) may from time to
time notify the Company, including the sale of some or all of the up to
1,500,000 Registrable Securities in a public offering or, if requested by the
Shareholder(s), subject to receipt by the Company of such information (including
information relating to purchasers) as the Company reasonably may require, in a
transaction constituting (i) a private placement under Section 3(b) or 4(2) of
the Securities Act or (ii) under Rule 144A under the Securities Act in
connection with which the Company undertakes to register such shares after the
conclusion of such placement to permit such shares freely to be tradeable by the
purchasers thereof. The Company shall use its best efforts to keep the Shelf
Registration continuously effective for the period beginning on the date on
which the Shelf Registration is declared effective and ending on the first to
occur of (1) ninety (90) days thereafter and (2) on the first date that all such
Registrable Securities have been sold. During the period during which the Shelf
Registration is effective, the Company shall supplement or make amendments to
the Shelf Registration, if required by the Securities Act or if reasonably
requested by the Shareholder or an underwriter of Registrable Securities,
including to reflect any specific plan of
 
                                     A-D-2
<PAGE>
distribution or method of sale, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to
have such supplements and amendments declared effective, if required, as soon as
practicable after filing.
 
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of the first sentence of Section 2.3(a)
hereof, the Company shall not be permitted to effect a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 without first having used its best efforts to effect a registration
relating to the Shelf Registration referred to in such Section 2.3(a).
 
    2.04  LIMITATION ON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT.  (a) Except as provided in
Section 2.3(b) hereof, the Company shall have the right to postpone for up to 75
days any registration required pursuant to Section 2.1 or Section 2.3 hereof if
the Company determines in good faith (and so certifies to the Shareholders) that
the filing of such registration statement would require the disclosure of
non-public material information the disclosure of which would have a material
adverse effect on the Company or would otherwise adversely affect any proposal
or plan by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to engage in any acquisition
of assets (other than in the ordinary course of business) or any merger,
consolidation, tender offer or similar transaction (provided, however, that the
Company may not exercise its right to so delay a registration pursuant to
Section 2.1 or Section 2.3 hereof more than once in any twelve-month period).
 
    (b) Except as provided in Section 2.3(b) hereof, the Company shall not be
obligated or required to effect any registration pursuant to Section 2.1(a) or
Section 2.3(a) hereof during the period commencing on the date falling thirty
(30) days prior to the Company's estimated date of filing of, and ending on the
date one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of, any
registration statement pertaining to any underwritten registration initiated by
the Company, for the account of the Company, if the Shareholder Request shall
have been received by the Company after the Company shall have advised holders
of Registrable Securities that the Company is contemplating commencing an
underwritten registration initiated by the Company (or, in the case of a
Shareholder Request pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, if the Company shall advise
such holders of such intention prior to the expiration of the time period set
forth in Section 8.01 of the Merger Agreement); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
Company will use reasonable efforts to cause any such registration statement to
be filed and to become effective as expeditiously as shall be reasonably
possible.
 
    2.05  REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.  If and whenever the Company is required by
the provisions of this Article II to use its best efforts to effect the
registration of any securities under the Securities Act, the Company will within
the time periods provided herein:
 
        (a) prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement with
    respect to such securities and use its best efforts to cause such
    registration statement to become and remain effective for a period of time
    required for the disposition of such securities by the holders thereof;
 
        (b) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements
    to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection
    therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective
    and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the
    sale or other disposition of all securities covered by such registration
    statement until the earlier of such time as all of such securities have been
    disposed of and the date which is ninety (90) days after the date of initial
    effectiveness of such registration statement and not file any amendment or
    supplement to such registration statement or prospectus to which the
    Shareholders shall have reasonably objected on the grounds that such
    amendment or supplement does not comply in all material respects with the
    requirements of the Securities Act, having been furnished with a copy
    thereof at the earliest practicable date;
 
        (c) furnish to each seller and to each duly authorized underwriter of
    each seller such number of authorized copies of a prospectus, including
    copies of a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of
    the Securities Act, and such other documents as such seller or underwriter
    may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other
    disposition of the securities owned by such seller;
 
