UNITED RENTALS NORTH AMERICA INC
8-K, 1998-09-16
EQUIPMENT RENTAL & LEASING, NEC
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<PAGE>
 
   ========================================================================

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549


                                   FORM 8-K
                                CURRENT REPORT

                    PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


       DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED) September 1, 1998
                                                        -----------------


                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
                     UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA), INC.

          (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANTS AS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CHARTERS)


                   ----------------------------------------

         Delaware                        1-14387                 06-1522496
         Delaware                        1-13663                 06-1493538
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (State or Other Jurisdiction  (Commission file Numbers)    (IRS Employer
       of Incorporation)                                    Identification Nos.)


    Four Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich, Connecticut           06830
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       (Address of Principal Executive Offices)                (Zip Code)


       Registrants' telephone number, including area code (203) 622-3131
                                                          --------------

   ========================================================================
<PAGE>
 
   Item 2.  Acquisition or Disposition of Assets
            ------------------------------------
        On September 1, 1998, United Rentals, Inc. (the "Company") acquired the
   equipment rental businesses of McClinch Inc. and Subsidiaries and McClinch
   Equipment Services, Inc. (collectively, "McClinch"). This acquisition was 
   effected by United Rentals (North America), Inc., a subsidiary of the
   Company, acquiring all of the outstanding stock of each of the aforementioned
   companies. McClinch is an equipment rental company and operates eight rental
   locations in six states: Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Maryland (1), New
   Jersey (2), New York (1) and Virginia (2). McClinch primarily leases the land
   and buildings comprising its rental locations.


        The aggregate consideration paid by the Company in respect of the
   acquisition described above was $96.1 million. The consideration for the
   acquisition was determined through arms-length negotiations between the
   Company and the former owners of the business acquired. The Company funded
   the aggregate consideration paid from borrowings under the Company's
   revolving credit facility.


   Item 7.   Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
             ------------------------------------------------------------------
   (a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired



   The following financial statements are included herein:

   I.  Consolidated Financial Statements of McClinch, Inc. and Subsidiaries
       Report of Independent Accountants
       Consolidated Balance Sheets - January 31, 1998 and April 30, 1998
        (unaudited)
       Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the Year
        Ended January 31, 1998 and for the Three Months Ended April 30, 1997 and
        1998(unaudited)
       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Year Ended January 31, 1998
        and for the Three Months Ended April 30, 1997 and 1998 (unaudited)
       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


   II. Financial Statements of McClinch Equipment Services, Inc.

       Report of Independent Accountants
       Balance Sheets - December 31, 1997 and June 30, 1998 (unaudited)
        Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the year ended
        December 31, 1997 and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 
        (unaudited)
       Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the year ended December 
        31, 1997 and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 (unaudited)
       Statements of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 1997 and for the
        Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 (unaudited)
       Notes to Financial Statements


   
<PAGE>

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information
 
The following pro forma financial information is included herein:

I.  Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements of United Rentals, Inc.
    Introduction
    Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet - June 30, 1998 (unaudited)
    Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Year Ended
        December 31, 1997, and the Six Months Ended June 30, 1998.
    Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.

(c) Exhibits

    10   Share Pruchase Agreement dated July 30, 1998 among United Rentals
         (North America), Inc. and the parties listed therein for all of the
         outstanding shares of McClinch, Inc. (Incorpored by reference to
         Exhibit 10(dd) of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by
         United Rentals, Inc., Registration No. 333-63171)

    10.1 Share Purchase Agreement dated July 30, 1998 among United Rentals
         (North America), Inc. and the parties listed therein for all of the
         outstanding shares of McClinch Equipment Services, Inc. (Incorporated
         by reference to Exhibit 10(ll) of the Registration Statement on Form S-
         4 filed by United Rentals, Inc., Registration No. 333-63171).





 

  
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
   Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
   undersigned hereunto duly authorized on this 15th day of September, 1998.


                                UNITED RENTALS, INC.



                                By:     Michael J. Nolan
                                    -------------------------------
                                    Name:  Michael J. Nolan
                                    Title:  Chief Financial Officer

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
   Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
   undersigned hereunto duly authorized on this 15th day of September, 1998.


                                UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA), INC.



                                By:     Michael J. Nolan
                                    -------------------------------
                                    Name:  Michael J. Nolan
                                    Title:  Chief Financial Officer

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Stockholders of McClinch, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of McClinch Inc.
and Subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998, and the related consolidated
statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows for the year then
ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of McClinch,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998, and the consolidated results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Stamford, Connecticut 
March 25, 1998
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SIX MONTHS
                                                      YEAR ENDED      ENDED
                                                      JANUARY 31,   JULY 31,
                                                         1998         1998
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
                       ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $   754,000  $   697,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
 accounts of $106,000 and $128,000...................   4,168,000    4,697,000
Due from related parties (Note 6)....................     293,000      755,000
Inventories..........................................   1,181,000    1,276,000
Net investment in sales-type leases (Note 3).........      32,000       12,000
Property and rental equipment, net (Note 4)..........  17,249,000   21,163,000
Other assets.........................................     217,000      230,000
                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total assets....................................... $23,894,000  $28,830,000
                                                      ===========  ===========
                    LIABILITIES:
Notes payable (Note 5)............................... $10,388,000  $14,083,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................   1,759,000    1,334,000
Income taxes payable.................................       1,000       79,000
Deferred income taxes................................   2,476,000    2,836,000
                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total liabilities..................................  14,624,000   18,332,000
                                                      -----------  -----------
Commitments (Note 9)
                STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value; authorized, issued and
 outstanding, 1,000 shares...........................      26,000       26,000
Retained earnings....................................   9,862,000   11,090,000
Treasury stock, at cost; 103 shares (Note 6).........    (618,000)    (618,000)
                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total stockholders' equity.........................   9,270,000   10,498,000
                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......... $23,894,000  $28,830,000
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                          YEAR ENDED         JULY 31,
                                          JANUARY 31,  -----------------------
                                             1998         1998         1997
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Equipment rentals and service (Note
   6).................................... $18,474,000  $10,571,000  $8,306,000
  Sales..................................   4,659,000    3,188,000   2,640,000
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
                                           23,133,000   13,759,000  10,946,000
Cost of equipment rentals and service....  11,672,000    7,154,000   5,358,000
Cost of sales............................   2,843,000    1,944,000   1,694,000
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
    Gross profit.........................   8,618,000    4,661,000   3,894,000
Selling expenses.........................   1,484,000      788,000     629,000
General and administrative expenses......   3,136,000    1,324,000   1,111,000
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
                                            3,998,000    2,549,000   2,154,000
Other income (expenses):
  Interest income........................     134,000       21,000      61,000
  Interest expense.......................  (1,028,000)    (483,000)   (495,000)
  Rental of property, net (Note 9).......      71,000       15,000      38,000
  Other income...........................      44,000        1,000       1,000
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
    Income before provision for income
     taxes...............................   3,219,000    2,103,000   1,759,000
Provision for income taxes (Note 7)......   1,082,000      875,000     759,000
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
    Net income...........................   2,137,000    1,228,000   1,000,000
Retained earnings, beginning of period...   7,793,000    9,862,000   7,793,000
Dividends paid...........................     (68,000)         --          --
                                          -----------  -----------  ----------
    Retained earnings, end of period..... $ 9,862,000  $11,090,000  $8,793,000
                                          ===========  ===========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                         YEAR ENDED          JULY 31,
                                         JANUARY 31,  ------------------------
                                            1998         1998         1997
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income                               $ 2,137,000  $ 1,228,000  $ 1,000,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
 net cash provided by operating
 activities:
  Depreciation.........................    3,387,000    1,977,000    1,623,000
  Gain on sale of property and rental
   equipment...........................   (1,313,000)    (925,000)    (663,000)
  Deferred income taxes................      328,000      360,000      308,000
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                           4,539,000    2,640,000    2,268,000
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable................     (643,000)    (529,000)    (144,000)
    Due to related parties for operat-
     ing expenses......................      519,000     (310,000)    (174,000)
    Current income taxes receivable....       58,000          --        58,000
    Inventories........................     (201,000)     (95,000)     (62,000)
    Other assets.......................     (165,000)     (13,000)     (22,000)
    Accounts payable and accrued ex-
     penses............................      201,000     (425,000)    (123,000)
    Income taxes payable...............        1,000       78,000       40,000
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by operating
       activities......................    4,309,000    1,346,000    1,841,000
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Advances to related parties..........     (318,000)    (152,000)    (147,000)
  Acquisition of property and rental
   equipment...........................   (7,227,000)  (6,581,000)  (5,737,000)
  Proceeds from sale of property and
   rental equipment....................    2,292,000    1,615,000    1,370,000
  Net investment in sales-type leases..       88,000       20,000       76,000
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash used in investing activ-
       ities...........................   (5,165,000)  (5,098,000)  (4,438,000)
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Repayments of notes payable..........   (8,040,000)  (3,764,000)  (4,383,000)
  Borrowings of notes payable..........    7,145,000    7,459,000    6,600,000
  Repayment of note payable to related
   party...............................      (41,000)         --       (41,000)
  Dividends paid.......................      (68,000)         --           --
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Net cash (used in) provided by
       financing activities............   (1,004,000)   3,695,000    2,176,000
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Net decrease in cash and cash
       equivalents.....................   (1,860,000)     (57,000)    (421,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 period................................    2,614,000      754,000    2,614,000
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Cash and cash equivalents, end of
       period..........................  $   754,000  $   697,000  $ 2,193,000
                                         ===========  ===========  ===========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
 information:
  Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest...........................  $ 1,029,000  $   462,000  $   478,000
    Income taxes, net of refunds.......      695,000      422,000      353,000
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
1. BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION
 
  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
McClinch, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries McClinch Leasing Corporation,
McClinch Equipment Corporation, McClinch Crane Services, Inc. and McClinch
Aviation Corporation, (the "Company").
 
  The Company is an exclusive dealer for JLG Industries, Inc. and Genie
Industries in the State of Connecticut, metropolitan New York, Long Island,
Westchester County and other counties in New York State. The Company is also
an exclusive dealer for Lull Corporation in various counties in the States of
Connecticut and New York. In addition, the Company has distribution agreements
with other manufacturers in Connecticut and New York. The Company's revenues
are derived principally from the rental of aerialift and material handling
equipment and the sale of new and used equipment to a diversified customer
base including contractors and other users.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Basis of Presentation:
 
  The consolidated balance sheet is presented on an unclassified basis since
it more properly reflects the Company's operations as a rental equipment
company.
 
 Basis of Consolidation:
 
  All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
 Interim Financial Statements:
 
  The accompanying balance sheet at July 31, 1998, and the statements of
income and retained earnings and cash flows for the six month periods ended
July 31, 1998 and 1997 are unaudited and have been prepared on the same basis
as the audited financial statements included herein. In the opinion of
management, such unaudited financial statements include all adjustments
necessary to present fairly the information set forth therein, which consists
solely of normal recurring adjustments. The results of operations for such
interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
 Revenue Recognition:
 
  Operating Leases--Rental revenue is recognized over the lease term
(generally less than one year) as earned.
 
  Sales-Type Leases--Sales are recorded at amounts equal to the present value
of the minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease. The unearned
interest income represents the difference between the minimum lease payments
and the present value of such payments. Such interest income is recognized
over the life of the lease using the interest method.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
  Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks and temporary
cash investments, which consist principally of U.S. Treasury Notes, with
original maturities of less than 90 days. Temporary cash investments of
$144,000 as of January 31, 1998, are recorded at cost plus accrued interest
which approximates market value. The Company maintains all of its cash
balances in one institution. These balances are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation up to $100,000.
 
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
 
 Inventories:
 
  Inventories, consisting principally of aerialift equipment and related spare
parts, are recorded at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market.
 
 Property and Rental Equipment:
 
  Property and rental equipment, consisting principally of the Company's
rental fleet of aerialift and material handling equipment, is stated at cost
and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated
useful lives: buildings and building improvements, 30 years; rental equipment,
furniture and fixtures and computer equipment, 7 years; and vehicles, 5 years.
 
  Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are
removed from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are included in
income.
 
 Income Taxes:
 
  The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected
future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in a company's
financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets
and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using
enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the temporary differences
are expected to reverse.
 
 Estimates:
 
  The preparation of financial statements in confirmity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Reclassifications:
 
  Certain amounts have been reclassified between balance sheet accounts in the
current year to more properly reflect the nature of the item.
 
3. SALES-TYPE LEASES
 
  The net investment in sales-type leases consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           JANUARY 31, JULY 31,
                                                              1998       1998
                                                           ----------- --------
   <S>                                                     <C>         <C>
   Minimum lease payments receivable......................   $34,000   $13,000
     Lease, Unearned interest income......................    (2,000)   (1,000)
                                                             -------   -------
   Net investment in sales-type leases....................   $32,000   $12,000
                                                             =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
  Minimum lease payments as of January 31, 1998 are receivable as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     FISCAL YEAR
     -----------
         <S>                                                            <C>
         1999.......................................................... $29,000
         2000..........................................................   5,000
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
4. PROPERTY AND RENTAL EQUIPMENT
 
  Property and rental equipment consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     JANUARY 31,     JULY 31,
                                                         1998          1998
                                                     ------------  ------------
   <S>                                               <C>           <C>
   Rental equipment................................. $ 30,965,000  $ 34,412,000
   Land.............................................      530,000       530,000
   Buildings and improvements.......................      377,000       405,000
   Vehicles.........................................    2,381,000     2,597,000
   Furniture, fixtures and computer equipment.......      528,000       630,000
                                                     ------------  ------------
                                                       34,781,000    38,574,000
     Less, Accumulated depreciation.................  (17,532,000)  (17,411,000)
                                                     ------------  ------------
       Total........................................ $ 17,249,000  $ 21,163,000
                                                     ============  ============
</TABLE>
 
5. NOTES PAYABLE
 
  Notes payable consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         JANUARY 31,  JULY 31,
                                                            1998        1998
                                                         ----------- -----------
   <S>                                                   <C>         <C>
   Note payable to a bank syndicate bearing interest at
    LIBOR plus 1 3/4%..................................  $ 9,695,000 $13,449,000
   Note payable to Citicorp Dealer Finance bearing
    interest at 8.5%, payable in monthly installments
    of $7,839 through September 2004, including
    interest...........................................      477,000     450,000
   First mortgage to Edith Godwin on real property
    located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, bearing
    interest at 9.0%, payable in monthly installments
    of $3,066 through January 2002, including
    interest...........................................      123,000     110,000
   Notes payable to Orix Credit Alliance bearing
    interest at 8.5%, payable in monthly installments
    of $3,657 through May 2000, including interest.....       93,000      74,000
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                         $10,388,000 $14,083,000
                                                         =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has available a revolving line of credit with a bank syndicate
totaling the lesser of $22,000,000, or an amount based on eligible accounts
receivable, parts inventory, new equipment inventory, vehicles and rental
equipment. The line of credit includes cross-guarantees of amounts outstanding
with affiliates which amounted to approximately $17,935,000 and $23,691,000 at
January 31, 1998 and July 31, 1998, respectively. The unused portion of the
line of credit was $12,305,000 and $8,551,000 at January 31, 1998 and July 31,
1998, respectively. The Company pays a commitment fee of 1/4% per annum on the
unused portion of the line of credit.
 
  The outstanding balance bears interest at a fluctuating 30-day LIBOR rate
plus 1 3/4% (7.38% and 7.41% at January 31, 1998 and July 31, 1998,
respectively). The Company has the option to borrow additional funds and/or
convert all or a portion of the outstanding balance to a fluctuating interest
rate equal to the lender's prime rate plus 1/2% or a fixed LIBOR rate plus 1
3/4%, for 90, 180 or 360 days.
 
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
  The line of credit terminates on November 30, 1999 and extends automatically
every six months unless either party gives written notice to the other. Upon
termination or default, amounts outstanding under this line of credit convert
to a note which is payable in at least 48 monthly installments.
 
  Although no fixed payments are required under the revolving credit
agreement, the Company expects aggregate maturities under this agreement and
other notes payable at January 31, 1998 to approximate the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      FISCAL YEAR
      ---------------------------------------------------------------
      <S>                                                             <C>
      1999........................................................... $2,544,000
      2000...........................................................  2,554,000
      2001...........................................................  2,536,000
      2002...........................................................  2,530,000
      2003...........................................................     78,000
      Thereafter.....................................................    146,000
</TABLE>
 
  The lenders require, among other terms, that the Company and its affiliate
(see Note 6) on a combined basis meet certain financial ratios and obtain
approval prior to the issuing of advances or loans to stockholders or officers
which exceed certain amounts, as defined.
 
  Substantially all of the assets of the Company have been pledged as
collateral under the debt agreement.
 
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  Due from related parties consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           JANUARY 31, JULY 31,
                                                              1998       1998
                                                           ----------- --------
   <S>                                                     <C>         <C>
   Due (to) from affiliated companies.....................  $(72,000)  $227,000
   Loans receivable from officer/stockholder..............   365,000    528,000
                                                            --------   --------
                                                            $293,000   $755,000
                                                            ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company rents equipment from affiliates with common ownership under
informal equipment sharing agreements for ultimate rental to customers in New
York and Connecticut. In addition, the Company rents equipment to affiliates
for ultimate rental to the affiliates' customers. The net expenses incurred
(included in cost of equipment rentals and service) by the Company under these
arrangements were $744,000 for the year ended January 31, 1998 and $598,000
and $104,000 for the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. In
addition, the Company provides services to affiliates in connection with their
operations. The primary expenses incurred and paid by the Company, which are
allocated or billed to the affiliates include salaries ($2,059,000, for the
year ended January 31, 1998 and $250,000 and $416,000 for the six months ended
July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, deducted from general and administrative
expenses and $154,000 for the year ended January 31, 1998 and $-0- and
$104,000 for the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively,
deducted from selling expenses), spare parts inventory, trucking services and
insurance expenses ($699,000 for the year ended January 31, 1998 and $453,000
and $408,000 for the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively,
included in cost of equipment rentals and service).
 
  During fiscal year 1998, the Company purchased $243,000 ($63,000 and
$146,000 during the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively) of
used machinery and equipment from an affiliate for ultimate
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997
                                 IS UNAUDITED)
 
sale to unrelated third parties. Additionally, the Company sold used machinery
and equipment with a selling price of $980,000 ($611,000 and $776,000 during
the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively) to an affiliate for
ultimate sale to unrelated third parties.
 
  These transactions are settled in the normal course of business.
 
  Loans to officer/stockholder are due on demand and bear interest at the
applicable federal rate (5.66%) as published by the Internal Revenue Service.
 
  Pursuant to a stockholders agreement between the Company and certain of its
stockholders, a stockholder desiring to sell its shares of common stock must
first offer them to the Company. The repurchase price is based on a formula of
one and one-half times the Company's consolidated book value at the end of the
fiscal year preceding the date on which the sale is made.
 
  Refer to Note 9 for commitments with related parties.
 
7. INCOME TAXES
 
  The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                   YEAR ENDED      JULY 31,
                                                   JANUARY 31, -----------------
                                                      1998       1998     1997
                                                   ----------- -------- --------
   <S>                                             <C>         <C>      <C>
   Current:
     State and local.............................. $  232,000  $156,000 $135,000
     Federal......................................    522,000   359,000  316,000
                                                   ----------  -------- --------
                                                      754,000   515,000  451,000
   Deferred:
     State and local..............................     57,000   108,000   92,000
     Federal......................................    271,000   252,000  216,000
                                                   ----------  -------- --------
                                                      328,000   360,000  308,000
                                                   ----------  -------- --------
                                                   $1,082,000  $875,000 $759,000
                                                   ==========  ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       JANUARY 31,   JULY 31,
                                                          1998         1998
                                                       -----------  -----------
   <S>                                                 <C>          <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Accounts receivable.............................. $    37,000  $    46,000
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Property and rental equipment and other..........  (2,513,000)  (2,882,000)
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                       $ 2,476,000  $ 2,836,000
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  No valuation allowance has been recognized for deferred tax assets.
 
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
  The income tax provision differs from the provision computed at the
statutory rate as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SIX MONTHS
                                                                      ENDED
                                                       YEAR ENDED    JULY 31
                                                       JANUARY 31, -------------
                                                          1998     1998    1997
                                                       ----------- -----   -----
   <S>                                                 <C>         <C>     <C>
   Federal statutory tax rate........................       34        34      34
   Tax effect of state taxes.........................        9         9       9
   Reduction for changes in enacted state tax rates..       (3)      --      --
   Cash surrender value of the insurance.............       (2)      --      --
   Certain adjustments for prior estimates...........       (4)       (1)    --
                                                           ---     -----   -----
     Provision as reported...........................       34%       42%     43%
                                                           ===     =====   =====
</TABLE>
 
8. PROFIT-SHARING PLAN
 
  The Company participates in a profit sharing plan with its affiliates which
provides for a discretionary contribution to a trust fund based on the
Company's net income for the year, to be allocated to all eligible employees
based on their proportional compensation. Nonunion employees are eligible for
participation in the plan after the completion of one year of service,
provided they have also reached age 21. After becoming eligible, employees
vest at an annual rate of 20%. Discretionary contributions under the plan were
$150,000 for the year ended January 31, 1998. There were no discretionary
contributions for the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
 
  The plan also provides for a salary deferral plan pursuant to Section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. The plan requires the Company to
contribute 25% of employee's contributions not to exceed 6% of their annual
compensation up to $160,000. Participants vest in the Company's contribution
at the rate of 20% annually after becoming eligible. Matching contributions
under the plan by the Company were $27,000 for the year ended January 31, 1998
and $21,000 and $11,000 for the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
 
9. COMMITMENTS
 
  The Company has a formal employment agreement with an officer of the Company
which extends through February 1999. The agreement provides for a minimum
annual salary and a bonus based upon the Company's performance.
 
  The Company owns land and buildings which it rents to a third party in the
form of an operating lease. Future minimum rental income from this
noncancelable operating lease as of January 31, 1998 amounted to approximately
$58,000 which is expected to be received as follows: 1999, $30,000; 2000,
$28,000.
 
  The Company leases a building from an affiliated company under the terms of
a lease expiring on July 31, 1999. The Company guarantees the debt of the
affiliated company which was $1,681,000 and $1,635,000 at January 31, 1998 and
July 31, 1998, respectively. Additionally, the Company has commitments under
an operating lease, expiring in 2002, with Fleet Capital Corporation for an
aircraft. The lease provides the Company with certain end of term rights and
early purchase options. The following is a schedule of all future minimum
lease payments:
 
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                        MCCLINCH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      FISCAL YEAR
      -----------
      <S>                                                               <C>
       1999............................................................ $441,000
       2000............................................................  279,000
       2001............................................................  116,000
       2002............................................................   89,000
                                                                        --------
                                                                        $925,000
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
  Total rent expense was $329,000, $165,000 and $165,000 for the year ended
January 31, 1998 and the six months ended July 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
 
10. SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
 
  On September 1, 1998, United Rentals, Inc. acquired all of the outstanding
shares of common stock of the Company.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Stockholders of
McClinch Equipment Services, Inc:
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of McClinch Equipment
Services, Inc. as of December 31, 1997, and the related statements of income
and retained earnings and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of McClinch Equipment
Services, Inc. as of December 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Stamford, Connecticut
March 6, 1998.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                       MCCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31,  JUNE 30,
                                                          1997        1998
                                                      ------------ -----------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
                       ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $   314,000  $   439,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
 accounts of $75,000.................................   3,611,000    2,839,000
State income taxes receivable........................       1,000        6,000
Inventories..........................................     354,000      459,000
Net investment in sales-type leases (Note 2).........      49,000      130,000
Fixed assets, net (Note 3)...........................  18,631,000   22,859,000
Other assets.........................................      29,000       25,000
Due from related parties.............................     151,000          --
                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total assets....................................... $23,140,000  $26,757,000
                                                      ===========  ===========
                    LIABILITIES:
Notes payable (Note 4)............................... $16,200,000  $18,021,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................   1,237,000    1,193,000
Due to related parties...............................         --       822,000
Deferred state income taxes (Note 6).................     500,000      556,000
                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total liabilities..................................  17,937,000   20,592,000
                                                      -----------  -----------
Commitments (Note 8)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>
                STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value; authorized, 6,000 shares;
 issued and outstanding, 100 shares...................         --          --
Additional paid-in capital............................      10,000      10,000
Retained earnings.....................................   5,193,000   6,155,000
                                                       ----------- -----------
  Total stockholders' equity..........................   5,203,000   6,165,000
                                                       ----------- -----------
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.......... $23,140,000 $26,757,000
                                                       =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                       MCCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
                   STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                            YEAR ENDED         JUNE 30,
                                           DECEMBER 31,  ----------------------
                                               1997         1998        1997
                                           ------------  ----------  ----------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>           <C>         <C>
Revenues:
  Equipment rentals and service........... $12,141,000   $6,626,000  $5,036,000
  Sales...................................   4,759,000    2,415,000   2,426,000
                                           -----------   ----------  ----------
                                            16,900,000    9,041,000   7,462,000
                                           -----------   ----------  ----------
Cost of equipment rentals and service
 (Note 5).................................   6,520,000    3,911,000   2,994,000
Cost of sales.............................   3,642,000    1,852,000   1,859,000
                                           -----------   ----------  ----------
    Gross profit..........................   6,738,000    3,278,000   2,609,000
Selling expenses (Note 5).................   1,540,000      690,000     663,000
General and administrative expenses (Note
 5).......................................   2,445,000      966,000     627,000
                                           -----------   ----------  ----------
                                             2,753,000    1,622,000   1,319,000
Other income (expense):
  Other income............................     410,000       39,000     207,000
  Interest income.........................      56,000       12,000      23,000
  Interest expense........................  (1,167,000)    (651,000)   (509,000)
                                           -----------   ----------  ----------
    Income before provision for state in-
     come taxes...........................   2,052,000    1,022,000   1,040,000
Provision for state income taxes:
  Current.................................       7,000        4,000       2,000
  Deferred................................     100,000       56,000      68,000
                                           -----------   ----------  ----------
    Net income............................   1,945,000      962,000     970,000
Retained earnings, beginning of period....   3,248,000    5,193,000   3,248,000
                                           -----------   ----------  ----------
    Retained earnings, end of period...... $ 5,193,000   $6,155,000  $4,218,000
                                           ===========   ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                       MCCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                          YEAR ENDED          JUNE 30,
                                         DECEMBER 31,  ------------------------
                                             1997         1998         1997
                                         ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income............................ $ 1,945,000   $   962,000  $   970,000
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
   net cash provided by operating
   activities:
    Depreciation........................   3,215,000     1,987,000    1,476,000
    Gain on sale of equipment...........    (180,000)     (115,000)     (76,000)
    Deferred state income taxes.........     100,000        56,000       68,000
                                         -----------   -----------  -----------
                                           5,080,000     2,890,000    2,438,000
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable.................  (1,460,000)      772,000       30,000
    State income taxes receivable.......       1,000        (5,000)      (4,000)
    Inventories.........................      (2,000)     (105,000)      60,000
    Other assets........................      (9,000)        4,000          --
    Accounts payable and accrued
     expenses...........................     449,000       (44,000)      91,000
    Due to related parties..............    (243,000)      973,000      124,000
                                         -----------   -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by operating
       activities.......................   3,816,000     4,485,000    2,739,000
                                         -----------   -----------  -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Acquisition of property and rental
   equipment............................  (8,814,000)   (6,425,000)  (5,550,000)
  Net investment in sales-type leases...      26,000       (81,000)      33,000
  Proceeds from the sale of equipment...     495,000       325,000      200,000
                                         -----------   -----------  -----------
      Net cash used in investing
       activities.......................  (8,293,000)   (6,181,000)  (5,317,000)
                                         -----------   -----------  -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Borrowings under line of credit.......   8,750,000     5,800,000    5,500,000
  Repayments under line of credit.......  (4,050,000)   (3,979,000)  (2,000,000)
                                         -----------   -----------  -----------
      Net cash provided by financing
       activities.......................   4,700,000     1,821,000    3,500,000
                                         -----------   -----------  -----------
      Net increase in cash and cash
       equivalents......................     223,000       125,000      922,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 period.................................      91,000       314,000       91,000
                                         -----------   -----------  -----------
      Cash and cash equivalents, end of
       period........................... $   314,000   $   439,000  $ 1,013,000
                                         ===========   ===========  ===========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow
 information:
  Cash paid during the period for:
   Interest............................. $ 1,131,000   $   648,000  $   491,000
   State income taxes...................       6,000         9,000        6,000
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                       MCCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Company's Business:
 
  McClinch Equipment Services, Inc. (the "Company") is an exclusive dealer for
JLG Industries in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., and
Northern Virginia. The Company also has distribution agreements with other
manufacturers in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington,
D.C. and Virginia. Revenues are derived principally from the rental of
aerialift equipment and material handling equipment and the sale of new and
used aerialift equipment to a diversified customer base including contractors
and other users.
 
 Basis of Presentation:
 
  The balance sheet is presented on an unclassified basis since it more
properly reflects the Company's operations as an equipment rental company.
 
 Interim Financial Statements:
 
  The accompanying balance sheet at June 30, 1998, and the statements of
income and retained earnings and cash flows for the six month periods June 30,
1998 and 1997 are unaudited and have been prepared on the same basis as the
audited financial statements included herein. In the opinion of management,
such unaudited financial statements include all adjustments necessary to
present fairly the information set forth therein, which consists solely of
normal recurring adjustments. The results of operations for such interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
 Revenue Recognition:
 
  a. Operating Leases. Rental revenue is recognized over the lease term
(generally less than one year) as earned.
 
  b. Sales-Type Leases: Sales are recorded at amounts equal to the present
value of the minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease. The
unearned interest income represents the difference between the minimum lease
payments and the present value of such payments. Such interest income is
recognized over the life of the lease using the interest method.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
  Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks and temporary
cash investments with original maturities of less than 90 days. These balances
are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $100,000.
 
 Inventories:
 
  Inventories, consisting principally of aerialift equipment and related spare
parts, are recorded at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market.
 
 Fixed Assets:
 
  Fixed assets, consisting principally of the Company's fleet of aerialift
equipment, primarily held for rental under operating leases, is stated at cost
and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated
useful lives: rental equipment, shop equipment, furniture and fixtures and
computer equipment, 7 years; vehicles, 5 years; and leasehold improvements,
over the remaining term of the lease.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                       MCCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
  Upon retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are
removed from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are included in
income.
 
 Income Taxes:
 
  The Company has elected to be taxed as a Small Business Corporation under
the Internal Revenue Code. Under this regulation the Company's income is
reported for federal income tax purposes by the stockholders on their
individual tax returns. Accordingly, the financial statements reflect no
provision or liability for federal income taxes.
 
  The small business corporation election can be made in some of the states in
which the Company does business and accordingly, the financial statements only
reflect state income tax provisions for the states in which the election can
not be made.
 
  The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected
future state tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the
Company's financial statements or state tax returns. Under this method,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets
and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the
temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is
established when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not
be realized.
 
 Estimates:
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Reclassifications:
 
  Certain amounts have been reclassified between balance sheet accounts in the
current year to more properly reflect the nature of the item.
 
2. SALES-TYPE LEASES
 
  The net investment in sales-type leases consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
                                                              1997       1998
                                                          ------------ --------
   <S>                                                    <C>          <C>
   Minimum lease payments receivable.....................   $53,000    $145,000
     Less, Unearned interest income......................    (4,000)    (15,000)
                                                            -------    --------
   Net investment in sales-type leases...................   $49,000    $130,000
                                                            =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
  All future minimum lease payments are receivable during 1998 and 1999.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                       MCCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
 
3. FIXED ASSETS
 
  Fixed assets consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER
                                                           31,       JUNE 30,
                                                          1997         1998
                                                       -----------  -----------
   <S>                                                 <C>          <C>
   Land and building.................................. $       --   $   242,000
   Rental equipment...................................  24,854,000   30,325,000
   Vehicles...........................................   1,043,000    1,246,000
   Shop equipment.....................................      35,000       79,000
   Office equipment...................................      28,000       31,000
   Leasehold improvements.............................         --        32,000
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                        25,960,000   31,955,000
     Less, Accumulated depreciation...................  (7,329,000)  (9,096,000)
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                       $18,631,000  $22,859,000
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
4. NOTES PAYABLE
 
  The Company has available a revolving line of credit with a bank syndicate
totaling the lesser of $28,000,000 or an amount based on eligible accounts
receivable, parts inventory, new equipment inventory, vehicles and rental
equipment. The unused portion of the line of credit was $11,800,000 and
$9,979,000 at December 31, 1997 and June 30, 1998, respectively.
 
  At December 31, 1997, the outstanding balance bears interest at fluctuating
30-day LIBOR rate plus 2 1/4% (8.2% at December 31, 1997). Effective in
January 1998, the outstanding balance bears interest at the fluctuating 30-day
LIBOR rate plus 1 3/4% (7.4% at June 30, 1998) and the Company pays a
commitment fee of 1/4% per annum on the unused portion of the line of credit.
The Company has the option to borrow additional funds and/or convert all or a
portion of the outstanding balance to a fluctuating interest rate equal to the
lender's prime rate plus 1/2% or a fixed LIBOR rate plus 1 3/4% for 90, 180 or
360 days.
 
  The line of credit terminates on November 30, 1999 and extends automatically
every six months unless either party gives written notice to the other. Upon
termination or default, amounts outstanding under this line of credit convert
to a note which is payable in 48 monthly installments.
 
  Although there are no fixed payments on the principal, the Company expects
the aggregate maturities of debt outstanding at December 31, 1997 to
approximate the following:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                             <C>
      1998........................................................... $4,050,000
      1999...........................................................  4,050,000
      2000...........................................................  4,050,000
      2001...........................................................  4,050,000
</TABLE>
 
  Substantially all of the assets of the Company have been pledged as
collateral under the debt agreement. In addition, an affiliate of the Company
has guaranteed this debt.
 
  The lenders require, among other terms, that the Company and its affiliate
on a combined basis meet certain financial ratios and obtain approval prior to
issuing of advances or loans to stockholders or officers which exceed certain
amounts, as defined.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                       MCCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
 
5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  An affiliate (through common ownership) provides services to the Company in
connection with its operations. The primary expenses, which are incurred and
paid by the affiliate and allocated to the Company, include salaries
($1,750,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 and $500,000 and $330,000 for
the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively, included in general
and administrative expenses) and spare parts inventory, trucking services and
insurance expenses ($850,000, for the year ended December 31, 1997, and
$430,000 and $361,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and June 30,
1997, respectively, included in cost of equipment rentals and service).
 
