THERMO VISION CORP
10-Q, 1999-05-10
LABORATORY ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              Washington, DC 20549
              ----------------------------------------------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

(mark one)
[ X ] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarter Ended April 3, 1999

[   ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
      Exchange Act of 1934

                         Commission File Number 1-13391

                            THERMO VISION CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware                                                        04-3296594
(State or other jurisdiction of       (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)

8E Forge Parkway
Franklin, Massachusetts                                             02038
(Address of principal executive offices)                        (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (781) 622-1000

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [ ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

          Class                          Outstanding at April 30, 1999
 Common Stock, $.01 par value                       8,051,576



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 - Financial Statements
                                                    
                            THERMO VISION CORPORATION

                           Consolidated Balance Sheet
                                   (Unaudited)

                                     Assets

<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>   
                                                                                      April 3, January 2,
(In thousands)                                                                            1999      1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------

Current Assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents (includes $7,083 and $9,231 under repurchase                $ 8,152     $9,457
   agreement with affiliated company)
 Accounts receivable, less allowances of $293 and $246                                   5,581      5,487
 Inventories:
   Raw materials and supplies                                                            5,320      5,090
   Work in progress                                                                        568        585
   Finished goods                                                                        1,995      2,156
 Prepaid expenses                                                                          223        254
 Prepaid income taxes                                                                    2,040      2,563
                                                                                       -------    -------

                                                                                        23,879     25,592
                                                                                       -------    -------

Property, Plant, and Equipment, at Cost                                                  9,706      9,265
 Less:  Accumulated depreciation and amortization                                        3,741      3,410
                                                                                       -------    -------

                                                                                         5,965      5,855
                                                                                       -------    -------

Other Assets                                                                               953        836
                                                                                       -------    -------

Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Acquired Companies (Note 5)                             15,360     13,997
                                                                                       -------    -------

                                                                                       $46,157    $46,280
                                                                                       =======    ========


                                       2
<PAGE>

                            THERMO VISION CORPORATION
                     Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)
                                   (Unaudited)

                    Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment

                                                                                      April 3,  January 2,
(In thousands except share amounts)                                                       1999      1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------

Current Liabilities:
 Notes payable and capital lease obligation (includes $3,947 due                       $ 4,851     $1,070
   to Thermo Optek in 1999)
 Accounts payable                                                                        2,270      2,335
 Accrued payroll and employee benefits                                                   1,051        912
 Accrued installation and warranty expenses                                                381        346
 Other accrued expenses                                                                  1,290      1,166
 Due to Thermo Electron and affiliated companies                                           153        308
                                                                                       -------    -------

                                                                                         9,996      6,137
                                                                                       -------    -------

Deferred Income Taxes                                                                      217        217
                                                                                       -------    -------

Long-term Obligations (includes $3,800 due to Thermo Electron in 1999                    3,800      7,747
 and 1998 and $3,947 due to Thermo Optek in 1998)
                                                                                       -------    -------

Shareholders' Investment:
 Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized;                                81         80
   8,051,576 and 8,048,276 shares issued and outstanding
 Capital in excess of par value                                                         28,040     28,031
 Retained earnings                                                                       4,012      4,006
 Deferred compensation                                                                      (9)         -
 Accumulated other comprehensive items (Note 2)                                             20         62
                                                                                       -------    -------

                                                                                        32,144     32,179
                                                                                       -------    -------

                                                                                       $46,157    $46,280
                                                                                       =======    =======
















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.


                                       3
<PAGE>

                            THERMO VISION CORPORATION


                        Consolidated Statement of Income
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                                                      April 3,   April 4,
(In thousands except per share amounts)                                                   1999       1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------

Revenues                                                                               $ 9,196    $10,529
                                                                                       -------    -------

Costs and Operating Expenses:
 Cost of revenues                                                                        5,699      5,985
 Selling, general, and administrative expenses                                           2,502      2,312
 Research and development expenses                                                         965      1,035
                                                                                       -------     ------

                                                                                         9,166      9,332
                                                                                       -------    -------

Operating Income                                                                            30      1,197

Interest Income                                                                             97        124
Interest Expense                                                                           (15)       (21)
Interest Expense, Related Party                                                           (102)      (112)
                                                                                       -------     ------

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes                                                    10      1,188
Provision for Income Taxes                                                                   4        499
                                                                                       -------     ------

Net Income                                                                             $     6     $  689
                                                                                       =======     ======

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Note 3)                                          $     -     $  .09
                                                                                       =======     ======
                                                                                                
Weighted Average Shares (Note 3)
 Basic                                                                                   8,050      8,048
                                                                                       =======     ======

 Diluted                                                                                 8,091      8,048
                                                                                       =======     ======


















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
                            THERMO VISION CORPORATION

                      Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                                   (Unaudited)

                                                                                      Three Months Ended
                                                                                      April 3,   April 4,
(In thousands)                                                                            1999       1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------

Operating Activities:
 Net income                                                                            $     6     $  689
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
  activities:
   Depreciation and amortization                                                           474        362
   Provision for losses on accounts receivable                                              21         14
   Changes in current accounts, excluding the effects of acquisition:
     Accounts receivable                                                                    39        197
     Inventories                                                                           239       (401)
     Other current assets                                                                  701       (157)
     Accounts payable                                                                     (117)        28
     Other current liabilities                                                            (151)       592
                                                                                       -------     ------

       Net cash provided by operating activities                                         1,212      1,324
                                                                                       -------     ------

Investing Activities:
 Acquisition (Note 5)                                                                   (2,000)         -
 Purchases of property, plant, and equipment                                              (256)    (1,133)
 Other                                                                                    (131)       (60)
                                                                                       -------     ------

       Net cash used in investing activities                                            (2,387)    (1,193)
                                                                                       -------     ------

Financing Activities:
 Net decrease in short-term borrowings                                                    (131)      (237)
 Other                                                                                       -       (121)
                                                                                       -------     ------

       Net cash used in financing activities                                              (131)      (358)
                                                                                       -------     ------

Exchange Rate Effect on Cash                                                                 1          -
                                                                                       -------     ------

Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                   (1,305)      (227)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period                                         9,457      9,604
                                                                                       -------     ------

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period                                             $ 8,152     $9,377
                                                                                       =======     ======

Noncash Activities:
 Fair value of assets of acquired company                                              $ 2,354     $    -
 Cash paid for acquired company                                                         (2,000)         -
                                                                                       -------     ------

   Liabilities assumed of acquired company                                             $   354     $    -
                                                                                       =======     ======





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>


                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.    General

      The interim consolidated financial statements presented have been prepared
by Thermo Vision Corporation (the Company) without audit and, in the opinion of
management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a
fair statement of the financial position at April 3, 1999, and the results of
operations and cash flows for the three-month periods ended April 3, 1999, and
April 4, 1998. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a
full year.

      The consolidated balance sheet presented as of January 2, 1999, has been
derived from the consolidated financial statements that have been audited by the
Company's independent public accountants. The consolidated financial statements
and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain
information included in the annual financial statements and notes of the
Company. The consolidated financial statements and notes included herein should
be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2.    Comprehensive Income

      Comprehensive income combines net income and "other comprehensive items,"
which represents foreign currency translation adjustments, reported as a
component of shareholders' investment in the accompanying balance sheet. During
the first quarter of 1999 and 1998, the Company had a comprehensive loss of
$36,000 and comprehensive income of $707,000, respectively.

3.    Earnings per Share

      Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:

                                                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                                                      April 3,   April 4,
(In thousands except per share amounts)                                                   1999       1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------

Basic
Net Income                                                                              $    6      $ 689
                                                                                        ------      -----

Weighted Average Shares                                                                  8,050      8,048
                                                                                        ------      -----

Basic Earnings per Share                                                                $    -      $ .09
                                                                                        ======      =====

Diluted
Net Income                                                                              $    6      $ 689
                                                                                        ------      -----

Weighted Average Shares                                                                  8,050      8,048
Effect of Stock Options                                                                     41          -
                                                                                        ------      -----

Weighted Average Shares, as Adjusted                                                     8,091      8,048
                                                                                        ------      -----

Diluted Earnings per Share                                                              $    -      $ .09
                                                                                        ======      =====


                                       6
<PAGE>

3.    Earnings per Share (continued)

      The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes the effect of
assuming the exercise of certain outstanding stock options because the effect
would be antidilutive. As of April 3, 1999, there were 172,300 of such options
outstanding, with exercise prices ranging from $7.29 to $7.50 per share.

4.    Business Segment Information

                                                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                                                      April 3,   April 4,
(In thousands)                                                                            1999       1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------

Revenues:
 Optically Based Instruments and Lasers                                                $ 5,296     $6,472
 Optical Components                                                                      2,188      2,260
 Sensors and Imaging Systems                                                             1,712      1,797
                                                                                       -------    -------

                                                                                       $ 9,196    $10,529
                                                                                       =======    =======

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes:
 Optically Based Instruments and Lasers                                                $   553     $1,089
 Optical Components                                                                        147        341
 Sensors and Imaging Systems                                                              (375)        49
 Corporate (a)                                                                            (295)      (282)
                                                                                       -------     ------

 Total operating income                                                                     30      1,197
 Interest expense, net                                                                     (20)        (9)
                                                                                       -------     ------

                                                                                       $    10     $1,188
                                                                                       =======     ======

(a)  Primarily corporate general and administrative expenses.
</TABLE>

5.    Acquisitions

      On February 1, 1999, the Company acquired the assets, subject to certain
liabilities, of Opticon Corporation (now called Thermo Vision Opticon
Corporation), a manufacturer of replicated optical components and assemblies,
for $2,000,000 in cash, subject to a post-closing adjustment. To date, no
information has been gathered that would cause the Company to believe that the
post-closing adjustment will be material.

      This acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting and its results have been included in the Company's results from the
date of acquisition. The cost of this acquisition exceeded the estimated fair
value of the acquired net assets by $1,487,000, which is being amortized over 40
years. Allocation of the purchase price for this acquisition was based on an
estimate of the fair value of the net assets acquired and is subject to
adjustment upon finalization of the purchase price allocation. The Company has
gathered no information that indicates the final allocation will differ
materially from the preliminary estimates. Pro forma results have not been
presented as the results of the acquired business were not material to the
Company's results of operations.

      The Company has undertaken restructuring activities at certain acquired
businesses. The Company's restructuring activities, which were accounted for in
accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Pronouncement (EITF) 95-3, primarily
have included reductions in staffing levels and the abandonment of excess
facilities. In connection with these restructuring activities, as part of the
cost of acquisitions, the Company established

                                       7
<PAGE>


5.    Acquisitions (continued)

reserves, primarily for severance and excess facilities. In accordance with EITF
95-3, the Company finalizes its restructuring plans no later than one year from
the respective dates of the acquisitions. Unresolved matters at April 3, 1999,
primarily included completion of anticipated severances at Opticon. A summary of
the changes in accrued acquisition expenses, which are included in other accrued
expenses in the accompanying balance sheet, is:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                Abandonment
                                                                                  of Excess
(In thousands)                                                      Severance    Facilities          Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- ------------- --------------

<S>                                                             <C>            <C>           <C>  
Balance at January 2, 1999                                              $  59          $  6          $  65
 Reserves established                                                      60             -             60
 Usage                                                                    (32)           (3)           (35)
                                                                        -----          ----          -----

Balance at April 3, 1999                                                $  87          $  3          $  90
                                                                        =====          ====          =====

      In January 1999, the Company signed a nonbinding letter of intent to
acquire the assets of the non-telecommunications optical filter business of
Corning OCA Corporation (OCA) for $5,600,000. In April 1999, the parties agreed
to reduce the purchase price to $4,000,000. The proposed acquisition is subject
to certain conditions including completion of due diligence and approval by the
boards of directors of the Company and Corning. The final terms of this proposed
acquisition have not been determined and there can be no assurance that it will
be completed.

Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

      Forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are made throughout this Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. For
this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of
historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting
the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "seeks,"
"estimates," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results
of the Company to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements, including those detailed under the heading "Forward-looking
Statements" in Exhibit 13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended January 2, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

Overview

      The Company designs, manufactures, and markets a diverse array of
photonics products - light-based technologies that are embedded as "enabling
technologies" in a wide range of applications, including medical diagnostic and
analytical instrumentation; semiconductor manufacturing; X-ray imaging; and
physics, chemistry, and biology research.

      The Company organizes and manages its business by individual functional
operating entity. The Company's businesses operate in three segments: Optically
Based Instruments and Lasers, Optical Components, and Sensors and Imaging
Systems. The Optically Based Instruments and Lasers segment, which consists of
the Company's Oriel Corporation, Laser Science, Inc. (LSI), and Thermo Vision
Colorado subsidiaries, manufactures low-cost analyzers that combine optical
components and signal processors used primarily in research, analytical, and
process applications such as semiconductor photolithography. In addition, this
segment manufactures pulsed nitrogen lasers, nitrogen laser accessories, pulsed
CO(2) lasers, and autosamplers sold as accessories to analytical instruments.

                                       8
<PAGE>

 Overview (continued)

      The Optical Components segment, which consists of the Company's recently
acquired Thermo Vision Opticon Corporation subsidiary (Note 5), its Corion
division, and its Hilger Crystals subsidiary, manufactures a variety of optical
components, including filters and crystals. The Company's optical components are
used primarily in medical and analytical instruments and X-ray baggage screening
for security purposes.