                                     A-D-3
<PAGE>
        (d) use its best efforts to register or qualify the securities covered
    by such registration statement under such securities or blue sky laws of
    such jurisdictions as each seller shall request, and do any and all other
    acts and things which may be necessary under such securities or blue sky
    laws to enable such seller to consummate the public sale or other
    disposition in such jurisdictions of the securities to be sold by such
    seller, except that the Company shall not for any such purpose be required
    to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction wherein it is not qualified or
    to file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction;
 
        (e) before filing the registration statement or prospectus or amendments
    or supplements thereto or any other documents related thereto, furnish to
    counsel selected by the holders of Registrable Securities included in such
    registration statement copies of all such documents proposed to be filed,
    all of which shall be subject to the reasonable approval of such counsel;
 
        (f) furnish, at the request of any seller, (1) to the underwriters, on
    the date that such seller's securities are delivered to the underwriters for
    sale pursuant to such registration, an opinion of the independent counsel
    representing the Company for the purposes of such registration addressed to
    such underwriters and to such seller, in such form and content as the
    underwriters and such seller may reasonably request, or (2) if such
    securities are not being sold through underwriters, then to the sellers, on
    the date that the registration statement with respect to such securities
    becomes effective, an opinion, dated such date, of the independent counsel
    representing the Company for the purposes of such registration in such form
    and content as such seller may reasonably request; and in the case of
    clauses (1) and (2) above, a letter dated such date, from the independent
    certified public accountants of the Company addressed to the underwriters,
    if any, and if such securities are not being sold through underwriters, then
    to the sellers and, if such accountants refuse to deliver such letter to
    such sellers, then to the Company, stating that they are independent
    certified public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and
    that, in the opinion of such accountants, the financial statements and other
    financial data of the Company included in the registration statement or the
    prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, comply as to form in all
    material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the
    Securities Act and covering such other matters as are customarily covered in
    accountant's "comfort" letters;
 
        (g) enter into customary agreements (including an underwriting agreement
    in customary form) and take such other actions as are reasonably required in
    order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such securities;
 
        (h) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar
    for all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement from
    and after a date not later than the effective date of such registration
    statement;
 
        (i) notify the Shareholders, at any time when a prospectus relating
    thereto covered by such registration statement is required to be delivered
    under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which
    the prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect,
    includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
    fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
    therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing and,
    at the request of the Shareholders properly prepare and furnish to the
    Shareholders a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an
    amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter
    delivered to purchasers of such securities, such prospectus shall not
    include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
    fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
    therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were
    made;
 
        (j) use its best efforts to list all Registrable Securities covered by
    such registration statement on any securities exchange on which any class of
    Registrable Securities is then listed; and
 
                                     A-D-4
<PAGE>
        (k) otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable rules
    and regulations of the Commission, and make available to its security
    holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 18 months
    after the effective date of the registration statement, an earnings
    statement covering the period of at least 12 months beginning with the first
    full calendar month after the effective date of such registration statement,
    which earnings statements shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of
    the Securities Act.
 
    2.06  EXPENSES.  All expenses incurred in effecting the registrations
provided for in this Article II (excluding underwriters' discounts and
commissions which shall be borne pro rata by those holders for whom Registrable
Securities are being registered and, other than as provided at the end of this
Section 2.6, fees of counsel to the holders of Registrable Securities),
including without limitation all registration and filing fees (including all
expenses incident to filing with the NASD Regulation, Inc. and any securities
exchange), printing expenses, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company,
fees of the Company's independent auditors and accountants, expenses of any
audits incident to or required by any such registration and expenses of
complying with the securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdictions pursuant to
subsection 2.4(d) hereof, shall be paid by the Company, and the Company shall
pay the fees and disbursements of one counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
Company for the holders of Registrable Securities for performance of the normal
and customary functions of counsel for selling shareholders in each registration
provided for in this Article II.
 
    2.07  MARKETING RESTRICTIONS.  (a) If (i) any holder of Registrable
Securities wishes to register any Registrable Securities in a registration made
pursuant to Section 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3 hereof, (ii) the offering proposed to be
made by such holder or holders is to be an underwritten public offering, (iii)
the Company or one or more holders of securities other than Registrable
Securities to whom the Company has granted registration rights wish to register
securities in such registration and (iv) the managing underwriters of such
public offering furnish a written opinion that the total amount of securities to
be included in such offering would exceed the maximum amount of securities (as
specified in such opinion) which can be marketed in such offering at a price
which such holders of Registrable Securities are prepared to sell and without
materially and adversely affecting such offering; then the rights of holders of
Registrable Securities, the Company and the holders of other securities with
registration rights to participate in such offering shall be in the following
order of priority:
 