  The Company rents equipment to the affiliate under an informal equipment
sharing agreement for ultimate rental to the affiliate's customers in New York
and Connecticut. In addition, the Company rents equipment from the affiliate
for ultimate rental to customers in its operating areas. The net revenue
earned (included in equipment rentals and service revenues) by the Company
under these arrangements for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $178,000 and
$239,000 and $230,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
 
  The Company purchased used rental equipment from an affiliate for ultimate
sale to unrelated third parties amounting to $964,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997 and $574,000 and $739,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1998 and 1997, respectively. Additionally, the Company sold used rental
equipment to the affiliate for ultimate sale to unrelated third parties. The
selling price of such equipment amounted to $239,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997 and $78,000 and $138,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
 
  These transactions are settled in the normal course of business.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
  Deferred state income taxes are recorded to reflect primarily the tax
consequences on future years of temporary differences between the tax bases of
assets and liabilities, principally fixed assets and accounts receivable, and
their financial reporting amounts at each year-end and for tax operating loss
carryforwards.
 
  The components of deferred state tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
                                                            1997       1998
                                                        ------------ ---------
   <S>                                                  <C>          <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Net operating loss carryforward...................  $  22,000   $  22,000
     Accounts receivable...............................      5,000       5,000
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Fixed assets......................................   (377,000)   (433,000)
     Other.............................................   (150,000)   (150,000)
                                                         ---------   ---------
                                                         $(500,000)  $(556,000)
                                                         =========   =========
</TABLE>
 
  No valuation allowance has been recognized for deferred tax assets. The
Company has various state net operating loss carryforwards at December 31,
1997 of approximately $357,000 which expire from 2002 through 2012.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                       MCCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 (ALL INFORMATION AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997 IS
                                  UNAUDITED)
 
 
7. PROFIT-SHARING PLAN
 
  The Company participates in a profit sharing plan with its affiliates which
provides for a discretionary contribution to a trust fund based on the
Company's net income for the year, to be allocated to all eligible employees
based on their proportional compensation. Nonunion employees are eligible for
participation in the plan after the completion of one year of service,
provided they have also reached age 21. After becoming eligible, employees
vest at an annual rate of 20%. Discretionary contributions under the plan by
the Company were $75,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. There were no
discretionary contributions under the plan by the Company for the six months
ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.
 
  The plan also provides for a salary deferral plan pursuant to Section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. The plan requires the Company to
contribute an amount equal to 25% of employees' contributions not to exceed 6%
of their annual compensation up to $160,000. Participants vest in the
Company's contribution at the rate of 20% annually after becoming eligible.
Matching contributions under the plan by the Company were $12,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1997 and $9,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and
1997.
 
8. COMMITMENTS
 
  The Company leases buildings in Delaware, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey
from unrelated parties in the form of operating leases which expire in 1998
and 1999. Total future minimum lease payments of $190,000 are as follows:
1998, $163,000; and 1999, $27,000. In addition, the Company leases buildings
in New Jersey and Virginia on a month-to-month basis. Total rent expense of
$243,000 was incurred for the year ended December 31, 1997 and $135,000 and
$110,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
 
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
 
  On September 1, 1998, United Rentals, Inc. acquired all of the outstanding
shares of common stock of the Company.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.

                  PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                  (UNAUDITED)


   The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet of the
   Company as of June 30, 1998 gives effect to the acquisition of McClinch Inc.
   and Subsidiaries and McClinch Equipment Services, Inc. (collectively,
   "McClinch") and Equipment Supply Co., and affiliates ("Equipment Supply")
   completed by the Company subsequent to such date and the financing of each
   such acquisition, as if all such transactions had occurred on June 30, 1998.

   The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations of
   the Company for the year ended December 31, 1997, gives effect to the
   acquisition of Access Rentals, Inc. and affiliates, BNR Equipment Ltd. and
   affiliates, (the "BNR Group"), Mission Valley Rentals, Inc., Power Rental
   Co., Inc. ("Power"), McClinch and Equipment Supply (the "Acquired Companies")
   and the financing thereof, as if all such transactions had occurred at the
   beginning of the period. The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated
   statements of operations of the Company for the six months ended June 30,
   1998, gives effect to the acquisition of Access Rentals, Inc. and affiliates,
   Power, McClinch and Equipment Supply and the financing thereof, as if all
   such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the period.

   The pro forma consolidated financial statements are based upon certain
   assumptions and estimates, which are subject to, change. These statements are
   not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that might
   have occurred, nor are they necessarily indicative of expected results in the
   future.

   The pro forma consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction
   with the Company's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and related
   Notes.

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
 
                     PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                 JUNE 30, 1998
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  McCLINCH          EQUIPMENT
                             UNITED          McCLINCH INC.        EQUIPMENT     SUPPLY CO., AND    PRO FORMA           PRO FORMA
                          RENTALS, INC.    AND SUBSIDIARIES    SERVICES, INC.      AFFILIATES      ADJUSTMENTS        CONSOLIDATED
                          -------------    ----------------    --------------   ---------------   -------------      ---------------
<S>                       <C>                <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>                 <C>           
ASSETS
Cash and cash             $  5,486,092       $   697,000       $   439,000      $  1,784,124      $  (2,920,124) (a)  $    5,486,092
 equivalents                                                                                                           
Accounts receivable, net    67,202,625         4,697,000         2,839,000        16,528,382                              91,267,007
Inventory                   33,255,606         1,276,000             6,000         4,507,505                              39,045,111
Rental equipment, net      298,956,195        18,513,000        21,809,000       111,617,692          4,677,360  (b)     455,573,247
Property and equipment,                                                                                                
 net                        32,349,116         2,650,000         1,050,000         5,267,210            220,290  (c)      41,536,616

Intangible assets, net     429,027,657                                             3,639,033        171,285,833  (d)     603,952,523
Prepaid expenses and                      
 other assets               22,887,178           997,000           614,000         7,022,229                              31,520,407
                          ------------       -----------       -----------      -------------      ------------       --------------

TOTAL ASSETS              $889,164,469       $28,830,000       $26,757,000      $150,366,175       $173,263,359       $1,268,381,003
                          ============       ===========       ===========      ============       ============       ==============

LIABILITIES AND
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable          $ 55,855,965       $ 1,334,000       $ 1,193,000      $ 3,648,493                           $   62,031,458
Debt                       389,181,344        14,083,000        18,021,000       94,818,830       $(126,922,830) (e)     737,866,776
                                                                                                    348,685,432  (f)
Accrued expenses and
 other liabilities          25,732,994         2,915,000         1,378,000       13,878,459                               43,904,453
                          ------------       -----------       -----------      ------------       ------------       --------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES          470,770,303        18,332,000        20,592,000      112,345,782         221,762,602          843,802,687
                                                                                                  
                           ------------       -----------      -----------      ------------       ------------       --------------

Stockholders'
Equity
Common stock                   341,921                                                1,500             (1,500)  (g)         341,924
                                                                                                             3   (h)   
Additional paid-in                                                                                 
Capital                    409,817,333          (592,000)          10,000           363,808            218,192   (g)     416,001,480
                                                                                                     6,184,147   (h)
Retained earnings
(deficit)                    8,234,912        11,090,000        6,155,000        37,655,085        (54,900,085)  (g)       8,234,912
                          ------------       -----------      -----------       ------------       -----------        --------------

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS'
 EQUITY                    418,394,166        10,498,000        6,165,000        38,020,393        (48,499,243)          424,578,316
                          ------------       -----------      -----------       ------------       -----------        --------------

Total liabilities and
 stockholders' equity     $889,164,469       $28,830,000      $26,757,000       $150,366,175       $173,263,359       $1,268,381,003
                          ============       ===========      ===========       ============       ============       ==============
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these pro forma Consolidated
Financial Statements.

                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.
 
                PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           UNITED               ACCESS       BNR GROUP        MISSION VALLEY      POWER
                       RENTALS, INC.        RENTALS, INC.  OF COMPANIES        RENTALS, INC.  RENTAL CO. INC.
                       --------------       -------------  ------------       --------------  ----------------
<S>                    <C>                  <C>            <C>                <C>             <C> 
REVENUES
Equipment
Rentals                    $ 7,018,564       $42,316,423     $ 9,402,842        $7,852,751     $35,382,557
Sales of equipment
 and merchandise and
 other revenue               3,614,834         9,942,738      14,612,355           764,920       5,153,898
                          -------------     ------------     -----------       -----------     -----------

Total revenues              10,633,398        52,259,161      24,015,197         8,617,671      40,536,455

Cost of revenues
Cost of equipment
 rentals, excluding
 depreciation                3,203,009        12,415,655       4,662,325         3,436,601      12,677,711
Rental equipment
 depreciation                1,038,947         8,480,016       1,588,710         1,746,340       9,706,225
Cost of sales and
 other operating
 expenses                    2,580,162         8,861,832      10,360,520           517,661       3,648,399
                         -------------       -----------     -----------        ----------     -----------

Total cost of
 revenues                    6,822,118        29,757,503      16,611,555         5,700,602      26,032,335
                         -------------       -----------      ----------       -----------     -----------


Gross profit                 3,811,280        22,501,658       7,403,642         2,917,069      14,504,120
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses                    3,311,669        10,439,727       5,402,206         3,062,607      12,146,632
Non-rental
 depreciation and
 amortization                  262,102         1,354,639         104,486            31,695       1,226,484
                         -------------       -----------      ----------       -----------     -----------

Operating income (loss)       237,509        10,707,292       1,896,950          (177,233)      1,131,004
Interest expense              454,072         3,700,559         501,428           433,972       2,344,269

Other (income)
 expense, net                (270,701)         (809,146)                          (61,269)       (370,604)
                         -------------       -----------     ----------       -----------     -----------

Income (loss) before
provision (benefit) for
income taxes                   54,138         7,815,879       1,395,522          (549,936)       (842,661)


Provision (benefit) for
 income taxes                  20,516         2,744,691         458,302           (72,801)              
                        -------------       -----------     -----------        ----------     -----------

Net income (loss)         $    33,622       $ 5,071,188     $   937,220         $(477,135)      $(842,661)
                          ===========       ===========     ===========        ==========     ===========

Basic earnings per              $0.00
 share                          =====
Diluted earnings per            $0.00
 share                          =====
</TABLE>

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.

                PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                
                                                     McCLINCH         EQUIPMENT
                                McCLINCH INC.       EQUIPMENT      SUPPLY CO. AND    PRO FORMA               PRO FORMA
                              AND SUBSIDIARIES    SERVICES. INC.      AFFILIATES    ADJUSTMENTS            CONSOLIDATED
                              ----------------    --------------   --------------  ------------            -------------
<S>                           <C>                 <C>              <C>             <C>                     <C>       
  REVENUES
  Equipment
  Rentals                         $14,159,000       $10,503,000     $78,141,502                              $204,776,639
  Sales of equipment
   and merchandise and                                                                                     
   other revenue                    8,974,000         6,397,000      16,416,661                                65,876,406
                                  -----------       -----------   -------------       -----------           -------------
                                                                                    

  TOTAL REVENUES                   23,133,000        16,900,000      94,558,163                              $270,653,045

  Cost of revenues
  Cost of equipment
   rentals, excluding
   depreciation                     5,485,000         1,531,000      23,509,529                                66,920,830
  Rental equipment
   depreciation                     2,843,000         1,279,000      20,397,030      $(8,487,629)   (a)        38,591,639
  Cost of sales and                                                                  
   other operating
   expenses                         6,187,000         7,352,000      11,362,048                                50,869,622
                                   ----------        ----------     -----------       ------------         --------------
                                                                  

  TOTAL COST OF
   REVENUES                        14,515,000        10,162,000      55,268,607       (8,487,629)             156,382,091
                                   ----------        ----------     -----------      ------------          --------------

  Gross profit                      8,618,000         6,738,000      39,289,556        8,487,629              114,270,954
  Selling, general and
   Administrative
   expenses                         4,574,000         3,982,000      17,874,879       (9,459,138)   (b)        52,040,601
  Non-rental                                                                             706,019    (c)
   depreciation and                                                                                            
   amortization                        46,000             3,000         878,342        6,929,848    (d)        10,836,596
                                    ---------         ---------     -----------      -----------            -------------

  Operating income                  3,998,000         2,753,000      20,536,335       10,310,900               51,393,757
  Interest expense                  1,028,000         1,167,000      11,185,934      (19,809,634)   (e)        34,765,138
  Other (income)                                                                      33,759,538    (f)
   expense, net                      (249,000)         (466,000)     (2,858,438)                               (5,085,158)
                                    ---------         ----------    -----------      -----------            -------------

  Income (loss) before
   provision (benefit) for
   income taxes                     3,219,000         2,052,000      12,208,839       (3,639,004)              21,713,777
                                                                                                        
  Provision (benefit) for income                                                                                  
   taxes                            1,082,000           107,000       1,242,142        3,320,798   (g)          8,902,648
                                   ----------        ----------     -----------      -----------            -------------
  NET INCOME (LOSS)                $2,137,000        $1,945,000     $10,966,697      $(6,959,802)           $  12,811,129
                                   ==========        ==========     ===========      ============           =============
                                                                                                        
  Basic earnings per                                                                                                $0.52
   share                                                                                                            =====
                                                                                                        
  Diluted earnings per                                                                                              $0.48
   share                                                                                                            =====
</TABLE>

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

                                      29
<PAGE>
 

                              UNITED RENTALS, INC.

                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

                     FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998

                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             McCLINCH      
                           UNITED          ACCESS           POWER           McCLINCH INC     EQUIPMENT     
                       RENTALS, INC.   RENTALS, INC.   RENTAL CO., INC.   AND SUBSIDIARIES  SERVICES,INC.  
                      --------------  --------------  ---------------    ----------------  -------------   

<S>                    <C>            <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>
REVENUES
Equipment
Rentals                $86,104,719        $2,312,580    $14,108,346        $8,003,000      $5,427,000      
Sales of equipment
 and merchandise and
 other revenue          41,246,561           841,485      3,044,141         5,756,000       3,614,000      
                        ----------        ----------     -----------       ----------      ----------       
                                     
TOTAL REVENUES          127,351,280        3,154,065     17,152,487        13,759,000       9,041,000      
                        

Cost of revenues
Cost of equipment
 rentals, excluding
 depreciation           35,608,405         1,131,353      6,268,462         3,597,000         985,000                     
                                  
Rental equipment
 depreciation           14,565,250           401,688      5,321,040         1,804,000         785,000       
                                  
Cost of sales and
 other operating
 expenses               29,938,822           741,458      1,268,710         3,697,000       3,993,000      
                        ----------        ----------     -----------       ----------      ----------       

TOTAL COST OF
REVENUES                80,112,477         2,274,499     12,858,212         9,098,000       5,763,000      
                        -----------       -----------    -----------        ---------      ----------     
                                      
                                      
GROSS PROFIT            47,238,803           879,566      4,294,275         4,661,000       3,278,000      
Selling, general and                                                                    
administrative                                                                          
expenses                25,101,187           835,763      5,901,982         2,087,000       1,654,000       
                                                                                                           
Non-rental                                                                              
depreciation and                                                                        
amortization             3,815,236            22,892        580,867            25,000           2,000       
                        -----------       -----------    -----------        ---------      ----------
                                                                                        
Operating income (loss) 18,322,380            20,911     (2,188,574)        2,549,000       1,622,000       
                                                                                        
Interest expense         4,936,708           147,387      1,298,331           483,000         651,000       
Other (income)                                                                                             
expense, net              (527,547)          (52,224)      (155,031)          (37,000)        (51,000)      
                                                                                        
                         ---------           --------    -----------        ----------     ---------      
                                                                    
Income (loss) before                  
provision (benefit)                   
 for income taxes       13,913,219           (74,252)    (3,331,874)        2,103,000       1,022,000       
                                      
                                      
Provision (benefit) for                                                                 
income taxes             5,693,143                                            875,000          60,000
                        ----------           --------    -----------        ----------     ----------       
                                                                                        
                                      
NET INCOME (LOSS)       $8,220,076          $(74,252)   $(3,331,874)       $1,228,000        $962,000       
                        ==========          =========   ============       ===========     ==========     

Basic earnings per
 share                       $0.27                                                                         
                             =====                                                                         
Diluted earnings per                                                                                                          
 share                       $0.23                                                                         
                             =====                                                                         
<CAPTION>


                          EQUIPMENT
                          SUPPLY CO.      PRO FORMA      PRO FORMA
                        AND AFFILIATES   ADJUSTMENTS    CONSOLIDATED
                       --------------   -----------    ------------
<S>                    <C>              <C>            <C>
REVENUES
Equipment
Rentals                 $34,381,555                     150,337,200  
Sales of equipment
 and merchandise and
 other revenue            8,958,359                      63,460,546
                      
                        -----------      -----------    -----------
TOTAL REVENUES           43,339,914                     213,797,746
                      

Cost of revenues
Cost of equipment
 rentals, excluding
 depreciation            12,528,730                      60,118,950    
                      
Rental equipment
 depreciation            10,368,052     $(3,960,246)(a)  29,284,784
                      
Cost of sales and
 other operating
 expenses                 7,267,160                      46,906,150
                        -----------      -----------    -----------
                      

TOTAL COST OF
REVENUES                 30,163,942       (3,960,246)   136,309,884
                         ----------      -----------    ----------- 
                      

GROSS PROFIT             13,175,972        3,960,246     77,487,862
Selling, general and  
administrative        
expenses                 9,672,514        (3,424,470)(b) 41,840,069
                                              12,093 (c)
Non-rental            
depreciation and
amortization               358,520         2,779,404 (d)  7,583,919
                         ----------      -----------    ----------- 
                                      
                                      
Operating income (loss   3,144,938         4,593,219     28,063,874
                                      
Interest expense         4,220,244        (6,168,620)(e) 20,507,808
Other (income)                            14,939,758 (f)
expense, net             (198,381)                       (1,021,183)
                         ---------        ----------    -----------
                                      
Income (loss) before                  
provision (benefit)                   
 for income taxes        (876,925)        (4,177,919)    8,577,249
                                      
                                      
Provision (benefit) fo                
income taxes                          
                       (2,637,684)           850,757 (g) 4,841,216
                       ----------         ----------    ---------- 
                                      
                                      
NET INCOME (LOSS)       $1,760,759        $5,028,676    $3,736,033
                        ==========        ===========   ==========
                                      
Basic earnings per                    
 share                                                       $0.11
                                                             =====
Diluted earnings per                                              
 share                                                       $0.09
                                                             =====
</TABLE>

  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these pro forma consolidated
                             financial statements.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED RENTALS, INC.

              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT

   1.   BACKGROUND

        
        The Company is a large geographically diversified equipment rental
        company with operations in the United States and Canada. The Company
        rents a broad array of equipment to a diverse customer base that
        includes construction industry participants, industrial companies,
        homeowners and other individuals. The Company also sells rental
        equipment, acts as a distributor for certain new equipment, and sells
        related merchandise and parts.


   2.   HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        The historical financial data presented in the pro forma consolidated
        balance sheet represent the financial position of the Company, McClinch
        and Equipment Supply as of June 30, 1998.

        The historical financial data presented for the year ended December 31,
        1997 in the pro forma consolidated statements of operations represent
        the results of operations of (i) the Company for the period from August
        14, 1997 (inception) to December 31, 1997 and (ii) each of the Acquired
        Companies for the year ended December 31, 1997.

        The historical financial data presented in the pro forma consolidated
        statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 1998
        represent the results of operations of (i) the Company, Equipment Supply
        and McClinch for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and (ii) Access
        Rentals,Inc. and affiliate for the period from January 1, 1998 to
        January 21, 1998(date of acquisition) and (iii) Power for the period
        from April 1, 1998 through June 8, 1998 (date of acquisition). BNR Group
        and Mission Valley Rentals, Inc. were acquired effective 
        January 1, 1998.

        The data in these Pro Forma consolidated financial Statements are
        derived from the respective financial statements of the Company and each
        of the Acquired Companies. 

        The historical financial statements of the BNR Group are stated in
        Canadian dollars and prepared in accordance with Canadian generally
        accepted accounting principles. The historical financial data for the
        BNR Group presented in these pro forma onsolidated financial statements
        reflect the translation of these statements into US dollars and have
        been adjusted to conform to US generally accepted accounting principles.

   3.   ACQUISITIONS

        The aggregate consideration paid by the Company for McClinch and
        Equipment Supply (the "Acquisition Consideration") was $230.9 million
        and consisted of approximately $224.7 million in cash and 305,334 shares
        of Common Stock.

        Based upon management's preliminary estimates, it is estimated that the
        carrying value of the assets and liabilities of McClinch and Equipment
        supply approximates fair value, with the exception of rental equipment
        and other property and equipment, which required adjustments to reflect
        fair market value. The following table presents the allocation of
        purchase prices of McClinch and Equipment Supply:

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
                                                    EQUIPMENT
                                                 SUPPLY CO., AND
                                 McCLINCH           AFFILIATES        TOTAL
                             ---------------     --------------   ------------

Purchase price                $   97,175,192      $ 133,691,684   $230,866,876
Net assets acquired               16,663,000         38,020,393     54,683,393
Fair value adjustments:
  Rental equipment                 2,116,642          2,560,718      4,677,360
  Property and
     Equipment                       (12,500)           232,790        220,290
                              --------------     ---------------  -------------
Intangibles recognized        $   78,408,050      $  92,877,783   $171,285,833
                              ==============     ===============  =============


   4.  PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS

   Balance sheet adjustments:

   a.  Records the portion of the Acquisition Consideration and debt repayment
       paid from available cash on hand.

   b.  Adjusts the carrying value of rental equipment to fair market value.

   c.  Adjusts the carrying value of property and equipment to fair market
       value.

   d.  Records the excess of the Acquisition Consideration over the estimated
       fair value of net assets acquired.

   e.  Records the repayment of certain indebtedness of Power and Equipment
       Supply.


   f.  Records the portion of the Acquisition Consideration and debt repayment
       funded by borrowing under the Company's credit facility.

   g.  Records the elimination of the stockholders' equity of McClinch and
       Equipment Supply.

   h.  Records the portion of the Acquisition Consideration paid in the form of
       Common Stock.

   Statement of operations adjustments:

   a.  Adjusts the depreciation of rental equipment and other property and
       equipment based upon adjusted carrying values utilizing the following
       lives(subject to a salvage value ranging from 0 to 10%):

        Rental equipment...............................2-10 years
        Other property and equipment ..................2-15 years

   b.  Adjusts the compensation to former owners and executives of the Acquired
       Companies to current levels of compensation.

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
   c.  Adjusts the lease expense for real estate utilized by the Acquired
       Companies to current lease agreements.

   d.  Records the amortization of the excess of cost over net assets acquired
       attributable to the acquisitions of the Acquired Companies using an
       estimated life of 40 years.

   e.  Eliminates interest expense related to the outstanding indebtedness of
       the Acquired Companies which was repaid by the Company.

   f.  Records interest expense relating to the portion of the Acquisition
       Consideration funded through borrowing under the Company's credit
       facility using a rate per annum of 7%.

   g.  Records a provision for income taxes at an estimated rate of 41%.


   5.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income by the weighted
average outstanding shares during the period.  The weighted average outstanding
shares during the periods are calculated as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          December 31, 1997             June 30, 1998
                                                          -----------------             --------------
<S>                                                       <C>                           <C>    
Basic:
Shares outstanding                                              23,899,119                 34,192,085
Shares issued for acquisitions                                     866,384                    305,334
                                                            ---------------              -------------
                                                                24,765,503                 34,497,419
                                                            ===============              =============

Dilutive:
Shares outstanding
Shares issued for acquisitions                                  23,899,119                 34,192,085
Common stock equivalents (based on the initial public              866,384                    305,334
 offering price of $13.50 per share for 1997)                    1,792,942                  5,122,060
                                                            --------------               ------------

                                                                26,558,445                 39,619,479
                                                            ===============              =============
</TABLE>

                                      33

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                            SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                     among

                             UNITED RENTALS , INC.

                                      and

                THE PARTIES LISTED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGE HERETO


                      ___________________________________

                      for all of the outstanding shares of

                                 McCLINCH, INC.
                      ___________________________________

                                 July 30, 1998



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                        

                                                              Page
                                                              ----

   1.   Sale and Purchase of Shares                              2
        1.1  Sale and Purchase of Shares                         2
        1.2  Purchase Price Adjustment                           2
        1.3  Payment of Purchase Price                           7
        1.4  Delivery of Shares                                  8
                                                                 
   2.   Closing; Closing Date                                    8
                                                                 
   3.   Representations and Warranties of Each Seller            8
        3.1  Title to the Shares                                 8
        3.2  Authority to Execute and Perform Agreement          9
       [3.3  Purchase for Investment                            10

   4.   Representations and Warranties of the Sellers as 
          to the Company                                        11
        4.1  Corporate Organization                             11
        4.2  Subsidiaries                                       11
        4.3  Outstanding Capital Stock                          12
        4.4  Financial Statements                               13
        4.5  Liabilities; Ordinary Course                       14
        4.6  Contravention                                      15
        4.7  Taxes                                              16
        4.8  Claims and Proceedings                             21
        4.9  Contracts                                          22
       4.10  Real Estate                                        24
       4.11  Employee Benefit Plans                             26
       4.12  Insurance                                          28
       4.13  Tangible Properties                                29
       4.14  Related Party Transactions                         29
       4.15  Banks                                              29
       4.16  Permits                                            30
       4.17  Compliance with Applicable Laws                    30
       4.18  Employment Agreements                              31
       4.19  Labor and Employment Matters                       31
<PAGE>
 
                                                              Page
                                                              ----

        4.20  Intangible Property                               32
        4.21  Environmental Compliance                          33
        4.22  Finders and Investment Bankers                    34
        4.23  Certain Actions                                   35
        4.24  No Other Representations and Warranties           35
                                                             
   5.   Representations and Warranties of the Buyer             35
        5.1  Corporate Organization                             35
        5.2  Authority to Execute and Perform Agreement         36
        5.3  Purchase for Investment                            37
        5.4  [Intentionally omitted]                            37
        5.5  Sources of Information                             37
        5.6  Finders and Investment Bankers                     38
        5.7  Litigation.                                        38

   6.   Covenants and Agreements                                38
        6.1   Conduct of Business of the Company                38
        6.2   Access to Information; Confidentiality            42
        6.3   Disclosure Supplements                            44
        6.4   Expenses                                          45
        6.5   Further Assurances                                45
        6.6   [Intentionally Omitted]                           46
        6.7   Transfer Taxes.                                   46
        6.8   Compliance with Antitrust Laws                    46
        6.9   SOC Rebates                                       47
        6.10  Non-Compete                                       47
        6.11  Excluded Assets and Liabilities.                  51
        6.12  Insurance Tail                                    51
        6.13  Payment of Indebtedness                           51
        6.14  Rental Ready Adjustment                           52
        6.15  No Solicitation                                   55
        6.16  Publicity                                         55

   7.   Tax and Related Matters                                 56
        7.1  Taxes; Section 338(h)(10) Election                 56
        7.2  Tax Administration                                 60
        7.3  Contests                                           65

   8.   Environmental Matters.                                  67
        8.1  The Phase I Investigations.                        67
        8.2  The Phase II Investigations.                       68
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Page
                                                                      ----

         8.3  Certain Procedures Relating to the Consultant's 
                Estimates                                               69
         8.4  Review of the Estimated Costs of Remediation              69
         8.5  The Sellers' Indemnification of Buyer                     70
         8.6  Buyer's Indemnification of the Sellers.                   71
         8.7  Exclusive Remedy                                          72
         8.8  Limitation of Sellers' Duty to Indemnify                  72
         8.9  Expenses in the Ordinary Course Excluded from 
                Indemnification                                         72
        8.10  Sellers' Right to Control Remedial Action.                73
        8.11  Environmental Indemnification Procedure                   73
        8.12  Access to Information                                     74
        8.13  Matters Involving Third Parties                           74

   9.   Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Buyer to Close    75
        9.1   Representations and Covenants                             75
        9.2   HSR Act Filing                                            76
        9.3   No Injunction or Violation of Law                         76
        9.4   Title Policies                                            76
        9.5   Simultaneous Closing.                                     77
        9.6   Resignations                                              77
        9.7   Reports.                                                  77
        9.8   Escrow Agreement                                          77
        9.9   Legal Opinions                                            77
       9.10   Affidavits                                                78
       9.11   Affiliate Contracts                                       78
       9.12   Certificates                                              78
       9.13   Lease of Company Headquarters                             78
       9.14   Employment/Consulting Agreements                          78
       9.15   Release of Guaranty                                       79
       9.16   Material Adverse Effect                                   79
                                                                               
  10.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Sellers to Close   79
       10.1   Representations and Covenants                             79
       10.2   HSR Act Filing                                            80
       10.3   No Injunction or Violation of Law                         80
       [10.4  United Rentals, Inc. Warrants                             80
       10.5   Lease of Company Headquarters                             81
       10.6   Employment/Consulting Agreements                          81
       10.7   Simultaneous Closing                                      81
       10.8   Reports.                                                  81
       10.9   Escrow Agreement                                          81
       10.10  Legal Opinion                                             82
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Page
                                                                      ----

         10.11  Certificate                                            82
         10.12  Guaranty                                               82
                                                                               
   11.   Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants         82
         11.1  General Survival                                        82
                                                                               
   12.   General Indemnification                                       83
         12.1  Indemnification of the Buyer                            83
         12.2  Indemnification of the Sellers                          89
         12.3  Notice and Opportunity to Defend                        90
         12.4  Exclusive Remedies                                      92
         12.5  Sellers' Representative                                 92
         12.6  Nature of Payments                                      93
                                                                               
   13.   Termination of Agreement                                      94
         13.1  Termination                                             94
         13.2  Survival After Termination                              95
                                                                               
   14.   Miscellaneous                                                 96
         14.1  Certain Definitions                                     96
         14.2  Nature of Obligations                                  101
         14.3  Notices                                                102
         14.4  Entire Agreement                                       103
         14.5  Waivers and Amendments; Non-Contractual Remedies       103
         14.6  Governing Law                                          104
         14.7  Binding Effect; Assignment                             104
         14.8  Usage                                                  104
         14.9  Counterparts                                           104
         14.10  Exhibits and Schedules                                105
         14.11  Headings                                              105
         14.12  Severability of Provisions                            105
         14.13  Consent to Jurisdiction                               106


   ANNEX A
   ANNEX B
   ANNEX C
<PAGE>
 

Schedules                                               Page  
- ---------                                               ----
                                                              
   Schedule 1.2(b).                                        2  
   ---------------                                            
   Schedule 1.2(b)                                         3  
   ---------------                                            
   Schedule 1.2(b)                                         3  
   ---------------                                            
   Schedule 1.2(a)                                         4  
   ---------------                                            
   Schedule 1.3(a)                                         7  
   ---------------                                            
   Schedule 1.3(a)                                         7  
   ---------------                                            
   Schedule 1.3(b)                                         7  
   Schedule 3.2                                           10  
   ------------                                               
   Schedule 4.1                                           11  
   ------------                                               
   Schedule 4.2                                           11  
   ------------                                               
   Schedule 4.2                                           11  
   ------------                                               
   Schedule 4.3                                           12  
   ------------                                               
   Schedule 4.3                                           12  
   Schedule 4.4                                           13  
   Schedule 4.4(b)                                        13  
   Schedule 4.5(a)                                        14  
   Schedule 4.5(b)                                        14  
   Schedule 4.6(a)                                        15  
   Schedule 4.6(b)                                        16  
   Schedule 4.7(h)                                        19  
   ---------------                                            
   Schedule 4.8                                           21  
   Schedule 4.9                                           22  
   Schedule 4.9                                           24  
   Schedule 4.10(a)                                       24  
   Schedule 4.10(b)                                       25  
   Schedule 4.11(a)                                       26  
   Schedule 4.11(c)                                       27  
   Schedule 4.11(d)                                       27  
   Schedule 4.11(f)                                       27  
   Schedule 4.12                                          28  
   Schedule 4.14                                          29  
   Schedule 4.14                                          29  
   Schedule 4.15                                          29  
   Schedule 4.15                                          30  
   -------------                                              
   Schedule 4.17                                          30   
<PAGE>
 
Schedules                                               Page  
- ---------                                               ---- 
                                                             
   Schedule 4.18                                          31 
   Schedule 4.19(a)                                       31 
   Schedule 4.19(a)                                       31 
   ----------------                                          
   Schedule 4.19(b)                                       31 
   Schedule 4.20                                          32 
   Schedule 4.20                                          32 
   -------------                                             
   Schedule 4.21                                          33 
   Schedule 4.9                                           40 
   Schedule 4.18                                          41 
   Schedule 6.14(b)                                       54 
   ----------------                                          
   Schedule 4.10(a)                                       76 
   Schedule 14.1(b)                                      100  
   ----------------    

   Annex A
   Annex B [Escrow Agreement]
   Annex C [Addresses for Notices]
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               1



                            SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                            ------------------------


     SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of July __, 1998, among UNITED RENTALS,
   INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Buyer"), and THE PERSONS LISTED ON THE
                                      -----                                 
   SIGNATURE PAGE HERETO AS SELLERS (the "Sellers"), for the purchase and sale
                                          -------                             
   of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of McCLINCH,
   INC., a Connecticut corporation (the "Company").
                                         -------   

     The Company is engaged in the business of renting, selling and servicing
   aerial lifts, rough terrain forklifts, industrial forklifts, cranes, material
   handling products, generators, welders, light towers and assorted
   construction equipment in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the
   United States (the "Business").
                       --------   

     The Sellers are the beneficial and record owners of all of the issued and
   outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company (the "Shares"), consisting
                                                            ------              
   of 897 shares of Common Stock, no par value per share.

     The Sellers wish to sell the Shares to the Buyer, and the Buyer wishes to
   purchase the Shares from the Sellers, upon the terms and subject to the
   conditions of this Agreement.

     Certain capitalized terms not otherwise defined and used in this Agreement
   are defined in Section 14.1.