      The Sensors and Imaging Systems segment, which consists of the Company's
CentroVision, Inc. and CID Technologies Inc. (CIDTEC) subsidiaries, manufactures
sensors that are primarily used by manufacturers of medical diagnostic and
analytical instruments. This segment also designs and markets charge-injection
device (CID) sensors and CID camera systems.

      Approximately 7% of the Company's 1998 revenues originated outside the
U.S. and approximately 28% of the Company's 1998 revenues were exports from the
U.S. Revenues originating outside the U.S. represent revenues of Hilger.
Hilger's operations are located in the United Kingdom and principally sell in
the local currency. Exports from the Company's U.S. operations are denominated
in U.S. dollars. Although the Company seeks to charge its customers in the same
currency as its operating costs, the Company's financial performance and
competitive position can be affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Results of Operations

First Quarter 1999 Compared With First Quarter 1998

      Revenues decreased to $9.2 million in the first quarter of 1999 from $10.5
million in the first quarter of 1998. Revenues increased $0.4 million due to the
inclusion of revenues from Opticon Corporation, which was acquired in February
1999. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Thermo Vision Opticon, revenues
decreased $1.7 million. Optically Based Instruments and Lasers segment revenues
decreased $1.2 million, primarily as a result of a slowdown in the semiconductor
industry and the economic slowdown in Asia. Excluding the acquisition of Thermo
Vision Opticon, Optical Components segment revenues decreased $0.5 million,
primarily due to the completion of shipments under Hilger's Stanford Linear
Accelerator contract during the second quarter of 1998. Sensors and Imaging
System revenues were relatively unchanged from 1998. An increase in revenues due
to recently introduced dental imagers at CIDTEC was offset by a decrease in
revenues at CentroVision due to a general decline in customer demand.

      The gross profit margin decreased to 38% in the first quarter of 1999 from
43% in the first quarter of 1998. The decrease was primarily due to higher cost
of sales in the Sensors and Imaging Systems segment as a result of continuing
production startup costs related to CIDTEC's dental imager. The lower gross
profit margin arising from such costs contributed to an operating loss in the
segment in the 1999 period compared with marginally profitable operations in the
1998 period (Note 4).

      Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues
increased to 27% in the first quarter of 1999 from 22% in the first quarter of
1998, primarily due to decreased revenues in the Optically Based Instruments and
Lasers and Optical Components segments. Research and development expenses were
relatively unchanged at $1.0 million in 1999 and 1998.

      Interest income was unchanged at $0.1 million in the first quarter of 1999
and 1998. Related-party interest expense was unchanged at $0.1 million in 1999
and 1998.

      The effective tax rate was 42% in the first quarter of 1999 and 1998. The
effective tax rate exceeded the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due
to the impact of nondeductible amortization of cost in excess of net assets of
acquired companies and state income taxes.

                                       9
<PAGE>

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      Consolidated working capital was $13.9 million at April 3, 1999, compared
with $19.5 million at January 2, 1999. Included in working capital are cash and
cash equivalents of $8.2 million at April 3, 1999, compared with $9.5 million at
January 2, 1999. In the first quarter of 1999, operating activities provided
$1.2 million of cash, including a 1998 federal income tax refund of $0.7
million.

      During the first quarter of 1999, the Company's investing activities used
$2.4 million of cash, primarily for the February 1999 purchase of Opticon for
$2.0 million in cash, subject to a post-closing adjustment (Note 5). The Company
expended $0.3 million on purchases of property, plant, and equipment, and plans
to make capital expenditures of approximately $1.4 million on such purchases
during the remainder of 1999, including the purchase by Hilger of a building for
$165,000 in cash.

      In January 1999, the Company signed a nonbinding letter of intent to
acquire the assets of the non-telecommunications optical filter business of
Corning OCA Corporation (OCA) for $5.6 million. In April 1999, the parties
agreed to reduce the purchase price to $4.0 million. The proposed acquisition is
subject to certain conditions including completion of due diligence and approval
by the boards of directors of the Company and Corning. The final terms of this
proposed acquisition have not been determined and there can be no assurance that
it will be completed.

      Hilger, the Company's foreign subsidiary, has a credit facility
arrangement for working capital needs. The Company may require significant
amounts of cash for any acquisition of complementary businesses. The Company
expects that it will finance any such acquisitions through internal funds and/or
short- or long-term borrowings from Thermo Instrument or Thermo Electron,
although it has no agreement with these companies to ensure that additional
funds will be available on acceptable terms or at all. The Company believes its
existing resources are sufficient to meet the capital requirements of its
existing businesses for the foreseeable future.

Year 2000

      The following information constitutes a "Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure"
under the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act. The Company
continues to assess the potential impact of the year 2000 date recognition issue
on the Company's internal business systems, products, and operations. The
Company's year 2000 initiatives include (i) testing and upgrading significant
information technology systems and facilities; (ii) testing and developing
upgrades, if necessary, for the Company's current products and certain
discontinued products; (iii) assessing the year 2000 readiness of its key
suppliers and vendors; and (iv) developing a contingency plan.

The Company's State of Readiness

      The Company has implemented a compliance program to ensure that its
critical information technology systems and facilities will be ready for the
year 2000. The first phase of the program, testing and evaluating the Company's
critical information technology systems and facilities for year 2000 compliance,
has largely been completed. During phase one, the Company tested and evaluated
its significant computer systems, software applications, and related equipment
for year 2000 compliance. The Company also evaluated the potential year 2000
impact on its critical facilities. The Company's efforts included testing the
year 2000 readiness of its manufacturing, utility, and telecommunications
systems at its critical facilities. The Company is currently in phase two of its
program, during which any noncompliant systems or facilities that were
identified during phase one are prioritized and remediated. Based on its
evaluations of its critical facilities, the Company does not believe any
material upgrades or modifications are required. The Company is currently
upgrading or replacing its material noncompliant information technology systems,
and this process was approximately 70% complete as of April 3, 1999. In many
cases, such upgrades or replacements are being made in the ordinary course of
business, without accelerating previously scheduled upgrades or replacements.
The Company expects that all of its material information technology systems and
critical facilities will be year 2000 compliant by the end of 1999.

                                       10
<PAGE>

Year 2000 (continued)

      The Company has also implemented a compliance program to test and evaluate
the year 2000 readiness of the material products that it currently manufactures
and sells. Very few of the Company's products interface with computers and the
Company believes that all of its material products are year 2000 compliant.
However, there can be no assurance that the Company has identified all of the
year 2000 problems with its current products.

      The Company is in the process of identifying and assessing the year 2000
readiness of key suppliers and vendors that are believed to be significant to
the Company's business operations. As part of this effort, the Company has
developed and has distributed questionnaires relating to year 2000 compliance to
its significant suppliers and vendors. To date, no significant supplier or
vendor has indicated that it believes its business operations will be materially
disrupted by the year 2000 issue. The Company has started to follow up with
significant suppliers and vendors that have not responded to the Company's
questionnaires. The Company has completed the majority of its assessment of
third-party risk, and expects to be substantially complete by July 1999.

Contingency Plan

      The Company is developing a contingency plan that will allow its primary
business operations to continue despite disruptions due to year 2000 problems.
This plan may include identifying and securing other suppliers, increasing
inventories, and modifying production facilities and schedules. As the Company
continues to evaluate the year 2000 readiness of its business systems and
facilities, products and significant suppliers, and vendors, it will modify and
adjust its contingency plan as may be required.

Estimated Costs to Address the Company's Year 2000 Issues

      To date, costs incurred in connection with the year 2000 issue have not
been material. The Company does not expect total year 2000 remediation costs to
be material, but there can be no assurance that the Company will not encounter
unexpected costs or delays in achieving year 2000 compliance. Year 2000 costs
were funded from working capital. All internal costs and related external costs,
other than capital additions, related to year 2000 remediation have been and
will continue to be expensed as incurred. The Company does not track internal
costs incurred for its year 2000 compliance project. Such costs are principally
the related payroll costs for its information systems group.

Reasonably Likely Worst Case Scenario

      At this point in time, the Company is not able to determine the most
reasonably likely worst case scenario to result from the year 2000 issue. One
possible worst case scenario would be that certain of the Company's material
suppliers or vendors experience business disruptions due to the year 2000 issue
and are unable to provide materials and services to the Company on time. The
Company's operations could be delayed or temporarily shut down, and it could be
unable to meet its obligations to customers in a timely fashion. The Company's
business, operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected in
amounts that cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. If the Company
believes that any of its key suppliers or vendors may not be year 2000 ready, it
will seek to identify and secure other suppliers or vendors as part of its
contingency plan.

Risks of the Company's Year 2000 Issues

      While the Company is attempting to minimize any negative consequences
arising from the year 2000 issue, there can be no assurance that year 2000
problems will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's business,
operations, or financial condition. While the Company expects that upgrades to
its internal business systems will be completed in a timely fashion, there can
be no assurance that the Company will not encounter unexpected costs or delays.
Despite its efforts to ensure that its material current products are year 2000
compliant, the Company may see an increase in warranty and other claims,
especially those related to Company products that incorporate, or operate

                                       11
<PAGE>

Year 2000 (continued)

using, third-party software or hardware. In addition, certain of the Company's
older products, which it no longer manufactures or sells, may not be year 2000
compliant, which may expose the Company to claims. As discussed above, if any of
the Company's material suppliers or vendors experience business disruptions due
to year 2000 issues, the Company might also be materially adversely affected.
There is expected to be a significant amount of litigation relating to the year
2000 issue and there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur
material costs in defending or bringing lawsuits. In addition, if any year 2000
issues are identified, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to retain qualified personnel to remedy such issues. Any unexpected costs or
delays arising from the year 2000 issue could have a material adverse impact on
the Company's business, operations, and financial condition in amounts that
cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

      The Company's exposure to market risk from changes in foreign currency
exchange rates has not changed materially from its exposure at year-end 1998.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)    Exhibits

       See Exhibit Index on the page immediately preceding exhibits.

(b)    Reports on Form 8-K

       None.


                                       12
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES


      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized as of the 10th day of May 1999.

                                         THERMO VISION CORPORATION



                                         /s/ Paul F. Kelleher
                                         --------------------------
                                         Paul F. Kelleher
                                         Chief Accounting Officer



                                         /s/ Theo Melas-Kyriazi
                                         --------------------------
                                         Theo Melas-Kyriazi
                                         Chief Financial Officer

                                       13
<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit
Number         Description of Exhibit

  10.1         Asset Purchase Agreement by and among the Registrant; Thermo
               Vision Opticon Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly
               owned subsidiary of the Registrant; Opticon Corporation, a
               Massachusetts corporation; and Harold Weissman dated as of
               February 1, 1999.

  27.1         Financial Data Schedule for the period ended April 3, 1999.

  27.2         Amended Financial Data Schedule for the year ended January 2, 1999.
</TABLE>


                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1


                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

      This Asset  Purchase  Agreement  is made as of the first day of  February,
1999 (the "Closing Date") by and between Thermo Vision  Corporation,  a Delaware
corporation ("Thermo Vision") and Thermo Vision Opticon Corporation,  a Delaware
corporation  ("NewCo")  ("Buyer"),  Opticon Corp., a  Massachusetts  corporation
("Seller"),  and Harold Weissman ("Stockholder").  Thermo and NewCo are referred
to together as "Buyers".

                                    RECITALS

      NewCo is a newly-formed Delaware corporation 100% owned by Thermo Vision.

      Seller is engaged in the business of designing,  manufacturing,  marketing
and distributing  replicated  optical  components in a facility located in North
Billerica, Massachusetts.

      Buyers desire to purchase,  and Seller desires to sell,  substantially all
of its assets,  subject to the  assumption by Buyers of certain  liabilities  of
Seller.

      Stockholder is the sole stockholder of Seller.

      NOW THEREFORE,  in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants,
agreements and provisions herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.   DEFINITIONS

      For  purposes of this  Agreement,  the  following  terms have the meanings
specified or referred to in this Section 1:

      "Accounts Receivable" -- as defined in Section 3.8.

      "Adjusted Net Tangible Assets" -- Net Tangible Assets as shown on the
Closing Balance Sheet.

      "Agent" -- as defined in Section 2.10.

      "Applicable Contract"-- any Contract (whether written or oral and
      whether express or implied): (a) under which Seller has any rights, (b)
      under which Seller has  any obligation or liability, or (c) by which
      the Seller or any of the Assets are bound.
      "Assets" -- as defined in Section 2.1.

      "Assumed Liabilities" -- as defined in Section 2.4.

      "Balance Sheet Date" -- as defined in Section 2.4.

                                      

                                       1
<PAGE>


      "Breach"  --  a  "Breach"  of  a   representation,   warranty,   covenant,
obligation,  or other  provision of this Agreement or any  instrument  delivered
pursuant to this  Agreement  will be deemed to have  occurred if there is or has
been (a) any  inaccuracy  in or breach  of, or any  failure to perform or comply
with, such representation,  warranty, covenant,  obligation, or other provision,
or (b) any claim (by any Person) or other occurrence or circumstance  that is or
was inconsistent with such representation,  warranty,  covenant,  obligation, or
other  provision,  and the term  "Breach"  means  any such  inaccuracy,  breach,
failure, claim, occurrence, or circumstance.

      "Buyers" -- as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

      "Buyer Indemnified Persons"  -- as defined in Section 5.2.

      "Closing" -- as defined in Section 2.7.