        FIRST: Subject to the rights of the holders of Registrable Securities
    (as defined in the Prior Registration Rights Agreement), the holders of
    Registrable Securities requesting registration shall be entitled to
    participate in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities so
    requested to be registered by each such holder; and then
 
        SECOND: The Company and all holders of securities other than Registrable
    Securities having the right to include such securities in such registration
    shall be entitled to participate pro rata among themselves in accordance
    with the number of securities requested to be registered by the Company and
    each such holder;
 
and no securities (issued or unissued) other than those registered and included
in the underwritten offering shall be offered for sale or other disposition by
the Company in a transaction which would require registration under the
Securities Act (including any additional offering which is to be registered
pursuant to Section 2.1) until the expiration of 180 days after the effective
date of the registration statement requested pursuant to this Article II or such
shorter period as may be acceptable to the holders of Registrable Securities
participating in such underwritten offering.
 
    (b) If (i) any holder of Registrable Securities requests registration of
Registrable Securities under Section 2.2, (ii) the offering proposed to be made
is to be an underwritten public offering and (iii) the managing underwriters of
such public offering furnish a written opinion that the total amount of
securities to be included in such offering would exceed the maximum amount of
securities (as specified in such opinion) which can be marketed at a price
reasonably related to the then current market value of such
 
                                     A-D-5
<PAGE>
securities and without materially and adversely affecting such offering; then
the rights of the Company and the holders of Registrable Securities and other
securities having the right to include such securities in such registration to
participate in such offering shall be in the following order of priority:
 
        FIRST: The Company shall be entitled to participate in accordance with
    the number of securities requested to be registered by the Company; and then
 
        SECOND: Subject to the rights of the holders of Registrable Securities
    (as defined in the Prior Registration Rights Agreement), all holders of
    securities, including holders of Registrable Securities, having the right to
    include such securities in such registration shall be entitled to
    participate pro rata among themselves in accordance with the number of
    securities requested to be registered by each such holder;
 
and no securities (issued or unissued) other than those registered and included
in the underwritten offering shall be offered for sale or other disposition by
the holders of Registrable Securities in a transaction which would require
registration under the Securities Act (including any additional offering which
is to be registered pursuant to Section 2.1) until the expiration of 180 days
after the effective date of the registration statement in which Registrable
Securities were included pursuant to Section 2.2 or such shorter period as may
be acceptable to the Company.
 
    2.08  TIME LIMITATIONS; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this Article II, the rights to registration shall
terminate as to any particular Registrable Securities when (i) such Registrable
Securities shall have been effectively registered under the Securities Act and
sold by the holder thereof in accordance with such registration, (ii) such
Registrable Securities shall have been sold in compliance with Rule 144
promulgated under the Securities Act or (iii) written opinions from counsel
reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Shareholders, to the effect that
such Registrable Securities may be sold without registration under the
Securities Act or applicable state law and without restriction as to the volume
and timing of such sales, shall have been received from either counsel to the
Company or counsel to the holders thereof.
 
    2.09  COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144.  At the request of any holder of Registrable
Securities who proposes to sell Registrable Securities in compliance with Rule
144 promulgated under the Securities Act, assuming that at such time the
provisions of such Rule are applicable to such holder and, in the event such
holder is or could be deemed to be an "affiliate" of the Company within the
meaning of the Securities Act, and the Company is then required to file reports
under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), the Company shall (a) forthwith furnish to such holder a
written statement as to its compliance with the filing requirements of the
Commission as set forth in such Rule, as such Rule may be amended from time to
time, and (b) make such additional filings of reports with the Commission as
will enable the holders to make sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to such
Rule. At all times during which this Agreement is effective, the Company shall
file with the Commission and, if applicable, The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
("NASDAQ"), in a timely manner, all reports and other documents required to be
filed by the Company, (i) with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, and
(ii) with NASDAQ pursuant to its rules and regulations.
 