     Accordingly, the parties agree as follows:

          1.  Sale and Purchase of Shares.

            1.1  Sale and Purchase of Shares.  At the closing provided for in
            ---  ---------------------------                                 
  Article 2 (the "Closing"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of
                  -------                                                   
  this Agreement and in reliance upon the representations, warranties and
  agreements contained herein, the Sellers shall sell to the Buyer, and the
  Buyer shall purchase from the Sellers, all of the Shares for an aggregate
  consideration (the "Purchase Price") equal to $56,300,000, subject to
                      --------------                                   
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               2

  adjustment as provided in Section 1.2.  The Purchase Price shall be paid in
  accordance with Section 1.3.

               1.2  Purchase Price Adjustment.
               ---  ------------------------- 

            (a) Determination of Net Worth.  As used herein, the "Net Worth" of
            --- --------------------------                        ---------    
  the Company as of any particular date shall mean an amount equal to the
  tangible net worth of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries determined
  by subtracting total liabilities of the Company and its consolidated
  Subsidiaries as at such date from the total tangible assets of the Company
  and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at such date, in each case as shown on
  the balance sheet of the Company as at such date; provided, however, that for
                                                    --------  -------          
  the purposes of the Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet and Audited Closing
  Balance Sheet, Net Worth shall be calculated for the period from January 31,
  1997 to the Closing Date, using the depreciation methods set forth on Schedule
                                                                        --------
  1.2(b).
  ------ 
            (b) Preparation of Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule.  As soon as
            --- --------------------------------------------------             
  practicable, the Sellers or their designee shall prepare (based on data and
  financial statements supplied by the Company) on a basis consistent with the
  preparation of the Balance Sheet (as defined in Section 4.4) and as
  contemplated by Schedule 1.2(b), and deliver to the Buyer and Coopers &
                  ---------------                                        
  Lybrand L.L.P., a consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of the close of
  business on the Closing Date (the "Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet").  The
                                     ---------------------------------        
  Sellers shall cause the Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet to be audited by
  Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (the "Audited Closing Balance Sheet") which firm
                                 -----------------------------             
  shall deliver an opinion stating that the Audited Closing Balance Sheet
  presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
  Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries at the Closing Date in accordance
  with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the Balance Sheet.  The
  Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet and the Audited Closing Balance Sheet shall
  (i) not include (x) the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary and the
  liabilities relating thereto set forth in Schedule 1.2(b) (the "Excluded
                                            ---------------       --------
  Assets and Liabilities"), (y) any expenses, amounts or prepayment penalties
  ----------------------                                                     
  incurred in connection with the prepayment or repayment of any indebtedness of
  the Company or any Subsidiary at Closing except for any 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               3

  such prepayment penalties in excess of $37,500/1/ in the aggregate and (z) any
  amount the Buyer is obligated to pay pursuant to this Agreement (other than
  amounts referred to in clause (ii) below) or any amount the Sellers are
  obligated to pay pursuant to Section 6.4 and (ii) include the principal amount
  of and interest due on all indebtedness of the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (whether or not such amounts are repaid by
  the Buyer on such date). The Audited Closing Balance Sheet shall include a
  schedule (the "Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule"), prepared by Coopers & 
                 -----------------------------------
  Lybrand L.L.P., calculating the Net Worth of the Company and its consolidated
  Subsidiaries as of the close of business on the Closing Date, as adjusted in
  accordance with the provisions of Schedule 1.2(a) (as so adjusted and as set
                                    ---------------
  forth on the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule, the "Closing Adjusted Net 
                                                         --------------------
  Worth").  The Audited Closing Balance Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net 
  -----
  Worth Schedule shall be provided by the Sellers to the Buyer promptly upon the
  availability thereof and in any event within 75 days following the Closing
  Date. The Buyer will (and will cause the Company to) provide the Sellers or
  their designee and Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. full access to the books, ledgers,
  files, reports and operating records of the Company and the then current
  employees of the Company and will fully cooperate in the Sellers' preparation
  of the Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet, the Audited Closing Balance Sheet
  and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule. The fees and expenses incurred in
  connection with the preparation of the Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet, the
  Audited Closing Balance Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule
  shall be paid by the Sellers.

            (c) Buyer's Review.  Upon receipt of the Audited Closing Balance
            --- --------------                                              
  Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule, the Buyer and its
  independent accountants shall have the right during the succeeding 30-day
  period to examine the Audited Closing Balance Sheet, the Closing Adjusted Net
  Worth Schedule and all books and records used to prepare the Balance Sheet,
  the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and the Closing 

- ----------
/1//  Note to draft: This number will change in MES and Grey Fox Agreements.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               4

  Adjusted Net Worth Schedule. The Sellers shall use commercially reasonable
  efforts to cause Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. to provide access to the work papers
  used to prepare, audit and review the Balance Sheet, the Audited Closing
  Balance Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule and supporting their
  opinion referred to above, and the Sellers shall provide the Buyer with access
  to the books and records used in, and employees involved with, the preparation
  of the Balance Sheet, the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and the Closing
  Adjusted Net Worth Schedule.

             If the Buyer does not agree that the Closing Adjusted Net Worth has
   been calculated on the basis set forth in Section 1.2(b), the Buyer shall so
   notify the Sellers in writing (such notice, the "Disagreement Notice") on or
                                                    -------------------        
   before the last day of the 30-day period after delivery to the Buyer of the
   Audited Closing Balance Sheet and Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule,
   setting forth a specific description of the Buyer's objections and the amount
   of the adjustment which the Buyer believes should be made to each item of its
   objection.  If the Buyer does not deliver a Disagreement Notice within such
   30-day period, the Audited Closing Balance Sheet, the Closing Adjusted Net
   Worth Schedule and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth shall be deemed to have
   been accepted by Buyer.

            (d) Dispute Resolution.  In the event that the Buyer delivers a
            --- ------------------                                         
  Disagreement Notice in accordance with Section 1.2(c), the Sellers'
  Representative and the Buyer shall attempt to resolve the objections set forth
  therein within 15 days of the Sellers' receipt of such Disagreement Notice.
  The objections set forth on the Disagreement Notice that are resolved by the
  Buyer and the Sellers' Representative in accordance with this Section 1.2(d)
  shall collectively be referred to herein as the "Resolved Objections."
                                                   -------------------  

            (e) Differences.  If the Sellers' Representative and the Buyer are
            --- -----------                                                   
  unable to resolve all the objections set forth in the Disagreement Notice
  within such 15-day period, they shall jointly appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP
  (the "CPA Firm") within five days of the end of such 15-day period.  The CPA
        --------                                                              
  Firm, acting as experts and not as arbitrators, shall review the objections
  set forth in the Disagreement Notice which are not Resolved Objections
  (collectively, the "Differences") and determine, based on the requirements set
                      -----------                                               
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               5

  forth in Section 1.2(b) and only with respect to Differences submitted to the
  CPA Firm, whether and to what extent the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule
  requires adjustments.  The fees and disbursements of the CPA Firm shall be
  allocated 50% to the Buyer and 50% to the Sellers.  The Sellers and the Buyer
  shall (and shall cause the Company to) provide to the CPA Firm full
  cooperation.  The CPA Firm's resolution of the Differences shall be conclusive
  and binding upon the parties.  The Differences as resolved by the CPA Firm in
  accordance with this Section 1.2(e) shall collectively be referred to herein
  as the "CPA-Determined Differences."
          --------------------------  

            (f) Adjustment.  On the fifth Business Day following the earliest to
            --- ----------                                                      
  occur of (such fifth Business Day, the "Adjustment Payment Date") (x) the
                                          -----------------------          
  acceptance in full by the Buyer of the Audited Closing Balance Sheet, Closing
  Adjusted Net Worth and Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule, (y) the resolution
  by the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative of all objections set forth on
  the Disagreement Notice, if any, and (z) the resolution by the CPA Firm of all
  Differences, as an adjustment to the Purchase Price, either (i) the Buyer
  shall pay to the Sellers an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Closing
  Adjusted Net Worth (as increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the
  Resolved Objections and the CPA-Determined Differences) over the Year-End
  Adjusted Net Worth (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) the Sellers shall pay  to
  the Buyer an amount equal to the excess (the "Overpayment Amount"), if any, of
                                                ------------------              
  the Year-End Adjusted Net Worth over the Closing Adjusted Net Worth (as
  increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the Resolved Objections and the
  CPA-Determined Differences).  In either case, such amount shall be payable on
  the Adjustment Payment Date, with interest, based upon a year of 360 days for
  the actual number of days elapsed, accrued from the Closing Date until, but
  not including, the Adjustment Payment Date at the Reference Rate.  Such
  payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a
  bank account or accounts designated by the Sellers or the Buyer, as the case
  may be.  "Year-end Adjusted Net Worth" shall mean $8,815,000.
            ---------------------------                        
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               6

            1.3  Payment of Purchase Price.  At the Closing,  the Purchase Price
            ---  -------------------------                                      
  shall be paid by the Buyer as follows:

            (a) the Buyer shall deliver to each Seller cash by wire transfer of
  immediately available funds to the account or accounts designated by each
  Seller on Schedule 1.3(a) hereto, each such Seller's respective pro rata
            ---------------                                               
  portion (the "Pro Rata Portion"), as specified on Schedule 1.3(a), of an
                ----------------                    ---------------       
  amount equal to the Purchase Price minus the Escrow Amount.

            (b) the Buyer shall deliver to the escrow agent to be selected by
  the Sellers' Representative and the Buyer prior to the Closing (the "Escrow
                                                                       ------
  Agent") cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account
  -----                                                                       
  of such Escrow Agent designated on Schedule 1.3(b), in an amount equal to
                                     ---------------                       
  $2,815,000 (the "Escrow Amount"), which shall be held by the Escrow Agent and
                   -------------                                               
  applied as set forth herein and in the escrow agreement among the Buyer, the
  Sellers' Representative and the Escrow Agent (the "Escrow Agreement") in the
                                                     ----------------         
  form of Annex B hereto.

            1.4  Delivery of Shares.  At the Closing, the Sellers shall deliver
            ---  ------------------                                            
  to the Buyer share certificates constituting all of the Shares, free and clear
  of all Liens, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by stock powers duly
  executed in blank, in proper form for transfer.

          2.  Closing; Closing Date.  The Closing of the sale and purchase of
          --  ---------------------                                          
the Shares contemplated hereby shall take place at the offices of Paul, Weiss,
Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, on
the date which is the later to occur of August 27, 1998 and the third Business
Day after all of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Sections 9.2, 9.7,
10.2 and 10.10 have been satisfied or waived by the party entitled to waive the
same or on such other date as the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative may
mutually agree (such date being the "Scheduled Closing").  The time and date
                                     -----------------                      
upon which the Closing occurs is herein called the "Closing Date."
                                                    ------------  

          3.  Representations and Warranties of Each Seller.  The Sellers,
          --  ---------------------------------------------               
jointly and severally (subject to Section 14.2), represent and warrant to the
Buyer as follows:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               7

            3.1  Title to the Shares.  Each Seller owns the Shares set forth
            ---  -------------------                                        
  opposite such Seller's name on Annex A beneficially and of record, and, upon
                                 -------                                      
  delivery of and payment for such Shares at the Closing as herein provided,
  such Seller will convey to the Buyer good and valid title thereto, free and
  clear of any Lien other than any restrictions imposed by any state or federal
  securities laws.

            3.2  Authority to Execute and Perform Agreement.  Each Seller has
            ---  ------------------------------------------                  
  full legal right and power and all authority and approvals required to enter
  into, execute and deliver as applicable, this Agreement, and each other
  agreement, document, or instrument or certificate contemplated by this
  Agreement to be executed by such Seller in connection with the consummation of
  the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (together with this Agreement,
  the "Seller Documents"), and to consummate the transactions contemplated
       ----------------                                                   
  hereby and thereby.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
  such Seller and, assuming due execution and delivery hereof by the other
  parties hereto, this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding
  obligation of such Seller enforceable against such Seller in accordance with
  its terms except:  (a) as rights to indemnity hereunder may be limited by
  federal or state securities laws or the public policies embodied therein; (b)
  as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
  reorganization or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
  generally; and (c) as the remedy of specific performance and other forms of
  injunctive relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion
  of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.  The
  execution and delivery by such Seller of this Agreement and each of the other
  Seller Documents, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
  thereby and the performance by such Seller of this Agreement and each of the
  other Seller Documents in accordance with its terms and conditions will not
  (i) require such Seller to obtain any consent, approval, authorization or
  action of, or make any filing with or give any notice to, any Governmental
  Entity or any other Person, (ii) violate or conflict with the declaration of
  trust or related documents of such Seller or, except as set forth in Schedule
                                                                       --------
  3.2, violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any of the terms and
  ---                                                                        
  conditions of, result 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               8

  in a modification of the effect of, otherwise cause the termination of or give
  any other contracting party the right to terminate, or constitute (or with
  notice or lapse of time or both constitute) a default under, any material
  agreement, contract, indenture, lease, license, mortgage, plan, arrangement,
  commitment or other instrument or obligation (collectively, "Contracts") 
                                                               ---------
  to which such Seller is a party or by or to which such Seller is or such
  Seller's Shares are or may be bound or subject, or (iii) violate Applicable
  Law or an Order (as hereafter defined) of any Governmental Entity applicable
  to such Seller or to such Seller's Shares.

            3.3  Purchase for Investment. /2/  Each of Terrance J. McClinch,
            ---  -----------------------                                    
  Ernest Pierson and Robert Russo (a "Warrantholder") are acquiring the URI
                                      -------------                        
  Warrants (as defined in Article 10) for their own account for investment and
  not for resale or distribution.  Each Warrantholder acknowledges that the sale
  of the URI Warrants (as hereafter defined) has not been registered under the
  Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any applicable
                                           --------------                     
  state securities laws and that such URI Warrants and the shares of Buyer
  Common Stock (as defined in Article 10) issuable upon the exercise thereof may
  only be sold or otherwise disposed of under an effective registration
  statement under the Securities Act or under an exemption therefrom.  Each
  Warrantholder has no contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any
  Person or entity to sell, hypothecate, pledge, donate, or otherwise transfer
  (with or without consideration) to such Person any of the URI Warrants or such
  shares, and each Warrantholder has no present plans or intention to enter into
  any such contract, undertaking, agreement, or arrangement.  Each Warrantholder
  is an "accredited investor" as defined in Regulation D of the Securities Act.

          4.  Representations and Warranties of the Sellers as to the Company.
          --  ---------------------------------------------------------------  
The Sellers jointly and severally (subject to Section 14.2) represent and
warrant to the Buyer as follows:


- ----------
/2//  To appear in MES Agreement only.
- ---                                   
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               9

            4.1  Corporate Organization.  The Company and each of its
            ---  ----------------------                              
  Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
  standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has all
  requisite corporate power and lawful authority to own, lease and operate its
  properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.  The Company
  and each of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or otherwise authorized as a
  foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each
  jurisdiction listed on Schedule 4.1 hereto, which jurisdictions are the only
                         ------------                                         
  jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or be authorized would have a
  Material Adverse Effect.  The Sellers have heretofore delivered or made
  available to the Buyer true and complete copies of the Articles of
  Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries as in
  effect on the date hereof.

            4.2  Subsidiaries.   Each of the Company's Subsidiaries is listed on
            ---  ------------                                                   
  Schedule 4.2.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2, the Company does not,
  ------------                          ------------                       
  directly or indirectly, own or have the option or obligation to acquire or
  have the power to vote the shares of any capital stock or other ownership
  interest or ordinary voting power to elect the majority of directors of any
  corporation or other entity or other Person or body performing a similar
  function of any such entity, as the case may be.  The Company owns all the
  outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary free and clear of all
  Liens, and all of such shares have been duly authorized for issuance and
  validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and have not been issued
  in violation of the preemptive or similar rights of any Person.

            4.3  Outstanding Capital Stock.  The Company is authorized to issue
            ---  -------------------------                                     
  a total of 5,000 shares of Common Stock.  All of the outstanding shares of
  Common Stock, which constitute all of the Shares, were duly authorized for
  issuance and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not issued
  in violation of the preemptive or similar rights of any Person.  The Company
  has not issued and does not have outstanding any shares of preferred stock or
  any other class of capital stock other than the Shares.  Except as set forth
  in Schedule 4.3 hereto, there are no outstanding rights, subscriptions,
     ------------                                                        
  warrants, calls, 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              10

  unsatisfied preemptive rights, options or other agreements of any kind to
  purchase or otherwise to receive from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
  any of the outstanding, authorized but unissued or unauthorized capital stock
  or any other security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and there is
  no outstanding security of any kind of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
  convertible into or exercisable for the purchase of any such capital stock or
  other security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth
  on Schedule 4.3 (which agreements will terminate upon Closing), none of the 
     ------------                                      
  Sellers nor the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any voting
  trust or other voting agreement with respect to any of the Shares or to any
  agreement relating to the issuance, sale, redemption, transfer, registration
  or other disposition of the capital stock of the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries.

            4.4  Financial Statements.  The consolidated balance sheets of the
            ---  --------------------                                         
  Company and its Subsidiaries as at January 31, 1997 and January 31, 1998/3/
  and the related statements of earnings and stockholders' equity and statements
  of cash flows for the years then ended, including the footnotes thereto, which
  are attached hereto as Schedule 4.4, and the consolidated balance sheet of the
                         ------------                                           
  Company and its Subsidiaries as at April 30, 1998 and the related statements
  of earnings and stockholders' equity and statements of cash flows for the
  three-month period then ended, which are attached hereto as Schedule 4.4(b)
                                                              ---------------
  (the "Interim Financials") have been prepared in accordance with GAAP,
        ------------------                                              
  consistently applied, and fairly present in all material respects the
  consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated
  Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of operations and
  changes in cash flows of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries for
  such respective periods, in each case in accordance with GAAP consistently
  applied for the periods covered thereby and, in the case of the Interim
  Financials, consistent with the Company's past practices for its preparation
  of its unaudited financial statements (and subject to normal year-end audit
  adjustments).  (The foregoing financial statements of the 


- ----------
/3//  Note to draft: Dates to change for MES and Grey fox Agreements.
- ---                                                                  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              11

  Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at January 31, 1998 and for the
  year then ended are sometimes herein called the "Annual Financials." The
                                                   -----------------
  balance sheet included in the Annual Financials is sometimes herein called the
  "Balance Sheet" and January 31, 1998 is sometimes herein called the "Balance
   -------                                                             -------
   Sheet Date.")
   -----                                                       
               4.5  Liabilities; Ordinary Course.
               ---  ---------------------------- 

            (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.5(a), the Company and its
                                       ---------------                     
  Subsidiaries have not incurred any indebtedness, liability or obligation
  (whether or not accrued, fixed, due, contingent or known) ("Liabilities") of a
                                                              -----------       
  kind required by GAAP to be set forth on the Balance Sheet which was not fully
  reflected in, reserved against, or otherwise described in the Balance Sheet
  except those Liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since the
  Balance Sheet Date; and

            (b) Between the Balance Sheet Date and the date hereof, there has
  been no material adverse change in the properties, business, results of
  operations or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as
  a whole, without regard, however, to changes in general economic conditions.
  Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth on Schedule
                                                                        --------
  4.5(b), since the Balance Sheet Date, the Business has been conducted in the
  ------                                                                      
  ordinary course and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have (i)
  declared or paid any dividends or made any other non-cash distributions on the
  Shares or redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired any shares of Common
  Stock, (ii)(A) increased the rate or terms of compensation payable or to
  become payable to its directors, officers or employees except in the ordinary
  course of business consistent with past practice and that in the aggregate
  does not result in a material increase of the compensation or benefits expense
  of the Company, (B) paid or agreed to pay any pension, retirement allowance or
  other employee benefit not provided for by any Benefit Plan or Employment
  Agreement (as hereafter defined) set forth in the Schedules hereto or (C)
  announced an intention or committed itself to any additional pension, profit-
  sharing, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, stock purchase, stock
  option, stock appreciation right, group insurance, severance pay, continuation
  pay, termination pay, retirement or other 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              12

  employee benefit plan, agreement or arrangement, or increased the rate or
  terms of any Benefit Plan, (iii) made any change in its accounting or tax
  reporting methods or in the manner of keeping its books and records or changed
  its current practices with respect to sales, receivables, payables or accrued
  or deferred expenses, or (iv) amended, terminated or renewed any lease of the
  Properties.

               4.6  Contravention.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6(a), 
               ---  -------------                          ---------------  
  neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Seller
  Documents nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or
  thereby will (i) conflict with or result in any breach of any provision of the
  Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries, (ii) require any consent, approval or notice under or result in
  a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of
  time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination,
  cancellation or acceleration or increase the obligations or decrease the
  rights) under, any terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract, (iii)
  violate Applicable Law or the terms of any Permit or Order with respect to the
  Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) result in the creation of any Lien
  upon the properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
  except, in the case of clause (ii), (iii) and (iv), for such violations,
  Liens, breaches or defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
  result in a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6(b),
                                                              --------------- 
  other than any filing required under the HSR Act, neither the Company nor any
  Subsidiary is required to give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain
  any authorization, consent, or approval of any Governmental Entity in order
  for the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
  except where the failure to give notice, to file, or to obtain any
  authorization, consent, or approval would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

               4.7  Taxes.
               ---  ----- 

            (a) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have paid all Taxes
  required to be paid by them through the date of this Agreement, and will pay
  all Taxes required to be paid by them on or before the Closing Date (which
  will not include a 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              13

  requirement to pay any Taxes shown as an accrual (other than the portion of
  such deferred tax reserve that relates to timing differences between book and
  tax accounting) (such amounts being defined collectively herein as the
  "Closing Balance Sheet Tax Reserve" on the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and 
   ---------------------------------                
  reflected in the Audited Closing Adjusted Net Worth (as increased or
  decreased, as the case may be, by the Resolved Objections and the CPA -
  Determined Differences) but not yet due on the Closing Date).

            (b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have timely filed or timely
  filed extensions for all reports, declarations, information statements and
  returns relating to the Taxes ("Tax Returns") required to be filed by or on
                                  -----------                                
  behalf of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries with the appropriate taxing
  authority through the date of this Agreement and all such Tax Returns are
  true, complete and correct in all material respects, and will prepare and
  timely file, in a manner consistent with prior years and applicable laws and
  regulations, all Tax Returns required to be filed by them on or before the
  Closing Date which Tax Returns will be true, correct and complete in all
  material respects.  No penalties or other charges are or will become due with
  respect to the late filing of any Tax Return or payment of any Tax of the
  Company or any Subsidiary required to be filed or paid on or before the
  Closing Date.

            (c) All deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of any
  examinations by the IRS or any other taxing authority of the Tax Returns of or
  covering or including the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have been fully
  paid.  There are no audits or investigations by any taxing authority in
  progress, nor has any Seller, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries received
  any notice from any taxing authority that it intends to conduct such an audit
  or investigation.  No issue has been raised in writing by a federal, state,
  local or foreign taxing authority in any current or prior examination which,
  by application of the same or similar principles, could reasonably be expected
  to result in a proposed material deficiency for any subsequent taxable period.
  None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any private
  letter ruling of the IRS or comparable rulings of other taxing authorities.
  No extension of time is in force with respect to any date 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              14

  on which any Tax Return was or is to be filed and no waiver or agreement is in
  force for the extension of time for the assessment or payment of any Tax. To
  the Knowledge of the Sellers, there is no unassessed deficiency proposed or
  threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary.

            (d) None of the Sellers, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has
  (i) agreed to or is required to make any adjustments under Section 481(a) of
  the Code or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law by reason of
  a change in accounting method or otherwise or has any knowledge that the IRS
  has proposed any such adjustment or change in accounting method, or has any
  application pending with any taxing authority requesting permission for any
  changes in accounting methods that relate to the business or operations of the
  Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) executed or entered into a closing
  agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code or any predecessor provision
  thereof or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law with respect
  to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) any power of attorney with
  respect to any Tax matter currently in force.

            (e) The Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with all
  applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the payment and withholding
  of Taxes and have withheld or collected from each payment made to employees or
  otherwise in connection with services rendered the amount of all Taxes
  required to be withheld or collected therefrom, and the Company and its
  Subsidiaries has paid all such Taxes when due to the proper Tax receiving
  officials.

            (f) [Except in connection with the Election (as hereinafter
  defined,)] except as set forth in Schedule 4.7(f), none of the Company or any
                                    ---------------                            
  of its Subsidiaries has any material elections in effect for federal, state,
  local or foreign income tax purposes and the Sellers will not permit or cause
  the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to make any additional federal tax
  elections under the Code with respect to the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries for any tax period ending after the Closing Date.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              15

            (g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has at any time
  consented under Section 341(f)(1) of the Code to have the provisions of
  Section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply to any sale of its stock.

            (h) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.7(h), neither the Company nor
                                       ---------------                         
  any of its Subsidiaries has ever been, nor will be through the Closing Date, a
  member of a consolidated, unitary, combined or affiliated group of
  corporations for any Tax purpose.

             [(i)  The Company has properly elected under Section 1362(a) of the
   Code, and except as set forth on Schedule 4.7(i), under each analogous or
                                    ---------------                         
   similar provision of state or local law in each jurisdiction where the
   Company is required to file income Tax Returns, to be treated as an S
   Corporation for its taxable period beginning with the taxable year ended
   [FIRST YEAR OF S CORP]] and will continue to qualify as an S Corporation for
   all federal, state and local income tax purposes at all times through its
   taxable year ending on the day before the Closing Date and, accordingly, has
   and will have no liability for federal income taxes with respect to any
   taxable period beginning with its first taxable year and through its taxable
   year ending on the Closing Date, including as a result of the Election.]

            (i) The Buyer has received complete copies of (i) all federal,
  state, local and foreign income or franchise Tax Returns of the Company and
  each of its Subsidiaries relating to the last three taxable periods of the
  Company and each of its Subsidiaries and (ii) any audit report issued within
  the last three years (or otherwise with respect to any audit or investigation
  in progress) relating to Taxes due from or with respect to the Company and
  each of its Subsidiaries, their respective income, assets or operations.  With
  respect to all income and franchise Tax Returns filed by or on behalf of the
  Company and each of its Subsidiaries for the taxable years ended on the
  respective dates set forth on Schedule 4.7(j), either (x) such Tax Returns
                                ---------------                             
  have been examined by and settled with the relevant taxing authority, or (y)
  the applicable statute of limitations with respect to the taxable years
  covered by such Tax Returns has expired.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              16

            (j) Schedule 4.7(k) lists all material types of Taxes paid and
            --- ---------------                                           
  material types of Tax Returns filed by or on behalf of the Company and each of
  its Subsidiaries.  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, no claim has been made by
  a taxing authority in a jurisdiction where the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns such that it is or may be subject to
  taxation by that jurisdiction.

            (k) No property owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
  (i) property required to be treated as being owned by another Person pursuant
  to the provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954,
  as amended and in effect immediately prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform
  Act of 1986, (ii) constitutes "tax-exempt use property" within the meaning of
  Section 168(h)(1) of the Code or (iii) is "tax-exempt bond financed property"
  within the meaning of Section 168(g) of the Code.

            (l) There are no Liens for or as a result of any unpaid Taxes on the
  assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries except for Liens for current
  Taxes not yet due.

            (m) No Seller is a foreign person with the meaning of Section 1445
  of the Code.

            (n) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are parties to
  any tax sharing or similar Contract or arrangement (whether or not written).

            (o) There is no Contract, plan or arrangement involving the Company
  or any of its Subsidiaries and covering any Person that, individually or
  collectively, could give rise to the payment of any amount that would not be
  deductible by the Buyer, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their
  respective Affiliates by reason of Section 280G of the Code.

            (p) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any elections
  in effect for federal income tax purposes under Section 168 of the Code or any
  analogous or similar provision of state, local or foreign law.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              17

            4.8  Claims and Proceedings.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.8,
            ---  ----------------------                          ------------ 
  there are (i) no suits, claims, actions or proceedings pending or, to the
  Knowledge of Sellers, threatened, and (ii) to the Knowledge of Sellers, no
  investigations are pending or threatened, in each case, against or relating to
  the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any material portion of their
  respective properties or assets before any court or Governmental Entity, (x)
  which if adversely determined, would result in a liability of the Company or
  any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $100,000, with respect to any one such
  matter, or $500,000, in the case of all such matters, or (y) which would (if
  successful) require specific performance or an injunction by the Company, any
  of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers, employees,
  shareholders, or Affiliates; and (iii) to the Knowledge of the Sellers no
  event has occurred which is likely to result in any such action, proceeding or
  investigation which would have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Company
  nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in any legal action to recover monies
  due it or for damages sustained (other than ordinary course collections).  No
  material portion of the Company's or its Subsidiaries' properties or assets is
  subject to any specific order, judgment, injunction or decree (collectively,
  "Orders") of any court or Governmental Entity of which the Company, any of its
  -------                                                                       
  Subsidiaries, or any Seller was notified that would result in a Material
  Adverse Effect.  All matters listed on Schedule 4.8, whether litigation has
                                         ------------                        
  been instituted or not, have been reported by the Company to its insurance
  carriers for coverage and such carriers have not indicated that they will deny
  coverage in respect thereof.

            4.9  Contracts.  Schedule 4.9 sets forth, as of the date hereof, a
            ---  ---------   ------------                                     
  list of all of the following Contracts to which the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any material portion of their
  respective properties or assets are bound or subject (together with the
  agreements specifically identified in this Agreement or in the other Schedules
  hereto, the "Scheduled Contracts"):
               -------------------   
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              18

            (a) contracts and other agreements with any labor union, collective
  bargaining unit or association representing any employee of the Company or any
  of its Subsidiaries;

            (b) agreements for acquisitions or dispositions (by merger, purchase
  or sale of stock or otherwise) of material assets entered into in the last two
  years or pursuant to which the Company has ongoing obligations (other than
  acquisitions or dispositions of assets in the ordinary course) with a value in
  excess of $200,000 (other than the exercise of the option to purchase the
  property at Egg Harbor Township at a price no greater than $350,000, and on
  terms  reasonably acceptable to the Sellers and the Buyer);

            (c) contracts and other agreements relating to indebtedness of the
  Company or such Subsidiary, guarantees of the indebtedness of any other Person
  or the deferred purchase price of property where such deferred purchase price
  is in excess of $200,000;

            (d) all partnership, joint venture or other similar Contracts,
  arrangements or agreements;

            (e) any lease, license or other Contract pursuant to which any
  person has the right to occupy or use any of the Owned Real Property or any
  portion of the premises that are the subject of the Leases;

            (f) each agreement that restricts or purports to restrict the right
  of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to engage in any business
  anywhere in the world or to compete with any Person with respect to any
  business anywhere in the world;

            (g) all license, sale, dealer, distribution, commission, marketing,
  agent, franchise, technical assistance or similar agreements, other than
  commission arrangements with employees of the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries, relating to or providing for the marketing or sale of the
  products or services of or by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company;
  and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              19

            (h) any other material contract whether or not made in the ordinary
  course of business which provides for or would reasonably be expected to
  provide for the payment by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company after
  the date of this Agreement of more than $200,000 per annum.

             Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.9, each Scheduled Contract is a
                                    ------------                              
   legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company or of its Subsidiary, as
   the case may be, and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, each other party thereto,
   enforceable against each such party thereto in accordance with its material
   terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
   reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
   generally and subject to general principles of equity, and none of the
   Company, any Subsidiary of the Company nor, to the Knowledge of Sellers, any
   other party thereto, is (or with notice or lapse of time or both would be) in
   default thereunder, except where such default would not have a Material
   Adverse Effect.  As of the date of this Agreement, the Company has not
   received notice to the effect that any party to a Scheduled Contract intends
   to terminate or not renew the same at its next renewal date.  Complete and
   correct copies of each Scheduled Contract have been previously delivered to
   Buyer.

               4.10  Real Estate.
               ----  ----------- 

            (a) The Company and its Subsidiaries are the owners of fee title to
  all of the real property listed on Schedule 4.10(a) and all buildings,
                                     ----------------                   
  structures and other improvements located thereon other than any real property
  included in the Excluded Assets and Liabilities (the "Owned Real Property")
                                                        -------------------  
  and 185 Thorpe Street Corporation owns the real property and the improvements
  located thereon known as 185 Thorpe Street, Fairfield, CT (the "Thorpe
                                                                  ------
  Property").
  --------   

            (b) The Company and its Subsidiaries are the lessee of certain real
  property (together with the Owned Real Property, the "Properties") pursuant to
                                                        ----------              
  the leases listed on Schedule 4.10(b) (the "Leases").  The Company and its
                       ----------------       ------                        
  Subsidiaries have a valid, enforceable and binding leasehold interest in the
  real property subject to each of the Leases.  The Sellers have heretofore
  delivered to, or have caused the Company to deliver 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              20

  to, the Buyer true, correct and complete copies of the Leases (including any
  modifications, amendments and supplements). Except as set forth in Schedule
                                                                     --------
  4.10(b) with respect to the Leases, there exists no default or circumstance 
  -------
  which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default by the
  Company or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, any
  default or threatened default by any third party thereunder. The Properties
  (together with the properties of MES and Grey Fox) constitute all interests in
  real property currently used or currently held for use in connection with the
  Business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and which are necessary for the
  continued operation of the Business as currently conducted. All of the
  Properties, buildings, fixtures and improvements thereon owned or leased by
  the Company and its Subsidiaries are in condition and repair (subject to the
  normal wear and tear) sufficient to operate the Business, with sufficient
  access to roads and utilities to operate the Business as presently conducted.
  With respect to the Owned Real Property, the Company has all material
  certificates of occupancy. Except for the option to purchase the Egg Harbor
  Township property, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary owns or holds, or is
  obligated under or a party to, any option, right of first refusal or other
  contractual right to purchase, acquire, sell, assign or dispose of any real
  estate or any portion thereof or interest therein.

            (c) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.10(c), none of the Owned Real
  Properties are subject to a Lien, other than Permitted Liens and other than
  any other Lien that does not materially interfere with the operation of the
  Owned Real Property as presently operated.  No condemnation or eminent domain
  proceeding is pending or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened which would
  preclude or impair in any material respect the use of any Owned Real Property
  or the Thorpe Property or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, any property
  subject to the Leases, for the uses for which it is currently being used.