      "Closing Balance Sheet" -- as defined in Section 2.5(b).

      "Closing Date" -- as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

      "Code" -- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,  or any successor
law, and regulations  issued by the IRS pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code or
any successor law.

      "Competitive Business" -- as defined in Section 6.17.

      "Consent"  --  any  approval,  consent,  ratification,  waiver,  or  other
authorization (including any Governmental Authorization).

      "Contemplated Transactions" -- all of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, including:

            (a)  the sale of the Assets by Seller to Buyers;

            (b) the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities by Buyers;

            (c)  the  execution  and  delivery  and  performance  of the  Escrow
Agreement,  the Employment Agreement,  the Bill of Sale and Assignment,  and the
Assumption Agreement;
            (d) the  performance  by  Buyers  and  Seller  of  their  respective
covenants and obligations under this Agreement; and

            (e) Buyers's acquisition and ownership of the Assets and exercise of
control over the Assets following the Closing.

      "Contract"--any agreement, contract,  obligation,  promise, or undertaking
(whether  written  or oral and  whether  express  or  implied)  that is  legally
binding.

      "Damages" -- as defined in Section 5.2.

                                       2
<PAGE>

      "Disclosure  Schedule" -- the Disclosure  Schedule  delivered by Seller to
Buyers concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement,  attached
hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated into this Agreement as a part hereof.

      "Draft Closing Balance Sheet" -- as defined in Section 2.5(a).

      "Encumbrance" -- any charge, claim, condition,  equitable interest,  lien,
mortgage,  option,  pledge,  security  interest,  right  of  first  refusal,  or
restriction  of any kind,  including any  restriction  on use or exercise of any
attribute of ownership.

      "Environment" -- soil, land, surface or subsurface strata,  surface waters
(including  navigable  waters and ocean  waters),  groundwater,  drinking  water
supply,  stream sediments,  ambient air (including indoor air), plant and animal
life, and any other environmental medium or natural resource.

      "Environmental,  Health  and  Safety  Liabilities"  -- any cost,  damages,
expense,  liability,  obligation,  or other responsibility arising from or under
Environmental  Law,  Occupational  Safety  and Health  Law, a Contract  or other
obligation relating to:

            (a) any  environmental,  health,  or safety  matters  or  conditions
(including on-site or off-site  contamination,  occupational  safety and health,
and regulation of chemical or radioactive substances or products);

            (b)  fines,  penalties,  judgments,  awards,  settlements,  legal or
administrative  proceedings,  damages,  losses,  claims,  demands and  response,
remedial,  or inspection costs and expenses arising under  Environmental  Law or
Occupational Safety and Health Law;

            (c) financial responsibility under Environmental Law or Occupational
Safety and Health Law for cleanup  costs or  corrective  action,  including  any
cleanup,  removal,   containment,  or  other  remediation  or  response  actions
("Cleanup") required by applicable  Environmental Law or Occupational Safety and
Health Law  (whether or not such  Cleanup has been  required or requested by any
Governmental Body or any other Person) and for any natural resource damages; or

            (d) any other compliance,  corrective, or remedial measures required
under Environmental Law or Occupational Safety and Health Law.

The terms "removal," "remedial," and "response action" include the types of
remedial activities covered by the United States Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq., as
amended ("CERCLA").

                                       3
<PAGE>

      "Environmental Law" -- any Legal Requirement designed:

            (a) to advise appropriate authorities,  employees, and the public of
intended or actual  releases of pollutants  or hazardous or toxic  substances or
materials,  violations or discharge  limits,  or other  prohibitions  and of the
commencement of activities,  such as resource  extraction or construction,  that
could have an adverse impact on the Environment;

            (b) to permit or license,  or to prevent or acceptably  minimize the
release of  pollutants or hazardous or toxic  substances  or materials  into the
Environment;

            (c) to reduce the quantities,  prevent the release, and minimize the
hazardous characteristics of wastes that are generated;

            (d) to assure that products are designed,  formulated,  packaged, or
used so that  they do not  present  unreasonable  risks to human  health  or the
Environment when used or disposed of;

            (e)  to protect resources, species, or ecological amenities;

            (f) to acceptably  minimize the risks inherent in  transportation of
hazardous or toxic substances,  pollutants, oil, petroleum, or other potentially
harmful substances;

            (g) to clean up  pollutants  that have been  released,  prevent  the
threat of release, or pay the costs of such cleanup,  remediation or prevention;
or

            (h) to make responsible  parties pay private  parties,  or groups of
them, for damages done to their health or Environment.

      "ERISA" -- the  Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act of 1974 or any
successor  law, and  regulations  and rules  issued  pursuant to that Act or any
successor law.
      "Escrow Amount" -- as defined in Section 2.10.

      "Exchange  Act" -- the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 or any  successor
law, and regulations and rules issued pursuant to that Act or any successor law.

      "Excluded Assets" -- as defined in Section 2.2.

      "Excluded Liabilities" -- all liabilities of Seller other than the
Assumed Liabilities.

      "Facilities" -- any leaseholds,  or other interests  currently or formerly
leased or  operated  by Seller  in the  conduct  of  Seller's  business  and any
buildings,  plants, structures, or equipment currently or formerly owned, leased
or operated by Seller in the conduct of Seller's business.

      "Financial Statements" -- as defined in Section 3.4.

      "GAAP" -- generally accepted United States accounting principles,  applied
on a basis  consistent  with the basis on which the 1997  Balance  Sheet and the
other financial  statements  referred to in Section 3.4 were prepared (except as
to inventory which was not valued in accordance with GAAP).

                                       4
<PAGE>

      "Governmental  Authorization" -- any approval,  consent,  license, permit,
waiver, exemption or variance, or other authorization issued, granted, given, or
otherwise made available by or under the authority of any  Governmental  Body or
pursuant to any Legal Requirement.

      "Governmental  Body" -- any body exercising,  or entitled or purporting to
exercise,   any   administrative,   executive,   judicial   (including   court),
legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature over
Seller, including any:

            (a) federal, state, local,  municipal,  foreign, or other government
and any agency, branch or department thereof;

            (b)  court or other tribunal; or

            (c) multi-national organization or body.

      "Hazardous Activity" -- the distribution, generation, handling, importing,
management, manufacturing, processing, production, refinement, Release, storage,
transfer,  transportation,  treatment, or use (including any withdrawal or other
use of  groundwater)  of Hazardous  Materials in, on, under,  about, or from the
Facilities  or any  part  thereof  into  the  Environment,  and any  other  act,
business, operation, or thing that unreasonably increases the danger, or risk of
danger,  or poses an unreasonable  risk of harm to persons or property on or off
the Facilities, or that may affect the value of the Facilities or the Assets.

      "Hazardous Materials" -- any substance that is now listed,  designated, or
classified as, or otherwise  determined by a Governmental Body to be, hazardous,
radioactive,  or toxic or a pollutant or a contaminant  under or pursuant to any
Environmental Law, including any admixture or solution thereof, and specifically
including  petroleum  and  all  derivatives  thereof  or  synthetic  substitutes
therefor and urea formaldehyde,  polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos or asbestos
containing materials.

      "Indemnified Person"  -- a Buyer Indemnified Person or a Seller
Indemnified Person.

      "Intangibles"  -- as defined in Section 3.19.

      "Inventories" -- as defined in Section 3.27.

      "IRS" -- the United  States  Internal  Revenue  Service  or any  successor
agency,  and,  to the extent  relevant,  the  United  States  Department  of the
Treasury.

      "June Balance Sheet" -- as defined in Section 3.4.

      "June Income Statements" -- as defined in Section 3.4.

      "Knowledge"  -- an  individual  will be  deemed to have  "Knowledge"  of a
particular fact or other matter if:

                                       5
<PAGE>

            (a)  such individual is actually aware of such fact or other
matter; or

            (b) a prudent  individual could be expected to discover or otherwise
become aware of such fact or other matter.

A Person  (other than an  individual)  will be deemed to have  "Knowledge"  of a
particular  fact or other matter if any individual who is serving as a director,
officer  or  senior  management  employee  of  such  Person  (or in any  similar
capacity) has Knowledge of such fact or other matter.

      "Legal  Requirement" -- any federal,  state,  local,  municipal,  foreign,
international,  multinational,  or other, constitution,  law, ordinance,  Order,
principle of common law, regulation, requirement, statute or treaty.

      "Material Adverse Effect" -- any loss to Seller in excess of $10,000.

      "Net Asset Benchmark" -- as defined in Section 2.5(e).

      "Net Tangible Assets" --as defined in Section 2.5(a).

      "Neutral Auditors" -- as defined in Section 2.5(b).

      "NewCo" --as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

      "Occupational  Safety and Health Law" -- any Legal Requirement designed to
provide safe and healthful working conditions and to reduce  occupational safety
and health hazards designed to provide safe and healthful working conditions.

      "Order" -- any  award,  decision,  injunction,  judgment,  order,  ruling,
subpoena,  or  verdict  entered,   issued,  made,  or  rendered  by  any  court,
administrative agency, or other Governmental Body or by any arbitrator.

      "Ordinary  Course  of  Business"  -- an action  taken by a Person  will be
deemed to have been taken in the "Ordinary Course of Business" only if:

            (a) such action is consistent with the past practices of such Person
and is taken in the ordinary course of the normal day-to-day  operations of such
Person;

            (b) such  action is not  required to be  authorized  by the board of
directors  of such  Person  (or by any  Person  or group of  Persons  exercising
similar authority),  is not required to be specifically authorized by the parent
company (if any) of such  Person,  and does not  require  any other  separate or
special authorization of any nature; and

            (c) such  action is  similar  in nature  and  magnitude  to  actions
customarily  taken,  without  any  separate  or  special  authorization,  in the
ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of other Persons that are in
the same line of business as such Person.

                                       6
<PAGE>

      "Organizational   Documents"  --  (a)  the  articles  or   certificate  of
incorporation and the bylaws of a corporation; (b) the partnership agreement and
any statement of partnership of a general  partnership;  (c) the  certificate of
organization and management  agreement of a limited liability company or limited
liability partnership; (d) the limited partnership agreement and the certificate
of limited  partnership  of a limited  partnership;  (e) any  charter or similar
document  adopted  or  filed in  connection  with the  creation,  formation,  or
organization of a Person; and (e) any amendment to any of the foregoing.

      "Person"  --  any  individual,   corporation   (including  any  non-profit
corporation), general or limited partnership, limited liability company, limited
liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust, association,  organization,
or other entity or Governmental Body.

      "Plans" -- as defined in Section 3.11.

      "Premises" - as defined in Section 2.8 (f).

      "Proceeding" -- any action,  arbitration,  audit, hearing,  investigation,
litigation, or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative,  investigative, or
informal)  commenced,  brought,  conducted,  or heard by or before, or otherwise
involving, any Governmental Body or arbitrator.

      "Purchase Price" -- as defined in Section 2.3.

      "Related Person" -- any of the following with respect to a specified
Person:

            (a) a Person that  directly or indirectly  controls,  is directly or
indirectly controlled by, or is directly or indirectly under common control with
such specified Person;

            (b) a  Person  that  holds a  Material  Interest  in such  specified
Person;

            (c) each  Person  that  serves  as a  director,  executive  officer,
partner,  executor,  or  trustee  of  such  specified  Person  (or in a  similar
capacity);

            (d) a  Person  in  which  such  specified  Person  holds a  Material
Interest; and

            (e) a Person with respect to which such specified Person serves as a
general partner or a trustee (or in a similar capacity).

For purposes of this  definition,  "Material  Interest" means direct or indirect
beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of voting
securities  or  other  voting  interests   representing  at  least  10%  of  the
outstanding  voting  power of a Person  or  equity  securities  or other  equity
interests  representing  at least 10% of the  outstanding  equity  securities or
equity interests in a Person.

      "Release" -- any spilling,  leaking,  emitting,  discharging,  depositing,
escaping,  leaching, dumping, or other releasing into the Environment (including
the   abandonment  or  discarding  of  barrels,   containers,   tanks  or  other
receptacles).

                                       7
<PAGE>

      "Restricted Employee" -- as defined in Section 6.16.

      "Securities  Act" -- the  Securities Act of 1933 or any successor law, and
regulations and rules issued pursuant to that Act or any successor law.

      "Seller" -- as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

      "Seller Indemnified Persons"  -- as defined in Section 5.3.

      "Subsidiary"  -- any Person in which a  corporation  or other  Person (the
"Owner") has, directly or indirectly,  a majority interest.  A majority interest
in a Person  includes the power of the Owner to elect a majority of the Board of
Directors  or the power  otherwise  to direct the  business and policies of that
Person.

      "Tax" -- any tax (including without limitation any income,  capital gains,
gross  receipts,  license,  payroll,   employment,   excise,  severance,  stamp,
occupation,  premium, windfall profits,  environmental,  customs duties, capital
stock,   franchise,   profits,   withholding,   social  security  (or  similar),
unemployment,   disability,   real  property,  personal  property,  sales,  use,
transfer,  registration,  value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated,
or other tax or other fiscal charges of any kind whatsoever, including any fine,
interest,  penalty,  or addition  thereto,  whether  disputed or not),  imposed,
assessed,  or collected by or under the  authority of any  Governmental  Body or
payable pursuant to any tax-sharing  agreement or any other Applicable  Contract
relating to the sharing or payment of any such tax.