    2.10  COMPANY'S INDEMNIFICATION.  In the event of any registration under the
Securities Act of any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Article II, the
Company hereby agrees to execute an agreement with any underwriter participating
in the offering thereof containing such underwriter's standard representations
and indemnification provisions and to indemnify and hold harmless each holder
disposing of Registrable Securities, each Person, if any, who controls such
holder within the meaning of the Securities Act and each other Person (including
each underwriter and each Person who controls such underwriter) who participates
in the offering of Registrable Securities, against any losses, claims, damages
or liabilities, joint or several, to which such holder, controlling person or
participating person may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise,
insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or proceedings in
respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of any
 
                                     A-D-6
<PAGE>
material fact contained in any registration statement under which the
Registrable Securities are registered under the Securities Act, in any
preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein, or in any
amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission
or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will
reimburse each such holder, controlling person and participating person for any
legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or
defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or proceeding; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the Company will not be liable in any case to any such holder,
controlling person or participating person to the extent that any loss, claim,
damage or liability results from any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement,
preliminary or final prospectus or amendment or supplement in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by an instrument
duly executed by such holder or any other person who participates as an
underwriter in the offering or sale of such securities, in either case,
specifically stating that it is for use in the preparation thereof or
controlling or participating person, as the case may be, specifically for use in
the preparation thereof. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Shareholders or any
such underwriter or controlling person and shall survive the transfer of such
securities by the Shareholders and the expiration or termination of this
Agreement.
 
    2.11  INDEMNIFICATION BY HOLDER.  As a condition of the Company's obligation
under this Article II to effect any registration under the Securities Act, there
shall be delivered to the Company an agreement or agreements duly executed by
each holder for whom Registrable Securities are to be so registered, whereby
such holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless (in the same manner as set
forth in Section 2.09 above) the Company, each person referred to in clause (1),
(2) or (3) of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act in respect of the registration
statement and each other person, if any, who controls the Company within the
meaning of the Securities Act, with respect to any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration statement
under which the Registrable Securities are to be registered under the Securities
Act, in any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or in
any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
which, in each case, is made in or omitted from the registration statement,
preliminary or final prospectus or amendment or supplement in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by an instrument
duly executed by such holder specifically for use in the preparation thereof;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the indemnification obligations of each such holder
shall be limited to the net proceeds received by such holder from the sale of
Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration. Such indemnity shall
remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on
behalf of the Company or any such underwriter or controlling person and shall
survive the transfer of such securities by the Shareholders and the expiration
or termination of this Agreement.
 
    (b) At the request of the managing underwriter in connection with any
underwritten offering of the Company's securities, each holder for whom
Registrable Securities are being registered shall enter into an indemnity
agreement in customary form with such underwriter.
 
                                     A-D-7
<PAGE>
    2.12  CONTRIBUTION.  If the indemnification provided for in Section 2.9 or
2.10 from the indemnifying party is unavailable to an indemnified party
hereunder, or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party, in respect
of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein,
then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party,
shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a
result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying
party and indemnified parties in connection with the actions which resulted in
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such indemnifying party
and indemnified parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things,
whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has
been made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or
indemnified parties, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or
omission. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the
losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be
deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by
such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding.
 
    The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 2.11 were determined by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any
indemnifying party who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
 
    2.13  NOTIFICATION OF AND PARTICIPATION IN ACTIONS.  Promptly after receipt
by an indemnified party under this Article II of oral or written notice of a
claim or the commencement of any proceeding against it, such indemnified party
shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party
under such Article, give written notice to the indemnifying party of the
commencement thereof, but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party shall
not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party except
to the extent the indemnifying party demonstrates that the defense of such
action is prejudiced thereby. In case any such proceeding shall be brought
against an indemnified party and it shall give notice to the indemnifying party
of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to
participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish (unless the
indemnifying party is also a party to such proceeding and the indemnified party
determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate) to
assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such
indemnified party and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such
indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the
indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such
Article for any fees of other counsel or any other expenses with respect to the
defense of such proceeding, in each case, subsequently incurred by such
indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof. If an indemnifying
party assumes the defense of such proceeding, (a) no compromise or settlement
thereof may be effected by the indemnifying party without the indemnified
party's reasonable consent unless (i) there is no finding or admission of any
violation of law or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on
any other claims that may be made against the indemnified party and (ii) the
sole relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the
indemnifying party and (b) the indemnifying party shall have no liability with
respect to any compromise or settlement thereof effected without its consent. If
notice is given to an indemnifying party of the commencement of any proceeding
and it does not, within fifteen (15) business days after the indemnified party's
notice is given, give notice to the indemnified party of its election to assume
the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall be bound by any determination
made in such action or any compromise or settlement thereof effected by the
indemnified party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an indemnified party
determines in good faith that there is a reasonable probability that a
proceeding may adversely affect it or its affiliates other than as a result of
monetary damages, such indemnified party may, by notice to the indemnifying
party, assume the
 