               4.11  Employee Benefit Plans.
               ----  ---------------------- 

            (a) Schedule 4.11(a) lists all Benefit Plans of the Company and its
            --- ----------------                                               
  Subsidiaries.  With respect to each such Benefit Plan, the Sellers heretofore
  have delivered, or have caused the Company heretofore to have made available
  to the Buyer true, 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              21

  correct and complete copies of (i) all plan texts and agreements and related
  trust agreements or annuity contracts, (ii) all summary plan descriptions and
  material employee communications, (iii) the most recent annual report
  (including all schedules thereto); or (iv) if the plan is intended to qualify
  under Code section 401(a) or 403(a), the most recent determination letter
  received from the IRS;

            (b) Each Benefit Plan conforms in all material respects to, and its
  administration is in compliance in all material respects with, all Applicable
  Laws and regulations.  Each Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under Code
  section 401(a) has been determined to be so qualified by the IRS and each
  trust established in connection with any Benefit Plan that is intended to be
  exempt from federal income taxation under Code section 501(a) has been
  determined to be so exempt by the IRS and no event has occurred and no
  condition or circumstance has existed to adversely affect the qualified status
  of any Benefit Plan;

            (c) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(c) or as contemplated by
                                       ----------------                      
  this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
  Agreement will not (i) entitle any current or former employee to severance
  pay, unemployment compensation or any similar payment or (ii) accelerate the
  time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of any compensation or
  benefits due to, any current or former employee;

            (d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(d), no Benefit Plan is a
                                       ----------------                      
  "multiple employer plan" or a "multiemployer plan" within the meaning of the
  -----------------------        ------------------                           
  Code or ERISA and no Benefit Plan is subject to Title IV of ERISA;

            (e) No "reportable event" as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA has
                    ----------------                                         
  occurred with respect to any Benefit Plan and no accumulated funding
  deficiency, whether or not waived, exists with respect to any Benefit Plan;
  and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, there is no risk of termination of any
  Benefit Plan by the PBGC under Section 4042 of ERISA and no event has occurred
  which has or is likely to subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to
  liability under Section 4062 of ERISA;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              22

            (f) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(f), each Benefit Plan can
                                       ----------------                       
  be amended or terminated at any time, without the consent of any other party
  and without liability other than for benefits accrued as of the date of such
  amendment or termination;

            (g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to
  provide life insurance or health care benefits of any kind to its retired or
  former officers, directors or employees pursuant to any Benefit Plan,
  including any "group health plan" as such term is defined in Code section
                 -----------------                                         
  5000(b)(1), or pursuant to any agreement or understanding, except as may be
  required under Part 6 of Title I of ERISA and at the sole expense of the
  participant or the participant's beneficiary;

            (h) Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.11(h), none of the assets of
                                       ----------------                       
  any Benefit Plan is stock of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or property
  leased to or jointly owned by the Company or any of its Affiliates;

            (i) All contributions or other payments required to have been made
  by the Company and its Subsidiaries to or under any Benefit Plan by Applicable
  Law or by the terms of such Benefit Plan have been timely and properly made;
  and
            (j) There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers,
  threatened actions, claims or proceedings against or relating to any Benefit
  Plan other than routine claims by persons entitled to benefits thereunder.

            4.12  Insurance.  Schedule 4.12 sets forth a list of all material
            ----  ---------   -------------                                  
  policies or binders of fire, liability, product liability, worker's
  compensation, casualty, vehicular and other insurance held by or on behalf of
  the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  Each such policy and binder is valid
  and binding in accordance with its terms, is in full force and effect, and
  neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default with respect to
  any provision contained in any such policy or binder nor has the Company or
  any of its Subsidiaries failed to give any notice or present any claim under
  any such policy or binder in due and timely fashion except to the extent such
  default or failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              23

            4.13  Tangible Properties.  Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries
            ----  -------------------                                           
  has good and marketable title to, or leases with respect to, all of its owned
  or leased tangible personal property which is necessary for the conduct of its
  business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices and is
  reflected in the Balance Sheet, except as indicated in the notes thereto, and
  no such personal property is subject to any Lien (except for Liens reflected
  in the Balance Sheet and Permitted Liens).  Such tangible personal property
  has been maintained by the Company or its Subsidiary, as the case may be, in a
  manner consistent with past practices.

            4.14  Related Party Transactions.  Except as set forth on Schedule
            ----  --------------------------                          --------
  4.14, neither the Sellers nor any of their respective Affiliates (other than
  ----                                                                        
  MES and Grey Fox) has borrowed any moneys from the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries which has not been repaid or has outstanding any indebtedness or
  other similar obligations to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  Except
  as set forth in Schedule 4.14, none of the Sellers is, or owns any direct or
                  -------------                                               
  indirect interest of any kind in (other than any interest of less than 5% in
  any Person subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange
  Act of 1934, as amended), or controls or is a director, officer, employee or
  partner of, or consultant to, or lender to or borrower from or has the right
  to participate in the profits of, any Person which is, (A) a competitor,
  supplier, customer, landlord, tenant, creditor or debtor of the Company or any
  of its Subsidiaries, or (B) a party to any Contract with the Company or any of
  its Subsidiaries.

            4.15  Banks.  Schedule 4.15 contains a complete and correct list of
            ----  -----   -------------                                        
  the names and locations of all banks in which the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries has accounts or safe deposit boxes and the names of all persons
  authorized to draw thereon or to have access thereto.  Except as set forth on
  Schedule 4.15, no Person holds a power of attorney to act on behalf of the
  -------------                                                             
  Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

            4.16  Permits.  The Company and its Subsidiaries and 185 Thorpe
            ----  -------                                                  
  Street Corporation (solely with respect to the Thorpe Property) have all
  material approvals, authorizations, certificates, consents, licenses,
  exemptions, orders and permits or other 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              24

  similar authorizations of all Governmental Entities (the "Permits") necessary
                                                            -------
  for the operation of the Business in the manner currently operated, and each
  such Permit is valid and in full force and effect in all material respects and
  there are no proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers,
  threatened to revoke or cancel the same; provided, that nothing in this 
                                           --------
  Section 4.16 shall be or be deemed to be a representation or warranty
  concerning Environmental Laws or Permits with respect to environmental
  matters.

            4.17  Compliance with Applicable Laws.  Except as set forth on
            ----  -------------------------------                         
  Schedule 4.17, the Company, each of its Subsidiaries and 185 Thorpe Street
  -------------                                                             
  Corporation (solely with respect to the Thorpe Property) has complied and is
  in compliance with Applicable Law with respect to the Company and each of its
  Subsidiaries and the conduct of their business and the use of their
  properties, except in the case where failure to comply or be in compliance
  would not have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, that nothing in this
                                            --------                      
  Section 4.17 shall be or be deemed to be a representation or warranty
  concerning Environmental Laws or Permits with respect to environmental
  matters.

            4.18  Employment Agreements.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.18,
            ----  ---------------------                          ------------- 
  there are no employment, consulting, severance pay, continuation pay,
  termination pay or indemnification agreements or other similar agreements
  (collectively, the "Employment Agreements") between the Company or any of its
                      ---------------------                                    
  Subsidiaries and any current or former shareholder, officer, director or
  employee or any consultant or agent of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
  that are currently in effect.  True and complete copies of the Employment
  Agreements have been delivered to Buyer.

               4.19  Labor and Employment Matters.
               ----  ---------------------------- 

            (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(a), no collective
                                       ----------------               
  bargaining agreement existed or exists that is binding on the Company or any
  of its Subsidiaries, and to the Knowledge of Sellers, no petition has been
  filed or proceedings instituted by an employee or group of employees with any
  labor relations board seeking recognition of a bargaining representative.
  Schedule 4.19(a), to the Knowledge of Sellers, 
  ----------------                                                           
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              25

  describes any organizational effort currently being made or threatened by or
  on behalf of any labor union to organize any employees of the Company or any
  of its Subsidiaries; and

            (b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(b), (i) there is no labor
                                       ----------------                       
  strike, dispute, slow down or stoppage pending or, to the Knowledge of
  Sellers, threatened, against or directly affecting the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries, (ii) no grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or
  under any collective bargaining agreement is pending, and to the Knowledge of
  the Sellers, no claims therefor exist, and (iii) neither the Company nor any
  of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of any labor or civil rights
  dispute, controversy or grievance or any other unfair labor practice
  proceeding or breach of contract claim or action with respect to claims of, or
  obligations to, any employee or group of employees of the Company or any of
  its Subsidiaries.  The Company and its Subsidiaries are in material compliance
  with all laws, regulations and orders relating to the employment of labor,
  including all such laws, regulations and orders relating to wages, hours,
  WARN, collective bargaining, discrimination, civil rights, safety and health,
  workers' compensation and the collection and payment of withholding and/or
  social security taxes and any similar tax except for immaterial non-
  compliance.  There has been no "mass layoff" or "plant closing" as defined by
  WARN with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries within the six (6)
  months prior to the Closing Date.

            4.20  Intangible Property.  Other than generally available, "off-
            ----  -------------------                                    ---
  the-shelf" items containing intellectual property, Schedule 4.20 contains a
  ---------                                          -------------           
  complete and correct list of each patent, trademark, trade name, service mark
  and copyright owned or used by Company and its Subsidiaries as well as all
  registrations thereof and pending applications therefor, and each license or
  other agreement relating thereto.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.20, each
                                                            -------------      
  of the foregoing is owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries free and clear of
  all Liens and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, is not the subject of any
  ownership challenge.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any
  written notice that any of the foregoing is invalid or conflicts with the
  asserted rights of others.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              26

            4.21  Environmental Compliance.  Except as set forth on Schedule
            ----  ------------------------                          --------
  4.21 hereto:
  ----        
            (a) the operations and facilities (as defined by CERCLA) of the
  Company and each of its Subsidiaries have been for the past three years, and
  are in, material compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and all
  Permits issued pursuant to Environmental Laws;

            (b) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have obtained and
  currently maintains all material Permits required under all applicable
  Environmental Laws necessary to operate its business;

            (c) neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries is the subject of any
  outstanding proceeding, written claim, written order or Contract with any
  Governmental Entity or Person with respect to (i) Environmental Law, (ii)
  Remedial Action or (iii) any Release or threatened Release of a Hazardous
  Material and, to the knowledge of the Sellers, no such proceedings, claims,
  orders or contracts are threatened;

            (d) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any
  written communication or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, any other
  communication, alleging either or both that the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Properties or facilities may be in
  violation of (i) any Environmental Law or (ii) any Permit issued pursuant to
  any Environmental Law, or that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may have
  any liability under any Environmental Law;

            (e) to the Knowledge of the Sellers, there are no investigations by
  any Governmental Entity under or pursuant to Environmental Laws of the
  business, operations, Properties or former properties of the Company or any of
  its Subsidiaries pending or threatened;

            (f) there is not now located at any of the Properties of the Company
  or any of its Subsidiaries any underground storage tanks for which the Company
  or the Subsidiaries has responsibility ("UST") nor, to the Knowledge of the
                                           ---                               
  Sellers, any 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              27

  asbestos-containing material in a condition necessitating abatement, nor
  equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls necessitating immediate removal
  or remediation;

            (g) the Sellers have provided to the Buyer all environmentally
  related Phase I and Phase II reports or other material environmental reports
  that have been performed and provided to the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries with respect to the Properties or former properties, assets or
  current operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and that are in
  the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' possession, custody or control; and

            (h) as of the Closing Date, to the Knowledge of Sellers, there are
  no conditions requiring Remedial Action on the Properties resulting from
  Releases of Hazardous Materials prior to the Closing, other than conditions
  disclosed to the Phase I or Phase II Consultants. To the knowledge of Sellers,
  there are no conditions on the formerly owned, operated or leased properties
  of the Company or any Subsidiary requiring Remedial Action for which the
  Company may be responsible, other than conditions described in the
  environmental reports provided by the Sellers to the Buyer.

            4.22  Finders and Investment Bankers.  Except for Brown Brothers
            ----  ------------------------------                            
  Harriman & Co. ("Brown Brothers"), no broker, finder, agent or similar
                   --------------                                       
  intermediary has acted on behalf of the Company in connection with this
  Agreement, and that, except for the fees and expenses of Brown Brothers, there
  are no brokerage commissions, finders' fees or similar fees or commissions
  payable in connection therewith based on any agreement, arrangement or
  understanding with the Company or any action taken by the Company or any
  Subsidiary of the Company.  The Sellers have provided the Buyer a true and
  complete copy of the engagement letter with Brown Brothers.

            4.23  Certain Actions.  None of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries
            ----  ---------------                                               
  nor any Person acting at the direction or on behalf of the Company or any of
  its Subsidiaries has serviced, maintained, modified, altered or refurbished
  any product sold, rented or distributed prior to the Closing Date by the
  Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              28

  respective predecessors in a wanton, malicious, wilfully improper or
  criminally negligent manner.

            4.24  No Other Representations and Warranties.  Except for the
            ----  ---------------------------------------                 
  representations and warranties contained in Articles 3 and 4, the Sellers make
  no other express or implied representations or warranties concerning the
  Shares, the Company, any Subsidiary or asset of the Company or any Seller or
  any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

          5.  Representations and Warranties of the Buyer. The Buyer represents
          --  -------------------------------------------                      
and warrants to the Sellers as follows:

            5.1  Corporate Organization.  The Buyer is a corporation duly
            ---  ----------------------                                  
  organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
  of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease
  and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being and as
  heretofore conducted.

            5.2  Authority to Execute and Perform Agreement.  The Buyer has the
            ---  ------------------------------------------                    
  full legal right and power and all authority and approvals required to enter
  into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each other agreement, document,
  or instrument or certificate contemplated by this Agreement to be executed by
  Buyer in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
  this Agreement (collectively the "Buyer Documents"), and to consummate the
                                    ---------------                         
  transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  This Agreement has been duly
  executed and delivered by the Buyer and, assuming due execution and delivery
  hereof by the other parties hereto, this Agreement will be valid and binding
  obligation of the Buyer enforceable against the Buyer in accordance with its
  terms except:  (a) as rights to indemnity hereunder may be limited by federal
  or state securities laws or the public policies embodied therein; (b) as such
  enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
  reorganization or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
  generally; and (c) as the remedy of specific performance and other forms of
  injunctive relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion
  of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.  The
  execution and delivery by the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              29

  Buyer of this Agreement and the other Buyer Documents, the consummation of the
  transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and the performance by the Buyer
  of this Agreement and the other Buyer Documents in accordance with their
  respective terms and conditions will not (i) conflict with or result in any
  breach of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of the
  Buyer; (ii) require the Buyer to obtain any consent, approval, authorization
  or action of, or make any filing with or give any notice to, any Governmental
  Entity or any other Person other than any filings required under the HSR Act
  and applicable securities laws except for the consent of the lenders under the
  Buyer's credit agreement, which the Buyer has obtained; (iii) violate,
  conflict with or result in the breach of any of the terms and conditions of,
  result in a material modification of the effect of, otherwise cause the
  termination of or give any other contracting party the right to terminate, or
  constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both constitute) a default
  under, any Contract to which the Buyer is a party or by or to which the Buyer
  or any of its properties is or may be bound or subject; or (iv) violate
  Applicable Law or Order of any Governmental Entity applicable to the Buyer.

            5.3  Purchase for Investment.  The Buyer is purchasing the Shares
            ---  -----------------------                                     
  for its own account for investment and not for resale or distribution.  The
  Buyer acknowledges that the sale of the Shares has not been registered under
  the Securities Act, or any applicable state securities laws and that such
  Shares may only be sold or otherwise disposed of under an effective
  registration statement under the Securities Act or under an exemption
  therefrom.  Except with respect to the Buyer's credit agreement, the Buyer has
  no contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person or entity
  to sell, hypothecate, pledge, donate, or otherwise transfer (with or without
  consideration) to any such Person any of the Shares, and the Buyer has no
  present plans or intention to enter into any such contract, undertaking,
  agreement, or arrangement.

            5.4  [Intentionally omitted].

            5.5  Sources of Information.  The Buyer acknowledges that it has
            ---  ----------------------                                     
  conducted its own investigation of the business and affairs of the Company and
  its 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              30

  Subsidiaries.  The Buyer has been afforded the opportunity:  (i) to ask
  such questions as it has deemed necessary of, and to receive answers from,
  representatives of the Company and its Subsidiaries concerning the Company and
  its Subsidiaries; and (ii) to obtain such additional information that the
  Company and its Subsidiaries possess or can acquire without unreasonable
  effort or expense that is reasonably necessary to verify the accuracy and
  completeness of the information previously furnished to it by the Company and
  its Subsidiaries; provided that no investigation by the Buyer shall affect the
                    --------                                                    
  representations and warranties of the Sellers.

            5.6  Finders and Investment Bankers.  No broker, finder, agent or
            ---  ------------------------------                              
  similar intermediary has acted on behalf of the Buyer in connection with this
  Agreement, and there are no brokerage commissions, finders' fees or similar
  fees or commissions payable in connection therewith based on any agreement,
  arrangement or understanding with the Buyer or any action taken by the Buyer.

            5.7  Litigation.  There are no legal proceedings pending or, to the
            ---  ----------                                                    
  Knowledge of the Buyer, threatened that are reasonably likely to prohibit or
  restrain the ability of the Buyer to enter into this Agreement or any other
  Buyer Document or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

          6.  Covenants and Agreements.
          --  ------------------------ 

            6.1  Conduct of Business of the Company.  Except as contemplated by
            ---  ----------------------------------                            
  this Agreement, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at
  the Closing Date, the Sellers shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to
  conduct their respective operations in accordance with their ordinary course
  of business consistent with past practice.  Without limiting the generality of
  the foregoing, and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement,
  prior to the Closing Date, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
  will, without the prior written consent of the Buyer (which may not be
  unreasonably withheld or delayed):

            (a) amend or propose to amend its Articles of Incorporation or By-
  Laws or merge or consolidate with or into any other Person;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              31

            (b) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, pledge, deliver or agree or
  commit to issue, sell, pledge or deliver (whether through the issuance or
  granting of any options, warrants, calls, subscriptions, stock appreciation
  rights or other rights or agreements) any capital stock of any class or any
  securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of any
  class of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be (except for the
  issuance of securities of Subsidiaries issued to the Company or another
  Subsidiary);

            (c) split, combine or reclassify any shares of Common Stock;

            (d) enter into any agreements, commitments or contracts that are
  material to the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than in
  the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or otherwise
  make any material change in (i) any existing agreement, commitment or
  arrangement that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
  whole or (ii) the conduct of the Business;

            (e) except for the exercise of the option regarding the property at
  Egg Harbor Township, purchase or otherwise acquire assets from any Person
  other than in the ordinary course of business;

            (f) sell, assign, lease, license, transfer or otherwise dispose of,
  or mortgage, pledge or encumber (other than with Permitted Liens), any Owned
  Real Property or any of its assets, or amend, terminate or renew any of the
  Leases;

            (g) amend or modify in any material respect or terminate any
  Contract entered into by the Company after the date hereof which, if in
  existence on the date hereof, would be required to be set forth in Schedule
                                                                     --------
  4.9 as a Scheduled Contract (each, a "Subsequent Material Contract");
  ---                                   ----------------------------   
            (h) enter into or commit or propose to enter into any Subsequent
  Material Contract, except as necessary to permit the Company or its
  Subsidiaries or the Sellers to carry out any of their respective covenants and
  other obligations under this Agreement or any other Seller Document;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              32

            (i) except in the ordinary course of business, waive, cancel or take
  any other action materially impairing any of its rights;

            (j) make or commit to make any capital expenditure, or group of
  related capital expenditures other than (A) the purchases of Equipment and
  vehicles having an aggregate purchase price of no more than $7,000,000;
  provided that the funds used to purchase such Equipment or vehicles is
  --------                                                              
  obtained from the Company's or its Subsidiaries' working capital, existing
  revolving credit agreement or other indebtedness that may be prepaid without
  penalty, or (B) other capital expenditures or group of related capital
  expenditures of no more than $2,000,000 in the aggregate;

            (k) create, incur, assume or guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed
  money (except (i) in the ordinary course of business or (ii) to make the
  purchases and other capital expenditures permitted under Section 6.1(j));

            (l) (i)  increase the rate or terms of compensation payable or to
  become payable to its directors, officers or employees except with respect to
  employees other than officers in the ordinary course of business consistent
  with past custom and practice, (ii) announce an intention to or pay or agree
  to pay any pension, retirement allowance or other employee benefit not
  provided for by any Benefit Plan or Employment Agreement set forth in the
  Schedules hereto, (iii) announce an intention to or commit itself to any
  additional pension, profit sharing, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation,
  stock purchase, stock option, stock appreciation right, group insurance,
  severance pay, continuation pay, termination pay, retirement or other employee
  benefit plan, agreement or arrangement, or increase the rate or terms of any
  Benefit Plan, (iv) enter into any employment agreement with or for the benefit
  of any Person, or (v) increase the rate of compensation under or otherwise
  change the terms of any Employment Agreement set forth in Schedule 4.18;
                                                            ------------- 

            (m) except as set forth on Schedule 6.1(m), make any change in its
                                       ---------------                        
  accounting or tax reporting methods or in the manner of keeping its books and
  records or 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              33

  any change in its current practices with respect to inventory, sales,
  receivables, payables or accrued expenses;

            (n) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution in respect
  of Common Stock or, directly or indirectly, redeem, purchase or otherwise
  acquire any of its Common Stock or make any other payments of any kind to the
  holders of any of its Common Stock in respect thereof, or enter into any
  commitment agreement to do any of the foregoing; provided, however, that the
                                                   --------  -------          
  Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends to the Company of another
  Subsidiary and the Company may distribute the Excluded Assets and Liabilities
  pursuant to Section 6.11;

            (o) enter into or commit or propose to enter into any agreements,
  commitments or contracts with an Affiliate of the Company or any Seller other
  than MES and Grey Fox; or

            (p) agree, commit or arrange to do any of the foregoing.

            6.2  Access to Information; Confidentiality.
            ---  -------------------------------------- 

            (a) Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, the
  Sellers shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to afford the Buyer and
  its authorized representatives (including its accountants, financial advisors
  and legal counsel) reasonable access during normal business hours to all of
  the properties, personnel, Contracts, books and records of the Company and its
  Subsidiaries and shall promptly deliver or make available to the Buyer
  information concerning the business, properties, assets and personnel of the
  Company and its Subsidiaries as the Buyer may from time to time reasonably
  request;

            (b) The Buyer shall hold, and shall cause its authorized
  representatives (including its accountants, financial advisors and legal
  counsel) to hold, all material subject to the Confidentiality Agreement dated
  February 12, 1998, between the Company and the Buyer (the "Confidentiality
                                                             ---------------
  Agreement") in confidence in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality
  ---------                                                                    
  Agreement and, in the event of the termination of this 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              34

  Agreement for any reason, the Buyer promptly shall return or destroy all such
  material in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement;

            (c) After the Closing, the Sellers and their respective Affiliates
  will and will cause their respective representatives to treat any data and
  information related to the Company and/or its Subsidiaries and the Business
  confidentially and with commercially reasonable care and discretion, and will
  not disclose any such information to third parties; provided, however, that
                                                      --------  -------      
  the foregoing shall not apply to (i) information in the public domain or that
  becomes public through disclosure by a party other than Sellers or any of
  their respective Affiliates or any of their respective representatives, so
  long as such other party is not in breach of a confidentiality obligation to
  the Buyer and (ii) information that may be required to be disclosed by
  Applicable Law.

            (d) In the event that either a Seller or the Buyer, as the case may
  be, is required, by subpoena or other legal process, in any action or
  proceeding to disclose any such confidential information or material referred
  to in this Section, such party will give the other party prompt notice of such
  request so that such other party may seek an appropriate protective order or
  other confidential treatment of such information and will cooperate with such
  other party in obtaining such treatment; and

            (e) Each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that in the event of
  any breach of Section 6.2, money damages would not be an adequate remedy to
  the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Sellers, on the other, for such breach and,
  even if money damages were adequate, it would be impossible to ascertain or
  measure with any degree of accuracy the damages sustained by the Buyer, on the
  one hand, or the Sellers, on the other, therefrom.  Accordingly, if there
  should be a breach or threatened breach by any Person of any provision of
  Section 6.2, the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Sellers, on the other, shall
  be entitled, without showing or providing actual damage sustained by the
  Buyer, on the one hand, or the Sellers on the other, to an injunction
  restraining such Person from any breach.  Nothing in this Section 6.2(d) shall
  limit or otherwise affect the remedies that the Buyer, the Company or the
  Sellers may otherwise have under Applicable Law.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              35

            6.3  Disclosure Supplements.  Prior to the Closing, the Sellers may
            ---  ----------------------                                        
  supplement or amend the schedules referred to in this Agreement with respect
  to (i) any matter not existing on the date hereof which, if existing or
  occurring at or prior to the date hereof, would have been required to be set
  forth or described in a schedule or (ii) any matter arising after the date
  hereof which is necessary to correct any information in a schedule or in any
  representation and warranty of the Sellers which has been rendered inaccurate
  thereby; provided that any such supplement or amendment shall not waive, limit
           --------                                                             
  or otherwise affect the condition to Closing set forth in Section 9.1, which
  shall be based on the representations and warranties, covenants and agreements
  made as of the date of this Agreement, but only the representations,
  warranties, covenants and agreements made by the Sellers as amended or
  supplemented pursuant to this Section 6.3 shall be the basis for any
  indemnification pursuant to Article 7, 8 or 12.

            6.4  Expenses.  Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this
            ---  --------                                                  
  Agreement, the parties to this Agreement shall bear their respective expenses
  incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and
  performance of this Agreement and the contemplated transactions, including all
  fees and expenses of agents, representatives, counsel and accountants,
  provided, however, that the Buyer shall pay the first $400,000 of the fee owed
  --------  -------                                                             
  to Brown Brothers by the Sellers and the Sellers shall pay all amounts of such
  fee to Brown Brothers in excess of $400,000.

            6.5  Further Assurances.  Each of the parties shall execute such
            ---  ------------------                                         
  certificates, bills of sale, agreements and other documents and take such
  further actions as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out the
  provisions hereof and the contemplated transactions.  Each such party shall
  use its commercially reasonable efforts to fulfill or obtain the fulfillment
  of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Articles 9 and 10.  Between the
  date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, each of the parties hereto shall
  promptly notify the other parties in writing (a) if such party becomes aware
  of any fact or condition that causes or would be reasonably likely to cause or
  constitute a Material Adverse Effect or a breach of any of the representations
  and warranties of such party set 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              36

  forth herein and (b) of the occurrence of any breach of any covenant in this
  Agreement or of the occurrence of any event that may make the satisfaction of
  the conditions to Closing set forth herein impossible or unlikely.

            6.6  Cooperation Regarding Landlords. [The Sellers agree that they
            ---  -------------------------------                              
  will cause the officers of the Company to reasonably cooperate with the Buyer
  in obtaining consents and estoppel certificates from the landlords under the
  Leases; provided, that the foregoing shall not require the Sellers or the
          --------                                                         
  Company to pay any amounts to any Person; and; provided further, that the
                                                 -------- -------          
  Buyer acknowledges that the receipt of such consents or estoppel certificates
  is not a condition precedent to the consummation of the transactions
  contemplated hereby.]

            6.7  Transfer Taxes.  All sales, use, stamp, documentary, filing,
            ---  --------------                                              
  recording, transfer or similar fees or Taxes and governmental charges as
  levied by any taxing authority or other Governmental Entity as a result of the
  transfer of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement [(other than those arising
  out of the Election (as defined in Section 7.1(a)(i) below))] shall be borne
  50% by the Buyer and 50% by the Sellers. /4/

             [6.8  Compliance with Antitrust Laws.  Each of the parties hereto
                   ------------------------------                             
   shall file an appropriate Notification and Report Form concerning the
   transactions contemplated herein as promptly as practicable following the
   date hereof.  Each of the Buyer and each Seller shall cooperate (including by
   way of furnishing to the other such documents and information as may
   reasonably be required) in making filings under the HSR Act and shall use its
   commercially reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
   actions necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as
   promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
   including using its commercially reasonable best efforts (including, without
   limitation, the Buyer agrees that it will dispose of or hold separate any
   part of its or the Company's assets or business and agree not to operate in
   any geographic area or line of business provided that Buyer shall 


- ----------
/4//  Note to draft:  Bracketed language for S Corporations only.
- ---                                                              
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              37

   not be required to (or be required to agree to) dispose of or hold separate
   any material part of the Combined Business or agree to any material
   restrictions on the Combined Business. Combined Business shall mean the
   business and operations of the Buyer and its subsidiaries in the Relevant
   Territory and the Company, MES and Grey Fox and their respective
   subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Relevant Territory shall mean the States of
   Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
   Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. in order to
   consummate or make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions
   contemplated by this Agreement to resolve such objections, if any, as the
   Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade
   Commission or state antitrust enforcement or other Governmental Entity
   (collectively, the "Regulatory Agencies") may assert under the federal or
                       -------------------                                  
   state antitrust laws with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
   In the event an action is instituted by any Person challenging the
   transactions contemplated hereby as violative of the antitrust laws, each of
   the Buyer and each Seller shall cooperate with the other parties hereto and
   use its commercially reasonable best efforts to resist or resolve such
   action.]

            6.9  SOC Rebates.  From and after the Closing Date, the Buyer shall
            ---  -----------                                                   
  use its best efforts to collect all supplier-of-choice rebates owed to the
  Company or any Subsidiary of the Company relating to equipment expenditures
  made prior to the Closing and pass-through rebates for equipment purchased by
  Hertz Equipment Rental Corp. during the period from and including August, 1,
  1997 through and including July 31, 1998 (the "SOC Rebates").  All monies
                                                 -----------               
  collected on account of the SOC Rebates shall be held by the Buyer for the
  Sellers' account.  The Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Sellers'
  Representative, on behalf of the Sellers, on the first Business Day of each
  month all monies so received during the prior month.

            6.10  Non-Compete.  For a period commencing on the Closing Date and
            ----  -----------                                                  
  terminating [three (3) years thereafter in the case of Ernest Pierson and
  Robert Russo] /5/ and five (5) years thereafter in 


- ----------
/5//  To be in MES Agreement only.
- ---                               
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              38

  the case of each of the [other] Sellers (the "Restricted Period"), the Sellers
                                                -----------------
  (i) shall not (except, (x) in the case of Terrance McClinch, in his capacity
  as a consultant to the Buyer in accordance with his consulting agreement with
  the Buyer to be entered into as of the Closing Date and (y) in the case of
  Ernest Pierson and Robert Russo, in their capacity as employees of the Company
  or another Subsidiary of the Buyer), and shall cause their respective
  Affiliates not to, in each case, without the express prior written consent of
  Buyer (which consent may be withheld by Buyer in its sole and absolute
  discretion) for his, her, or its or their, as the case may be, own account or
  jointly with any other Person, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate,
  join, control, finance, invest in, bid for, advise (or advise others with
  respect to) or otherwise participate in, or be connected with, or become or
  act as a partner, manager, member, director, officer, employee, consultant,
  representative, agent or landlord of (other than pursuant to the lease of 185
  Thorpe Street contemplated hereby), any business, individual, partnership,
  firm, corporation (other than Buyer), limited liability company, association
  or other entity which is in competition with, or is otherwise engaged anywhere
  in the United States of America and the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, 
                                                       ------------------    
  Canada, in the Restricted Business (as hereafter defined); provided, however,
                                                             --------  -------
  that a Seller may own, directly or indirectly, solely as an investment, (x)
  the URI Warrants and Buyer Common Stock issued upon the exercise thereof (and
  any stock dividends or other securities issued to holders thereof) and (y)
  securities of any business traded on any national securities exchange or
  NASDAQ, provided such Seller is not a controlling person of, or a member of a
  group which controls or seeks to control, such business and further provided
  that such Seller and its Affiliates do not, in the aggregate, directly or
  indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such business ; and
  (ii) shall not, and shall cause their respective Affiliates not to, directly
  or indirectly, for his, her, or its or their own account or jointly with
  another, or for or on behalf of any Person, as principal, agent or otherwise,
  (A) solicit or induce or in any manner attempt to solicit or induce any Person
  employed by Company or any of its Subsidiaries to leave such position or (B)
  interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt any relationship, contractual or
  otherwise, between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any of the
  customers, clients or suppliers of the Company or any of such 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              39

  Subsidiaries; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing the Sellers and
                --------      
  their Affiliates may take any action whatsoever (including without limitation
  legal action) against (x) any customer in connection with any Reimbursable
  Trade Account Receivable with respect to which the Sellers have an obligation
  to indemnify under Section 12.1(b) or (y) any supplier, manufacturer or any
  other Person relating to, resulting from or in connection with any claims for
  indemnification by the Buyer or a Buyer Indemnitee against the Sellers under
  Article 7, 8 or 12 of this Agreement.

             In addition, the Sellers shall not, and shall cause their
   respective Affiliates not to, to any Person denigrate or derogate the Buyer
   or any of its subsidiaries (including the Company), or any product or service
   or procedure of any such company whether or not such denigrating or
   derogatory statements shall be true or are based on acts or omissions which
   occurred or are learned by a Seller prior to the date hereof or otherwise.  A
   statement shall be deemed denigrating or derogatory to any Person only if it
   (i) materially adversely affects the esteem in which such Person is held by
   investors, lenders or licensing, rating, or regulatory entities and (ii) is
   not privileged in law.

             The Sellers acknowledge that irreparable harm would be suffered by
   the parties relying on the Sellers' covenants and undertakings set forth
   herein in the event that any of the provisions of this Section were not
   performed fully by the Sellers in accordance with the terms specified herein,
   and that monetary damages are an inadequate remedy for breach of this Section
   because of the difficulty of ascertaining and quantifying the amount of
   damages that will be suffered by the parties relying hereon in the event that
   the undertakings and provisions contained in this Section were breached or
   violated.  Accordingly, each Seller agrees that Buyer shall be entitled to an
   injunction or injunctions to restrain, enjoin and prevent breaches or
   threatened breaches of the covenants, undertakings and provisions herein and
   to enforce specifically the provisions hereof in any court of the United
   States or any state having jurisdiction over the matter, it being understood
   that any such remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other
   rights and remedies available at law or in equity.  The Sellers further
   acknowledge and agree that 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              40

   the covenants contained in this Section shall not be deemed exclusive of any
   common law or other rights of Buyer in connection with the matters covered
   hereby.