      "Tax  Return" -- any return,  declaration,  report,  claim for refund,  or
information return or statement relating to Taxes,  including without limitation
any schedule or attachment thereto, and any amendment thereof.

      "Thermo Vision" --as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

      "Threat of  Release" -- a  substantial  likelihood  of a Release  that may
require action in order to prevent or mitigate  damage to the  Environment  that
may result from such Release.

      "Threatened" -- a claim, Proceeding, dispute, action, or other matter will
be deemed to have been  "Threatened" if any demand or statement has been made or
any  written  notice has been given,  or if any other event has  occurred or any
other  circumstances  exist,  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.

      "Trade Secrets"  -- as defined in Section 3.19.

      "1997 Balance Sheet" -- as defined in Section 3.4.

      "1997 Income Statements" -- as defined in Section 3.4.

                                       8
<PAGE>

2.    SALE AND TRANSFER OF ASSETS; CLOSING

      2.1 Sale of Assets.  At the Closing,  Buyers shall  purchase,  acquire and
accept, and Seller shall assign,  transfer,  convey and deliver, all of Seller's
right,  title and interest in and, the following  assets,  properties and rights
(contractual or otherwise) of Seller (collectively, the "Assets") free and clear
of any Encumbrances except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule.

            (a) Inventories. All inventories of raw materials,  work-in-process,
finished  products  and resale  merchandise,  scrap  inventory,  and  expendable
manufacturing supplies as set forth or summarized in the Disclosure Schedule and
reflected  in the June  Balance  Sheet with  changes  resulting  in the Ordinary
Course of Business from the date of the June Balance Sheet to the Closing Date.

            (b) Machinery and Equipment. All machinery and equipment used in the
research and development,  manufacture, production, assembly, testing, handling,
distribution,  demonstration  and sale of Seller's  products,  together with the
spare-parts   inventories  and  all   manufacturing   or  production  tools  and
maintenance supplies pertaining thereto.

            (c)  Intellectual  Property  Rights  and  Trademarks.  All  patents,
trademarks,  service marks,  copyrights,  trade names and applications  therefor
which have been or are being used by Seller,  including without limitation,  the
name "Opticon."

            (d)  Technical   Information   and   Intangibles.   All  inventions,
discoveries (whether patentable or unpatentable),  processes, designs, know-how,
trade secrets,  proprietary data, software programs and intellectual property of
all kinds, including drawings, plans, specifications,  processes, patents, dies,
designs,  blue prints,  records,  data, product development records,  production
outlines,  diskettes, source code, object code, flow charts, information,  media
or knowledge and procedures, and customer and supplier lists.

            (e)  Contracts.   All  Applicable  Contracts,   including,   without
limitation,   all  real  and  personal   property   leases,   licenses,   sales,
distribution,  and supply contracts,  purchase contracts,  sales orders, and any
prepaid items, warranties and all causes of action and claims related thereto.

            (f)  Books  and   Records.   All  books,   records   and   accounts,
correspondence,  production  records,  technical,  manufacturing  and procedural
manuals,  and customer lists;  and any confidential  information  which has been
reduced to writing  relating to or arising  out of the  Seller's  business,  all
whether in hard copy or computerized form.

            (g)  Permits  and  Approvals.   To  the  extent  transferable,   all
Governmental Authorizations.

            (h) Claims. All claims,  deposits,  prepayments,  refunds,  security
interests,  causes of action,  choses in action,  rights of recovery,  rights of
setoff, rights of recoupment, rights under warranties and other similar assets.

                                       9
<PAGE>

            (i) Furniture and Fixtures.  All office furniture,  office equipment
and supplies and computer hardware.

            (j)  Accounts  Receivable.  All trade and other  accounts  and notes
receivable and any rights of recovery or set off of every type and character.

            (k)  Miscellaneous  Supplies.  All  catalogs,   brochures,   product
literature,  product-related application notes, manuals, technical papers, other
printed  materials,  shipping and packaging  materials  and labels,  cartons and
shipping   containers,   palettes,   shipping  equipment,   graphics,   artwork,
photographic  film,  slides,   negatives,   color  separations,   printer's  and
photographer's  plates  and  so-called  "camera-ready  materials"  and sales and
advertising materials.

            (l) Copies.  To the extent not  previously  provided,  copies of all
accounting records of Seller's business operations; employment records; studies,
reports and  summaries  relating  directly to any  environmental  conditions  or
consequences  of any  operation  of Seller's  business,  as well as all studies,
reports and  summaries  relating  directly to the general  condition of Seller's
business.

      2.2 Excluded Assets.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the
Assets  ---shall not include (a) cash,  bank  accounts,  money market  accounts,
certificates of deposit,  treasury bills, bonds,  notes,  securities and similar
short term  investments  with  maturity  dates within 90 days of issuance or (b)
receivables  from  Stockholder,  employees of Seller or other  individuals  (the
"Excluded Assets").

      2.3 Purchase  Price for the Assets.  Subject to Section 2.5, the aggregate
purchase price for the Assets shall be $2,000,000 (the "Purchase Price").

      2.4  Assumption  of  Liabilities.  At the Closing and  effective as of the
Effective  Date,  Buyers shall assume only the following  liabilities  of Seller
(the  "Assumed  Liabilities"):  (i)  liabilities  reflected  on the June Balance
Sheet, except for any liabilities  discharged since the date of the June Balance
Sheet (the "Balance  Sheet Date"),  (ii)  liabilities  incurred by Seller in the
Ordinary  Course of Business since the Balance Sheet Date for which  performance
is due after the Closing Date (except those liabilities,  if any, that arise out
of Seller's  breach of  contract,  breach of  warranty,  tort,  infringement  or
violation  of  any  Legal  Requirement  or out of  any  Proceeding),  and  (iii)
liabilities and  obligations  under any Applicable  Contract  assigned to Buyers
pursuant hereto except to the extent such obligations and liabilities  arise out
of Seller's default under or breach of any such Contract. In furtherance of, but
without limiting,  the foregoing,  the Assumed  Liabilities will not include any
liabilities  or  obligations  of Seller  (a) for any  Environmental,  Health and
Safety  Liabilities  resulting  from the  ownership,  operation  or condition of
Seller,  its Assets and the  Facilities,  or for any  liabilities or obligations
resulting  from any Hazardous  Activity in either case  conducted on or prior to
the  Closing  Date,  (b) for any Taxes  resulting  from the  conduct of Seller's
business on or prior to the Closing Date,  (c) for any  litigation or Proceeding
relating to Seller's  business or the Assets  resulting from events occurring on
or prior to the Closing Date, (d) for any product  liability  claims relating to
Seller's  products  sold on or prior to the Closing  Date,  (e) to  employees of
Seller,  including  all  retired  and  former  employees  arising  out of  their


                                       10
<PAGE>

employment by Seller,  (f) under any Plan maintained at any time by Seller or to
which Seller  contributes,  or relating to any  termination of the rights of any
employee  under any such Plan,  (g) for any vacation  time in excess of 80 hours
accrued by any  individual  employee of Seller with  respect to the period on or
before the Closing  Date,  or (h) for any vacation time equal to or less than 80
hours accrued by any individual employee of Seller with respect to the period on
or before the Closing Date that is not accrued on the Closing Balance Sheet.

      2.5 Post-Closing Adjustments.  The Purchase Price set forth in Section 2.2
shall be subject to adjustment after the Closing Date as follows:

            (a) Within 45 days  after the  Closing  Date,  Thermo  Vision  shall
prepare and deliver to Seller a balance sheet  reflecting  Seller's Net Tangible
Assets as of the  Closing  Date (a "Draft  Closing  Balance  Sheet")  at Buyers'
expense.  Thermo  Vision  shall  prepare  the  Draft  Closing  Balance  Sheet in
accordance with GAAP [except  inventories which shall be reflected in accordance
with Seller's past accounting  practices.] For purposes of this Agreement,  "Net
Tangible  Assets" shall mean the Assets other than cash,  intellectual  property
and goodwill minus Assumed Liabilities.

             (b)  Seller  shall  deliver to Thermo  Vision  within 30 days after
receiving the Draft Closing  Balance Sheet a detailed  statement  describing its
objections (if any) thereto. Failure of Seller so to object to the Draft Closing
Balance Sheet shall constitute acceptance thereof,  whereupon such Draft Closing
Balance Sheet shall be deemed to be the "Closing  Balance  Sheet." Thermo Vision
and Seller shall use reasonable  efforts to resolve any such objections,  but if
they do not reach a final  resolution  within 30 days  after  Thermo  Vision has
received the  statement of  objections,  Thermo Vision and Seller shall select a
nationally  recognized  accounting firm mutually  acceptable to them which shall
not be the regular accounting firm of Buyers or Seller (the "Neutral  Auditors")
to resolve any remaining  objections.  If Thermo Vision and Seller are unable to
agree on the choice of Neutral Auditors, they shall select as Neutral Auditors a
nationally  recognized  accounting firm by lot (after excluding their respective
regular  independent  accounting  firms).  The Neutral Auditors shall determine,
within 30 days after their appointment,  whether the objections raised by Seller
are valid.  The Draft Closing Balance Sheet that is the subject of objections by
Seller shall be adjusted in accordance with the Neutral Auditors'  determination
and, as so adjusted,  shall be the Closing Balance Sheet. Such  determination by
the Neutral  Auditors  shall be  conclusive  and binding upon Buyers and Seller.
Buyers, on the one hand, and Seller, on the other,  shall share equally the fees
and expenses of the Neutral Auditors.

            (c) If  Adjusted  Net  Tangible  Assets  are less than the Net Asset
Benchmark, Seller shall pay to Buyers, by wire transfer in immediately available
funds,  within ten  business  days after the date on which the  Closing  Balance
Sheet is finally  determined  pursuant to this  Section  2.5, an amount equal to
such deficiency.

                                       11
<PAGE>

            (d) If  Adjusted  Net  Tangible  Assets  are more than the Net Asset
Benchmark,  Buyers shall pay Seller,  by wire transfer in immediately  available
funds,  within ten  business  days after the date on which the  Closing  Balance
Sheet is finally  determined  pursuant to this  Section  2.5, an amount equal to
such excess.

            (e) As  used  in this  Section  2.5,  "Net  Asset  Benchmark"  means
$621,000.

      2.6  Allocation  of  Purchase  Price.  Seller  and  Buyers  agree that the
Purchase Price shall be provisionally  allocated among the Assets as provided on
Exhibit B attached  hereto.  The final  allocation  of the Purchase  Price shall
differ  from the  provisional  allocation  only to reflect the book value of the
Adjusted Net Tangible Assets as shown on the Closing  Balance Sheet.  Buyers and
Seller  each shall  report the  federal,  state,  provincial,  foreign and local
income and other tax  consequences of the transaction  contemplated  hereby in a
manner consistent with such allocation.

      2.7 The  Closing.  The closing of the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement  (the  "Closing") is occurring by the exchange of facsimile  signature
pages on the date  set  forth in the  first  paragraph  of this  Agreement  (the
"Closing  Date") to be  followed  by the  exchange  of fully  executed  original
documents,  the wire transfer of the Purchase  Price (less the Escrow Amount) to
the account  designated  by Seller and the wire transfer of the Escrow Amount to
the Agent.

      2.8 Deliveries by Seller to Buyers. At the Closing,  Seller shall deliver,
or cause to be delivered, to Buyers:

            (a) such executed assignments, bills of sale, certificates of title,
or other  documents,  each  dated  the  Closing  Date,  as  shall be  reasonably
necessary,  in the opinion of Buyers and their counsel to transfer to Buyers all
of Seller's right, title and interest in and to the Assets;

            (b) an  opinion  of  Peabody & Arnold  LLP,  counsel  to Seller  and
Stockholder, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C;
            (c) consents to the assignment of the Contracts listed on Exhibit D;

            (d) an Escrow Agreement in the form of Exhibit E executed by Seller;

            (e) executed copies of such other agreements  contemplated hereunder
to which Seller is party;

            (f) consent to  assignment of the lease of the premises at 76 Treble
Cove Road, North Billerica, Massachusetts 01862-2232 ("Premises") and
release of Seller from the lease; and

            (g) an executed  employment  agreement  between NewCo and Mr. Harold
Weissman in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G.

                                       12
<PAGE>

      2.9 Deliveries by Buyers to Seller.  At the Closing,  Buyers shall deliver
to Seller:

            (a)  Subject to Section  2.10  hereof,  the  Purchase  Price by wire
transfer to the account designated by Seller;

            (b) an Escrow Agreement in the form of Exhibit E, executed by Buyers
and Agent;

            (c) an executed assumption agreement and such other documents,  each
dated as of the Closing Date, as shall be reasonably  necessary,  in the opinion
of Seller and its counsel,  for the  assumption  by Buyers of all of the Assumed
Liabilities; and

            (d) an executed  employment  agreement  between NewCo and Mr. Harold
Weissman in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G.

      2.10 Escrow.  For the purpose of providing security for the obligations of
Seller  under  Section 5.2  hereof,  $200,000  (the  "Escrow  Amount")  shall be
withheld from the Purchase Price  delivered at Closing and shall be placed in an
escrow account with State Street Bank as escrow agent (the  "Agent").  The Agent
shall hold the Escrow Amount pursuant to the terms of an escrow  agreement among
Seller,  Buyers  and the  Agent  substantially  in the form  attached  hereto as
Exhibit E. At any time on or after the date that is 18 months  from the  Closing
Date,  Seller will have the right to withdraw the Escrow  Amount,  together with
any  interest   thereon,   less  the  amount  of  any   unsatisfied   claim  for
indemnification  made by Buyers  prior to such date.  Any  portion of the Escrow
Amount that cannot be withdrawn from the escrow account due to pending claims by
Buyers  for  indemnification,  shall  remain  in the  escrow  account  until the
resolution  of such claims by judgment  of any court of  competent  jurisdiction
from which no appeal can be made, decision of an arbitrator from which no appeal
can be made, or agreement of Buyers and Seller.