                                     A-D-8
<PAGE>
exclusive right to defend, compromise or settle such proceeding, but the
indemnifying party shall not be bound by any determination of a proceeding so
defended or any compromise or settlement thereof effected without its consent
(which shall not be unreasonably withheld). All indemnification obligations of
the parties hereto shall survive any termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 2.7 hereof.
 
    2.14  UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS.  (a) In the event of an underwritten
offering of the Company's securities, each holder for whom Registerable
Securities are being registered pursuant to Section 2.1, Section 2.2 or Section
2.3 hereof shall, as a condition to inclusion of such Registrable Securities in
such registration, execute and deliver to the underwriter an underwriting
agreement in customary form. The underwriters shall be selected (i) by the
holders of Registrable Securities, in the case of a registration pursuant to
Section 2.1 or Section 2.3 (which underwriters shall be acceptable to the
Company) or (ii) by the Company, in the case of a registration pursuant to
Section 2.2.
 
    (b) At the request of the managing underwriter in connection with any
underwritten offering of the Company's securities, the holders for whom
Registrable Securities are being registered shall enter into customary "lock-up"
agreements pursuant to which each such holder will agree to not effect any sale
or distribution of Registrable Securities for a period of no more than 180 days
beginning on the effective date of any such registration (except as part of such
registration).
 
    2.15  FURNISH INFORMATION.  It shall be a condition precedent to the
obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to Article II that the
holders furnish to the Company such information regarding them, the Registrable
Securities held by them and the intended method of disposition of such
securities as the Company shall reasonably request and as shall be required in
connection with the action to be taken by the Company.
 
                                  ARTICLE III.
 
BENEFITS OF AGREEMENT
 
    3.01  PERMITTED TRANSFERS.  The registration rights granted herein may only
be transferred to a transferee who acquires Registrable Securities from any
Shareholder that is (i) the spouse or member of the immediate family of a
Shareholder; (ii) a trust for the benefit of a Shareholder or any member of such
Shareholder's immediate family; or (iii) a corporation, partnership or other
entity the only owners of which are one or more Shareholders and members of
their immediate families; provided that any transferring Shareholder gives
written notice at the time of such transfer to the Company stating the name and
address of the transferee and identifying the Registrable Securities so
transferred, accompanied by a signature page to this Agreement pursuant to which
such transferee agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions hereof.
 
                                  ARTICLE IV.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
    4.01  NO INCONSISTENT AGREEMENTS.  The Company will not, at any time after
the effective date of this Agreement, enter into, and is not now a party to or
otherwise bound by, any agreement or contract (whether written or oral) with
respect to any of its securities which is inconsistent in any respect with the
registration rights granted by the Company pursuant to this Agreement.
 
    4.02  NO OTHER GRANT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.  The Company will not at any
time grant to any other persons any rights with respect to the registration of
any securities of the Company which have priority over or are inconsistent with
the registration rights granted by the Company pursuant to this Agreement.
 
                                     A-D-9
<PAGE>
    4.03  NOTICES.  Notices and other communications provided for herein shall
be in writing and shall be given in the manner and with the effect provided in
the Merger Agreement. Such notices and communications shall be addressed if to a
holder of Registrable Securities, to its address as shown on the transfer
records of the Company, unless such holder shall notify the Company that notices
and communications should be sent to a different address (or facsimile number),
in which case notices and communications shall be sent to the address (or such
facsimile number) specified by such holder.
 
    4.04  WAIVERS; AMENDMENTS.  No failure or delay of any holder of Registrable
Securities in exercising any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or
any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power,
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right or power. The rights and remedies of such holder are cumulative and not
exclusive of any rights or remedies which it would otherwise have. The
provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived only by an
agreement in writing and any such waiver shall be effective only in the specific
instance and for the purpose for which given. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be
effective against a holder of Registrable Securities unless (a) agreed to in
writing by such holder or (b) agreed to in writing by such holder's predecessor
in interest and notation thereof is set forth on the certificate evidencing such
holder's Registrable Securities as the case may be. No notice or demand on the
Company in any case shall entitle the Company to any other or further notice or
demand in similar or other circumstances.
 