             The provisions of this Section are severable, and the invalidity of
   any provision shall not affect the validity of any other provision.  It is
   the intention of the parties that this Section be enforced to the fullest
   extent permitted and, therefore, in the event that any provision of this
   Section or the application thereof is held to be unenforceable in any
   jurisdiction because of the duration or scope thereof, the parties hereto
   agree that the court or panel of arbitrators making such determination shall
   have the power to reduce the duration and scope of such provision to the
   extent necessary to make it enforceable, and that this Section in its reduced
   form shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law, but
   no such reduction shall affect the enforceability of the express terms hereof
   in any other jurisdiction.

            6.11  Excluded Assets and Liabilities.  Prior to the Closing Date,
            ----  -------------------------------                             
  the Company shall transfer all right, title and interest to, and all
  responsibility in respect of, the Excluded Assets and Liabilities to the
  Sellers or their respective designees.  The Sellers hereby agree to indemnify
  the Buyer Indemnitees from and against all Losses and Liabilities attributable
  to the Excluded Assets and Liabilities.

            6.12  Insurance Tail.  The Buyer shall purchase and cause to be
            ----  --------------                                           
  maintained in effect at Closing and for a period of two years after the
  Closing Date, for the benefit of the Company and its Subsidiaries, liability
  insurance policies having at least the same coverage as, deductible amounts no
  greater than, and which contain terms and conditions that are not less
  advantageous to the Company and its Subsidiaries than, the liability insurance
  policies maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing
  Date; provided that the Buyer's obligation under this Section with respect to
        --------                                                               
  an employee practice liability insurance policy is only to the extent that the
  maximum premium therefore does not exceed $20,000 per annum.

            6.13  Payment of Indebtedness.  [At Closing, the Buyer shall pay all
            ----  -----------------------                                       
  principal and interest owing with respect to the Stonington mortgage and
  Sellers shall 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              41

  arrange to have the lenders with respect thereto deliver a "pay
  off letter" and UCC-3 Termination Statements with respect thereto at Closing.]
  /6/ At Closing, the Buyer may, at its option, repay any other indebtedness of
  the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  If the Buyer notifies the Sellers at
  least 10 Business Days prior to the Closing Date that it will repay any such
  indebtedness at Closing, the Sellers shall arrange to have the lenders with
  respect to such indebtedness deliver pay-off letters and UCC-3 Termination
  Statements at the closing with respect to such indebtedness.  If the Buyer
  elects to repay any indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries at
  Closing, neither the Sellers nor the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall
  have any liability or obligation with respect thereto (it being understood
  that any prepayment penalties resulting therefrom in excess of $37,500 shall
  be included as a liability of the Company in the Preliminary Closing Balance
  Sheet, the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth
  Schedule pursuant to Section 1.2) ./7/  The Buyer agrees to pay the first
  $37,500 of any such prepayment penalties.

            6.14  Rental Ready Adjustment.  Sellers will deliver a Rental Asset
            ----  -----------------------                                      
  Listing to the Buyer at Closing ("Rental Asset Listing") which shall set forth
                                    --------------------                        
  as of the Closing Date (i) the asset description, make, model and original
  cost, accumulated depreciation and net book value of all rental equipment
  inventory held for rent to customers of the Company and its Subsidiaries (the
  "Equipment") as of the Closing Date.  The Sellers shall, subject to Sections
   ---------                                                                  
  12.1(c) (other than Section 12.1(c)(i)), 12.4 and 14.2, indemnify the Buyer
  for (x) each item of Equipment listed on the Rental Asset Listing which is not
  Rental Ready and (y) each item of Equipment which is listed on the Rental
  Asset Listing and which is missing, in the amount calculated as described
  below (the "Rental Ready Adjustment").  Within 15 days following the Closing
              -----------------------                                         
  Date, the Buyer shall complete a physical inventory of each item of Equipment
  on the Rental Asset Listing, including by visiting renters' locations as
  necessary to inspect such Equipment, and the indemnification provided in this
  Section 6.14 shall be based on the Rental Ready Adjustment resulting from 


- ----------
/6//  Note to draft: To be in GFE Agreement only.
- ---                                              
/7//  Note to draft: Number will change in MES and GFE.
- ---                                                    
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              42

  the findings of such physical inventory (the "Post Closing Rental Ready
                                                -------------------------
  Adjustment").  The Sellers' Representative or its designee shall have the
  right to observe and consult with the Buyer during the physical inventory.
  The amount of any indemnification payment required under this Section shall
  equal (I) the lesser of (x) the repair cost and (y) the replacement cost for
  each item of Equipment that is not Rental Ready and (II) the fair market value
  (as determined by the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative) for each item of
  Equipment that is missing; provided, that the Buyer shall be entitled to
                             --------                                     
  indemnification pursuant to this Section 6.14 only when and if the aggregate
  fair market value (determined as aforesaid) of all such missing Equipment plus
  the repair/replacement costs of all such non Rental Ready Equipment, exceeds
  $150,000, /8/ and then only to the extent of such excess, and any
  indemnification obligation shall be subject to Sections 12.1(c) (other than
  Section 12.1(c)(i)), 12.4 and 14.2.  The amount of any such indemnification
  shall be paid to the Buyer out of the Escrow Amount, and the Buyer and the
  Sellers' Representative shall give instructions to the Escrow Agent to pay, an
  amount equal to such adjustment within five Business Days of completion of the
  determination of the Rental Ready Adjustment; provided that if such Post
                                                --------                  
  Closing Rental Ready Adjustment exceeds the Escrow Amount, the Sellers shall
  pay to the Buyer on such date the excess of the Post Closing Rental Ready
  Adjustment over the Escrow Amount.  For purposes of this Agreement, an item of
  Equipment is "Rental Ready" if (i) no maintenance or repairs (other than
                ------------                                              
  routine maintenance) costing more than the greater of (x) $750 per item and
  (y) 3.5% of the original cost of such item of Equipment, are required with
  respect to such item to bring such item into condition for rental.  The repair
  cost with respect to any item of Equipment shall be determined based upon the
  cost of a similar repair most recently performed by the Company or any
  Subsidiary of the Company to the same or similar item of Equipment.  The
  parties agree that the items of Equipment listed in Schedule 6.14(b) shall not
                                                      ----------------          
  give rise to a Rental Ready Adjustment.  Any disputes as to the physical
  count, fair market value or whether any 


- ----------
/8//  Note to draft: Basket will be different in MES and GFE.
- ---                                                          
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              43

  item of Equipment is Rental Ready will, if possible, be resolved while the
  physical inventory of such Equipment is being taken. Any disputes not so
  resolved within 15 days shall be resolved by an independent third party
  mutually acceptable to Buyer and the Sellers' Representative or, if Buyer and
  the Sellers' Representative cannot agree on the designation of such
  independent third party within five Business Days, by the CPA Firm, whose
  determination shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties hereto.
  Unless otherwise agreed to by the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative in
  writing, operating leases entered into by the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries shall not cause an adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to
  an Rental Ready Adjustment.

            6.15  No Solicitation.  The Sellers will not, and will not cause or
            ----  ---------------                                              
  permit the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees,
  representatives or agents (collectively, "Agents") to, directly or indirectly,
                                            ------                              
  (i) discuss, negotiate, undertake, authorize, recommend, propose or enter
  into, any transaction involving a merger, consolidation, business combination,
  purchase or disposition of any capital stock or other equity interest in, or
  any material amount of the assets of, the Company, other than the transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement (an "Acquisition Transaction"), (ii)
                                      -----------------------        
  facilitate, encourage, solicit, participate in or initiate discussions,
  negotiations or submissions of proposals or offers in respect of an
  Acquisition Transaction, (iii) furnish or cause to be furnished, to any
  Person, any information concerning the business, operations, properties or
  assets of the Company in connection with an Acquisition Transaction, or (iv)
  otherwise cooperate in any way with, or assist or participate in, facilitate
  or encourage, any effort or attempt by any other Person to do or seek any of
  the foregoing.  The Sellers will inform the Buyer in writing immediately
  following the receipt any Seller, the Company or any Agent of any proposal or
  inquiry in respect of any Acquisition Transaction.

            6.16  Publicity.  None of the Buyer, the Sellers, the Company or the
            ----  ---------                                                     
  Agents shall issue any press release or public announcement concerning this
  Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without obtaining the prior
  written approval of the other parties hereto, which approval will not be
  unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided, 
                                    --------  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              44

  however, that the Buyer may make such disclosure as the Buyer deems is
  -------
  required by Applicable Law or by the applicable rules of any stock exchange on
  which any securities of the Buyer are listed. The Sellers acknowledge and
  agree that the Buyer may disclose information concerning this Agreement to the
  extent required by law in any filing with the Securities and Exchange
  Commission or in any offering memorandum relating to a financing of the Buyer;
  provided that the Buyer shall give the Sellers' Representative an opportunity
  --------
  to review such disclosure (and an opportunity to comment thereon) to the
  extent reasonably possible.

          7.  Tax and Related Matters.
          --  ----------------------- 

               7.11  Taxes; Section 338(h)(10) Election. /9/
               ----  ----------------------------------     

            (a) (i)  At the election of the Buyer, the Buyer and the Sellers
  shall file an election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and under any
  comparable provisions of state, local, or foreign law with respect to the
  purchase of the Shares (the "Election").  No later than 60 days after the
                               --------                                    
  Closing Date the Buyer shall notify the Sellers whether the Buyer will make
  the Election.  If the Election is made, the Election Tax Cost (as determined
  hereunder) shall be paid as additional Purchase Price by the Buyer to the
  Sellers and the Buyer and Sellers shall report, in connection with the
  determination of Taxes, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in a
  manner consistent with the Election, the computation of the Election Tax Cost,
  the Modified Aggregate Deemed Sales Price (as defined below) and the Deemed
  Sales Price Allocation (as defined below).  The Sellers and the Buyer shall
  take no action which is inconsistent with the Election or its validity under
  the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations.

                  (ii)  On the Closing Date, the Sellers shall execute and
        deliver to Buyer five copies of Internal Revenue Service Form 8023
        provided by the Buyer and any similar forms under applicable state,
        local and foreign law (the "Election Forms").


- ----------
/9//  Sections 7.1 and 7.2 necessary only in the purchase agreements for
- ---                                                                     
  McClinch Equipment Services, Inc. and Grey Fox Equipment, Inc. (i.e., the S
  corporations).
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              45

                  (iii)  As soon as practicable after the Closing Date, but in
        no event later than 60 days after the Closing Date, the Buyer shall
        deliver to the Sellers a written notice of its intention to file the
        Election, together with the Buyer's calculation of (A) the Modified
        Aggregate Deemed Sales Price, (B) the allocation thereof among the
        assets of the Company in accordance with the principles of Treasury
        Regulations (S) 1.338(h)(10)-1(f)(1)(ii) (the "Deemed Sales Price
        Allocation") and (C) the Election Tax Cost.  The term "Modified
        Aggregate Deemed Sales Price" shall mean an amount resulting from the
        Election, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation (S) 1.338(h)(10)-
        1(f) without regard to items described in Treasury Regulation (S)
        1.338(h)(10)-1(f)(4) (provided that the Sellers may take such items into
        account in filing Tax Returns.)  The term "Election Tax Cost" shall
        mean, with respect to each Seller, (A) the excess, if any, of (x) the
        net ordinary income and capital gain recognized by such Seller as a
        consequence of the Election multiplied by a tax rate of 44% for ordinary
        income and 24% for capital gain, as the case may be, over (y) the net
        long-term capital gain that would have been recognized by such Seller on
        the sale of his Shares if the Election had not been made multiplied by
        24%, divided by (B) the excess of 100 percent over the applicable
        percentage described in clause (x).

                  (iv)  The Buyer shall be responsible for the preparation and
        filing of all forms and documents required in connection with the
        Election.  The Buyer shall provide the Sellers with copies of (A) any
        necessary corrections, amendments, or supplements to Form 8023, (B) all
        attachments required to be filed therewith pursuant to applicable
        Treasury Regulations, and (C) any comparable forms and attachments with
        respect to any applicable state, foreign, or local elections included as
        part of the Election.  The Sellers shall execute and deliver to the
        Buyer within five (5) days of receipt by the Sellers such documents or
        forms as are required properly to complete the Election.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              46

                  (v)  The Sellers and the Buyer shall cooperate fully with each
        other and make available to each other such Tax data and other
        information as may be reasonably required by the Sellers or the Buyer in
        order for the Buyer to (A) timely file the Election and any other
        required statements or schedules (or any amendments or supplements
        thereto), (B) compute the Modified Aggregate Deemed Sale Price and the
        Deemed Sale Price Allocation and (C) compute the Election Tax Cost.

            (b) Payment Mechanism. If the Buyer makes the Election pursuant to
            --- -----------------                                             
  Section 7.1(a), the Buyer shall pay to the Sellers the amount of the Election
  Tax Cost by March __, 1999.  The Buyer's determination of the Election Tax
  Cost shall be final and binding upon the parties to this Agreement unless
  within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Sellers of the Buyer's
  computation of the Election Tax Cost the Sellers shall have delivered to the
  Buyer a notice (an "ETC Disagreement Notice") setting forth specific
                      -----------------------                         
  objections to the amount or calculations of the Election Tax Cost.  If any ETC
  Disagreement Notice is delivered by the Sellers to the Buyer in a timely
  manner indicating objections to the amount of the Election Tax Cost, then
  during a period of ten (10) Business Days following delivery by the Sellers of
  such ETC Disagreement Notice, the Buyer and the Sellers shall attempt to
  resolve, in writing, any differences they have with respect to any matter
  specified in the ETC Disagreement Notice and to agree on the amounts of the
  calculations made in determining the Election Tax Cost.  If at the end of such
  10-Business Day period, the Buyer and the Sellers have failed to reach written
  agreement with respect to any of such matters, then either of the Buyer or the
  Sellers may submit a demand for resolution as to matters as to which they have
  failed to reach written agreement to the CPA Firm (in such capacity, the "ETC
                                                                            ---
  Accountant").  The ETC Accountant shall on or prior to the date that is thirty
  ----------                                                                    
  (30) days after any information reasonably requested by the ETC Accountant to
  be provided shall have been received by the ETC Accountant, deliver to the
  Buyer and the Sellers, a statement stating that the calculations made in
  determining the Election Tax Cost are correct or setting forth its resolution
  of any specific items of 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              47

  disagreement and a calculation of any unpaid Election Tax Cost based upon such
  resolution. The Buyer shall pay any such unpaid Election Tax Cost to the
  affected Sellers within five (5) Business Days after receipt of the ETC
  Accountant's statement. All fees and expenses payable to the ETC Accountant
  incurred in connection with such disagreement shall be borne 50% by the Buyer
  and 50% by the Sellers and all other expenses incurred in connection therewith
  shall be borne by the party incurring such expenses.

               7.2  Tax Administration.
               ---  ------------------ 

            (a) (i)  The Sellers shall prepare or cause to be prepared and shall
  timely file or cause to be timely filed all Tax Returns required to be filed
  by or on behalf of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries any of their
  respective operations and assets on or before the Closing Date (taking into
  account applicable extensions of time) and shall cause to be paid any Taxes
  shown to be due thereon.  Such Tax Returns shall be prepared in a manner
  consistent with prior practice and in accordance with applicable law.  The
  Sellers shall also prepare or cause to be prepared for the Company, in a
  manner consistent with prior practice and in accordance with applicable law
  all Tax Returns required to be filed or with respect to the Company which
  relate to taxable periods (or portions thereof) ending on or prior to the
  Closing Date ("Pre-Closing Date Tax Returns") and shall remit or cause to be
                 ----------------------------                                 
  remitted to the Buyer any and all Taxes due, to the extent such Taxes have not
  been provided for in the Closing Balance Sheet Tax Reserve, with respect to
  such Pre-Closing Date Tax Returns.  The Sellers shall deliver or cause to be
  delivered all such Pre-Closing Date Tax Returns to the Buyer not less than 20
  Business Days prior to the due date therefor.  The Buyer shall review and
  comment upon such Tax Returns, and upon the Buyer's approval thereof, the
  Buyer shall cause the Company to file such Pre-Closing Date Tax Returns.
  Expenses relating to the preparation of the Tax Returns described in the
  preceding sentences shall be borne 50% by the Buyer and 50% by the Sellers;
  provided, however, that the amount of expense incurred by the Buyer in
  --------  -------                                                     
  connection with the preparation of such Tax Returns for each of the Company,
  MES and Grey Fox shall not exceed, in the aggregate, $10,000.  Except as
  otherwise provided herein, the Buyer shall 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              48

  be responsible for preparing and filing or causing to be prepared and filed
  all Tax Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of the Company and any of
  its operations and/or assets after the Closing Date (taking into account
  applicable extensions of time) and shall, subject to this Section 7.2(a)(i)
  and Section 7.2(a)(ii) hereof, pay or cause to be paid any Taxes shown to be
  due thereon.

                  (ii)  With respect to any Tax Return required to be filed by
        the Buyer for a taxable period of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
        beginning on or before and ending on or after the Closing Date, the
        Buyer shall provide the Sellers with a statement setting forth the
        amount of Tax shown on such Tax Return for which the Sellers are
        responsible pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(i) hereof or that are allocable
        to the Sellers pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(iii) hereof (as the case may
        be) (the "Statement") at least thirty (30) Business Days prior to the
                  ---------                                                  
        due date for filing of such Tax Return (including extensions).  Not
        later than 5 business days before the due date (including extensions)
        for payment of Taxes with respect to such a Tax Return the Sellers shall
        pay to Buyer an equal amount to the Taxes shown on the Statement as
        being the responsibility of the Sellers pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(i)
        hereof or allocable to the Sellers pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(iii)
        hereof (as the case may be).  No payment pursuant to this Section
        7.2(a)(ii) shall excuse the Sellers from their indemnification
        obligations pursuant to Section 7.2(b) hereof should the amount of Taxes
        as ultimately determined (on audit or otherwise), for the periods
        covered by such Tax Returns and which are the responsibility of Sellers,
        exceed the amount of the Sellers' payment under this Section 7.2(a)(ii).

                  (iii)  The Sellers may not file any amended Tax Returns or
        refund claims in respect of any taxable period of the Company or any of
        its Subsidiaries ending on or prior to the Closing Date without the
        prior written consent of the Buyer which shall not be unreasonably
        withheld.

                  (iv)  The parties shall cooperate fully with and make
        available to one another in a timely fashion such Tax data and other
        information as 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              49

        may be reasonably required for the preparation by the Buyer or the
        Sellers, as applicable, of any Tax Returns required to be prepared and
        filed hereunder. The Sellers and the Buyer shall make available to the
        other, as reasonably requested, all information, records or documents in
        their possession relating to Tax liabilities of the Company or any of
        its Subsidiaries for all taxable periods of the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries, as the case may be, ending on, prior to or including the
        Closing Date and shall preserve all such information, records and
        documents until the expiration of any applicable Tax statute of 
        limitations or extensions thereof; provided, however, that if a 
                                           --------  -------  
        proceeding has been instituted for which the information, records or
        documents is required prior to the expiration of the applicable statute
        of limitations, such information, records or documents shall be retained
        until there is a final determination with respect to such proceeding.

            (b) (i)  The Sellers will, jointly and severally, be liable for, and
  will hold the Buyer and the Company and their respective directors, officers,
  affiliates, successors and permitted assigns (each a "Buyer Indemnified
                                                        -----------------
  Person") harmless from and against any and all Losses resulting from, arising
  out of or based upon (A) any and all Taxes for which the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries may be liable for all taxable periods ending on or before the
  Closing Date (the "Pre-Closing Period") and to the extent provided in clause
                     ------------------                                       
  (iii) below, all taxable periods that include, and end after the Closing Date
  in each case to the extent that such Taxes exceed, in the aggregate, the
  Closing Balance Sheet Tax Reserve and (B) any inaccuracy in or breach of any
  representation or warranty set forth in Section 4.7 of this Agreement;
  provided, however, that if an audit adjustment for a Pre-Closing Period (x)
  --------  -------                                                          
  gives rise to an indemnity obligation under this Section 7.3(b)(i) and (y) is
  reasonably expected to reduce the taxable income of the Company or any of its
  Subsidiaries for a taxable year or period beginning after the Closing Date
  (such estimated reduction in taxable income is referred to herein as a "Post-
                                                                          -----
  Closing Tax Benefit"), then the amount required to be indemnified by the
  -------------------                                                     
  Sellers pursuant to this Section 7.3(b)(i) shall be reduced by the "net
  present value" of such Post-Closing Tax Benefit.  The "net present
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              50

  value" of a Post-Closing Tax Benefit shall be determined by using a discount
  rate equal to [6]%. For purposes of making this determination, the parties
  shall assume that a Post-Closing Tax Benefit shall be realized by the Company
  or relevant Subsidiary at the time the relevant Tax Return is required to be
  filed for the taxable year or period in which such Post-Closing Tax Benefit is
  reasonably expected to be available and that the Company or relevant
  Subsidiary is subject to Federal income tax, and any applicable state and
  local taxes, at the maximum rates provided by law for such taxable year or
  period.

                  (ii)  The Buyer will indemnify and hold harmless the Sellers,
        any trustee of any Seller in his or her individual capacity as trustee
        and any beneficiary or trustee of any Seller in his or her capacity and
        their respective successors from and against any and all Losses
        resulting from, arising out of or based upon all Taxes for which the
        Company may be liable for all taxable periods or portions thereof
        beginning after the Closing Date.

                  (iii)  For purposes of the foregoing, if a taxable period
        begins before and ends after the Closing Date (the "Interim Period"),
                                                            --------------   
        Taxes for the portion of such taxable period ending on the Closing Date
        will be determined by an interim closing the books of the Company or its
        relevant Subsidiary and determining the amount of relevant Taxes that
        would have been due had such taxable period ended on the Closing Date,
        without regard to any events occurring after the Closing Date.  Any
        Taxes for such taxable period in excess of the foregoing amount will be
        deemed to be attributable to the portion of such taxable period
        occurring after the Closing Date.  To the extent any Taxes are not
        susceptible to such allocation, such Taxes shall be allocated by
        apportionment on the basis of elapsed days.

               7.3  Contests.
               ---  -------- 

            (a) After the Closing Date, the Buyer shall promptly notify the
  Sellers in writing of any written notice of a proposed assessment or claim in
  an audit or administrative or judicial proceeding involving the Company or any
  of its Subsidiaries 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              51

  which, if determined adversely to the Company or relevant Subsidiary, would be
  grounds for indemnification under this Article 7; provided, however, that a 
                                                    --------  -------
  failure to give such notice will not affect a Buyer Indemnified Person's right
  to indemnification hereunder except to the extent, if any, that, but for such
  failure, the Sellers could have avoided the Tax liability in question.

            (b) [Except as provided in Section 7.3(c) below,] in the case of an
  audit or administrative or judicial proceeding that relates to any Pre-Closing
  Period, the Sellers shall have the right at their own expense to control the
  conduct of such audit or proceeding; provided that within 30 days after the
                                       --------                              
  Sellers have received the written notice from the Buyer that is required under
  Section 7.3(a) above, and prior to taking any action with respect to such
  audit or administrative or judicial proceeding, the Sellers acknowledge in
  writing their joint liability under Section 7.3(b)(i) of this Agreement to
  hold any Buyer Indemnified Person harmless against the full amount of any
  adjustment which may be made as a result of such audit or proceeding that
  relates to the Pre-Closing Period (to the extent such amount exceeds the
  Closing Balance Sheet Tax Reserve after giving effect to all prior and
  concurrent payments made pursuant to Section 7.3(b)(i) of this Agreement to
  any Buyer Indemnified Person); provided, further, that the Sellers may not
                                 --------  -------                          
  agree to a settlement or compromise to any such audit or proceeding that may
  reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the tax liability of the
  Company for a taxable period after the Closing Date without the prior written
  consent of the Buyer which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld;
  provided, further, that if the Buyer does not consent to such settlement or
  --------  -------                                                          
  compromise, the Sellers' liability to indemnify the Buyer as a result of such
  audit or proceeding shall be limited to the amount that the Sellers would have
  paid had the Buyer consented to such settlement or compromise.  The Buyer also
  may participate in any such audit or proceeding at its own expense and, if the
  Sellers do not assume the defense of any such audit or proceeding, the Buyer
  may defend the same at its own expense in such manner as it may deem
  appropriate, including, but not limited to, settling such audit or proceeding,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              52

  without any effect to any Buyer Indemnified Person's right to indemnification
  under this Article 7.

             [(c)  Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, any contest and/or
   settlement of any issue raised in an official inquiry, examination or
   proceeding that relates to the validity or effect of the Election will be
   conducted by the Buyer and the Company.] /10/

             (d) In the case of an audit or administrative or judicial
   proceeding that relates to the Interim Period, the Buyer shall have the right
   at its own expense to control the conduct of such audit or proceeding;
   provided that the Buyer may not agree to a settlement or compromise in any
   --------                                                                  
   such audit or proceeding without the prior written consent of the Seller's
   Representative (as defined in Section 12.5 below), which consent shall not be
   unreasonably withheld.  The Sellers also may participate in any such audit or
   proceeding at their own expense and, if the Buyer does not assume the defense
   of any such audit or proceeding, the Sellers may defend the same at its own
   expense in such manner as it may deem appropriate, including, but not limited
   to, settling such audit or proceeding, without any effect to the Sellers'
   right to indemnification under this Article 7.

          8.  Environmental Matters.
          --  --------------------- 

               8.1  The Phase I Investigations.
               ---  -------------------------- 

            (a) Within five days of the execution of this Agreement, the Buyer
  shall retain, at its sole expense, an environmental consulting firm reasonably
  acceptable to the Sellers (the "Phase I Consultant") to perform an
                                  ------------------                
  environmental assessment for the Properties in accordance with ASTM Phase I
  Standard E 1527 and other sound practices and procedures normally employed in
  the Phase I process (the "Phase I Assessments").  The Phase I Assessments
                            -------------------                            
  shall be completed as soon as is reasonably practicable.  The Phase I
  Consultant shall report its findings simultaneously to the Buyer and the
  Sellers both orally and in writing.


- ----------
/10//  Bracketed language applicable to S Corporations only.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              53

            (b) With respect to the leased Properties, the Phase I Assessment
  shall provide the Phase I Consultant's estimate of the range of costs, from
  the reasonable best to reasonable worst case, to remediate known or reasonably
  suspected Releases of Hazardous Materials, on the leased Properties for which
  the Company is obligated under Environmental Laws to perform Remedial Action,
  or for which the Company would be obligated to perform Remedial Action if the
  relevant Governmental Authorities were aware of the Release. The Phase I
  Consultant shall also provide estimates for expenditures necessary to correct
  violations of Environmental Laws on the leased Properties.  The Phase I
  Consultant shall assume the use of the most cost-effective, reasonable and
  timely Remedial Action and shall consider the Company's status as a lessee in
  evaluating the Company's potential obligations under Environmental Laws.

            (c) With respect to the Owned Real Properties for which sufficient
  sampling data exists to enable the Phase I Consultant to provide a reasonable
  range of estimates, the Phase I Assessment shall provide the Phase I
  Consultant's estimate of the range of cost, from the reasonable best to
  reasonable worst case, to remediate known or reasonably suspected Releases of
  Hazardous Materials for which there is an obligation under Environmental Laws
  on the part of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to perform
  Remedial Action, or for which there would be such an obligation, if relevant
  Governmental Authorities had notice of the Release.  The Phase I Consultant
  shall also provide estimates for the expenditures necessary to correct
  violations of Environmental Laws on the Owned Properties.  In making its
  estimates, the Phase I Consultant shall assume the use of the most cost-
  effective, reasonable and timely Remedial Action.  With respect to known or
  reasonably suspected Releases of Hazardous Materials at the Owned Real
  Properties where there is not sufficient information to enable the Phase I
  Consultant to estimate reasonably the ranges of costs of the most cost-
  effective, timely and reasonable Remedial Action, the Phase I Assessment shall
  recommend appropriate media sampling.

            8.2  The Phase II Investigations.  In the event that the Phase I
            ---  ---------------------------                                
  Report concludes that media sampling is necessary at one or more of the Owned
  Real Properties, 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              54

  the Buyer shall retain at its sole expense an environmental consulting firm 
                                                             
  reasonably acceptable to the Sellers (the "Phase II Consultant") to perform 
                                             -------------------
  the necessary Phase II assessments (the "Phase II Assessment") using 
                                           -------------------
  subcontractors of its choice. For properties subject to the Phase II process,
  the Phase II Consultant shall be required to provide simultaneously to the
  Buyer and the Sellers a report identifying each identified Release of
  Hazardous Materials, or violation of Environmental Laws, not addressed in the
  Phase I Assessments for which there is an obligation under Environmental Law
  on the part of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to undertake
  Remedial Action (which could include further investigation), or for which
  there would be such an obligation if the relevant Governmental Authorities had
  notice of the Release or violation, and estimating the range of costs from the
  reasonable best to reasonable worst case, of the actions reasonably necessary
  to perform such Remedial Action. The Phase I Assessments prepared pursuant to
  paragraph 8.1 and the Phase II Assessments are hereinafter referred to
  collectively as the "Assessments."

            8.3  Certain Procedures Relating to the Consultant's Estimates.
            ---  --------------------------------------------------------- 

            (a) The Phase I and II Consultants' estimates shall be based upon
  the assumption that the Buyer covenants (which the Buyer hereby does) to
  undertake, or cause the Company to undertake, all reasonable actions necessary
  to insure that the remediation of any area, or the correction of any violation
  of Environmental Law, is accomplished in the most cost-effective, timely,
  reasonable manner consistent with the present uses of the Properties, and that
  the least onerous soil and groundwater cleanup criteria available under
  applicable Environmental Laws are used in any such remediation. To the extent
  reasonably necessary to achieve no further action status, such actions by the
  Buyer and the Company shall include, but not be limited to, the execution of
  consents by the Buyer and the Company to restrict the future use of the
  Properties to commercial/industrial uses such as those in existence as of the
  Closing Date.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              55

            (b) For each area or violation, the Consultants' estimates may be
  made in ranges in which event the seventy-fifth percent of the range shall be
  deemed to be the estimate for the purposes of this Agreement.

            (c) In making its estimates, the Consultants shall assume that the
  Company has responsibility for all investigative and remedial obligations that
  must be performed under Environmental Laws (if any) as a result of the
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            8.4  Review of the Estimated Costs of Remediation.  In the event
            ---  --------------------------------------------               
  that either the Buyer or the Sellers disagree with the Phase I or Phase II
  Consultants' estimate of the cost of necessary compliance action or Remedial
  Action, then either (or both) may submit such disagreement to an independent
  environmental consultant mutually acceptable to the Buyer and the Sellers'
  Representative (the "Independent Consultant") for a final and binding
                       ----------------------                          
  determination.  If the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative cannot agree on
  the independent engineer, he or she shall be appointed by the President of the
  National Society of Professional Engineers.  Proceedings before the
  Independent Consultant shall be restricted to the submission to him or her of
  the Phase I Assessment and Phase II Assessment, and a statement of position
  with one supporting affidavit by each party.  Each statement of position shall
  set forth the Parties' estimate of the costs of the remediation or capital
  improvements reasonably necessary to achieve compliance with Environmental
  Laws for each area at which Releases of Hazardous Materials have been
  documented in the Phase I Assessments and/or Phase II Assessments based upon
  the standards set forth in this Section 8.  The statements of position of each
  of the Buyer and the Sellers shall be submitted to the Independent Consultant
  within 10 days of his or her appointment.  The Independent Consultant shall,
  within 14 days of receipt of such statements, issue a report accepting the
  estimate of one or the other party for each area in dispute (the "Independent
                                                                    -----------
  Consultant's Report").  The Independent Consultant may employ counsel to
  -------------------                                                     
  assist it in the review process.  Costs of the Independent Consultant and its
  counsel shall be borne 50 percent by the Buyer and 50 percent by the Sellers.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              56

            8.5  The Sellers' Indemnification of Buyer.  Subject to Sections
            ---  -------------------------------------                      
  12.1(c), 12.4 and 14.2, Sellers will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the
  Buyer Indemnitees (as defined in Section 12.1) from all Pre-Closing
  Environmental Losses. For the purposes of this Agreement, "Pre-Closing
                                                             -----------
  Environmental Losses" means (1) all costs and expenses necessary to implement
  --------------------                                                         
  Remedial Action on the Owned Real Properties for which a determination has
  been made in the Phase I Assessment or Phase II Assessment that (i) Remedial
  Action by the Company or any Subsidiaries of the Company is necessary to
  discharge obligations under (or to cure violations of) Environmental Laws or
  (ii) such Remedial Action would be necessary if applicable Governmental
  Authorities had been notified of conditions on the Owned Real Properties;
  provided that costs and expenses shall be subject to indemnification under
  --------                                                                  
  this clause (ii) only if incurred in connection with a suit (whether brought
  by a Person or Governmental Entity), or an order, investigation or directive
  of a Governmental Entity commenced prior to the third anniversary of the
  Closing Date; and (2) Losses arising out of or relating to any breach of the
  representations in Section 4.21 hereof; provided that in each of subsections
                                          --------                            
  (1) and (2) above the aggregate Losses that the Sellers shall be obligated to
  pay under this Agreement with respect to Remedial Action in connection with
  Owned Real Property shall not exceed the aggregate estimated remediation costs
  at the Owned Real Properties set forth in the Phase I Assessments and the
  Phase II Assessments, in each case as modified by the Independent Consultant's
  Report and reduced by any amounts the Buyer or the Company pays to perform
  Remedial Action at such properties which would be subject to indemnification
  under Article 8.5 but for the existence of the basket as established in
  Section 12.1(c).

            8.6  Buyer's Indemnification of the Sellers.  Except with respect to
            ---  --------------------------------------                         
  Losses for which the Buyer is entitled to indemnification under Section 8.5,
  the Buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and save harmless Seller Indemnitees (as
  defined in Section 12.2) from and against any Losses under or relating to
  Environmental Laws incurred by the Seller Indemnitees resulting from, arising
  out of, relating to, the operation of the Business or condition of the
  Properties, whether before or after the Closing Date; provided, the Buyer
                                                        --------           
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              57

  shall not be obligated to indemnify Seller Indemnitees for Losses resulting
  from, arising out of, or related to the operation of the Business or condition
  of the Properties before the Closing Date to the extent such Losses were
  caused by the Seller Indemnitees' willful misconduct, violation of standards
  under Environmental Laws, or to the extent such Losses arose out of a
  condition on the Properties of which the Seller Indemnitees had knowledge
  prior to the Closing Date, but concerning which the Sellers failed to make a
  disclosure to the Buyer or the Phase I Consultant prior to such time.