      2.11  Transfer  Taxes.  Seller shall pay all sales,  use,  excise or other
taxes  which may be  payable in  connection  with the sale and  transfer  of the
Assets.

      2.12 Offers of Employment. NewCo intends to employ and agrees to make good
faith offers of  employment  to the employees of Seller listed on Exhibit F. All
such employees who elect to become employees of NewCo shall be provided benefits
under the Thermo  Vision  benefit and welfare  plans for which they qualify with
credit  being  given  under the Thermo  Vision  plans for time in  service  with
Seller.

3.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

      Seller and  Stockholder  jointly and  severally  represent  and warrant to
Buyers as follows:

      3.1   Organization and Good Standing.

            Seller is a corporation  duly organized,  validly  existing,  and in
good  standing  under  the  laws  of the  state  or  other  jurisdiction  of its
incorporation  or  organization,  with full  corporate  power and  authority  to
conduct its business as now being  conducted,  to own or use the  properties and
assets that it purports  to own or use in its  business,  and to perform all its
obligations under Applicable Contracts. Seller has no Subsidiaries.

                                       13
<PAGE>

      3.2   Authority; No Conflict.

            (a) Subject to  obtaining  the consents set forth in Part 3.2 of the
Disclosure  Schedule,  Seller has the absolute and unrestricted right, power and
authority to execute and deliver this  Agreement and to perform its  obligations
hereunder.  All corporate and other actions and proceedings to be taken by or on
the part of Seller to authorize  and permit the execution and delivery by Seller
of this Agreement and the  instruments  required to be executed and delivered by
Seller pursuant hereto,  the performance by Seller of the obligations  hereunder
and the consummation by Seller of the  transactions  contemplated  herein,  have
been  duly and  properly  taken.  This  Agreement  has been  duly  executed  and
delivered by Seller and constitutes the legal,  valid and binding  obligation of
Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms.

            (b)  Except  as set  forth in Part 3.2 of the  Disclosure  Schedule,
neither  the  execution  and  delivery  of  this  Agreement  by  Seller  nor the
consummation  or performance of any of the  Contemplated  Transactions by Seller
will,  directly or  indirectly  (with or without  notice or lapse of time):  (i)
contravene,  conflict with, or result in a violation of (A) any provision of the
Organizational  Documents of Seller, or (B) any resolution  adopted by the board
of directors or the  stockholders of Seller;  or, to the Knowledge of Seller and
Stockholder,  (ii)  contravene,  conflict  with, or result in a violation of, or
give any  Governmental  Body or other Person the right to  challenge  any of the
Contemplated  Transactions or to exercise any remedy or obtain any relief under,
any Legal Requirement or any Order to which Seller, or any of the Assets, may be
subject; (iii) contravene,  conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of
any  provision of, or give any Person the right to declare a default or exercise
any remedy under, or to accelerate the maturity or performance of, or to cancel,
terminate,  or modify, any Applicable Contract; (iv) result in the imposition or
creation of any  Encumbrance  upon or with respect to any of the Assets;  or (v)
entitle any employee or other Person to severance or other payments by Seller or
create any other  obligation  to an  employee  or other  Person,  including  any
increase in benefits.

            (c)  Except  as set  forth in Part 3.2 of the  Disclosure  Schedule,
Seller is not and will not be  required  to give any notice to,  make any filing
with, or obtain any Consent from any Person in connection with the execution and
delivery of this  Agreement or the  consummation  or  performance  of any of the
Contemplated Transactions by Seller.

      3.3  Qualification to do Business.  All of the  jurisdictions in which the
business  of Seller  requires  Seller to  qualify as a foreign  corporation  are
listed  on  Part  3.3  of  the  Disclosure  Letter  with  a  notation  of  those
jurisdictions in which Seller is so qualified.

      3.4 Financial Statements. Seller has delivered to Buyers: (a) an unaudited
balance  sheet as at  December  31,  1997 (the "1997  Balance  Sheet"),  and the
related unaudited statements of income, cash flows and retained earnings for the
fiscal year then ended with the review  report  thereon of Moody,  Cavanaugh and
Company,  independent public accountants (the "1997 Income  Statements") and (b)
an unaudited  balance sheet as at June 30, 1998 (the "June  Balance  Sheet") and
the related unaudited statements of income, cash flows and retained earnings for
the six-month period then ended (the "June Income Statements"). The 1997 Balance
Sheet,  the June  Balance  Sheet,  1997  Income  Statements  and the June Income
Statements  are referred to  collectively  as the  "Financial  Statements".  The
Financial Statements fairly present Seller's financial condition and the results
of operations and cash flows as at the  respective  dates of and for the periods
referred  to therein  all in  accordance  with GAAP.  The  Financial  Statements
reflect the consistent  application of such accounting principles throughout the
periods involved and are consistent with the books and records of Seller.

                                       14
<PAGE>

      3.5 Books and Records.  The books of account, and other records of Seller,
all of which have been made available to Buyers, are complete and correct in all
material respects.

      3.6 Title to Properties;  Encumbrances. Except as set forth in Part 3.6 of
the Disclosure  Schedule,  Seller has valid and legally enforceable title to all
of  the  Assets  free  and  clear  of  any  Encumbrances  whatsoever,   and  the
consummation  of the  Contemplated  Transactions  will  vest  in  Buyers  all of
Seller's right, title and interest in and to the Assets.

      3.7 Condition and  Sufficiency of Assets.  The tangible Assets are in good
operating condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted,  and are adequate
for the uses to which they are being put, and are not in need of  maintenance or
repairs  except for  ordinary,  routine  maintenance  and  repairs  that are not
material  in nature or cost.  The  Assets  constitute  substantially  all of the
Assets  used in Seller's  business  and are the only  assets  necessary  for the
continued  conduct of the business after the Closing in  substantially  the same
manner as  conducted  prior to the  Closing.  Seller  does not own and has never
owned any real estate.

      3.8 Accounts Receivable. All of Seller's accounts receivable are reflected
properly  on its books and  records in  accordance  with GAAP.  All of  Seller's
accounts  receivable  that are  reflected on the June Balance  Sheet (except for
those  collected  in full  prior to the  Closing  Date)  or  shown  on  Seller's
accounting  records  as  of  the  Closing  Date  (collectively,   the  "Accounts
Receivable")  represent or will represent valid  obligations  arising from sales
actually made or services actually performed in the Ordinary Course of Business.
Unless paid prior to the Closing Date and except as set forth on Part 3.8 of the
Disclosure  Schedule,  the Accounts  Receivable are or will be as of the Closing
Date current and  collectible  net of the respective  reserves shown on the June
Balance Sheet or on Seller's accounting records as of the Closing Date. There is
no contest,  claim, or right of set-off with any maker of an Account  Receivable
relating to the amount or validity of such Account Receivable.

      3.9 No  Undisclosed  Liabilities.  Except  a set  forth in Part 3.9 of the
Disclosure Schedule,  to the Knowledge of Seller and Stockholder,  Seller has no
liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether absolute, accrued, contingent,
or  otherwise),  and there is no basis for the assertion  against  Seller of any
such liability or obligation,  except for  liabilities or obligations set forth,
or reserved against in, the June Balance Sheet and current liabilities  incurred
in the Ordinary  Course of Business  since the Balance Sheet Date (none of which
liabilities  results from, arises out of, or relates to, is in the nature of, or
was caused by any breach of contract,  breach of warranty, tort, infringement or
violation of law).

      3.10 Taxes.  Except as set forth in Part 3.10 of the Disclosure  Schedule,
Seller has accurately prepared and duly and timely filed all Tax Returns that it
was  required to file.  All such Tax Returns  were  correct and  complete in all
respects. Seller is not the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to
file any Tax Return  where the  failure  to file  would have a Material  Adverse
Effect on Seller or the  Assets.  All Taxes  owed by Seller  have been paid when
due, other than those being contested in good faith and where adequate  reserves


                                       15
<PAGE>

(determined in accordance with GAAP) have been established  therefor.  All Taxes
of Seller for Tax periods or portions  thereof ending on or prior to the Closing
Date,  including  Taxes that may become  payable by Seller in future  periods in
respect of any  transactions or sales occurring on or prior to the Closing Date,
that have not yet been paid have, in the aggregate, been adequately reflected as
a liability on Seller's books in accordance  with GAAP.  Seller is not currently
being audited or examined by any Governmental  Body, and no deficiencies for any
Tax have been asserted  against Seller that would have a Material Adverse Effect
on Seller or the Assets.  Without  limiting  the  generality  of the  foregoing,
Seller has withheld or collected  and duly paid all Taxes  required to have been
withheld or collected and paid in connection  with payments to foreign  persons,
sales and use Tax obligations,  and amounts paid or owing to or on behalf of any
employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or other Person.

      3.11 Employee  Benefits.  Part 3.11 of the Disclosure  Schedule contains a
true, correct and complete list of all benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3)
of  ERISA)  and all  pension,  benefit,  profit  sharing,  retirement,  deferred
compensation, welfare, insurance, disability, bonus, vacation pay, severance pay
and other similar plans, programs and agreements,  whether reduced to writing or
not, relating to any of Seller's  employees (the "Plans").  Seller has performed
all obligations required to be performed by it under, and is not in violation of
any of the Plans as they relate to Seller's employees.  There are no pending or,
to the Knowledge of Seller or Stockholder,  Threatened  Proceedings by employees
or former employees,  or beneficiaries or spouses of any of the above, involving
any Plan.

      3.12  Compliance with Legal Requirements;

            (a) Except as set forth in Part 3.12 of the Disclosure Schedule: (i)
to the  Knowledge  of Seller  and  Stockholder,  Seller is, and at all times has
been, in compliance in all material respects with each Legal Requirement that is
or was  applicable  to it or to the conduct or  operation of its business or the
ownership  or use of any of its  assets ; (ii) to the  Knowledge  of Seller  and
Stockholder,  no event has occurred or circumstance exists that (with or without
notice or lapse of time) may  constitute  or result in a violation by Seller of,
or a failure on the part of Seller to comply with, any Legal Requirement;  (iii)
Seller has not  received,  any notice or other  communication  (whether  oral or
written) from any  Governmental  Body or any other Person  regarding any actual,
alleged,  possible,  or potential  violation of, or failure to comply with,  any
Legal Requirement by it.

            (b) Seller has obtained all Governmental  Authorizations  reasonably
necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted.  Except as set
forth in Part 3.12 of the Disclosure  Schedule:  (i) Seller is, and at all times
has been,  in compliance  in all material  respects with each such  Governmental
Authorization,  (ii) no event has occurred or circumstance exists that may (with
or without notice or lapse of time)  constitute or result directly or indirectly
in a  violation  of or a failure to comply with any term or  requirement  of any
such  Governmental  Authorization;  (iii)  Seller has not received any notice or
other communication  (whether oral or written) from any Governmental Body or any
other Person regarding (A) any actual, alleged, possible, or potential violation
of or failure to comply with any term or  requirement  of any such  Governmental
Authorization,  or (B) any actual, proposed,  possible, or potential revocation,
withdrawal,  suspension,  cancellation,  termination  of, or modification to any
such  Governmental  Authorization;  and (iv) the  rights  of Seller  under  such
Governmental  Authorizations  shall not be affected by the  consummation  of the
Contemplated Transactions.

                                       16
<PAGE>

      3.13  Legal Proceedings; Orders.

            (a) Except as set forth in Part 3.13 of the Disclosure Schedule,  to
Seller's and Stockholder's Knowledge,  there is no pending Proceeding:  (i) that
has been  commenced  by or against  Seller or that  otherwise  relates to or may
affect,  Seller or the  Assets,  or (ii) that  challenges,  or that may have the
effect of preventing,  delaying,  making illegal, or otherwise interfering with,
any  of  the  Contemplated   Transactions.   To  the  Knowledge  of  Seller  and
Stockholder,  (A) no such Proceeding has been  Threatened,  and (B) no event has
occurred  or  circumstance  exists that may give rise to or serve as a basis for
the commencement of any such Proceeding.

            (b)  Except  as set forth in Part  3.13 of the  Disclosure  Schedule
there is no Order to which Seller or any of the Assets is subject.  Seller is in
compliance in all material  respects with all of the terms and  requirements  of
each Order to which Seller or any Assets are subject.