    4.05  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the
conflicts of law principles thereof.
 
    4.06  COVENANTS TO BIND SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  All the covenants,
stipulations, promises and agreements in this Agreement contained by or on
behalf of the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so
expressed or not.
 
    4.07  SEVERABILITY.  In case any one or more of the provisions contained in
this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The
parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of
which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provisions.
 
    4.08  SECTION HEADINGS.  The section headings used herein are for
convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to
affect the construction of or be taken into consideration in interpreting this
Agreement.
 
    4.09  EXPENSES.  Except as expressly otherwise provided herein, each party
shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with the preparation,
execution and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby, including all fees and expenses of agents, representatives, counsel and
accountants.
 
    4.10  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other party, it being understood that both
parties need not sign the same counterpart.
 
                                     A-D-10
<PAGE>
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly
executed, all as of the day and year above written.
 
                                VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
 
                                By:  -----------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:
 
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                                 John B. Hayes
 
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                                James C. Wyant
 
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                                 Louise Wyant
 
                                     A-D-11
<PAGE>
                                                                      Appendix B

                [Montgomery Securities Letterhead]

June 4, 1997

Board of Directors  
Veeco Instruments Inc.
Terminal Drive
Plainview, NY  11803

Gentlemen:

     We understand that Veeco Instruments Inc., a Delaware corporation 
("Buyer"), Veeco Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of Buyer ("Acquisition"), Wyko Corporation, an Arizona corporation 
("Seller"), and the securityholders of Seller, have entered into an Agreement 
and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 28, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), 
pursuant to which Acquisition will be merged with and into Seller and Seller 
will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Buyer (the "Merger").  Pursuant to 
the Merger, as more fully described in the Merger Agreement and as further 
described to us by management of Buyer, we understand that each outstanding 
share of Class A common stock, without par value, of Seller ("Seller Common 
Stock"), other than shares held in the treasury of Seller, will be converted 
into the right to receive 10.182435 shares of common stock, $.01 par value 
per share, of Buyer ("Buyer Common Stock"), subject to certain adjustments 
(the "Consideration").  We understand that the aggregate number of shares of 
Buyer Common Stock to be issued to Seller's stockholders will represent a 
total of 2,863,810 shares and that, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, holders 
of currently outstanding options to acquire shares of common stock of Seller 
will receive options to acquire 136,190 shares of Buyer Common Stock.  The 
terms and conditions of the Merger are set forth in more detail in the Merger 
Agreement.

          You have asked for our opinion as investment bankers as to whether 
the Consideration to be paid by Buyer pursuant to the Merger is fair to the 
stockholders of Buyer from a financial point of view, as of the date hereof.  
As you are aware, we were not retained to nor did we advise Buyer with 
respect to alternatives to the Merger or Buyer's underlying decision to 
proceed with or effect the Merger.

          In connection with our opinion, we have, among other things:  (i) 
reviewed certain publicly available financial and other data with respect to 
Seller and Buyer, including the consolidated financial statements for recent 
years to December 31, 1996 and the consolidated statements of income for 
interim periods to March 31, 1997 and certain other relevant financial and 
operating data relating to Seller and Buyer made available to us from 
published sources and from the internal records of Seller and Buyer; (ii) 
reviewed the financial terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement; (iii) 
reviewed the proxy statement of Buyer relating to the Merger (the "Proxy 
Statement"), as filed in preliminary form with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on April 29, 1997; (iv) reviewed certain publicly available 
information concerning the trading of, and the trading market for, Buyer 
Common Stock; (v) compared Seller from a financial point of view with certain 
other companies in the semiconductor and hard disk drive capital equipment 

<PAGE>

Board of Directors
Veeco Instruments Inc.
June 4, 1997
Page 2

industry which we deemed to be relevant; (vi) considered the financial terms, 
to the extent publicly available, of selected recent business combinations of 
companies in the semiconductor and hard disk drive capital equipment industry 
which we deemed to be comparable, in whole or in part, to the Merger; (vii) 
reviewed and discussed with representatives of the management of Seller and 
Buyer certain information of a business and financial nature regarding Seller 
and Buyer, furnished to us by them, including financial forecasts and related 
assumptions of Seller, and reviewed and discussed with representatives of the 
management of Buyer financial forecasts of Buyer prepared by us on the basis 
of assumptions provided by and with the assistance of such representatives; 
(viii) made inquiries regarding and discussed the Proxy Statement, the Merger 
and the Merger Agreement and other matters related thereto with Buyer's 
counsel; and (ix) performed such other analyses and examinations as we have 
deemed appropriate.