            8.7  Exclusive Remedy. Except with respect to claims for fraud, the
            ---  ----------------                                              
  environmental indemnities in this Article shall be the sole and exclusive
  remedy of the parties with respect to Losses under or relating to
  Environmental Laws arising out of the operation of the Business or the
  condition of the Properties prior to the Closing Date.  The Buyer and the
  Sellers specifically agree that, except to the extent that this Agreement is
  held to be invalid or is unenforceable, they will not now or in the future
  pursue any claims against one another, including, but not limited to, claims
  pursuant to CERCLA or any analogous state law, with respect to environmental
  matters arising out of the operation of the Business prior to the Closing Date
  or conditions on, in, under or about the Properties as of the Closing Date
  except as provided in this Agreement.

            8.8  Limitation of Sellers' Duty to Indemnify.  Notwith standing
            ---  ----------------------------------------                   
  anything herein to the contrary, the Sellers' obligation to indemnify the
  Buyer Indemnitees pursuant to this Article 8 is limited to matters for which
  an "Environmental Claim Notice" (as defined below) has been received by the
      --------------------------                                             
  Sellers (a) within 180 days after the Closing Date with respect to the matters
  referred to in clause (1)(i) of the definition of Pre-Closing Environmental
  Losses or (b) on or prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date with
  respect to matters referred to in clauses 1(ii) and (2) of the definition of
  Pre-Closing Environmental Losses.

            8.9  Expenses in the Ordinary Course Excluded from Indemnification.
            ---  -------------------------------------------------------------  
  Environmental Liabilities indemnifiable pursuant to this Article 8 shall not
  include costs or expenses of nonremedial or noncorrective activities
  undertaken in the ordinary course of 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              58

  business by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after the Closing Date,
  including, without limitation, costs or expenses relating to the routine
  disposal of Hazardous Substances lawfully accumulated, sampling undertaken
  pursuant to a Permit, or routine maintenance of environmental control
  facilities unless undertaken to cure Pre-Closing violations of Environmental
  Laws.

               8.10  Control of Remedial Action.
               ----  -------------------------- 

            (a) In the event that the transactions contemplated by this
  Agreement trigger any investigative or remedial obligations under
  Environmental Laws with respect to the Properties, including any
  responsibility under the Connecticut Real Property Transfer Act and the New
  Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act, the Company shall have responsibility for
  the discharge of such obligations; provided that Losses incurred by the
                                     --------                            
  Company to discharge any such obligation shall be subject to the
  indemnification by the Sellers to the extent provided in this Article 8.

            (b) Until exhaustion of the basket established by Section 12.1(c),
  the Company shall have the exclusive right to manage and control all Remedial
  Actions for which Buyer would be entitled to indemnification (but for the
  Section 12.1(c) basket), and to negotiate with and fulfill any requirements of
  or claims by a Governmental Entity or other Person with respect to any such
  matter; provided Buyer shall keep the Sellers' Representative informed of all
          --------                                                             
  material developments, and provided further the Sellers' Representative (or
  its designee) shall have the right to attend and observe negotiations/
  meetings with relevant Governmental Entities.

            (c) The Sellers shall have the exclusive right to manage and control
  all Remedial Actions for which the Buyer is fully indemnified hereunder and to
  negotiate with any fulfill any requirements of or claims by a Governmental
  Entity or other Person with respect to any such matter; provided that such
                                                          --------          
  remediation  (and any settlement, agreement or ongoing obligations imposed in
  connection therewith) shall not unreasonably interfere with the Buyer's or the
  Company's use of the Properties, and provided further, that the Buyer shall
                                       -------- -------                      
  have the right to attend and observe negotiations/meetings with relevant
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              59

  Governmental Entities and participate in any negotiations with respect to
  operational or use restrictions; provided further, that the Buyer shall have
                                   -------- -------                           
  the right to take control of any Remedial Actions if (i) the Sellers fail to
  diligently conduct the Remedial Action in light of an order or directive of a
  Governmental Entity and Sellers fail to implement the same within 30 days of
  receipt of notice from the Buyer or the Company or (ii) Buyer reasonably
  determines that the Sellers are failing to adequately protect the environment,
  human health or safety, including the health and safety of the Company's
  employees.

            8.11  Environmental Indemnification Procedure.  In order to seek
            ----  ---------------------------------------                   
  indemnification under this Article 8, the party seeking indemnification (the
  "Indemnified Party") must submit to the party from which indemnification is
  ------------------                                                         
  being sought (the "Indemnifying Party") (1) within 60 days of the discovery by
                     ------------------                                         
  the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company of a matter which is likely to give
  rise to indemnifiable Losses relating to environmental matters, and (2) within
  30 days of receipt of a directive from a Governmental Entity or notice of
  claim by a third party, a written notice of the claim for indemnification (an
  "Environmental Claim Notice") which shall include a copy of the such directive
   --------------------------                                                   
  or notice of a third-party claim, if any; provided, however, failure to
                                            --------  -------            
  promptly submit an Environmental Claim Notice shall not result in a loss of
  the right to indemnification pursuant to this Article except to the extent
  that it results in actual prejudice to the Indemnifying Party.

            8.12  Access to Information.  The Indemnified Party shall provide to
            ----  ---------------------                                         
  the Indemnifying Party reasonable access to all information (including
  documentary records, physical conditions and personnel at any property that is
  the subject of the claim for indemnification) necessary to evaluate the claim
  for indemnification contained in an Environmental Claim Notice.

            8.13  Matters Involving Third Parties.  If any Governmental Entity
            ----  -------------------------------                             
  or other third party shall notify an Indemnified Party with respect to any
  matter which may give rise to a claim for indemnification against any
  Indemnifying Party under this Agreement, then the Indemnified Party shall
  notify the Indemnifying Party thereof promptly; provided, 
                                                  --------  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              60

  however, that no delay on the part of the Indemnified Party in notifying the 
  -------
  Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability or
  obligation hereunder unless (and then solely to the extent) the Indemnifying
  Party thereby is actually prejudiced. In the event any Indemnifying Party
  notifies the Indemnified Party within 15 days after the Indemnified Party has
  given notice of the matter that the Indemnifying Party is assuming the defense
  thereof, (i) the Indemnifying Party will defend the Indemnified Party against
  the matter with counsel of its choice reasonably satisfactory to the
  Indemnified Party, (ii) the Indemnified Party may retain separate co-counsel
  at its sole cost and expense (except that the Indemnifying Party will be
  responsible for the fees and expenses of the separate co-counsel if the
  Indemnified Party concludes reasonably that the counsel the Indemnifying Party
  has selected has a conflict of interest with the Indemnified Party), (iii) the
  Indemnified Party will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into
  any settlement with respect to the matter without the written consent of the
  Indemnifying Party (not to be withheld unreasonably), and (iv) the
  Indemnifying Party will not consent to the entry of any judgment with respect
  to the matter, or enter into any settlement which does not include a provision
  whereby the plaintiff or claimant in the matter releases the Indemnified Party
  from all Loss with respect thereto, without the written consent of the
  Indemnified Party (not to be withheld unreasonably). In the event the
  Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within 15 days after
  the Indemnified Party has given notice of the matter that the Indemnifying
  Party is assuming the defense thereof, or does not timely thereafter assume
  such defense, the Indemnified Party may defend against, or enter into any
  settlement with respect to, the matter in any manner consistent with the terms
  of this Section at the expense of the Indemnifying Party.

          9.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Buyer to Close. The
          --  ------------------------------------------------------------     
obligation of the Buyer to complete the Closing is subject to the fulfillment on
or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any one or more of
which may be waived by the Buyer to the extent permitted by Applicable Law:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              61

            9.1  Representations and Covenants.  All representations and
            ---  -----------------------------                          
  warranties of the Sellers contained herein that are qualified as to
  materiality shall be true and correct, and the representations and warranties
  of the Sellers contained herein not qualified as to materiality shall be true
  and correct in all material respects, at and as of the Closing Date with the
  same effect as though those representations and warranties had been made again
  at and as of the Closing Date, except for those specifically relating to a
  date other than the Closing Date, in which case at and as of such date.  The
  Sellers shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
  covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or
  complied with by the Sellers on or prior to the Closing Date.  The Sellers
  shall have delivered to the Buyer a certificate, dated the Closing Date and
  signed by or on behalf of each of the Sellers, to the foregoing effect.

            9.2  HSR Act Filing.  Any Person required in connection with the
            ---  --------------                                             
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement to file a notification and report
  form in compliance with the HSR Act shall have filed such form and the
  applicable waiting period with respect to each such form (including any
  extension thereof by reason of a request for additional information) shall
  have expired or been terminated.

            9.3  No Injunction or Violation of Law.  No order, statute, rule,
            ---  ---------------------------------                           
  regulation, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction shall have
  been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any court or Governmental
  Entity which prohibits or prevents the consummation of the transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement and which has not been stayed or vacated by the
  Closing Date.  The Buyer and each of the Sellers shall each use their
  reasonable best efforts and shall cooperate with each other to have any such
  order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or
  injunction vacated or stayed.

            9.4  Title Policies.  The Sellers shall have delivered or caused to
            ---  --------------                                                
  be delivered, prior to or on the Closing Date, title insurance policies
  relating to each Owned Real Property set forth on Schedule 4.10(a) (other than
                                                    ----------------            
  185 Thorpe Street) insuring such Owned Real property in the amount set forth
  in Schedule 9.4 with respect to such property.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              62

            9.5  Simultaneous Closing.  The transactions contemplated by (i)
            ---  --------------------                                       
  that certain Share Purchase Agreement (the "MES Agreement") dated of even date
                                              -------------                     
  herewith, by and among the Buyer and the shareholders of McClinch Equipment
  Services, Inc., a Connecticut corporation ("MES") and (ii) that certain Share
                                              ---                              
  Purchase Agreement ("Grey Fox Agreement") dated of even date herewith, by and
                       ------------------                                      
  among the Buyer and the shareholders of Grey Fox Equipment, Inc., a
  Connecticut corporation ("Grey Fox"), shall be consummated simultaneously with
                            --------                                            
  the transactions contemplated hereby.

            9.6  Resignations.  The Buyer shall have received the written
            ---  ------------                                            
  resignations of each of the officers and directors of the Company and releases
  in the form of Exhibit F from each Seller other than Robert Russo and Ernest
  Pierson.

            9.7  Reports.  The Buyer shall have obtained the Phase I Assessment
            ---  -------                                                       
  and Phase II Assessment reports as contemplated by Article 8 and, to the
  extent required by Article 8, the Independent Consultant's Report.

            9.8  Escrow Agreement.  The Buyer shall have received a copy of the
            ---  ----------------                                              
  Escrow Agreement, executed by the Sellers' Representative and the Escrow
  Agent.

            9.9  Legal Opinions.  The Buyer shall have received the opinions of
            ---  --------------                                                
  Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Brody & Ober, P.C., counsel to
  the Sellers, addressed to the Buyer, in form and substance reasonably
  acceptable to Buyer.

            9.10  Affidavits.  Each of the Sellers shall have provided Buyer
            ----  ----------                                                
  with an affidavit of non-foreign status that complies with Section 1445 of the
  Code.

            9.11  Affiliate Contracts.  Buyer shall have received evidence
            ----  -------------------                                     
  satisfactory to it that all Contracts between the Company or any Subsidiary
  and any of its Affiliates (other than MES and Grey Fox) shall have been fully
  discharged and terminated as of the Closing Date without any further liability
  (contingent or otherwise) of the Company thereunder.

            9.12  Certificates.  Buyer shall have received certificates of good
            ----  ------------                                                 
  standing with respect to the Company and each of its Subsidiaries issued by
  the Secretary of 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              63

  State or comparable official of their respective jurisdiction of organization
  and for each jurisdiction in which they are qualified to do business as a
  foreign corporation.

            9.13  Lease of Company Headquarters.  Terrance J. McClinch or his
            ----  -----------------------------                              
  Affiliates shall have entered into a 7-year, triple net lease arrangement for
  the Company's present headquarters at 185 Thorpe Street, Fairfield, CT 06430
  substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B. /11/

            9.14  Employment/Consulting Agreements.  Each of Ernest Pierson and
            ----  --------------------------------                             
  Robert Russo shall have executed and delivered the Employment Agreement, and
  Terrance J. McClinch shall have executed and delivered the Consulting
  Agreement in the form of Exhibits C, D and E, respectively, attached hereto.

            9.15  Release of Guarantees. The guarantees by the Company and its
            ----  ---------------------                                       
  Subsidiaries of (i) the synthetic aircraft lease between Fleet Capital
  Corporation and McClinch Aviation, Inc., and (ii) the mortgage loan by Fleet
  National Bank (formerly Shawmut Bank Connecticut, N.A.) to 185 Thorpe Street
  Corporation, shall each be terminated.

            9.16  Material Adverse Effect.  No event having a Material Adverse
            ----  -----------------------                                     
  Effect shall have occurred, other than (i) termination by any customer or
  distributor of a contract or relationship with the Company primarily as a
  result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) other adverse
  events occurring solely as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
  Agreement or (iii) the occurrence of a default under, or termination of any
  Contracts listed on Schedule 4.6(a) occurring solely as a result of the
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          10.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Sellers to Close.
          ---  --------------------------------------------------------------  
The obligation of the Sellers to complete the Closing is subject, to the
fulfillment on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any one
or more of which may be unanimously waived by the Sellers to the extent
permitted by Applicable Law.


- ----------
/11//  Note to draft:  For McClinch, Inc. Agreement only.
- ---                                                     
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              64

            10.1  Representations and Covenants.  All representations and
            ----  -----------------------------                          
  warranties of the Buyer contained herein that are qualified as to materiality
  shall be true and correct, and the representations and warranties of the Buyer
  contained herein not qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in
  all material respects, at and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as
  though those representations and warranties had been made again at and as of
  the Closing Date, except for those specifically relating to a date other than
  the Closing Date, in which case at and as of such date.  The Buyer shall have
  performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and
  agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it
  on or prior to the Closing Date.  The Buyer shall have delivered to the
  Sellers a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an authorized
  officer of the Buyer, to the foregoing effect.

            10.2  HSR Act Filing.  Any Person required in connection with the
            ----  --------------                                             
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement to file a notification and report
  form in compliance with the HSR Act shall have filed such form and the
  applicable waiting period with respect to each such form (including any
  extension thereof by reason of a request for additional information) shall
  have expired or been terminated.

            10.3  No Injunction or Violation of Law. No order, statute, rule,
            ----  ---------------------------------                          
  regulation, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction shall have
  been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any court or Governmental
  Entity which prohibits or prevents the consummation of the transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement and which has not been stayed or vacated by the
  Closing Date.  The Buyer and each of the Sellers shall each use their best
  efforts and shall cooperate with each other to have any such order, statute,
  rule, regulation, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction
  vacated or stayed.

             [10.4  United Rentals, Inc. Warrants.  Terrance J. McClinch, Ernest
                    -----------------------------                               
   Pierson and Robert Russo shall each have received a 10 year warrant
   (collectively, the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              65

   "URI Warrants") to purchase $200,000 worth of common stock of the Buyer 
    ------------                                             
   ("Buyer Common Stock") substantially in the form attached hereto as 
     ------------------                                            
   Exhibit A.] /12/

            10.5  Lease of Company Headquarters.  The Company shall have entered
            ----  -----------------------------                                 
  into a 7-year, triple net lease arrangement for the Company's present
  headquarters at 185 Thorpe Street, Fairfield, CT 06430 substantially in the
  form attached hereto as Exhibit B. /13/

            10.6  Employment/Consulting Agreements.  The Buyer and the Company
            ----  --------------------------------                            
  shall have executed and delivered to each of Ernest Pierson and Robert Russo
  an Employment Agreement and (ii) the Buyer shall have executed and delivered
  to Terrance J. McClinch a Consulting Agreement in the form of Exhibits C, D
  and E, respectively, attached hereto.

            10.7  Simultaneous Closing.  The transactions contemplated by (i)
            ----  --------------------                                       
  the MES Agreement and (ii) the Grey Fox Agreement shall be consummated
  simultaneously with the transactions consummated by this Agreement.

            10.8  Reports.  The Sellers shall have received copies of the Phase
            ----  -------                                                      
  I Assessment and Phase II Assessment reports as contemplated by Article 8 and,
  to the extent required by Article 8, the Independent Consultant's Report.

            10.9  Escrow Agreement.  The Sellers shall have received a copy of
            ----  ----------------                                            
  the Escrow Agreement, executed by each of the Buyer and the Escrow Agent.

            10.10  Legal Opinion.  The Sellers shall have received the opinion
            -----  -------------                                              
  of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, counsel to the Buyer, addressed to the Sellers
  in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Sellers.

            10.11  Certificate.  Sellers shall have received a certificate of
            -----  -----------                                               
  good standing of the Buyer issued by the Secretary of State of the State of
  Delaware.

          11.  Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
          ---  ----------------------------------------------------- 

- ----------
/12//  Note to draft: For MES Agreement only.  
/13//  Note to draft:  For McClinch, Inc. Agreement only.
- ---                                                     
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              66

            11.1  General Survival.  Except as otherwise provided in this
            ----  ----------------                                       
  Article 11, all representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and
  obligations of each party contained herein, shall expire twenty-four (24)
  months after the Closing Date, except for (i) covenants or obligations which
  by their terms shall be performed after the Closing which shall survive the
  Closing and not expire unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, (ii) the
  representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1 and 4.7 shall survive
  the Closing Date until the expiration of any applicable statute of
  limitations, including extensions thereof, (iii) the representations and
  warranties contained in Section 4.21 shall survive the Closing Date and expire
  thirty-six (36) months after the Closing Date, and (iv) the representations
  and warranties in Section 4.10(a) and the first sentence of Section 4.10(c)
  shall not survive the Closing.

          12.  General Indemnification.
          ---  ----------------------- 

               12.1  Indemnification of the Buyer.
               ----  ---------------------------- 

            (a) Indemnification with Respect to Representations.  Subject to
            --- -----------------------------------------------             
  Sections 12.1(c), 12.4 and 14.2, the Sellers hereby agree to, jointly and
  severally, indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer, its directors, officers,
  employees, agents, Affiliates, successors and assigns, the Company and its
  Subsidiaries (the "Buyer Indemnitees") from and against all losses,
                     -----------------                               
  liabilities, obligations, damages, costs (including costs of investigation)
  and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' and other professionals' fees
  and expenses) (collectively, the "Losses") actually incurred as a result of,
                                    ------                                    
  or attributable to any inaccuracy in, or breach of, any representation,
  warranty, covenant or agreement of the Sellers in this Agreement; provided
                                                                    --------
  that this Section 12.1 (a) shall not apply to any obligation of the Sellers to
  indemnify with respect to (i) Taxes, which shall be governed exclusively by
  Article 7, (ii) Losses relating to matters referred in Article 8, which shall
  be governed exclusively by such Article and (iii) Losses relating to the
  noncollection of accounts receivable which shall be governed exclusively by
  Section 12.1(b).

            (b) Indemnification for Accounts Receivable.  From and after the
            --- ---------------------------------------                     
  Closing Date, the Buyer shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to
  cause the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              67

  Company and its Subsidiaries to collect payment of all trade accounts
  receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries. In the event that the Buyer
  and the Company, after using their commercially reasonable best efforts
  consistent with the past practices of the Company and its Subsidiaries to
  collect payment in full of any Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable (as
  defined below), has not received payment in full (net of bad debt reserves and
  credit memo reserves reflected on the Audited Closing Balance Sheet (as
  increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the Resolved Objections and the
  CPA--Determined Differences)) on or before the Due Date (as defined below),
  the Buyer shall notify the Sellers' Representative of such event (which notice
  shall set forth the amount of such Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable, the
  name of the customer and the Due Date with respect thereto). Upon receipt of
  any such notice from the Buyer, the Sellers' Representative shall review the
  information set forth therein. If the Sellers' Representative so requests, the
  Buyer shall make available to the Sellers' Representative such additional
  information which is in the possession and control of either the Buyer, the
  Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries with respect to such
  Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable as the Sellers' Representative may
  reasonably require. Subject to Sections 12.1(c), 12.4 and 14.2, within fifteen
  (15) days of the receipt by the Sellers' Representative of such notice (or
  such later date as is reasonably required for the Sellers' Representative to
  review any additional information received from the Buyer at the request of
  the Sellers' Representative), the Sellers shall pay to the Buyer, an amount
  equal to the excess of (A) the amount of such Reimbursable Trade Account
  Receivable that remains past due and unpaid after the Due Date over (B) any
  amount for which a reserve with respect to such Reimbursable Trade Account
  Receivable has been established on the Audited Closing Balance Sheet (either
  as a bad debt reserve or a credit memo reserve); provided that the Sellers
                                                   --------                 
  shall have no obligation to pay (i) any amount under this Section if the Buyer
  (x) fails to keep and maintain the collection operation of the Company and its
  Subsidiaries in its present location under the supervision of Ernest Pierson
  or, in the case Mr. Pierson is not employed by the Buyer and was not
  terminated without cause (as determined under Mr. Pierson's 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              68

  Employment Agreement), his replacement, and (y) reduces the size or the salary
  level of the staff below the present level or changes (adversely) the
  commission basis for salesmen or (z) reduces the collection expense budget
  below that which is consistent with past practice or (ii) to the extent the
  Buyer takes any action which would reduce such Reimbursable Trade Account
  Receivable or otherwise interfere with its collection in full. From time to
  time at the request of the Sellers' Representative, the Buyer shall supply the
  Sellers with such information as the Sellers' Representative may reasonably
  request concerning the aging of the Reimbursable Trade Accounts Receivable of
  the Company and its Subsidiaries and any conversion of the Company's computer
  system referred to below. As used herein, the term "Reimbursable Trade Account
                                                      --------------------------
  Receivable" shall mean any trade account receivable of the Company (i)
  ----------
  reflected in the Audited Closing Balance Sheet, (ii) for which payment has not
  been withheld or disputed as a result of any right of setoff or other claim
  against the Buyer, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in respect of
  transactions arising after the Closing Date and (iii) which does not reflect
  any other concession made after the Closing Date by the Buyer, the Company or
  any Subsidiary of the Company to the customer in respect of such trade account
  receivable. Except as specified in respect of any payment received, all
  payments received from a customer shall be applied first against the oldest
  receivables with respect to such customer.  As used herein, the term "Due
                                                                        ---
  Date" with respect to the Reimbursable Trade Account Receivables shall mean
  180 days after the Closing Date; provided, however that in the event that it
                                   --------                                   
  is necessary for the Buyer to undertake a conversion of the Company's computer
  system, the Due Date shall be extended for any period in which the Company's
  computer system with respect to trade accounts receivable is not fully
  operational.  To the extent that the Buyer has not collected the full amount
  of any Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable and the Buyer has been
  compensated therefor as set forth in this Section 12.1(b), the Buyer shall
  transfer and assign all right, title and interest in an any such Reimbursable
  Trade Account Receivable to the Sellers, free of any Liens.  It is agreed and
  understood that in exercising "commercially reasonable best efforts" in
  connection with the collection of accounts receivable pursuant to 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              69

  this Section, the Buyer and the Company shall have no obligation to take any
  action out of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice of
  the Business; provided that the Buyer agrees that it shall (consistent with
                --------
  past practice of the Business) commence or threaten any litigation or prepare
  or file any proof of claim in any bankruptcy or similar proceeding or incur
  such expenses (consistent with past practice of the Business) to collect such
  receivables.

            (c) Limitation on Indemnification Obligations.  The indemnification
            --- -----------------------------------------                      
  provided for in Article 8 and Article 12 shall be subject to the following
  limitations:

                  (i)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
        notwithstanding, no indemnification payment shall be made pursuant to
        this Agreement (other than pursuant to Sections 1.2, 6.4, 6.11 and 6.14
        and Article 7 hereof) except to the extent that the amounts which would
        otherwise be payable under this Agreement (other than pursuant to
        Sections 1.2, 6.4, 6.11 and 6.14 and Article 7 hereof) would
        collectively aggregate at least $600,000 (the "Minimum Amount") and such
                                                       --------------           
        Minimum Amount shall be deducted from the aggregate amount payable under
        such provisions;

                  (ii)  In no event shall the Sellers have any obligation or
        liability to pay any amounts pursuant this Agreement (other than
        pursuant to Sections 1.2, 6.4 and 6.11 and Article 7 hereof) in excess
        of $56,300,000; provided that in no event shall the Sellers be obligated
                        --------                                                
        to pay more than $22,520,000 with respect to claims made under this
        Agreement (other than pursuant to Sections 1.2 and 6.4 and Article 7
        hereof) by a Buyer Indemnitee on or after 180 days after the Closing
        Date;

                  (iii)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the
        Buyer shall have no right to any indemnification under this Article 12
        for any matter to the extent (i) the Net Worth of the Company was
        reduced because of such matter and either Buyer did not dispute the
        amount of the reduction in the Audited Closing 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              70

        Balance Sheet or the dispute as to the amount of the reduction was
        resolved pursuant to Section 1.2, or (ii) the matter relates to whether
        any item of Equipment was Rental Ready or missing or the fair market
        value or cost of repair or replacement of any item of Equipment and such
        matter was not disputed or was disputed in determining the amounts
        payable under Section 6.14 and resolved as contemplated by Section 6.14;

                  (iv)  In no event shall the Sellers be liable for loss of
        profits or consequential damages; and

                  (v)  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
        contrary, the Sellers shall not be obligated to indemnify the Buyer
        Indemnities with respect to any Losses to the extent of (A) any proceeds
        received in connection with such Losses by the Company or any Subsidiary
        of the Company under any insurance policy of the Company or any
        Subsidiary of the Company in effect on the Closing Date (including,
        without limitation, the insurance policy described in Section 6.12  to
        be purchased pursuant to such Section 6.12 (each, a "Company Insurance
                                                             -----------------
        Policy")); (B) any proceeds recoverable in connection with such Losses
        ------                                                                
        by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company under any applicable
        warranty claim, which claims the Buyer hereby undertakes to pursue using
        its commercially reasonable best efforts; and (C) any amounts
        recoverable by the Buyer, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from
        customers or other third parties who are, in whole or in part,
        responsible for such Losses, and the Buyer hereby undertakes to use its
        commercially reasonable best efforts to pursue such claims; it being
        agreed that the Buyer shall use commercially reasonable best efforts
        (including threatening or instituting proceedings) to recover amounts
        referred to in clause (A), (B) or (C) of this clause (v) but the Buyer
        shall have no obligation to threaten or institute proceedings against
        any insurance carrier; provided, that this clause (v) shall not be
                               --------                                   
        applicable with respect to any amounts described in (A), (B) or (C)
        above which are not received by the Company or the Buyer following the
        exercise 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              71

        of the Buyer's undertakings therein and only if, upon payment of the
        relevant indemnification claims by the Sellers, all of the Buyer's or
        the Company's right, title and interest in and to all claims for such
        amounts are transferred and assigned to the Sellers.

            (d) Any amounts payable to any Buyer Indemnitee pursuant to Article
  7, 8 or 12 or Sections 6.4, 6.11 or 6.14 shall be paid by the Escrow Agent to
  such Buyer Indemnitee from the Escrow Amount in accordance with the Escrow
  Agreement until the Escrow Amount (including interest thereon at the Reference
  Rate since the Closing Date) is exhausted.  After the earlier of (i) the time
  that the Escrow Amount (and any interest thereon) has been exhausted or (ii)
  the date of the termination of the Escrow Agreement in accordance with its
  terms and the return of the remaining Escrow Amount, if any, to the Sellers in
  accordance with the Escrow Agreement, any amounts payable to any Buyer
  Indemnitee pursuant to Article 7, 8 or 12 or Sections 6.4, 6.11 or 6.14,
  subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 12.1(c), 12.4 and 14.2, shall
  be paid by the Sellers to such Buyer Indemnitee.

            12.2  Indemnification of the Sellers.  The Buyer hereby agrees to
            ----  ------------------------------                             
  indemnify and hold harmless each of the Sellers, any trustee of any Seller in
  his or her capacity as trustee and any beneficiary or trustee of any Seller in
  his or her capacity as such, and their respective successors, assigns, agents
  and Affiliates (collectively, the "Seller Indemnitees") against all Losses
                                     ------------------                     
  actually incurred as a result of, or attributable to (i) any inaccuracy in, or
  breach of, any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the
  Buyer in this Agreement or (ii) by reason of any act or failure to act by the
  Buyer, its Affiliates its successors or assigns or, after the Closing Date, by
  the Company or any Subsidiary, in connection with the ownership of the Company
  or any Subsidiary or the operation of the Business after the Closing Date;
  provided that in no event shall the Buyer be liable for loss of profits or
  --------                                                                  
  consequential damages.

               12.3  Notice and Opportunity to Defend.
               ----  -------------------------------- 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              72

            (a) Notice of Asserted Liability.  The party making a claim under
            --- ----------------------------                                 
  this Article 12 is referred to as the "Indemnitee," and the party against whom
                                         ----------                             
  such claims are asserted under this Article 12 is referred to as the
  "Indemnifying Party."  All claims by any Indemnitee under this Article 12
  -------------------                                                      
  shall be asserted and resolved as follows:  promptly after receipt by the
  Indemnitee of notice of any claim or circumstances which, with the lapse of
  time, would or might give rise to a claim or the commencement (or threatened
  commencement) of a claim including any action, proceeding or investigation (an
  "Asserted Liability") that may result in a Loss, the Indemnitee shall give
   ------------------                                                       
  notice thereof (the "Claims Notice") to the Indemnifying Party; provided that
                       -------------                              --------     
  no delay on the part of the Indemnitee in notifying the Indemnifying Party
  shall relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation under
  this Article unless (and then solely to the extent) the Indemnifying Party
  thereby is actually prejudiced.  The Claims Notice shall describe the Asserted
  Liability in reasonable detail, and shall indicate the amount (estimated, if
  necessary and to the extent feasible) of the Loss that has been or may be
  suffered by the Indemnitee.

            (b) Opportunity to Defend.  The Indemnifying Party may elect to
            --- ---------------------                                      
  compromise or defend, at its own expense and by its own counsel which shall be
  reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee, any Asserted Liability; provided that
                                                                   --------     
  in the event that under then applicable standards of professional conduct the
  Indemnitee is required to be represented by separate counsel and the
  Indemnitee elects to be represented by separate counsel, the Indemnifying
  Party shall pay the fees and expenses of one law firm incurred by the
  Indemnitee in the compromise of, or defense against, such matter; and provided
                                                                        --------
  further that if the Asserted Liability includes only a request for injunctive
  -------                                                                      
  relief, the Indemnitee may control the defense thereof (at the Indemnifying
  Party's expense) and if the Asserted Liability includes a request for
  injunctive relief and other remedies, the Indemnitee may  (at its own expense)
  share control of the defense thereof to the extent of the injunctive relief
  claims.  If the Indemnifying Party elects to compromise or defend such
  Asserted Liability, it shall within 30 days (or sooner, if the nature of the
  Asserted Liability so requires) notify the Indemnitee of its intent to do so,
  and the Indemnitee shall cooperate, at the expense of the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              73

  Indemnifying Party, in the compromise of, or defense against, such Asserted
  Liability. If the Indemnifying Party elects not to compromise or defend the
  Asserted Liability or fails to notify the Indemnitee of its election as herein
  provided, or otherwise fails to timely assume such defense the Indemnitee may
  pay, compromise or defend such Asserted Liability at the Indemnifying Party's
  expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Indemnifying Party nor the
  Indemnitee may settle or compromise any Asserted Liability over the objection 
  of the other; provided, however, consent to settlement or compromise shall not
                --------  -------                                     
  be unreasonably withheld or delayed. In any event, the Indemnitee and the
  Indemnifying Party may participate, at their own expense, in the defense of
  such Asserted Liability. If the Indemnifying Party chooses to defend any
  Asserted Liability, the Indemnitee shall make available to the Indemnifying
  Party any books, records or other documents within its control that are
  necessary or appropriate for such defense.

            12.4  Exclusive Remedies.  Notwithstanding anything in this
            ----  ------------------                                   
  Agreement to the contrary, the remedies provided in this Agreement shall be
  the sole and exclusive remedies for any inaccuracy and for any breach of any
  representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of, or obligation or liability
  of, the Buyer or the Sellers, contained herein or in any certificate or
  instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise relating hereto
  or thereto; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 12.4 shall be
              --------  -------                                            
  construed to limit any right or remedy that the Buyer or the Sellers may have
  with respect to fraud.

            12.5  Sellers' Representative.  Each Seller hereby irrevocably
            ----  -----------------------                                 
  appoints Terrance J. McClinch as Sellers' Representative (or his designee, the
  "Sellers' Representative"), and the Sellers' Representative hereby accepts
   -----------------------                                                  
  such appointment and agrees to act as such Sellers' Representative, who shall,
  in such capacity, have full power and authority to make, on behalf of the
  Sellers, all decisions relating to the defense or settlement of any claims for
  which any Buyer Indemnitee may claim to be entitled to indemnity or payment
  pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise to act on behalf of the Sellers in
  all respects with respect to this Agreement.  All decisions and actions by the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              74

  Sellers' Representative shall be binding upon all of the Sellers, and no
  Seller shall have the right to object to, dissent from, protest or otherwise
  contest the same. The Buyer shall not have the right to object to, protest or
  otherwise contest any matter related to the procedures for action being taken
  by the Sellers' Representative.  By the execution of this Agreement by or on
  behalf of such Seller, each Seller shall be deemed to have agreed that (i) the
  provisions of this Section 12.5 are independent and severable, are irrevocable
  and coupled with an interest and shall be enforceable notwithstanding any
  rights or remedies any Seller may have in connection with the transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the remedy at law for any breach of the
  provisions of this Section 12.5 would be inadequate, (iii) the provisions of
  this Section 12.5 shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of each
  Seller and (iv) any references in this Agreement to a Seller or the Sellers
  shall mean and include the successors to the Seller's rights hereunder.  In
  addition, by the execution of this Agreement by or on behalf of such Seller,
  each Seller shall be deemed to have waived any claims they may have or assert,
  including those that may arise in the future, against the Sellers'
  Representative for any action or inaction taken or not taken by the Sellers'
  Representative except to the extent that such action or inaction shall have
  been held by a court of competent jurisdiction to constitute willful
  misconduct.  In consideration for serving as the Sellers' Representative, the
  Sellers' Representative shall be released by each Seller from any liability
  for any action or inaction taken or not taken by such Sellers' Representative
  except to the extent that such action or inaction shall have been held by a
  court of competent jurisdiction to constitute willful misconduct.