      3.14  Absence of Certain  Changes and Events.  Except as set forth in Part
3.14 of the  Disclosure  Schedule,  since  the date of the June  Balance  Sheet,
Seller has conducted  its business  only in the Ordinary  Course of Business and
there has not been any:

            (a) except in the Ordinary  Course of Business,  payment or increase
by Seller of any bonuses,  salaries,  commissions or other  compensation  to any
employee or entry into any employment, severance, or similar Applicable Contract
with any employee;

            (b) adoption  of, or increase in the payments to or benefits  under,
any profit sharing, bonus, deferred compensation,  savings, insurance,  pension,
retirement, or other employee benefit plan for or with any employees;

            (c) damage to or  destruction  or loss of any of Seller's  assets or
property, whether or not covered by insurance,  having a Material Adverse Effect
on Seller;

            (d) except in the Ordinary Course of Business, sale, lease, or other
disposition  of any of  Seller's  assets or  property or  mortgage,  pledge,  or
imposition of any Encumbrance on any asset or property of Sellers;

            (e)  cancellation  or waiver of any claims or rights with a value to
Sellers in excess of $10,000;

            (f)  material  change in the  accounting  methods  used by Seller in
maintaining  records  and  reporting  results of Seller's  operations  (it being
understood  and  acknowledged  by all parties that the method for accounting for
inventory will be changed by Buyers immediately following the Closing);

                                       17
<PAGE>

            (g)  change  in  the  financial  condition,   assets,   liabilities,
earnings, business or prospects of Seller having a Material Adverse Effect;

            (h) indebtedness or other liability or obligation (whether absolute,
accrued,  contingent or otherwise)  incurred,  or other transaction (except that
reflected in this Agreement) engaged in, by Seller, except those in the Ordinary
Course of Business which are individually less than $10,000 in amount and in the
aggregate less than $25,000 in amount;

            (i)  acquisition on behalf of Seller of any assets other than in the
Ordinary Course of Business;

            (j) material  reduction in the rate of, or gross margins  associated
with, bookings or orders for Seller's products or services; or

            (k) agreement, whether oral or written, to do any of the foregoing.

      3.15  Contracts; No Defaults.

            (a) Seller has  delivered to Buyers true and complete  copies of all
of the written  Applicable  Contracts.  Part 3.15(a) of the Disclosure  Schedule
contains a complete and accurate description of each of the following Applicable
Contracts,  whether oral or written:  (i) each agreement that involves aggregate
future payments by Seller of more than $10,000; (ii) each distributorship, sales
agency, franchise,  joint venture or partnership agreement; (iii) each agreement
not made in the Ordinary  Course of Business which is to be performed  after the
Closing; (iv) each outstanding commitment to make a capital expenditure, capital
addition or capital  improvement  involving  an amount in excess of $5,000;  (v)
each real or personal property lease requiring  payments of more than $10,000 in
the aggregate; (vi) each agreement relating to the loan of money or availability
of credit to or from Seller; (vii) each agreement limiting the freedom of Seller
to compete  in the line of  business  of Seller or with any Person  engaged in a
business similar to Seller's; (viii) each Applicable Contract between Seller and
any present or former employee; (ix) each license agreement relating to patents,
trademarks,  know-how  or other  intellectual  property  included in the Assets,
whether as licensee or licensor;  (x) each  collective  bargaining  agreement or
other  contract  or  commitment  to or with any  labor  union or other  group of
employees  representing  the employees;  (xi) each mortgage,  pledge,  security,
title  retention,  or similar  agreement  encumbering any of the Assets for more
than $10,000;  (xii) each  agreement  providing for payments to or by any Person
based on sales, purchases,  revenues, profits or assets; (xiii) each guaranty or
similar  undertaking  by Seller  with  respect to the  obligations  of any other
Person for more than $10,000;  (xiv) each agreement  relating to the acquisition
or disposition of significant  assets,  businesses or companies  within the past
five  years;  and (xv) each  other  agreement  requiring  payments  of more than
$10,000 in the  aggregate  which cannot be  terminated by Seller within one year
after the date  hereof  without  penalty or under  which the  consequences  of a
default or termination would have a Material Adverse Effect.  Exhibit D contains
a complete list of Applicable Contracts that require a third party to consent to
their transfer to Buyers.

                                       18
<PAGE>

            (b) Except as set forth in Part 3.15(b) of the Disclosure  Schedule,
to the Knowledge of Seller and Stockholder,  each Applicable Contract is in full
force and effect and is valid and enforceable  against Seller in accordance with
its  terms,  subject to  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  arrangement,
moratorium or other  similar laws  relating to or affecting  rights of creditors
generally.  Except as set forth in Part 3.15(b) of the Disclosure Schedule:  (i)
Seller is, and at all times has been,  in  compliance  in all material  respects
with all applicable terms and requirements of each Applicable Contract;  (ii) to
the  Knowledge  of  Seller  and  Stockholder,  each  other  Person  that has any
obligation or liability  under any Applicable  Contract is, and at all times has
been,  in  compliance in all material  respects  with all  applicable  terms and
requirements  of such  Applicable  Contract  and no such Person is  insolvent or
involved in bankruptcy,  insolvency or other  Proceedings  to enforce  creditors
rights generally nor is any such Proceeding Threatened; and (iii) Seller has not
given to or received  from any other  Person,  at any time,  any notice or other
communication (whether oral or written) regarding any actual, alleged, possible,
or potential violation or breach of, or default under, any Applicable Contract.

            (c) There are no  renegotiations  of,  attempts to  renegotiate,  or
outstanding rights to renegotiate any material amounts paid or payable to Seller
under  Applicable  Contracts with any Person having the contractual or statutory
right to  demand or  require  such  renegotiation  and no such  Person  has made
written demand for such renegotiation.

      3.16  Insurance.  Part 3.16 of the  Disclosure  Schedule sets forth a list
(including the name of the insurer,  the name of the  policyholder,  the name of
each  insured,  the policy  number and  periods  of  coverage,  and the scope of
coverage)  of all  policies  of  fire,  theft,  casualty,  liability,  burglary,
fidelity, workers compensation,  business interruption,  environmental,  product
liability,  automobile  and other  forms of  insurance  covering  Seller and its
operations under which Seller is the beneficiary,  including any  self-insurance
arrangement  affecting  Seller.  Seller has not  received  any  notice  from any
insurer  under any such policy  disclaiming  coverage or canceling or materially
amending any such policy.  Such policies or  extensions  or renewals  thereof in
such  amounts  will  be  outstanding  and  in  full  force  and  effect  without
interruption  until the Closing Date.  Seller has paid all premiums due, and has
otherwise  performed all of its material  obligations  under,  each such policy.
Seller has given proper and timely  notice to the insurer of all claims that may
be insured under such policies. Seller has delivered true and complete copies of
all such insurance policies to Buyers

      3.17  Environmental Matters.  Except as set forth in Part 3.17 of the
Disclosure Schedule:

            (a) Seller is in substantial compliance with all Environmental Laws.
Seller has no basis to  expect,  nor has it or, to the  Knowledge  of Seller and
Stockholder any other Person for whose conduct it is responsible  received,  any
actual  or  Threatened  order,  notice,  or  other  communication  from  (i) any
Governmental  Body or private  citizen acting in the public  interest,  (ii) the
current or prior owner or operator of any Facilities, or (iii) any other Person,
of any actual or potential violation or failure to comply with any Environmental
Law, or of any actual or  Threatened  obligation  of Seller to undertake or bear
the cost of any Environmental, Health and Safety Liabilities with respect to any
of the Facilities or any other properties or assets (whether real, personal,  or
mixed) in which  Seller (or any  predecessor)  has or had an  interest,  or with
respect to any property or facility at or to or from which  Hazardous  Materials
were generated, manufactured,  refined, transferred, imported, used, transported
or  processed  by Seller  (or any  predecessor),  or any other  Person for whose
conduct Seller is responsible.

                                       19
<PAGE>

            (b)  There  are no  pending  or,  to the  Knowledge  of  Seller  and
Stockholder,  Threatened  claims,  Encumbrances,  or other  restrictions  of any
nature,  resulting  from any  Environmental,  Health and Safety  Liabilities  or
arising under or pursuant to any Environmental Law, with respect to or affecting
any  of the  Facilities  or any  other  properties  and  assets  (whether  real,
personal, or mixed) in which Seller (or any predecessor) has or had an interest.

            (c) Neither Seller nor, to the Knowledge of Seller and  Stockholder,
any other Person for whose conduct Seller is responsible, has any Environmental,
Health and  Safety  Liabilities  with  respect  to the  Facilities  or any other
properties and assets (whether real, personal, or mixed) in which Seller (or any
predecessor)  has  or had  an  interest,  or at  any  property  geologically  or
hydrologically adjoining the Facilities or any other property or assets.

            (d) To the  Knowledge of Seller and  Stockholder,  there has been no
Release or Threat of  Release,  of any  Hazardous  Materials  (i) at or from the
Facilities  or at  any  other  locations  where  any  Hazardous  Materials  were
generated, manufactured, refined, transferred,  transported, produced, imported,
used, or processed or (ii) any property geologically or hydrologically adjoining
the Facilities in which Seller has an interest.

            (e) Seller has  delivered  to Buyers  true and  complete  copies and
results of any reports,  studies,  analyses,  tests, or monitoring  possessed or
initiated by Seller  pertaining to Hazardous  Materials or Hazardous  Activities
in, on, or under the  Facilities,  or concerning  compliance  by Seller,  or any
other Person for whose conduct Seller is responsible, with Environmental Laws or
Occupational Safety and Health Laws in connection with the operation of Seller's
business.

            (f) Part 3.17 of the Disclosure  Schedule sets forth or describes in
reasonable detail: (i) all landfills,  surface impoundments,  pits,  underground
injections wells,  waste piles,  incinerators and any other units used by Seller
(or any predecessor) for the handling, treatment, recycling, storage or disposal
of Hazardous Materials and (ii) all underground or above-ground storage tanks at
the Facilities.

            (g)  This   Section   3.17   contains   the   sole   and   exclusive
representations  and warranties of the Seller with respect to any  Environmental
Health and Safety Liabilities, Environmental Law, Occupational Safety and Health
Law and Hazardous Activity, including without limitation, any matter arising out
of federal, state and local environmental legal
requirements.

      3.18  Labor  Disputes;  Compliance.  Seller  has not  been a party  to any
collective  bargaining or other labor Contract  applicable to Seller.  There has
never been, there is not presently pending or existing,  and to the Knowledge of
Seller and Stockholder there is not Threatened, any strike, slowdown, picketing,
work  stoppage,  labor  arbitration or proceeding in respect of the grievance of
any  employee,   application  or  complaint   filed  by  an  employee  or  union
representing  such  employees  with the National  Labor  Relations  Board or any
comparable Governmental Body,  organizational  activity, or other labor dispute,
in each  case,  against  or  affecting  Seller's  operations,  the Assets or the
Facilities,  and no application  for  certification  of a collective  bargaining
agent on behalf of Seller's  employees is pending or to the  Knowledge of Seller
or  Stockholder is Threatened.  To the Knowledge of Seller and  Stockholder,  no
event has occurred or circumstance exists with respect to Seller's business that
would  provide the basis for any work  stoppage or other labor  dispute  between
Seller and its employees. There is no lockout of any employees by Seller, and no
such action is contemplated by Seller.

                                       20
<PAGE>

      3.19  Intellectual  Property.  Except  as set  forth  in Part  3.19 of the
Disclosure Schedule, Seller owns or has adequate licenses to use, free and clear
of any Encumbrance of which Seller has Knowledge and free from any obligation of
payment, all patents,  trademarks,  trade names, service marks, branch names and
copyrights,  and applications therefor, used in the conduct of Seller's business
or the use of which  is  necessary  for the  conduct  of  Seller's  business  as
presently  conducted  (the  "Intangibles").  Set  forth  in  Part  3.19  of  the
Disclosure   Schedule  is  a  complete  list  and  summary  description  of  all
Intangibles and licenses or sublicenses  entered into or granted by or to Seller
with respect thereto and the countries of registration. Seller owns or possesses
adequate  rights to use, free and clear of any  Encumbrance  of which Seller has
Knowledge  and from any  obligation  of  payment,  all  inventions,  technology,
technical know-how, processes, designs, trade secrets, vendor and customer lists
and other confidential information required or used by Seller in its business as
presently  conducted ("Trade  Secrets").  No Person has made any claim or demand
upon Seller pertaining to, and no Proceedings are pending,  or, to the Knowledge
of Seller or  Stockholder,  Threatened,  which challenge the rights of Seller in
respect of any  Intangibles  or Trade  Secrets.  No Intangible  owned or used by
Seller is subject  to any Order.  To the  Knowledge  of Seller and  Stockholder,
Seller has not infringed or engaged in the  unauthorized use of, or violated any
confidentiality agreement that pertains to, any patent,  trademark,  trade name,
service mark, brand name or copyright, or any invention,  technology,  technical
know-how,  process,  design,  trade  secret or other  intellectual  property  of
another Person.  To the Knowledge of Seller and  Stockholder,  there has been no
infringement or unauthorized  use of any Intangible or Trade Secret by any other
Person.  All Assets used for information  processing  management and/or services
("Information  Technology")  which  are  material  to the  conduct  of  Seller's
business as presently conducted can accurately process time/date including,  but
not limited to,  calculating,  comparing and sequencing)  from, into and between
the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and the years 1999 and 2000, including:
(i) leap year calculations and (ii) if such functionality is currently contained
in the Information Technology, accurate derivation of the day of the week.

      3.20  Disclosure.   To  the  Knowledge  of  Seller  and  Stockholder,   no
representation  or warranty of Seller in this  Agreement and no statement in the
Disclosure  Schedule  omits  to  state a  material  fact  necessary  to make the
statements  herein or therein,  in light of the circumstances in which they were
made, not misleading.

      3.21 Relationships with Related Persons.  Except as set forth in Part 3.21
of the Disclosure Schedule,  no Related Person of Seller has any interest in any
property (whether real,  personal,  or mixed and whether tangible or intangible)
used in or pertaining to Seller's business.