          In connection with our review, we have not assumed any obligation 
independently to verify the foregoing information and have relied on its 
being accurate and complete in all material respects.  With respect to the 
financial forecasts for Seller provided to us by its management and the 
financial forecasts for Buyer prepared on the basis of assumptions provided 
by and with the assistance of its management, upon their advice and with your 
consent we have assumed for purposes of our opinion that the forecasts have 
been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best available estimates and 
judgments of their respective managements at the time of preparation as to 
the future financial performance of Seller and Buyer and that they provide a 
reasonable basis upon which we can form our opinion.  With respect to the 
forecasts for Buyer, we have, with your permission and for purposes of our 
analyses, prepared forecasts based upon our analyst's estimates of the future 
financial performance of Buyer, as adjusted, on the basis of assumptions 
provided by and with the assistance of management of Buyer, to reflect the 
April 1997 acquisition by Buyer of certain assets of Materials Research 
Corporation.  We have discussed the adjusted forecasts for Buyer with 
management of Buyer and they have acknowledged our use of such adjusted 
forecasts in arriving at our opinion.  We have also assumed that there have 
been no material changes in Seller's or Buyer's assets, financial condition, 
results of operations, business or prospects since the respective dates of 
their last financial statements made available to us.  We have relied on 
advice of counsel and independent accountants to Buyer as to all legal and 
financial reporting matters with respect to Buyer, the Proxy Statement, the 
Merger and the Merger Agreement, including the legal status and financial 
reporting of litigation involving Seller.  We have assumed that the Merger 
will be consummated in a manner that complies in all respects with the 
applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 
"Securities Act"), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and all other 
applicable federal and state statutes, rules and regulations.  In addition, 
we have not assumed responsibility for making an independent evaluation, 
appraisal or physical inspection of any of the assets or liabilities 
(contingent or otherwise) of Seller or Buyer, nor have we been furnished with 
any such appraisals.  You have informed us, and we have assumed, that the 
Merger will be 

<PAGE>

accounted for as a pooling of interests under generally accepted accounting 
principles.  Finally, our opinion is based on economic, monetary and market 
and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to 
us as of, the date hereof.  Accordingly, although subsequent developments may 
affect this opinion, we have not assumed any obligation to update, revise or 
reaffirm this opinion.

          We have further assumed with your consent that the Merger will be 
consummated in accordance with the terms described in the Merger Agreement, 
without any further amendments thereto, and without waiver by Buyer or Seller 
of any of the conditions to their respective obligations thereunder.

          We have been engaged to render this opinion to you and will receive 
a fee for rendering this opinion, none of which is contingent upon the 
consummation of the Merger.  In the ordinary course of our business, we 
actively trade the equity securities of Buyer for our own account and for the 
accounts of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short 
position in such securities.

          Based upon the foregoing and in reliance thereon, it is our opinion 
as investment bankers that the Consideration to be paid by Buyer pursuant to 
the Merger is fair to the stockholders of Buyer from a financial point of 
view, as of the date hereof.

          This opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of Buyer in its 
consideration of the Merger and is not a recommendation to any stockholder as 
to how such stockholder should vote with respect to the Merger.  Further, 
this opinion addresses only the financial fairness of the Consideration to 
the Buyer and does not address the relative merits of the Merger and any 
alternatives to the Merger, Buyer's underlying decision to proceed with or 
effect the Merger, or any other aspect of the Merger.  This opinion may not 
be used or referred to by Buyer, or quoted or disclosed to any person in any 
manner, without our prior written consent, which consent is hereby given to 
the inclusion of this opinion in the Proxy Statement filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Merger.  In 
furnishing this opinion, we do not admit that we are experts within the 
meaning of the term "experts" as used in the Securities Act and the rules and 
regulations promulgated thereunder, nor do we admit that this opinion 
constitutes a report or valuation within the meaning of Section 11 of the 
Securities Act.