            12.6  Nature of Payments.  Any payment under this Article 12 shall
            ----  ------------------                                          
  be treated for tax purposes as an adjustment of the Purchase Price given or
  received, as the case may be, with respect to the Shares to the extent such
  characterization is proper and permissible under relevant Tax authorities,
  including court decisions, statutes, regulations and administrative
  promulgations.

          13.  Termination of Agreement.
          ---  ------------------------ 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              75

            13.1  Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated prior to the
            ----  -----------                                                
  Closing as follows:

            (a) at the election of the Sellers' Representative, if any one or
  more of the conditions to the obligation of the Sellers to close set forth in
  Article 10 has not been fulfilled as of the Scheduled Closing;

            (b) at the election of the Buyer, if any one or more of the
  conditions to the obligation of the Buyer to close set forth in Article 9 has
  not been fulfilled as of the Scheduled Closing;

            (c) at the election of the Buyer or the Sellers' Representative, if
  the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have not been consummated by
  November 15, 1998; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement
                     --------                                            
  pursuant to this Section 13.1(c) shall not be available to any party whose
  failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of,
  or resulted in, the failure of the consummation of the transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement to occur on or prior to such date; or

            (d) at the election of the Buyer (i) if the aggregate remediation
  costs set forth in the Phase I Assessment for the leased Properties and the
  Phase I Assessments for the leased properties in the MES Agreement and Grey
  Fox Agreement exceed a dollar amount equal to $1,000,000 less the aggregate
  estimated remediation costs for the Owned Real Properties set forth in the
  Assessments and the Assessments referred to in the MES and Grey Fox Agreements
  (but in no event less than $0); provided, however, Buyer shall not have any
                                  --------  -------                          
  right of termination pursuant to this subsection (i) if the Sellers notify
  Buyer within 10 days of receipt of the Phase I and II Assessments that the
  Sellers agree to amend the indemnification provisions of Section 8.5 to
  include an indemnity in the Buyer's favor covering the leased Properties in
  the same manner as the Owned Real Properties, such that such indemnity will,
  among other things, be subject to the same basket set forth in Section 8.5, it
  being understood that the Loss limitations for the leased Properties will be
  the remediation estimates for the leased Properties set forth in the
  Assessments;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              76

            (e) at the election of the Buyer if the aggregate remediation
  estimates for the Properties set forth in the Phase I Assessment, Phase II
  Assessment and the Phase I and Phase II Assessments referred to in the MES
  Agreement and the Grey Fox Agreement exceed $51,600,000;

            (f) at the election of the Sellers' Representative, if the aggregate
  remediation costs for the Properties set forth in the Phase I Assessment,
  Phase II Assessment and the Phase I and Phase II Assessments referred to in
  the MES Agreement and the Grey Fox Agreement exceed $2,300,000; and

            (g) at any time on or prior to the Closing Date, by mutual written
  consent of the Sellers' Representative and the Buyer.

        If this Agreement so terminates, it shall become null and void and have
   no further force or effect, except as provided in Section 13.2.

            13.2  Survival After Termination.  If this Agreement terminates
            ----  --------------------------                               
  pursuant to Section 12.1 and the contemplated transactions are not
  consummated, this Agreement shall become null and void and have no further
  force or effect, except that any such termination shall be without prejudice
  to the rights of any party on account of the nonsatisfaction of the conditions
  set forth in Articles 9 and 10 resulting from the intentional or willful
  breach or violation of the representations, warranties, covenants or
  agreements of another party under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything in
  this Agreement to the contrary, (i) the provisions of Section 6.2 relating to
  the obligation of the Buyer to keep confidential and not to use certain
  information and data obtained by it from the Company, and to return documents
  to the Company and (ii) the provisions of Sections 6.4, this Section 13.2 and
  Article 14 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

          14.  Miscellaneous.
          ---  ------------- 

            14.1  Certain Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following
            ----  -------------------                                           
  terms have the following meanings:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              77

        "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person 
         ---------         
   controlling, controlled by or under common control with, or the parents,
   spouse, lineal descendants or beneficiaries of, such Person.

        "Applicable Law" means with respect to any Person, any domestic or 
         --------------        
   foreign, federal, state or local statute, law, ordinance, rule,
   administrative interpretation, regulation, order, writ, injunction,
   directive, policy, guidance, judgment, decree or other requirement of any
   Governmental Entity applicable to such Person or its properties, business,
   operations or assets.

        "Benefit Plan" means any employee benefit plan, arrangement, policy or
         ------------                                                         
   commitment (whether or not an employee benefit plan within the meaning of
   section 3(3) of ERISA), including any employment, consulting or deferred
   compensation agreement, executive compensation, retention, change in control,
   bonus, incentive, pension, profit-sharing, savings, retirement, stock option,
   stock award, stock purchase or severance pay plan or arrangement, any life,
   health, disability or accident insurance plan, any fringe benefit  plan or
   arrangement or any holiday or vacation practice, as to which the Company or
   any Subsidiary has or in the future would have any direct or indirect, actual
   or contingent liability.

        "Business Day" means any day of the year (other than a Saturday or 
         ------------  
   Sunday) on which national banking institutions in Greenwich, Connecticut are
   open to the public for conducting business and are not required or authorized
   to close.

        "Closing Balance Sheet Tax Reserve" means the portion of the deferred 
         ---------------------------------        
   tax reserve shown on the Audited Closing Balance Sheet (and reflected in the
   Audited Closing Adjusted Net Worth, as increased or decreased, as the case
   may be, by the Resolved Objections and the CPA--Determined Differences) that
   does not relate to timing differences between book and tax accounting.

        "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
         ----                                                      

        "DOL" means the United States Department of Labor.
         ---                                              
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              78

        "Employee" means any individual employed by the Company or any 
         --------        
   Subsidiary of the Company.

        "Environmental Laws" means all applicable laws relating to Hazardous 
         ------------------        
   Substances, the environment or natural resources, including the Resource
   Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), the Comprehensive Environmental
   Response Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Clean Air Act, the
   Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Toxic
   Substances Control Act ("TSCA"), and any requirements promulgated pursuant to
   these applicable laws or any analogous state or local applicable laws.

        "Environmental Liabilities" means all Liabilities of a Person (whether 
         -------------------------        
   such Liabilities are owed by such Person to Governmental Authorities, third
   parties or otherwise) which arise under or relate to any Environmental Law.

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

        "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United 
         ----
   States applied in a consistent basis during the relevant periods.

        "Governmental Entity" means any foreign, domestic, federal, territorial,
         -------------------                               
   state or local governmental authority, quasi-governmental authority,
   instrumentality, court, government or self-regulatory organization,
   commission, tribunal or organization or any regulatory, administrative or
   other agency or any political or other subdivision, department or branch of
   the any of the foregoing.

        "Hazardous Substance" means any substance, material or waste:  (i) the 
         -------------------  
   presence of which in the environment requires investigation or remediation
   under any applicable law; or (ii) that is defined characterized or otherwise
   classified as a "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance," "toxic material" or
                    ---------------    -------------------
   "toxic waste" or words of similar connotation under any Environmental Law; or
   (iii) that is toxic, explosive, corrosive, flammable, infectious,
   radioactive, carcinogenic or mutagenic or otherwise hazardous and is
   regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law; (iv) the presence of which
   causes a
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              79

   nuisance, trespass or other tortious condition; or (v) without limitation,
   that contains gasoline, diesel fuel or other petroleum hydrocarbons,
   polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) or asbestos.

        "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.
         ---                                     

        "Knowledge of Sellers" shall have the meaning assigned to it in that 
         --------------------  
   certain letter agreement among the parties hereto of even date herewith.

        "Lien" means any lien, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust, security 
         ----        
   interest, claim, lease, license, charge, option, right of first refusal,
   easement, servitude or transfer restriction and, with respect to the Shares,
   voting trusts, proxies, stockholder or similar agreements, encumbrances or
   restrictions of any nature whatsoever.

        "Material Adverse Effect" means material adverse effect on the 
         -----------------------  
   properties, business, results of operations or financial condition of the
   Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on their ability to
   consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the terms set
   forth herein.

        "Pension Plan" means any Benefit Plan which is a pension plan within 
         ------------        
   the meaning of ERISA section 3(2) (regardless of whether the plan is covered
   by ERISA).

        "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens for Taxes or governmental assessments,
         ---------------        
   charges or claims the payment of which is not yet due, or for Taxes the
   validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
   [and for which adequate reserves are reflected on the Balance Sheet]; (ii)
   statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics,
   materialmen and other similar Persons and other Liens imposed by applicable
   law incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet delinquent
   or being contested in good faith; (iii) Liens relating to deposits made in
   the ordinary course of business in connection with workers' compensation,
   unemployment insurance and other types of social security or to secure the
   performance of leases, trade contracts or other similar agreements; (iv)
   Liens specifically identified on the Balance Sheet; (v) Liens securing
   executory obligations under any lease
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              80

   that constitutes an "operating lease" under GAAP; and (vi) other Liens set
                        ---------------
   forth on Schedule 14.1(b) hereto.
            ----------------

        "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited 
         ------            
   liability company, firm, joint venture, association, joint-stock company,
   trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Entity or other entity.

        "property" or "properties" means real, personal or mixed property, 
         --------      ----------        
   tangible or intangible.

        "Reference Rate" means the per annum rate of interest publicly 
         --------------        
   announced from time to time by Chase Manhattan Bank as its prime rate (or
   reference rate). Any change in the Reference Rate shall take effect at the
   opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such
   change.

        "Release" means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, pouring,
         -------                                                                
   dumping, emptying, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal,
   leaching or migration of Hazardous Materials on or into the environment.

        "Remedial Action" has the meaning ascribed to it on the definitional 
         ---------------                  
   provisions of CERCLA and also means such actions as are necessary to cause
   fixtures and operations on the Properties (not including movable equipment
   leased by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course) to be in
   compliance with Environmental Laws, assuming use of such fixtures and
   operations in a manner consistent with past practices of the Company and its
   Subsidiaries.

        "Restricted Business" means, collectively, (a) any business in which the
         -------------------                                                    
   Company, MES, Grey Fox and/or their respective Subsidiaries are engaged on
   the Closing Date and (b) the business of renting, leasing, acting as a dealer
   or distributor for, repairing, servicing or selling light to heavy
   construction and industrial equipment (including, without limitation, aerial
   lifts (including boom and scissor lifts), cranes, backhoes, digging
   equipment, forklifts, tractors, skid-steer loaders, scaffolding, compressors,
   pumps and generators), and/or general tools and equipment (including, without
   limitation, power tools, hand tools, high-pressure washers, paint sprayers,
   gardening and landscaping 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              81

   equipment and roto tillers) and, in each case, any related merchandise,
   accessories or parts.

        "Subsidiary" means any Person of which a majority of the outstanding 
         ----------        
   voting securities or other voting equity interests are owned, directly or
   indirectly, by the Company.

        "Tax" means all taxes of any nature including any United States federal,
         ---        
   state, local or foreign income, sales and use, excise, franchise, real and
   personal property, transfer, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment,
   withholding, estimated or other tax or charge imposed by any governmental
   entity, together with any interest and penalties related thereto or to the
   nonpayment thereof and any loss in connection with the determination,
   settlement or litigation of any tax liability.

               14.2  Nature of Obligations.
               ----  --------------------- 

            (a) The representations, warranties, and covenants of the Sellers in
  this Agreement are joint and several obligations.  Notwithstanding the
  foregoing, the aggregate amount a Seller shall be required to pay to Buyer or
  any Buyer Indemnitee hereunder shall not exceed such Seller's Pro Rata Portion
  of the Purchase Price.

               14.3  Notices.  Any notice or other communication required or
               ----  -------                                                
  permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally,
  sent by facsimile transmission sent by overnight courier or sent by certified,
  registered or express mail, postage prepaid.  Any such notice shall be deemed
  given when so delivered personally, or sent by facsimile transmission or if
  sent by overnight courier, one Business Day after the date so sent, or, if
  mailed, five Business Days after the date of deposit in the United States
  mails, as follows:

        (i)     If to Buyer or, after the Closing Date, the Company:

                United Rentals, Inc.
                Four Greenwich Office Park
                Greenwich, CT 06830
                Attention: Mr. John N. Milne
                Facsimile: (203) 622-6080
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              82

        with copies to:

                Oscar D.  Folger, Esq.
                521 Fifth Avenue, 24th Floor
                New York, NY 10175
                Facsimile: (212) 697-9570

                        and

                Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                767 Fifth Avenue
                New York, NY 10153
                Attention: Stephen M. Besen, Esq.
                Facsimile: (212) 310-8007

        (ii)    if to the Sellers or the Sellers' Representative, to
                the addresses set forth beside each Seller's and the
                Sellers' Representatives name on Annex C

        with a copy to:

                Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
                1285 Avenue of the Americas
                New York, New York  10019-6064
                Attention:  Marilyn Sobel, Esq.
                Telephone: (212) 373-3000
                Facsimile:  (212) 757-3990

   Any party may by notice given in accordance with this Section to the other
   parties designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

            14.4  Entire Agreement.  The Confidentiality Agreement, this
            ----  ----------------                                      
  Agreement and any other collateral agreements executed in connection with the
  consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement contain the
  entire agreement among the parties with respect to the purchase of the Shares
  and supersede all prior agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto.

            14.5  Waivers and Amendments; Non-Contractual Remedies.  This
            ----  ------------------------------------------------       
  Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended, and the
  terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by the Buyer
  and the Sellers' Representative or, in the case of a waiver, by the party
  waiving compliance.  No delay on 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              83

  the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder
  shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of any
  party of any such right, power or privilege, nor any single or partial
  exercise of any such right, power or privilege, preclude any further exercise
  thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege. The
  rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of
  any rights or remedies that any party may otherwise have at law or in equity.

            14.6  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed and construed
            ----  -------------                                                 
  in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements
  made and to be performed entirely within such State.

            14.7  Binding Effect; Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding
            ----  --------------------------                                  
  upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors
  and legal representatives.  This Agreement is not assignable; provided,
                                                                -------- 
  however, that the Buyer may assign this Agreement to a wholly-owned subsidiary
  of the Buyer; and provided further, that no such assignment shall release the
                    -------- -------                                           
  Buyer from any of its obligations hereunder.

            14.8  Usage.  All pronouns and any variations thereof refer to the
            ----  -----                                                       
  masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the context may require.
  All terms defined in this Agreement in their singular or plural forms have
  correlative meanings when used herein in their plural or singular forms,
  respectively.  Unless otherwise expressly provided, the words "include,"
  "includes" and "including" do not limit the preceding words or terms and shall
  be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation."

            14.9  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by the parties
            ----  ------------                                                
  hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered
  shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one
  and the same instrument.  Each counterpart may consist of a number of copies
  hereof each signed by less than all, but together signed by all of the parties
  hereto.

            14.10  Exhibits and Schedules.  The Exhibits and Schedules are a
            -----  ----------------------                                   
  part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein and all references to this
  Agreement shall be deemed to include the Exhibits and Schedules.  All
  references herein to Sections, Exhibits 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              84

  and Schedules shall be deemed references to such parts of this Agreement,
  unless the context shall otherwise require. Any matter disclosed on one
  Schedule hereto shall be deemed to have been disclosed on any other Schedule
  provided the relevance of such matter to such other Schedule is reasonably
  discernible from the information provided in the Schedule on which such
  disclosure appears.

            14.11  Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for reference
            -----  --------                                                   
  only, and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

            14.12  Severability of Provisions.
            -----  -------------------------- 

            (a) If any provision or any portion of any provision of this
  Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portion of
  such provision and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be
  affected thereby; provided, that the material economic terms provided for
                    --------                                               
  herein are not affected thereby in a manner adverse to the Buyer or any
  Seller.

            (b) If the application of any provision or any portion of any
  provision of this Agreement to any Person or circumstance shall be held
  invalid or unenforceable, the application of such provision or portion of such
  provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held
  invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby; provided, that the
                                                          --------          
  material economic terms provided for herein are not affected thereby in a
  manner adverse to the Buyer or any Seller.

            14.13  Consent to Jurisdiction.  Each of the parties hereto hereby
            -----  -----------------------                                    
  irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. District Court
  for the District of Connecticut; and irrevocably agrees that all claims in
  respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such
  court. Each of the parties hereto further agrees that service of any process,
  summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to such party's respective
  address set forth in Section 14.3 shall be effective service of process for
  any action, suit or proceeding in the State of Connecticut with respect to any
  matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction as set forth above in the
  immediately preceding sentence.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and
  unconditionally waives any 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              85

  objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out
  of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the U.S. District
  Court for the District of Connecticut, and hereby further irrevocably and
  unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that
  any action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in
  an inconvenient forum.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              86




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

                        UNITED RENTALS, INC.


                                By:
                                        Name:
                                        Title:


                                SELLERS:
                                -------  

 
                                Terrance J. McClinch 
                                                     
                                                     
                                Karen E. Alonso      
                                                     
                                                     
                                Faith M. Rivenburg   
                                                     
                                                     
                                Janis V. McClinch     


                                 FUND A UNDER AGREEMENT DATED  
                                  AUGUST 5, 1986                


                                By: 
                                        Name:
                                        Title:


                                ARTHUR L. McCLINCH TRUST
                                 DATED APRIL 3, 1981    


                                By: 
                                        Name: 
                                        Title: 
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX A



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       Name of Shareholder                                 Number of Shares
                       ------------------                                  ----------------
<S>                                                                 <C> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
        TOTAL
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX B

                         [Escrow Agreement -- to come]
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX C

                       [Addresses for Notices -- to come]

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                            SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                     among

                             UNITED RENTALS , INC.

                                      and

                THE PARTIES LISTED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGE HERETO


                      ___________________________________

                      for all of the outstanding shares of

                       McCLINCH EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
                      ___________________________________

                                 July 30, 1998



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                        

                                                              Page
                                                              ----

   1.   Sale and Purchase of Shares                              2
        1.1   Sale and Purchase of Shares                        2
        1.2   Purchase Price Adjustment                          2
        1.3   Payment of Purchase Price                          7
        1.4   Delivery of Shares                                 8
                                                               
   2.   Closing; Closing Date                                    8

   3.   Representations and Warranties of Each Seller            8
        3.1   Title to the Shares                                8
        3.2   Authority to Execute and Perform Agreement         9
        3.3   Purchase for Investment                           10

   4.   Representations and Warranties of the Sellers 
          as to the Company                                     11
        4.1   Corporate Organization                            11
        4.2   Subsidiaries                                      11
        4.3   Outstanding Capital Stock                         12
        4.4   Financial Statements                              13
        4.5   Liabilities; Ordinary Course                      13
        4.6   Contravention                                     15
        4.7   Taxes                                             16
        4.8   Claims and Proceedings                            21
        4.9   Contracts                                         22
        4.10  Real Estate                                       24
        4.11  Employee Benefit Plans                            26
        4.12  Insurance                                         28
        4.13  Tangible Properties                               29
        4.14  Related Party Transactions                        29
        4.15  Banks                                             29
        4.16  Permits                                           30
        4.17  Compliance with Applicable Laws                   30
        4.18  Employment Agreements                             31
        4.19  Labor and Employment Matters                      31
<PAGE>
 
                                                              Page
                                                              ----

        4.20  Intangible Property                               32
        4.21  Environmental Compliance                          33
        4.22  Finders and Investment Bankers                    35
        4.23  Certain Actions                                   35
        4.24  No Other Representations and Warranties           35

   5.   Representations and Warranties of the Buyer             35
        5.1   Corporate Organization                            36
        5.2   Authority to Execute and Perform Agreement        36
        5.3   Purchase for Investment                           37
        5.4   [Intentionally omitted]                           38
        5.5   Sources of Information                            38
        5.6   Finders and Investment Bankers                    38
        5.7   Litigation.                                       38

   6.   Covenants and Agreements                                39
        6.1   Conduct of Business of the Company                39
        6.2   Access to Information; Confidentiality            42
        6.3   Disclosure Supplements                            44
        6.4   Expenses                                          45
        6.5   Further Assurances                                45
        6.6   Cooperation Regarding Landlords                   46
        6.7   Transfer Taxes.                                   46
        6.8   Compliance with Antitrust Laws                    46
        6.9   SOC Rebates                                       48
        6.10  Non-Compete                                       48
        6.11  Excluded Assets and Liabilities.                  51
        6.12  Insurance Tail                                    52
        6.13  Payment of Indebtedness                           52
        6.14  Rental Ready Adjustment                           53
        6.15  No Solicitation                                   55
        6.16  Publicity                                         56

   7.   Tax and Related Matters                                 56
        7.1   Taxes; Section 338(h)(10) Election                56
        7.2   Tax Administration                                60
        7.3   Contests                                          65

   8.   Environmental Matters.                                  67
        8.1   The Phase I Investigations.                       67
        8.2   The Phase II Investigations.                      69
<PAGE>
 
                                                              Page
                                                              ----

          8.3   Certain Procedures Relating to the 
                  Consultant's Estimates                        69
          8.4   Review of the Estimated Costs of Remediation    70
          8.5   The Sellers' Indemnification of Buyer           71
          8.6   Buyer's Indemnification of the Sellers.         72
          8.7   Exclusive Remedy                                73
          8.8   Limitation of Sellers' Duty to Indemnify        73
          8.9   Expenses in the Ordinary Course Excluded       
                  from Indemnification                          74
          8.10  Control of Remedial Action.                     74
          8.11  Environmental Indemnification Procedure         76
          8.12  Access to Information                           76
          8.13  Matters Involving Third Parties                 76
                                                               
   9.     Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the        
            Buyer to Close                                      78
          9.1   Representations and Covenants                   78
          9.2   HSR Act Filing                                  78
          9.3   No Injunction or Violation of Law               79
          9.4   Title Policies                                  79
          9.5   Simultaneous Closing.                           79
          9.6   Resignations                                    79
          9.7   Reports.                                        80
          9.8   Escrow Agreement                                80
          9.9   Legal Opinions                                  80
          9.10  Affidavits                                      80
          9.11  Affiliate Contracts                             80
          9.12  Certificates                                    80
          9.13  [Intentionally Omitted]                         81
          9.14  Employment/Consulting Agreements                81
          9.15  Release of Guarantees                           81
          9.16  Material Adverse Effect                         81
 
  10.    Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the 
           Sellers to Close                                     81
         10.1   Representations and Covenants                   82
         10.2   HSR Act Filing                                  82
         10.3   No Injunction or Violation of Law               82
         10.4   United Rentals, Inc. Warrants                   83
         10.5   [Intentionally Omitted]                         83
         10.6   [Intentionally Omitted].                        83
         10.7   Simultaneous Closing                            83
         10.8   Reports.                                        83
         10.9   Escrow Agreement                                83
         10.10  Legal Opinion                                   83
<PAGE>
 
                                                              Page
                                                              ----

         10.11 Certificate                                      83
 
  11.    Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants  83
         11.1  General Survival                                 84
 
  12.    General Indemnification                                84
         12.1  Indemnification of the Buyer                     84
         12.2  Indemnification of the Sellers                   91
         12.3  Notice and Opportunity to Defend                 91
         12.4  Exclusive Remedies                               93
         12.5  Sellers' Representative                          94
         12.6  Nature of Payments                               95
 
  13.    Termination of Agreement                               95
         13.1  Termination                                      95
         13.2  Survival After Termination                       97
 
  14.    Miscellaneous                                          98
         14.1  Certain Definitions                              98
         14.2  Nature of Obligations                           103
         14.3  Notices                                         104
         14.4  Entire Agreement                                105
         14.5  Waivers and Amendments; Non-Contractual 
                 Remedies                                      105
         14.6  Governing Law                                   106
         14.7  Binding Effect; Assignment                      106
         14.8  Usage                                           106
         14.9  Counterparts                                    106
         14.10 Exhibits and Schedules                          107
         14.11 Headings                                        107
         14.12 Severability of Provisions                      107
         14.13 Consent to Jurisdiction                         108
 


   ANNEX A
   ANNEX B
   ANNEX C
<PAGE>
 
   Schedules                                                  Page
   ---------                                                  ----     
 
   Schedule 1.2(b).                                             2  
   ---------------                                                
   Schedule 1.2(b)                                              3 
   ---------------                                                
   Schedule 1.2(b)                                              3 
   ---------------                                                
   Schedule 1.2(a)                                              4 
   ---------------                                                
   Schedule 1.3(a)                                              7 
   ---------------                                                
   Schedule 1.3(a)                                              7 
   ---------------                                                
   Schedule 1.3(b)                                              7 
   Schedule 3.2                                                10 
   ------------                                                   
   Schedule 4.1                                                11 
   ------------                                                   
   Schedule 4.2                                                11 
   ------------                                                   
   Schedule 4.2                                                11 
   ------------                                                   
   Schedule 4.3                                                12 
   ------------                                                   
   Schedule 4.3                                                12 
   Schedule 4.4                                                13 
   Schedule 4.4(b)                                             13 
   Schedule 4.5(a)                                             13 
   Schedule 4.5(b)                                             14 
   Schedule 4.6(a)                                             15 
   Schedule 4.6(b)                                             15 
   Schedule 4.7(h)                                             18 
   ---------------                                                
   Schedule 4.8                                                21 
   Schedule 4.9                                                22 
   Schedule 4.9                                                24 
   Schedule 4.10(a)                                            24 
   Schedule 4.10(b)                                            24 
   Schedule 4.11(a)                                            26 
   Schedule 4.11(c)                                            27 
   Schedule 4.11(d)                                            27 
   Schedule 4.11(f)                                            27 
   Schedule 4.12                                               28 
   Schedule 4.14                                               29 
   Schedule 4.14                                               29 
   Schedule 4.15                                               29 
   Schedule 4.15                                               30 
   -------------                                                  
   Schedule 4.17                                               30  
<PAGE>
 
   Schedules                                                 Page
   ---------                                                 ----

   Schedule 4.18                                               31  
   Schedule 4.19(a)                                            31
   Schedule 4.19(a)                                            31
   ----------------                                              
   Schedule 4.19(b)                                            31
   Schedule 4.20                                               32
   Schedule 4.20                                               32
   -------------                                                 
   Schedule 4.21                                               33
   Schedule 4.9                                                40
   Schedule 4.18                                               41
   Schedule 6.14(b)                                            54
   ----------------                                              
   Schedule 4.10(a)                                            79
   Schedule 14.1(b)                                           102 
   ----------------
   Annex A
   Annex B [Escrow Agreement]
   Annex C [Addresses for Notices]
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               1


                            SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                            ------------------------


          SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of July 30, 1998, among UNITED
   RENTALS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Buyer"), and THE PERSONS LISTED
                                               -----                          
   ON THE SIGNATURE PAGE HERETO AS SELLERS (the "Sellers"), for the purchase and
                                                 -------                        
   sale of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of McCLINCH
   EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC., a Connecticut corporation (the "Company").
                                                             -------   

          The Company is engaged in the business of renting, selling and
   servicing aerial lifts, rough terrain forklifts, industrial forklifts,
   cranes, material handling products, generators, welders, light towers and
   assorted construction equipment in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of
   the United States (the "Business").
                           --------   

          The Sellers are the beneficial and record owners of all of the issued
   and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company (the "Shares"),
                                                                ------   
   consisting of 100 shares of Common Stock, no par value per share.

          The Sellers wish to sell the Shares to the Buyer, and the Buyer wishes
   to purchase the Shares from the Sellers, upon the terms and subject to the
   conditions of this Agreement.

          Certain capitalized terms not otherwise defined and used in this
   Agreement are defined in Section 14.1.

          Accordingly, the parties agree as follows:

          1.  Sale and Purchase of Shares.

               1.1  Sale and Purchase of Shares.  At the closing provided for in
                    ---------------------------                                 
     Article 2 (the "Closing"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of
                     -------                                                   
     this Agreement and in reliance upon the representations, warranties and
     agreements contained herein, the Sellers shall sell to the Buyer, and the
     Buyer shall purchase from the Sellers, all of the Shares for an aggregate
     consideration (the "Purchase Price") equal to $40,500,000 subject to
                         --------------                                  
     adjustment as provided in Section 1.2.  The Purchase Price shall be paid in
     accordance with Section 1.3.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               2

               1.2  Purchase Price Adjustment.
                    ------------------------- 

                  (a) Determination of Net Worth.  As used herein, the "Net
                      --------------------------                        ---
        Worth" of the Company as of any particular date shall mean an amount
        -----                                                               
        equal to the tangible net worth of the Company and its consolidated
        Subsidiaries determined by subtracting total liabilities of the Company
        and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at such date from the total
        tangible assets of the Company  and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at
        such date, in each case as shown on the balance sheet of the Company as
        at such date; provided, however, that for the purposes of the
                      --------  -------                              
        Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet and Audited Closing Balance Sheet, Net
        Worth shall be calculated for the period from December 31, 1997 to the
        Closing Date, using the depreciation methods set forth on Schedule
                                                                  --------
        1.2(b).
        ------ 

                  (b) Preparation of Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule.  As
                      --------------------------------------------------     
        soon as practicable, the Sellers or their designee shall prepare (based
        on data and financial statements supplied by the Company) on a basis
        consistent with the preparation of the Balance Sheet (as defined in
        Section 4.4) and as contemplated by Schedule 1.2(b), and deliver to the
                                            ---------------                    
        Buyer and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a consolidated balance sheet of 
        the Company as of the close of business on the Closing Date (the 
        "Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet").  The Sellers shall cause the 
         ---------------------------------                
        Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet to be audited by
        PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (the "Audited Closing Balance Sheet") which
                                         -----------------------------        
        firm shall deliver an opinion stating that the Audited Closing Balance
        Sheet presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
        of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries at the Closing Date in
        accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the Balance
        Sheet.  The Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet and the Audited Closing
        Balance Sheet shall (i) not include (x) the assets of the Company or any
        Subsidiary and the liabilities relating thereto set forth in Schedule
                                                                     --------
        1.2(b) (the "Excluded Assets and Liabilities"), (y) any expenses,
        ------       -------------------------------                     
        amounts or prepayment penalties incurred in connection with the
        prepayment or repayment of any 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               3

        indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary at Closing except for any
        such prepayment penalties in excess of $18,750 in the aggregate and (z)
        any amount the Buyer is obligated to pay pursuant to this Agreement
        (other than amounts referred to in clause (ii) below) or any amount the
        Sellers are obligated to pay pursuant to Section 6.4 and (ii) include
        the principal amount of and interest due on all indebtedness of the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (whether or
        not such amounts are repaid by the Buyer on such date). The Audited
        Closing Balance Sheet shall include a schedule (the "Closing Adjusted 
                                                             ----------------
        Net Worth Schedule"), prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 
        ------------------
        calculating the Net Worth of the Company and its consolidated
        Subsidiaries as of the close of business on the Closing Date, as
        adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 1.2(a) (as so
                                                      ---------------
        adjusted and as set forth on the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule, 
        the "Closing Adjusted Net Worth").  The Audited Closing Balance Sheet 
             --------------------------                
        and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule shall be provided by the
        Sellers to the Buyer promptly upon the availability thereof and in any
        event within 75 days following the Closing Date. The Buyer will (and
        will cause the Company to) provide the Sellers or their designee and
        PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP full access to the books, ledgers, files,
        reports and operating records of the Company and the then current
        employees of the Company and will fully cooperate in the Sellers'
        preparation of the Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet, the Audited
        Closing Balance Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule. The
        fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of the
        Preliminary Closing Balance Sheet, the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and
        the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule shall be paid by the Sellers.

                  (c) Buyer's Review.  Upon receipt of the Audited Closing
                      --------------                                      
        Balance Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule, the Buyer and
        its independent accountants shall have the right during the succeeding
        30-day period to examine the Audited Closing Balance Sheet, the Closing
        Adjusted Net Worth 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               4

        Schedule and all books and records used to prepare the Balance Sheet,
        the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth
        Schedule. The Sellers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause
        PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to provide access to the work papers used to
        prepare, audit and review the Balance Sheet, the Audited Closing Balance
        Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule and supporting their
        opinion referred to above, and the Sellers shall provide the Buyer with
        access to the books and records used in, and employees involved with,
        the preparation of the Balance Sheet, the Audited Closing Balance Sheet
        and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule. 

          If the Buyer does not agree that the Closing Adjusted Net Worth has
        been calculated on the basis set forth in Section 1.2(b), the Buyer
        shall so notify the Sellers' Representative in writing (such notice, the
        "Disagreement Notice") on or before the last day of the 30-day period 
         -------------------
        after delivery to the Buyer of the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and
        Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule, setting forth a specific
        description of the Buyer's objections and the amount of the adjustment
        which the Buyer believes should be made to each item of its objection.
        If the Buyer does not deliver a Disagreement Notice within such 30-day
        period, the Audited Closing Balance Sheet, the Closing Adjusted Net
        Worth Schedule and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth shall be deemed to
        have been accepted by Buyer.