                                       21
<PAGE>

      3.22  Brokers or Finders.  Neither  Seller nor its officers or agents have
incurred any obligation or liability,  contingent or otherwise, for brokerage or
finders' fees or agents' commissions or other similar payment in connection with
the  Contemplated  Transactions  except with New England  Business  Exchange and
Seller will  indemnify  and hold Buyers  harmless from any such payments due and
alleged to be due from New England Business  Exchange or otherwise by or through
Seller as a result of the actions of Seller or its officers or agents.

      3.23 No  Termination  of  Relationship.  To the  Knowledge  of Seller  and
Stockholder,  except as set forth in Part 3.23 of the  Disclosure  Schedule,  no
relationship between Seller and a distributor,  customer,  supplier,  lender, or
other Person  (other than  employees  who elect not to accept  NewCo's  offer of
employment)  will  be  terminated  or  adversely  affected  as a  result  of the
execution of this Agreement or the performance of the Contemplated Transactions.

      3.24 Customers and Suppliers.  No unfilled  customer orders or commitments
obligating  Seller to  process,  manufacture  or  deliver  products  or  perform
services,  which orders or  commitments  are  material,  individually  or in the
aggregate, to Seller will result in a material loss to Seller upon completion of
performance.  No  purchase  orders or  commitments  of Seller,  which  orders or
commitments  are material,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  to Seller,  are
materially in excess of normal  requirements for Seller, nor are prices provided
therein  materially  in excess of  current  market  prices for the  products  or
services to be provided thereunder. No material supplier of Seller has indicated
within  the past year that it will stop,  or  materially  decrease  the rate of,
supplying materials, products, or services to Seller and, except as set forth in
Part 3.24 of the  Disclosure  Schedule,  no  material  customer  of  Seller  has
indicated  within the past year that it will stop,  or  materially  decrease the
rate of, buying  materials,  products or services from Seller.  Part 3.24 of the
Disclosure  Schedule sets forth a list of (a) each  customer that  accounted for
more than 5% of Seller's  combined  revenues during the last fiscal year and (b)
each  supplier  that is the sole  supplier of any product or  component  that is
significant to Seller's business.

      3.25  Recalls.  No products of Seller have ever been  recalled and, to the
Knowledge of Seller and Stockholder, there is no basis for any such recall.

      3.26 Backlog.  Seller's  backlog as of the Closing Date is greater than or
equal to $1,000,000. For purposes of this Section 3.26, "backlog" means all firm
orders  and  commitments  for  products  and  services  and  contain  terms  and
conditions that are consistent with Seller's practices over the past year.

      3.27 Inventories.  All Inventories (as defined below) are of a quality and
quantity usable and salable in the Ordinary  Course of Business.  Items included
in such  Inventories  are  carried on  Seller'  books in  accordance  with prior
practices  as set  forth  in the June  Balance  Sheet.  The  term  "Inventories"
includes all stock of raw materials,  work-in-process and finished goods held by
Seller for manufacturing, assembly, processing, finishing, and sale or resale to
others.

      3.28  Product  and Service  Warranties.  Seller has  provided  Buyers with
copies of the current standard  warranty used for each of Seller's  products and
services.  Part  3.28 of the  Disclosure  Schedule  describes  any and all other
product  or  service  warranties  made by or on behalf of  Seller  that  deviate
materially  from the current  standard  warranties and which remain in effect on
the date hereof, or pursuant to which Seller has any remaining obligations.

                                       22
<PAGE>

4.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYERS

      Buyers  jointly  and  severally   represent  and  warrant  to  Seller  and
Stockholder as follows:

      4.1 Organization  and Good Standing.  Each of Buyers is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware.

      4.2   Authority; No Conflict.

            (a) Each of Buyers has the absolute and unrestricted  right,  power,
and  authority  to  execute  and  deliver  this  Agreement  and to  perform  its
obligations   under  this  Agreement.   All  corporate  and  other  actions  and
proceedings  to be taken by or on the part of each of  Buyers to  authorize  and
permit the  execution and delivery by it of this  Agreement and the  instruments
required to be executed and delivered by it pursuant hereto,  the performance by
it of its obligations  hereunder and the  consummation by it of the transactions
contemplated  herein, have been duly and properly taken. This Agreement has been
duly executed and delivered by each of Buyers and constitutes the legal,  valid,
and  binding  obligation  of each  of  Buyers,  enforceable  against  Buyers  in
accordance with its terms.

            (b) Neither the execution  and delivery of this  Agreement by Buyers
nor the consummation or performance of any of the  Contemplated  Transactions by
Buyers will,  directly or indirectly  (with or without notice or lapse of time):
(i) contravene,  conflict with, or result in a violation of (A) any provision of
the  Organizational  Documents of either Buyer or any agreement  which it or its
assets may be subject,  or (B) any resolution  adopted by the board of directors
or the  stockholders  of either Buyer;  or (ii)  contravene,  conflict  with, or
result in a  violation  of, or give any  Governmental  Body or other  Person the
right to  challenge,  any of the  Contemplated  Transactions  or to exercise any
remedy or obtain any relief under,  any Legal  Requirement or any Order to which
either Buyer may be subject.

            (c) Neither  Buyer is nor will it be required to give any notice to,
make any filing with or obtain any Consent  from any Person in  connection  with
the  execution  and  delivery of this  Agreement  by it or the  consummation  or
performance  of any of the  Contemplated  Transactions  by it except as has been
given, made or obtained on or prior to the Closing Date.

      4.3  Certain  Proceedings.  There is no pending  Proceeding  that has been
commenced  against  Buyers  and  that  challenges,  or may have  the  effect  of
preventing,  delaying, making illegal, or otherwise interfering with, any of the
Contemplated  Transactions.  To Buyers'  Knowledge,  no such Proceeding has been
Threatened and no event has occurred or  circumstance  exists that may give rise
to or serve as a basis for commencement of any such Proceeding.

      4.4 Brokers and Finders.  Neither of Buyers nor their respective  officers
and agents have incurred any  obligation or liability,  contingent or otherwise,
for brokerage or finders' fees or agents'  commissions or other similar  payment
in connection  with the  Contemplated  Transaction and Buyers will indemnify and
hold  Seller  harmless  from any such  payment  alleged  to be due by or through
Buyers  as a result of the  action  of  either  of  Buyers  or their  respective
officers or agents.

                                       23
<PAGE>

      4.5 Disclosures. To the Knowledge of Buyers, no representation or warranty
of Buyers in this Agreement omits to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements  herein,  in light of the  circumstances in which they were made, not
misleading.

5.    INDEMNIFICATION; REMEDIES

      5.1 Survival. All representations,  warranties, covenants, and obligations
in this Agreement, the Disclosure Schedule and any other certificate or document
delivered pursuant to this Agreement will survive the Closing for the respective
periods  specified  therefor in this  Agreement;  the right to  indemnification,
reimbursement,  or  other  remedy  based  on such  representations,  warranties,
covenants,  and obligations will not be affected by any investigation  conducted
with respect to, or any Knowledge  acquired (or capable of being acquired) about
the accuracy or  inaccuracy  of or  compliance  with,  any such  representation,
warranty, covenant, or obligation.

      5.2  Indemnification  and Reimbursement by Seller and Stockholder.  Seller
and Stockholder  will jointly and severally  indemnify and hold harmless each of
Buyers, their respective representatives, stockholders, controlling persons, and
affiliates  (collectively,  the "Buyer Indemnified Persons"), and will reimburse
the Buyer Indemnified Persons, for any loss, liability,  claim, damage,  expense
(including  costs of investigation  and defense and reasonable  attorneys' fees)
(collectively,  "Damages"), arising from or in connection with any Breach of any
representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement.

      5.3 Indemnification  and Reimbursement by Buyers.  Buyers will jointly and
severally indemnify and hold harmless Seller, its representatives, stockholders,
controlling persons and affiliates  (collectively "Seller Indemnified Persons"),
and will reimburse Seller Indemnified Persons for any Damages arising from or in
connection with any Breach of any  representation  or warranty made by Buyers in
this Agreement.

      5.4 Time  Limitations.  Seller will have no liability for  indemnification
under Section 5.2 with respect to any  representation  or warranty in Section 3,
other  than  those in  Sections  3.10 and 3.17  unless,  on or before the second
anniversary  of the Closing Date,  Seller is given notice of a claim  specifying
the factual basis of that claim in reasonable detail to the extent then known by
Buyers. Seller will have no liability for indemnification under Section 5.2 with
respect to  Section  3.10  unless,  on or before  the third  anniversary  of the
Closing Date,  Seller is given notice of a claim specifying the factual basis of
that claim in reasonable detail to the extent then known by Buyers.  Seller will
have no liability for indemnification  under Section 5.2 with respect to Section
3.17 unless on or before the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations
Seller is given notice of a claim  specifying the factual basis of that claim in
reasonable  detail to the  extent  then  known by  Buyers.  Buyers  will have no
liability   for   indemnification   under   Section  5.3  with  respect  to  any
representation  or  warranty  in  Section 4  unless,  on or  before  the  second
anniversary of the Closing Date,  Buyers are given notice of a claim  specifying
the factual basis of that claim in reasonable detail to the extent then known by
Seller.

                                       24
<PAGE>

      5.5 Limitation on Amount.  Seller and Stockholder  shall have no indemnity
obligations  to  Buyers,  joint or  several,  unless  and  until  the  aggregate
cumulative  amount for which Buyers are entitled to indemnity  hereunder exceeds
$100,000,  whereupon  Buyers  shall be entitled to recover the entire  aggregate
cumulative  amount of all  indemnity  claims for which it is entitled to recover
hereunder.  In no event shall the indemnity  obligations,  joint or several,  of
Seller and Stockholder to Buyers under this Agreement exceed $1,500,000.

      5.6   Procedures for Indemnification -- Third Party Claims.

            (a) Promptly after receipt by a Buyer Indemnified Person or a Seller
Indemnified Person (an "Indemnified Person") under Section 5.2 or Section 5.3 of
notice of the commencement of any Proceeding  against it for which a claim is to
be made against an indemnifying party under such Section, the Indemnified Person
will  give  notice  to the  indemnifying  party  of  the  commencement  of  such
Proceeding,  but the failure to notify the  indemnifying  party will not relieve
the  indemnifying  party of any  liability  that it may have to any  Indemnified
Person,  except to the extent that the indemnifying  party demonstrates that the
defense of such action is prejudiced by the Indemnified Person's failure to give
such notice.

            (b) If any  Proceeding  referred  to in  Section  5.6(a) is  brought
against an Indemnified  Person and it gives notice to the indemnifying  party of
the commencement of such Proceeding,  the indemnifying party will be entitled to
participate in such Proceeding and, to the extent that it wishes (unless (i) the
indemnifying party is also a party to such Proceeding and the Indemnified Person
determines in good faith that joint  representation  would be inappropriate,  or
(ii)  the  indemnifying  party  fails to  provide  reasonable  assurance  to the
Indemnified  Person of its  financial  capacity  to defend such  Proceeding  and
provide indemnification with respect to such Proceeding),  to assume the defense
of such  Proceeding  with counsel  reasonably  satisfactory  to the  Indemnified
Person and, after notice from the indemnifying  party to the Indemnified  Person
of its election to assume the defense of such Proceeding, the indemnifying party
will not,  as long as it  diligently  conducts  such  defense,  be liable to the
Indemnified  Person  under this  Section 5 for any fees of other  counsel or any
other  expenses  with  respect to the defense of such  Proceeding,  in each case
subsequently  incurred by the Indemnified  Person in connection with the defense
of such Proceeding, other than reasonable costs of investigation.

            (c) If the  indemnifying  party  assumes the defense of a Proceeding
referred  to in Section  5.6(a),  (i) it will be  conclusively  established  for
purposes of this  Agreement  that the claims made in that  Proceeding are within
the scope of and subject to  indemnification  hereunder;  (ii) no  compromise or
settlement of such claims may be effected by the indemnifying  party without the
Indemnified  Person's  consent (which will not be unreasonably  withheld) unless
(A) there is no finding or admission of any violation of Legal  Requirements  by
the Indemnified  Person or any violation of the rights by the Indemnified Person
of any Person and no effect on any other  claims  that may be made  against  the
Indemnified  Person,  and (B) the sole relief provided is monetary  damages that
are paid in full by the  indemnifying  party;  and (iii) the Indemnified  Person
will have no liability  with respect to any  compromise  or  settlement  of such
claims effected without its consent (which will not be unreasonably withheld).

                                       25
<PAGE>

            (d) If notice is given to an indemnifying  party of the commencement
of any Proceeding  referred to in Section 5.6(a) and the indemnifying party does
not,  within ten business days after the  Indemnified  Person's notice is given,
give notice to the  Indemnified  Person of its election to assume the defense of
such Proceeding,  the indemnifying party will be bound by any determination made
in such  Proceeding or any compromise or settlement  effected by the Indemnified
Person.