                              Very truly yours,

                              /s/ MONTGOMERY SECURITIES

                              MONTGOMERY SECURITIES
<PAGE>
                                                                      APPENDIX C
 
                       RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
 
    RESOLVED, that the Corporation's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended to date, is hereby further amended to increase the
authorized shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, from 9,500,000
shares to 25,000,000 shares, and, therefore, Article 4 be amended to read in its
entirety as follows:
 
        "4. The corporation shall have authority to issue a total of
    25,500,000 shares, to be divided into 25,000,000 shares of common stock
    with par value $.01 per share and 500,000 shares of preferred stock with
    par value of $.01 per share."
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
                                                                      APPENDIX D
 
                       RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO
                             VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
             AMENDED AND RESTATED 1992 EMPLOYEES' STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    RESOLVED, that the Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and Restated 1992
Employees' Stock Option Plan (as amended to date, the "Employees' Plan") is
hereby further amended to increase the number of shares of common stock, $.01
par value per share, covered thereby from 1,226,787 to 1,426,787, and
accordingly, Section 3 of the Employees' Plan is hereby amended and restated
substantially in the following form and on the following terms:
 
        "3. Stock. The stock to be made the subject of any Stock Option
    granted under the Plan shall be shares of the common stock of the
    Company, par value $.01 per share (the "Stock"), whether authorized and
    unissued or treasury stock, and the total number of shares of Stock for
    which Stock Options may be granted under the Plan shall not exceed, in
    the aggregate, 1,426,787 shares, subject to adjustment in accordance
    with the provisions of Section 11 hereof. To the extent consistent with
    Section 162(m) of the Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
    any shares which were the subject of unexercised portions of any
    terminated or expired Stock Options may again be subject to Stock
    Options under the Plan."
 
                                      D-1
<PAGE>
                                 FORM OF PROXY
 
[FRONT OF PROXY CARD]
                             VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
                                 TERMINAL DRIVE
                              PLAINVIEW, NY 11803
 
                   PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                                 JULY 25, 1997
 
          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    The undersigned hereby appoints Edward H. Braun and John F. Rein, Jr. or
either of them, each with full power of substitution, proxies to vote at the
Special Meeting of Stockholders of Veeco Instruments Inc. (the "Company") to be
held on July 25, 1997 at 9:30 a.m. (E.S.T.) at the Corporate Center, 395 North
Service Road, Lower Auditorium, Melville, New York, and at all adjournments or
postponements thereof, all shares of common stock of the Company which the
undersigned is entitled to vote as directed on the reverse side, and in their
discretion upon such other matters as may come before the meeting.
 
    The shares represented hereby will be voted in accordance with the choices
specified by the stockholder in writing on the reverse side. IF NOT OTHERWISE
SPECIFIED BY THE STOCKHOLDER, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR THE MERGER AND FOR THE OTHER MATTERS DESCRIBED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.
 
                               (CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.)
<PAGE>
[BACK OF PROXY CARD]
 
    /X/ Please mark your votes as this
 
PROPOSAL 1. Approval of Merger
 
<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>                        <C>
           FOR                      AGAINST                    ABSTAIN
           / /                        / /                        / /
</TABLE>
 
PROPOSAL 2. Approval of amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to provide for an increase in the
number of authorized shares of the Company's common stock.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>                        <C>
           FOR                      AGAINST                    ABSTAIN
           / /                        / /                        / /
</TABLE>
 
PROPOSAL 3. Approval of amendment to the Veeco Instruments Inc. Amended and
Restated 1992 Employees' Stock Option Plan, as amended.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>                        <C>
           FOR                      AGAINST                    ABSTAIN
           / /                        / /                        / /
</TABLE>
 
Transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or
any adjournment thereof.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
                                                                                     Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.
                                                                                     When shares are held by joint tenants, both
                                                                                     should sign. When signing as attorney,
                                                                                     executor, administrator, trustee or guardian,
                                                                                     please give full title as such. If a
                                                                                     corporation, please sign full corporate name by
                                                                                     President or other authorized officer. If a
                                                                                     partnership, please sign in partnership name by
                                                                                     authorized person.
 
                                                                                     Dated:
                                                                                     ------------------------------------,1997
 
                                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Signature
 
                                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Signature if held jointly
                                                                                     PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY
                                                                                     CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
</TABLE>


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