            (e)  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if a customer or a supplier of
Seller  asserts that either of Buyers is liable to such customer or supplier for
a monetary obligation which may constitute or result in Damages for which Buyers
may be  entitled  to  indemnification  pursuant  to this  Section  5 and  Buyers
reasonably  determine  that there is a valid  business  reason to  fulfill  such
obligations,  then (i) Buyers  shall be  entitled  to satisfy  such  obligations
without prior notice to or consent from Seller, (ii) Buyers may make a claim for
indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 and (iii) Buyers shall be reimbursed,
in accordance  with the  provisions of this Section 5, for any Damages for which
they are entitled to indemnification  pursuant to the provisions of this Section
5;  provided,  however,  that if  Buyers  make a claim  for  indemnification  in
accordance  with this  sentence  Seller  shall not be deemed to have  waived any
defense to such claim by Buyers.

            (f)  Notwithstanding   the  foregoing,   if  an  Indemnified  Person
reasonably determines in good faith that there is a reasonable  probability that
a Proceeding  will  adversely  affect it or its Related  Persons other than as a
result of monetary  damages  for which it would be  entitled to  indemnification
under this Agreement,  the Indemnified Person may, by notice to the indemnifying
party,  assume  the  exclusive  right to  defend,  compromise,  or  settle  such
Proceeding, but the indemnifying party will not be bound by any determination of
a Proceeding so defended or any  compromise or settlement  effected  without its
consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld).

            (g)  Buyers  and  Seller   hereby   consent  to  the   non-exclusive
jurisdiction  of  any  court  in  which  a  Proceeding  is  brought  against  an
Indemnified Person for purposes of any claim that an Indemnified Person may have
under this  Agreement  with respect to such  Proceeding  or the matters  alleged
therein,  and agrees that process may be served on Seller with respect to such a
claim anywhere in the world.

            (h) With respect to any Proceeding subject to indemnification  under
this Section 5: (i) both the Indemnified  Person and the indemnifying  party, as
the case may be, shall be kept fully  informed of the  Proceeding  at all stages
thereof  where such party is not  represented  by its own counsel,  and (ii) the
parties  agree to render to each other such  assistance  as they may  reasonably
require of each other and to cooperate in good faith with each other in order to
ensure the proper and adequate  defense of any  Proceeding  brought by any third
party.

            (i) With respect to any Proceeding subject to indemnification  under
this  Section 5, the parties  agree to cooperate in such a manner as to preserve
in  full  (to the  extent  possible)  the  confidentiality  of all  confidential
business  records  and  the  attorney-client  and  work-product  privileges.  In
connection therewith,  each party agrees that: (i) it will use its best efforts,
in any  Proceeding in which it has assumed or  participated  in the defense,  to
avoid production of confidential  business  records  (consistent with applicable
law and  rules of  procedure),  and (ii) all  communications  between  any party
hereto  and  counsel  responsible  for or  participating  in the  defense of any
Proceeding  shall,  to  the  extent  possible,  be  made  so as to  reserve  any
applicable attorney-client or work-product privilege.

                                       26
<PAGE>

      5.7  Procedure  for   Indemnification   --  Other  Claims.   A  claim  for
indemnification for any matter not involving a third-party claim may be asserted
by notice to the party from whom indemnification is sought.

6.    GENERAL PROVISIONS

      6.1 Expenses.  Except as otherwise  expressly  provided in this Agreement,
each party will bear its  respective  expenses  incurred in connection  with the
preparation,  execution,  and performance of this Agreement and the Contemplated
Transactions,  including  all  fees and  expenses  of  agents,  representatives,
counsel,  and  accountants.  In the event of termination of this Agreement,  the
obligation  of each party to pay its own expenses  will be subject to any rights
of such party arising from a breach of this Agreement by another party.

      6.2 Public  Announcements.  Any public  announcement or similar  publicity
with respect to this Agreement or the Contemplated  Transactions will be issued,
if at all, by Buyers only with the consent of Seller,  and by Seller,  only with
the consent of Buyers,  none of which  consents will  unreasonably  be withheld;
provided,  however,  that  either  of  Buyers  or  Seller  may make  any  public
disclosure  it  believes in good faith is  required  by law or  regulation.  The
content  of any  public  announcement  by Buyers  will be  subject to review and
approval by Seller, and the content of any public announcement by Seller will be
subject  to  review  and  approval  by  Buyers,  none of  which  approvals  will
unreasonably  be  withheld.  Seller  and  Buyers  will  consult  with each other
concerning the means by which Seller's employees,  customers,  and suppliers and
others  having  dealings  with  Seller  will  be  informed  of the  Contemplated
Transactions,  and  Buyers  will  have  the  right  to be  present  for any such
communication.

      6.3 Notices.  All notices,  consents,  waivers,  and other  communications
under this  Agreement  must be in  writing  and will be deemed to have been duly
given  immediately if sent by confirmed  facsimile  transmission,  when actually
received or if  earlier,  one day after  deposit  with a  nationally  recognized
overnight delivery service,  charges prepaid, or three days after deposit in the
U.S. mail by certified mail, return receipt requested,  postage prepaid, in each
case to the appropriate  addresses and telecopier numbers set forth below (or to
such other  addresses and telecopier  numbers a party may designate by notice to
the other party):

      Seller:

      Harold Weissman
      34 Fairbanks Road
      Lexington, MA 02421

                                       27
<PAGE>

      with a copy to:

      Peabody & Arnold LLP
      50 Rowes Wharf
      Boston, MA  02110
      Attention: Anil Khosla, Esq.
      Telecopy No.: (617) 951-2125

            Buyers:

      Thermo Vision Corporation
      8E Forge Parkway
      Franklin, MA  02038
      Attention : President
      Telecopy No.: (508) 553-5001

      with a copy to:

      Thermo Electron Corporation
      81 Wyman Street
      Waltham, MA  02254-9046
      Attention: General Counsel
      Telecopy No.:  (781) 622-1283

      6.4 Jurisdiction;  Service of Process. Any action or proceeding seeking to
enforce any provision  of, or based on any right arising out of, this  Agreement
may be brought  against any of the parties in the courts of the  Commonwealth of
Massachusetts,  or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction,  in the United States
District  Court  for the  District  of  Massachusetts  and  each of the  parties
consents to the  jurisdiction of such courts (and of the  appropriate  appellate
courts) in any such action or proceeding  and waives any objection to venue laid
therein.  Process  in any  action or  proceeding  referred  to in the  preceding
sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world.
      6.5 Further  Assurances.  The parties agree (a) to furnish upon request to
each other such  further  information,  (b) to execute and deliver to each other
such other documents, and (c) to do such other acts and things, all as the other
party may reasonably  request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this
Agreement and the documents referred to in this Agreement.

      6.6 Waiver.  The rights and remedies of the parties to this  Agreement are
cumulative and not  alternative.  Neither the failure nor any delay by any party
in  exercising  any right,  power,  or  privilege  under this  Agreement  or the
documents  referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right,
power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power,
or privilege will preclude any other or further  exercise of such right,  power,
or privilege or the exercise of any other right,  power,  or  privilege.  To the
maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of
this Agreement or the documents  referred to in this Agreement can be discharged
by one party,  in whole or in part, by a waiver or  renunciation of the claim or
right unless in writing signed by the other  parties;  (b) no waiver that may be
given by a party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it
is given;  and (c) no  notice  to or demand on one party  will be deemed to be a
waiver of any  obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such
notice or demand to take further  action without notice or demand as provided in
this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.

                                       28
<PAGE>

      6.7 Entire Agreement and Modification. This Agreement supersedes all prior
agreements   between  the  parties  with  respect  to  its  subject  matter  and
constitutes  (along with the documents referred to in this Agreement) a complete
and exclusive  statement of the terms of the agreement  between the parties with
respect to its subject  matter.  This  Agreement may not be amended  except by a
written agreement executed by the party to be charged with the amendment.

      6.8 Disclosure  Schedule.  In the event of any  inconsistency  between the
statements in the body of this  Agreement and those in the  Disclosure  Schedule
(other than an exception  expressly set forth as such in the Disclosure Schedule
with respect to a  specifically  identified  representation  or  warranty),  the
statements in the body of this Agreement will control.

      6.9 Assignments,  Successors,  and Third-Party Rights. No party hereto may
assign any of its rights under this Agreement  without the prior written consent
of the other  party.  This  Agreement  will apply to, be binding in all respects
upon, and inure to the benefit of the  successors  and permitted  assigns of the
parties. Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to
give any Person other than the parties to this  Agreement any legal or equitable
right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision
of this  Agreement.  This Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions are
for the sole and  exclusive  benefit of the parties to this  Agreement and their
successors and assigns.

      6.10  Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or
unenforceable  by any court of competent  jurisdiction,  the other provisions of
this  Agreement  will remain in full force and  effect.  Any  provision  of this
Agreement  held invalid or  unenforceable  only in part or degree will remain in
full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

      6.11  Section  Headings;  Construction.  The  headings of Sections in this
Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction
or  interpretation.  All  references  to "Sections"  refer to the  corresponding
Sections of this  Agreement.  All words used in this Agreement will be construed
to be of such gender or number as the  circumstances  require.  Unless otherwise
expressly  provided,  the word "including" does not limit the preceding words or
terms.

      6.12 Time of Essence.  With regard to all dates and time periods set forth
or referred to in this Agreement, time is of the essence.

      6.13 Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed under
the laws of the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  without regard to conflicts of
laws principles.

      6.14 Relief.  In the event of a breach of the provisions of this Agreement
by Seller or  Stockholder,  in addition to any other  rights and  remedies  that
Buyers may have under law or in equity,  Buyers shall have the right to specific
performance and injunctive  relief, it being  acknowledged and agreed that money
damages  will not  provide  an  adequate  remedy.  In the  event  litigation  is
maintained by a party to this Agreement  against any other party to enforce this
Agreement or to seek any remedy for breach,  then the party  prevailing  in such
litigation shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party reasonable
attorneys' fees and costs of suit.

                                       29
<PAGE>

      6.15  Access  to  Historical  Financial  Information.  Seller  shall  make
available,  and direct and authorize its independent  public accountants to make
available,  to Buyers and to the  independent  public  accountants  representing
Buyers, all working papers pertaining to the examination by Seller's accountants
of Seller's  accounting  records,  and shall provide such  cooperation as Buyers
shall  reasonably  request  in  connection  with  Buyers's  preparation  of  any
financial  statements  relating  to the Assets  required  to be  included in any
filing  made by  Buyers  or any  affiliate  of Buyers  with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

      6.16 Termination of Retirement Plan.  Seller and Stockholder agree to take
all steps  necessary to terminate  Seller's simple IRA Retirement Plan effective
as of the Closing Date.

      6.17 Liquidation.  Stockholder agrees to cause the complete liquidation of
Seller on or before May 1, 1999.

      6.18  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may  be  executed  in  one  or  more
counterparts,  each of  which  will be  deemed  to be an  original  copy of this
Agreement and all of which,  when taken  together,  will be deemed to constitute
one and the same agreement.


                                       30
<PAGE>
         


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

                                   BUYERS:

                                   THERMO VISION CORPORATION


                                   By:  /s/  Kristine Stotz Langdon
                                        -------------------------------
                                   Name:     Kristine Stotz Langdon
                                   Title:    President



                                   THERMO VISION OPTICON CORPORATION,


                                   By:  /s/  Kristine Stotz Langdon
                                        -------------------------------
                                   Name:     Kristine Stotz Langdon
                                   Title:    President


                                   SELLER:

                                  OPTICON CORP.


                                   By:  /s/  Harold Weissman
                                        -------------------------------
                                   Name:     Harold Weissman
                                   Title:    President



                                   STOCKHOLDER:


                                   /s/  Harold Weissman
                                        Harold Weissman



                                       31


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>           5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THERMO
VISION CORPORATION'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED APRIL 3,
1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>        1,000
       
<S>                              <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                             JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END>                                  APR-03-1999
<CASH>                                                  8,152
<SECURITIES>                                                0
<RECEIVABLES>                                           5,874
<ALLOWANCES>                                              293
<INVENTORY>                                             7,883
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                       23,879
<PP&E>                                                  9,706
<DEPRECIATION>                                          3,741
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                         46,157
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                   9,996
<BONDS>                                                     0
                                       0
                                                 0
<COMMON>                                                   81
<OTHER-SE>                                             32,063
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                           46,157
<SALES>                                                 9,196
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                        9,196
<CGS>                                                   5,699
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                           5,699
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                          965
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                           21
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                        117
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                            10
<INCOME-TAX>                                                4
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                         6
<DISCONTINUED>                                              0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                             0
<CHANGES>                                                   0
<NET-INCOME>                                                6
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                            0.00
<EPS-DILUTED>                                            0.00
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>           5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THERMO
VISION CORPORATION'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 2,
1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>        1,000
       
<S>                              <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                 YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                             JAN-02-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                  JAN-02-1999
<CASH>                                                  9,457
<SECURITIES>                                                0
<RECEIVABLES>                                           5,733
<ALLOWANCES>                                              246
<INVENTORY>                                             7,831
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                       25,592
<PP&E>                                                  9,265
<DEPRECIATION>                                          3,410
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                         46,280
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                   6,137
<BONDS>                                                     0
                                       0
                                                 0
<COMMON>                                                   80
<OTHER-SE>                                             32,099
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                           46,280
<SALES>                                                37,966
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                       37,966
<CGS>                                                  23,769
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                          23,769
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                        4,273
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                           17
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                        521
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                           488
<INCOME-TAX>                                              267
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                       221
<DISCONTINUED>                                              0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                             0
<CHANGES>                                                   0
<NET-INCOME>                                              221
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                            0.03
<EPS-DILUTED>                                            0.03
        

</TABLE>


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