                  (d) Dispute Resolution.  In the event that the Buyer delivers
                      ------------------                                       
        a Disagreement Notice in accordance with Section 1.2(c), the Sellers'
        Representative and the Buyer shall attempt to resolve the objections set
        forth therein within 15 days of the Sellers' receipt of such
        Disagreement Notice.  The objections set forth on the Disagreement
        Notice that are resolved by the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative in
        accordance with this Section 1.2(d) shall collectively be referred to
        herein as the "Resolved Objections."
                       -------------------  

                  (e) Differences.  If the Sellers' Representative and the Buyer
                      -----------                                               
        are unable to resolve all the objections set forth in the Disagreement
        Notice within 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               5

        such 15-day period, they shall jointly appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP
        (the "CPA Firm") within five days of the end of such 15-day period.  
              --------                                             
        The CPA Firm, acting as experts and not as arbitrators, shall review the
        objections set forth in the Disagreement Notice which are not Resolved
        Objections (collectively, the "Differences") and determine, based on the
                                       -----------                 
        requirements set forth in Section 1.2(b) and only with respect to
        Differences submitted to the CPA Firm, whether and to what extent the
        Closing Adjusted Net Worth Schedule requires adjustments. The fees and
        disbursements of the CPA Firm shall be allocated 50% to the Buyer and
        50% to the Sellers. The Sellers and the Buyer shall (and shall cause the
        Company to) provide to the CPA Firm full cooperation. The CPA Firm's
        resolution of the Differences shall be conclusive and binding upon the
        parties. The Differences as resolved by the CPA Firm in accordance with
        this Section 1.2(e) shall collectively be referred to herein as the 
        "CPA-Determined Differences."
         --------------------------  

                  (f) Adjustment.  On the fifth Business Day following the
                      ----------                                          
        earliest to occur of (such fifth Business Day, the "Adjustment Payment
                                                            ------------------
        Date") (x) the acceptance in full by the Buyer of the Audited Closing
        ----                                                                 
        Balance Sheet, Closing Adjusted Net Worth and Closing Adjusted Net Worth
        Schedule, (y) the resolution by the Buyer and the Sellers'
        Representative of all objections set forth on the Disagreement Notice,
        if any, and (z) the resolution by the CPA Firm of all Differences, as an
        adjustment to the Purchase Price, either (i) the Buyer shall pay to the 
        Sellers an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Closing Adjusted
        Net Worth (as increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the
        Resolved Objections and the CPA-Determined Differences) over the Year-
        End Adjusted Net Worth (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) the Sellers
        shall pay  to the Buyer an amount equal to the excess (the "Overpayment
                                                                    -----------
        Amount"), if any, of the Year-End Adjusted Net Worth over the Closing
        ------                                                               
        Adjusted Net Worth (as increased or decreased, as the case may be, by
        the Resolved Objections and the CPA-Determined Differences).  In either
        case, such amount shall be payable on the Adjustment Payment Date, with
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               6

        interest, based upon a year of 360 days for the actual number of days
        elapsed, accrued from the Closing Date until, but not including, the
        Adjustment Payment Date at the Reference Rate.  Such payment shall be
        made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account
        or accounts designated by the Sellers or the Buyer, as the case may be.
        "Year-end Adjusted Net Worth" shall mean $5,203,000.
         ---------------------------                        

               1.3  Payment of Purchase Price.  At the Closing,  the Purchase
                    -------------------------                                
     Price shall be paid by the Buyer as follows:

                  (a) the Buyer shall deliver to each Seller cash by wire
        transfer of immediately available funds to the account or accounts
        designated by each Seller on Schedule 1.3(a) hereto, each such Seller's
                                     ---------------                           
        respective pro rata portion (the "Pro Rata Portion"), as specified on
                                          ----------------                   
        Schedule 1.3(a), of an amount equal to the Purchase Price minus the
        ---------------                                                    
        Escrow Amount.

                  (b) the Buyer shall deliver to the escrow agent to be selected
        by the Sellers' Representative and the Buyer prior to the Closing (the
        "Escrow Agent") cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds 
         ------------
        to the account of such Escrow Agent designated on Schedule 1.3(b), in 
                                                          --------------- 
        an amount equal to $2,815,000 (the "Escrow Amount"), which shall be 
                                            -------------    
        held by the Escrow Agent and applied as set forth herein and in the
        escrow agreement among the Buyer, the Sellers' Representative and the
        Escrow Agent (the "Escrow Agreement") in the form of Annex B hereto.
                           -----------------  

               1.4  Delivery of Shares.  At the Closing, the Sellers shall
                    ------------------                                    
     deliver to the Buyer share certificates constituting all of the Shares,
     free and clear of all Liens, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by stock
     powers duly executed in blank, in proper form for transfer.

          2.  Closing; Closing Date.  The Closing of the sale and purchase of
              ---------------------                                          
  the Shares contemplated hereby shall take place at the offices of Paul, Weiss,
  Rifkind, Wharton & 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               7

  Garrison, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, on the date which
  is the later to occur of August 27, 1998 and the third Business Day after all
  of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Sections 9.2, 9.7, 10.2 and
  10.10 have been satisfied or waived by the party entitled to waive the same or
  on such other date as the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative may mutually 
  agree (such date being the "Scheduled Closing"). The time and date upon which 
                              -----------------    
  the Closing occurs is herein called the "Closing Date."
                                           ------------

          3.  Representations and Warranties of Each Seller.  The Sellers,
              ---------------------------------------------               
  jointly and severally (subject to Section 14.2), represent and warrant to the
  Buyer as follows:

               3.1  Title to the Shares.  Each Seller owns the Shares set forth
                    -------------------                                        
     opposite such Seller's name on Annex A beneficially and of record, and,
                                    -------                                 
     upon delivery of and payment for such Shares at the Closing as herein
     provided, such Seller will convey to the Buyer good and valid title
     thereto, free and clear of any Lien other than any restrictions imposed by
     any state or federal securities laws.

               3.2  Authority to Execute and Perform Agreement.  Each Seller has
                    ------------------------------------------                  
     full legal right and power and all authority and approvals required to
     enter into, execute and deliver as applicable, this Agreement, and each
     other agreement, document, or instrument or certificate contemplated by
     this Agreement to be executed by such Seller in connection with the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (together
     with this Agreement, the "Seller Documents"), and to consummate the
                               ----------------                         
     transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  This Agreement has been duly
     executed and delivered by such Seller and, assuming due execution and
     delivery hereof by the other parties hereto, this Agreement constitutes a
     legal, valid and binding obligation of such Seller enforceable against such
     Seller in accordance with its terms except:  (a) as rights to indemnity
     hereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws or the public
     policies embodied therein; (b) as such enforceability may be limited by
     bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws
     affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally; and (c) as the
     remedy of 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               8

     specific performance and other forms of injunctive relief may be subject to
     equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any
     proceeding therefor may be brought. The execution and delivery by such
     Seller of this Agreement and each of the other Seller Documents, the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and the
     performance by such Seller of this Agreement and each of the other Seller
     Documents in accordance with its terms and conditions will not (i) require
     such Seller to obtain any consent, approval, authorization or action of, or
     make any filing with or give any notice to, any Governmental Entity or any
     other Person, (ii) violate or conflict with the declaration of trust or
     related documents of such Seller or, except as set forth in Schedule 3.2, 
                                                                 ------------ 
     violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any of the terms and
     conditions of, result in a modification of the effect of, otherwise cause
     the termination of or give any other contracting party the right to
     terminate, or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both
     constitute) a default under, any material agreement, contract, indenture,
     lease, license, mortgage, plan, arrangement, commitment or other 
     instrument or obligation (collectively, "Contracts") to which such Seller 
                                              ---------     
     is a party or by or to which such Seller is or such Seller's Shares are or
     may be bound or subject, or (iii) violate Applicable Law or an Order (as
     hereafter defined) of any Governmental Entity applicable to such Seller or
     to such Seller's Shares.

               3.3  Purchase for Investment.   Each of Terrance J. McClinch,
                    -----------------------                                 
     Ernest Pierson and Robert Russo (a "Warrantholder") are acquiring the URI
                                         -------------                        
     Warrants (as defined in Article 10) for their own account for investment
     and not for resale or distribution.  Each Warrantholder acknowledges that
     the sale of the URI Warrants (as hereafter defined) has not been registered
     under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any
                                                        --------------          
     applicable state securities laws and that such URI Warrants and the shares
     of Buyer Common Stock (as defined in Article 10) issuable upon the exercise
     thereof may only be sold or otherwise disposed of under an effective
     registration statement under the Securities Act or under an exemption
     therefrom.  Each Warrantholder has no contract, undertaking, agreement or
     arrangement with any Person 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               9

     or entity to sell, hypothecate, pledge, donate, or otherwise transfer (with
     or without consideration) to such Person any of the URI Warrants or such
     shares, and each Warrantholder has no present plans or intention to enter
     into any such contract, undertaking, agreement, or arrangement. Each
     Warrantholder is an "accredited investor" as defined in Regulation D of the
     Securities Act.

          4.  Representations and Warranties of the Sellers as to the Company.
              ---------------------------------------------------------------  
  The Sellers jointly and severally (subject to Section 14.2) represent and
  warrant to the Buyer as follows:

               4.1  Corporate Organization.  The Company and each of its
                    ----------------------                              
     Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
     standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has
     all requisite corporate power and lawful authority to own, lease and
     operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.
     The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or otherwise
     authorized as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good
     standing in each jurisdiction listed on Schedule 4.1 hereto, which
                                             ------------              
     jurisdictions are the only jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or
     be authorized would have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Sellers have
     heretofore delivered or made available to the Buyer true and complete
     copies of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company and each
     of its Subsidiaries as in effect on the date hereof.

               4.2  Subsidiaries.   Each of the Company's Subsidiaries is listed
                    ------------                                                
     on Schedule 4.2.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2, the Company does
        ------------                          ------------                  
     not, directly or indirectly, own or have the option or obligation to
     acquire or have the power to vote the shares of any capital stock or other
     ownership interest or ordinary voting power to elect the majority of
     directors of any corporation or other entity or other Person or body
     performing a similar function of any such entity, as the case may be. The
     Company owns all the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary
     free and clear of all Liens, and all of such shares have been duly
     authorized for issuance and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              10

     validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and have not been
     issued in violation of the preemptive or similar rights of any Person.

               4.3  Outstanding Capital Stock.  The Company is authorized to
                    -------------------------                               
     issue a total of 5,000 shares of Common Stock.  All of the outstanding
     shares of Common Stock, which constitute all of the Shares, were duly
     authorized for issuance and are validly issued, fully paid and
     nonassessable and not issued in violation of the preemptive or similar
     rights of any Person.  The Company has not issued and does not have
     outstanding any shares of preferred stock or any other class of capital
     stock other than the Shares.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.3 hereto,
                                                          ------------        
     there are no outstanding rights, subscriptions, warrants, calls,
     unsatisfied preemptive rights, options or other agreements of any kind to
     purchase or otherwise to receive from the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries any of the outstanding, authorized but unissued or
     unauthorized capital stock or any other security of the Company or any of
     its Subsidiaries, and there is no outstanding security of any kind of the
     Company or any of its Subsidiaries convertible into or exercisable for the
     purchase of any such capital stock or other security of the Company or any
     of its Subsidiaries.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.3 (which agreements
                                                  ------------                  
     will terminate upon Closing), none of the Sellers nor the Company nor any
     of its Subsidiaries is a party to any voting trust or other voting
     agreement with respect to any of the Shares or to any agreement relating to
     the issuance, sale, redemption, transfer, registration or other disposition
     of the capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

               4.4  Financial Statements.  The consolidated balance sheets of
                    --------------------                                     
     the Company and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 1996 and December 31,
     1997 and the related statements of earnings and stockholders' equity and
     statements of cash flows for the years then ended, including the footnotes
     thereto, which are attached hereto as Schedule 4.4, and the consolidated
                                           ------------                      
     balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at March 31, 1998 and
     the related statements of earnings and stockholders' equity and statements
     of cash flows for the three-month period then ended, which are attached
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              11

     hereto as Schedule 4.4(b) (the "Interim Financials") have been prepared in
               ---------------       ------------------                        
     accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, and fairly present in all
     material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and
     its consolidated Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results
     of operations and changes in cash flows of the Company and its consolidated
     Subsidiaries for such respective periods, in each case in accordance with
     GAAP consistently applied for the periods covered thereby and, in the case
     of the Interim Financials, consistent with the Company's past practices for
     its preparation of its unaudited financial statements (and subject to
     normal year-end audit adjustments).  (The foregoing financial statements of
     the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at December 31, 1997 and
     for the year then ended are sometimes herein called the "Annual
                                                              ------
     Financials."  The balance sheet included in the Annual Financials is
     sometimes herein called the "Balance Sheet" and December 31, 1997 is
                                  -------------                          
     sometimes herein called the "Balance Sheet Date.")
                                  ------------------   

               4.5  Liabilities; Ordinary Course.
                    ---------------------------- 

                  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.5(a), the Company and
                                             ---------------                 
        its Subsidiaries have not incurred any indebtedness, liability or
        obligation (whether or not accrued, fixed, due, contingent or known)
        ("Liabilities") of a kind required by GAAP to be set forth on the
        -------------                                                    
        Balance Sheet which was not fully reflected in, reserved against, or
        otherwise described in the Balance Sheet except those Liabilities
        incurred in the ordinary course of business since the Balance Sheet
        Date; and

                  (b) Between the Balance Sheet Date and the date hereof, there
        has been no material adverse change in the properties, business, results
        of operations or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries
        taken as a whole, without regard, however, to changes in general
        economic conditions.  Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement
        or as set forth on Schedule 4.5(b), since the Balance Sheet Date, the
                           ---------------                                   
        Business has been conducted in the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              12

        ordinary course and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have
        (i) declared or paid any dividends or made any other non-cash
        distributions on the Shares or redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired
        any shares of Common Stock, (ii)(A) increased the rate or terms of
        compensation payable or to become payable to its directors, officers or
        employees except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
        practice and that in the aggregate does not result in a material
        increase of the compensation or benefits expense of the Company, (B)
        paid or agreed to pay any pension, retirement allowance or other
        employee benefit not provided for by any Benefit Plan or Employment
        Agreement (as hereafter defined) set forth in the Schedules hereto or
        (C) announced an intention or committed itself to any additional
        pension, profit-sharing, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, stock
        purchase, stock option, stock appreciation right, group insurance,
        severance pay, continuation pay, termination pay, retirement or other
        employee benefit plan, agreement or arrangement, or increased the rate
        or terms of any Benefit Plan, (iii) made any change in its accounting or
        tax reporting methods or in the manner of keeping its books and records
        or changed its current practices with respect to sales, receivables,
        payables or accrued or deferred expenses, or (iv) amended, terminated or
        renewed any lease of the Properties.

               4.6  Contravention.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6(a),
                    -------------                          --------------- 
     neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Seller
     Documents nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or
     thereby will (i) conflict with or result in any breach of any provision of
     the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries, (ii) require any consent, approval or notice under or result
     in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse
     of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination,
     cancellation or acceleration or increase the obligations or decrease the
     rights) under, any terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract, (iii)
     violate Applicable Law or the terms of any Permit or Order with respect to
     the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              13

     result in the creation of any Lien upon the properties or assets of the
     Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except, in the case of clause (ii),
     (iii) and (iv), for such violations, Liens, breaches or defaults as would
     not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.
     Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6(b), other than any filing required 
                            --------------- 
     under the HSR Act, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is required to
     give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any authorization,
     consent, or approval of any Governmental Entity in order for the parties to
     consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except where
     the failure to give notice, to file, or to obtain any authorization,
     consent, or approval would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

               4.7  Taxes.
                    ----- 

                  (a) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have paid all
        Taxes required to be paid by them through the date of this Agreement,
        and will pay all Taxes required to be paid by them on or before the
        Closing Date (which will not include a requirement to pay any Taxes
        shown as an accrual on the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and reflected
        in the Audited Closing Adjusted Net Worth (as increased or decreased, as
        the case may be, by the Resolved Objections and the CPA - Determined
        Differences) but not yet due on the Closing Date).

                  (b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have timely filed or
        timely filed extensions for all reports, declarations, information
        statements and returns relating to the Taxes ("Tax Returns") required to
                                                       -----------              
        be filed by or on behalf of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries
        with the appropriate taxing authority through the date of this Agreement
        and all such Tax Returns are true, complete and correct in all material
        respects, and will prepare and timely file, in a manner consistent with
        prior years and applicable laws and regulations, all Tax Returns
        required to be filed by them on or before the Closing Date which Tax
        Returns will be true, correct and complete in all material respects.  No
        penalties or other charges are or 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              14

        will become due with respect to the late filing of any Tax Return or
        payment of any Tax of the Company or any Subsidiary required to be filed
        or paid on or before the Closing Date.

                  (c) All deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result
        of any examinations by the IRS or any other taxing authority of the Tax
        Returns of or covering or including the Company and each of its
        Subsidiaries have been fully paid.  There are no audits or
        investigations by any taxing authority in progress, nor has any Seller,
        the Company or any of its Subsidiaries received any notice from any
        taxing authority that it intends to conduct such an audit or
        investigation.  No issue has been raised in writing by a federal, state,
        local or foreign taxing authority in any current or prior examination
        which, by application of the same or similar principles, could
        reasonably be expected to result in a proposed material deficiency for
        any subsequent taxable period.  None of the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries is subject to any private letter ruling of the IRS or
        comparable rulings of other taxing authorities.  No extension of time is
        in force with respect to any date on which any Tax Return was or is to
        be filed and no waiver or agreement is in force for the extension of
        time for the assessment or payment of any Tax.  To the Knowledge of the
        Sellers, there is no unassessed deficiency proposed or threatened
        against the Company or any Subsidiary.

                  (d) None of the Sellers, the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries has (i) agreed to or is required to make any adjustments
        under Section 481(a) of the Code or any similar provision of state,
        local or foreign law by reason of a change in accounting method or
        otherwise or has any knowledge that the IRS has proposed any such
        adjustment or change in accounting method, or has any application
        pending with any taxing authority requesting permission for any changes
        in accounting methods that relate to the business or operations of the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) executed or entered into a
        closing agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code or any
        predecessor provision
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              15

        thereof or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law with
        respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) any power of
        attorney with respect to any Tax matter currently in force.

                  (e) The Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with all
        applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the payment and
        withholding of Taxes and have withheld or collected from each payment
        made to employees or otherwise in connection with services rendered the
        amount of all Taxes required to be withheld or collected therefrom, and
        the Company and its Subsidiaries has paid all such Taxes when due to the
        proper Tax receiving officials.

                  (f) Except in connection with the Election (as hereinafter
        defined,) and except as set forth in Schedule 4.7(f), none of the
                                             ---------------             
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any material elections in effect
        for federal, state, local or foreign income tax purposes and the Sellers
        will not permit or cause the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to make
        any additional federal tax elections under the Code with respect to the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any tax period ending after the
        Closing Date.

                  (g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has at any
        time consented under Section 341(f)(1) of the Code to have the
        provisions of Section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply to any sale of its
        stock.

                  (h) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.7(h), neither the
                                             ---------------             
        Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has ever been, nor will be through
        the Closing Date, a member of a consolidated, unitary, combined or
        affiliated group of corporations for any Tax purpose.

                  (i) The Company has properly elected under Section 1362(a) of
        the Code, and except as set forth on Schedule 4.7(i), under each
                                             ---------------            
        analogous or similar provision of state or local law in each
        jurisdiction where the Company is required to file income Tax Returns,
        to be treated as an S Corporation for its 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              16

        taxable period beginning with the taxable year ended December 31, 1990
        and will continue to qualify as an S Corporation for all federal, state
        and local income tax purposes at all times through its taxable year
        ending on the day before the Closing Date and, accordingly, has and will
        have no liability for federal income taxes with respect to any taxable
        period beginning with its first taxable year and through its taxable
        year ending on the Closing Date, including as a result of the Election.

                  (j) The Buyer has received complete copies of (i) all federal,
        state, local and foreign income or franchise Tax Returns of the Company
        and each of its Subsidiaries relating to the last three taxable periods
        of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and (ii) any audit report
        issued within the last three years (or otherwise with respect to any
        audit or investigation in progress) relating to Taxes due from or with
        respect to the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, their respective
        income, assets or operations. With respect to all income and franchise
        Tax Returns filed by or on behalf of the Company and each of its
        Subsidiaries for the taxable years ended on the respective dates set 
        forth on Schedule 4.7(j), either (x) such Tax Returns have been examined
                 ---------------            
        by and settled with the relevant taxing authority, or (y) the applicable
        statute of limitations with respect to the taxable years covered by such
        Tax Returns has expired.

                  (k) Schedule 4.7(k) lists all material types of Taxes paid and
                      ---------------                                           
        material types of Tax Returns filed by or on behalf of the Company and
        each of its Subsidiaries.  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, no claim has
        been made by a taxing authority in a jurisdiction where the Company or
        any of its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns such that it is or may
        be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.

                  (l) No property owned by the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries is (i) property required to be treated as being owned by
        another Person pursuant to the provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the
        Internal Revenue 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              17

        Code of 1954, as amended and in effect immediately prior to the
        enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, (ii) constitutes "tax-exempt
        use property" within the meaning of Section 168(h)(1) of the Code or
        (iii) is "tax-exempt bond financed property" within the meaning of
        Section 168(g) of the Code.

                  (m) There are no Liens for or as a result of any unpaid Taxes
        on the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries except for Liens
        for current Taxes not yet due.

                  (n) No Seller is a foreign person with the meaning of Section
        1445 of the Code.

                  (o) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are parties
        to any tax sharing or similar Contract or arrangement (whether or not
        written).

                  (p) There is no Contract, plan or arrangement involving the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries and covering any Person that,
        individually or collectively, could give rise to the payment of any
        amount that would not be deductible by the Buyer, the Company or any of
        its Subsidiaries or their respective Affiliates by reason of Section
        280G of the Code.

                  (q) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any
        elections in effect for federal income tax purposes under Section 168 of
        the Code or any analogous or similar provision of state, local or
        foreign law.

               4.8  Claims and Proceedings.  Except as set forth on Schedule
                    ----------------------                          --------
     4.8, there are (i) no suits, claims, actions or proceedings pending or, to
     the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened, and (ii) to the Knowledge of Sellers,
     no investigations are pending or threatened, in each case, against or
     relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any material portion
     of their respective properties or assets before any court or Governmental
     Entity, (x) which if adversely determined, would result in a liability of
     the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $100,000, with respect
     to any one such matter, or $500,000, in the case of all such matters, or
     (y) which would 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              18

     (if successful) require specific performance or an injunction by the
     Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors,
     officers, employees, shareholders, or Affiliates; and (iii) to the
     Knowledge of the Sellers no event has occurred which is likely to result in
     any such action, proceeding or investigation which would have a Material
     Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged
     in any legal action to recover monies due it or for damages sustained
     (other than ordinary course collections). No material portion of the
     Company's or its Subsidiaries' properties or assets is subject to any
     specific order, judgment, injunction or decree (collectively, "Orders") of
                                                                    ------
     any court or Governmental Entity of which the Company, any of its
     Subsidiaries, or any Seller was notified that would result in a Material
     Adverse Effect. All matters listed on Schedule 4.8, whether litigation has 
                                           ------------
     been instituted or not, have been reported by the Company to its insurance
     carriers for coverage and such carriers have not indicated that they will
     deny coverage in respect thereof.

               4.9  Contracts.  Schedule 4.9 sets forth, as of the date hereof,
                    ---------   ------------                                   
     a list of all of the following Contracts to which the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any material portion of their
     respective properties or assets are bound or subject (together with the
     agreements specifically identified in this Agreement or in the other
     Schedules hereto, the "Scheduled Contracts"):
                            -------------------   

                  (a) contracts and other agreements with any labor union,
        collective bargaining unit or association representing any employee of
        the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

                  (b) agreements for acquisitions or dispositions (by merger,
        purchase or sale of stock or otherwise) of material assets entered into
        in the last two years or pursuant to which the Company has ongoing
        obligations (other than acquisitions or dispositions of assets in the
        ordinary course) with a value in excess of $200,000 (other than the
        exercise of the option to purchase the property at Egg
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              19

        Harbor Township at a price no greater than $350,000, and on terms
        reasonably acceptable to the Sellers and the Buyer);

                  (c) contracts and other agreements relating to indebtedness of
        the Company or such Subsidiary, guarantees of the indebtedness of any
        other Person or the deferred purchase price of property where such
        deferred purchase price is in excess of $200,000;

                  (d) all partnership, joint venture or other similar Contracts,
        arrangements or agreements;

                  (e) any lease, license or other Contract pursuant to which any
        person has the right to occupy or use any of the Owned Real Property or
        any portion of the premises that are the subject of the Leases;

                  (f) each agreement that restricts or purports to restrict the
        right of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to engage in any
        business anywhere in the world or to compete with any Person with
        respect to any business anywhere in the world;

                  (g) all license, sale, dealer, distribution, commission,
        marketing, agent, franchise, technical assistance or similar agreements,
        other than commission arrangements with employees of the Company or any
        of its Subsidiaries, relating to or providing for the marketing or sale
        of the products or services of or by the Company or any Subsidiary of
        the Company; and

                  (h) any other material contract whether or not made in the
        ordinary course of business which provides for or would reasonably be
        expected to provide for the payment by the Company or any Subsidiary of
        the Company after the date of this Agreement of more than $200,000 per
        annum.

     Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.9, each Scheduled Contract is a legal,
                            ------------                                     
valid and binding obligation of the Company or of its Subsidiary, as the case
may be, and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, each other party thereto, enforceable
against each such party thereto in 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              20

accordance with its material terms, except as may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, and
none of the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company nor, to the Knowledge of
Sellers, any other party thereto, is (or with notice or lapse of time or both
would be) in default thereunder, except where such default would not have a
Material Adverse Effect. As of the date of this Agreement, the Company has not
received notice to the effect that any party to a Scheduled Contract intends to
terminate or not renew the same at its next renewal date. Complete and correct
copies of each Scheduled Contract have been previously delivered to Buyer.

               4.10  Real Estate.
                     ----------- 

                  (a) The Company and its Subsidiaries are the owners of fee
        title to all of the real property listed on Schedule 4.10(a) and all
                                                    ----------------        
        buildings, structures and other improvements located thereon other than
        any real property included in the Excluded Assets and Liabilities (the
        "Owned Real Property").
        --------------------   

                  (b) The Company and its Subsidiaries are the lessees of
        certain real property (together with the Owned Real Property, the
        "Properties") pursuant to the leases listed on Schedule 4.10(b) (the
        -----------                                    ---------------- 
        "Leases").  The Company and its Subsidiaries have a valid, enforceable 
         ------
        and binding leasehold interest in the real property subject to each of
        the Leases. The Sellers have heretofore delivered to, or have caused the
        Company to deliver to, the Buyer true, correct and complete copies of
        the Leases (including any modifications, amendments and supplements).
        Except as set forth in Schedule 4.10(b) with respect to the Leases, 
                               ----------------      
        there exists no default or circumstance which with notice or lapse of
        time or both would constitute a default by the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Sellers, any default or threatened
        default by any third party thereunder. The Properties (together with the
        properties of McClinch, Inc. ("MI") and Grey Fox Equipment, Inc. 
                                       --    
        ("Grey Fox")) constitute all interests in real property currently 
          --------
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              21

        used or currently held for use in connection with the Business of the
        Company and its Subsidiaries and which are necessary for the continued
        operation of the Business as currently conducted. All of the Properties,
        buildings, fixtures and improvements thereon owned or leased by the
        Company and its Subsidiaries are in condition and repair (subject to the
        normal wear and tear) sufficient to operate the Business, with
        sufficient access to roads and utilities to operate the Business as
        presently conducted. With respect to the Owned Real Property, the
        Company has all material certificates of occupancy. Except for the
        option to purchase the Egg Harbor Township property, neither the Company
        nor any Subsidiary owns or holds, or is obligated under or a party to,
        any option, right of first refusal or other contractual right to
        purchase, acquire, sell, assign or dispose of any real estate or any
        portion thereof or interest therein.

                  (c) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.10(c), none of the Owned
        Real Properties are subject to a Lien, other than Permitted Liens and
        other than any other Lien that does not materially interfere with the
        value or operation of the Owned Real Property as presently operated.  No
        condemnation or eminent domain proceeding is pending or, to the
        Knowledge of Sellers, threatened which would preclude or impair in any
        material respect the use of any Owned Real Property or the Thorpe
        Property or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, any property subject to
        the Leases, for the uses for which it is currently being used.

               4.11  Employee Benefit Plans.
                     ---------------------- 

                  (a) Schedule 4.11(a) lists all Benefit Plans of the Company
                      ----------------                                       
        and its Subsidiaries.  With respect to each such Benefit Plan, the
        Sellers heretofore have delivered, or have caused the Company heretofore
        to have made available to the Buyer true, correct and complete copies of
        (i) all plan texts and agreements and related trust agreements or
        annuity contracts, (ii) all summary plan descriptions and material
        employee communications, (iii) the most recent annual report 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              22

        (including all schedules thereto); or (iv) if the plan is intended to
        qualify under Code section 401(a) or 403(a), the most recent
        determination letter received from the IRS;

                  (b) Each Benefit Plan conforms in all material respects to,
        and its administration is in compliance in all material respects with,
        all Applicable Laws and regulations.  Each Benefit Plan intended to be
        qualified under Code section 401(a) has been determined to be so
        qualified by the IRS and each trust established in connection with any
        Benefit Plan that is intended to be exempt from federal income taxation
        under Code section 501(a) has been determined to be so exempt by the IRS
        and no event has occurred and no condition or circumstance has existed
        to adversely affect the qualified status of any Benefit Plan;

                  (c) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(c) or as contemplated
                                             ----------------                   
        by this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
        this Agreement will not (i) entitle any current or former employee to
        severance pay, unemployment compensation or any similar payment or (ii)
        accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of any
        compensation or benefits due to, any current or former employee;

                  (d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(d), no Benefit Plan
                                             ----------------                 
        is a "multiple employer plan" or a "multiemployer plan" within the
              ----------------------        ------------------            
        meaning of the Code or ERISA and no Benefit Plan is subject to Title IV
        of ERISA;

                  (e) No "reportable event" as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA
                          ----------------                                     
        has occurred with respect to any Benefit Plan and no accumulated funding
        deficiency, whether or not waived, exists with respect to any Benefit
        Plan; and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, there is no risk of termination
        of any Benefit Plan by the PBGC under Section 4042 of ERISA and no event
        has occurred which has or is likely to subject the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries to liability under Section 4062 of ERISA;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              23

                  (f) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(f), each Benefit Plan
                                             ----------------                   
        can be amended or terminated at any time, without the consent of any
        other party and without liability other than for benefits accrued as of
        the date of such amendment or termination;

                  (g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is
        obligated to provide life insurance or health care benefits of any kind
        to its retired or former officers, directors or employees pursuant to
        any Benefit Plan, including any "group health plan" as such term is
                                         -----------------                 
        defined in Code section 5000(b)(1), or pursuant to any agreement or
        understanding, except as may be required under Part 6 of Title I of
        ERISA and at the sole expense of the participant or the participant's
        beneficiary;

                  (h) Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.11(h), none of the
                                             ----------------             
        assets of any Benefit Plan is stock of the Company or any of its
        Affiliates, or property leased to or jointly owned by the Company or any
        of its Affiliates;

                  (i) All contributions or other payments required to have been
        made by the Company and its Subsidiaries to or under any Benefit Plan by
        Applicable Law or by the terms of such Benefit Plan have been timely and
        properly made; and

                  (j) There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers,
        threatened actions, claims or proceedings against or relating to any
        Benefit Plan other than routine claims by persons entitled to benefits
        thereunder.

               4.12  Insurance.  Schedule 4.12 sets forth a list of all material
                     ---------   -------------                                  
     policies or binders of fire, liability, product liability, worker's
     compensation, casualty, vehicular and other insurance held by or on behalf
     of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Each such policy and binder is
     valid and binding in accordance with its terms, is in full force and
     effect, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default
     with respect to any provision contained in any such policy or binder nor
     has the Company or any of its Subsidiaries failed to give any notice or
     present any claim
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              24

     under any such policy or binder in due and timely fashion except to the
     extent such default or failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

               4.13  Tangible Properties.  Each of the Company and its
                     -------------------                              
     Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to, or leases with respect to,
     all of its owned or leased tangible personal property which is necessary
     for the conduct of its business in the ordinary course consistent with past
     practices and is reflected in the Balance Sheet, except as indicated in the
     notes thereto, and no such personal property is subject to any Lien (except
     for Liens reflected in the Balance Sheet and Permitted Liens).  Such
     tangible personal property has been maintained by the Company or its
     Subsidiary, as the case may be, in a manner consistent with past practices.

               4.14  Related Party Transactions.  Except as set forth on
                     --------------------------                         
     Schedule 4.14, neither the Sellers nor any of their respective Affiliates
     -------------                                                            
     (other than MI and Grey Fox) has borrowed any moneys from the Company or
     any of its Subsidiaries which has not been repaid or has outstanding any
     indebtedness or other similar obligations to the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.14, none of the Sellers
                                           -------------                     
     is, or owns any direct or indirect interest of any kind in (other than any
     interest of less than 5% in any Person subject to the reporting
     requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), or
     controls or is a director, officer, employee or partner of, or consultant
     to, or lender to or borrower from or has the right to participate in the
     profits of, any Person which is, (A) a competitor, supplier, customer,
     landlord, tenant, creditor or debtor of the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries, or (B) a party to any Contract with the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries.

               4.15  Banks.  Schedule 4.15 contains a complete and correct list
                     -----   -------------                                     
     of the names and locations of all banks in which the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries has accounts or safe deposit boxes and the names of all
     persons authorized to draw thereon or to have access thereto.  Except as
     set forth on Schedule 4.15, no Person holds a power of attorney to act on
                  -------------                                               
     behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              25

               4.16  Permits.  The Company and its Subsidiaries have all
                     -------                                            
     material approvals, authorizations, certificates, consents, licenses,
     exemptions, orders and permits or other similar authorizations of all
     Governmental Entities (the "Permits") necessary for the operation of the
                                 -------                                     
     Business in the manner currently operated, and each such Permit is valid
     and in full force and effect in all material respects and there are no
     proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened to
     revoke or cancel the same; provided, that nothing in this Section 4.16
                                --------                                   
     shall be or be deemed to be a representation or warranty concerning
     Environmental Laws or Permits with respect to environmental matters.

               4.17  Compliance with Applicable Laws.  Except as set forth on
                     -------------------------------                         
     Schedule 4.17, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have complied and
     -------------                                                            
     are in compliance with Applicable Law with respect to the Company and each
     of its Subsidiaries and the conduct of their business and the use of their
     properties, except in the case where failure to comply or be in compliance
     would not have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, that nothing in this
                                               --------                      
     Section 4.17 shall be or be deemed to be a representation or warranty
     concerning Environmental Laws or Permits with respect to environmental
     matters.

               4.18  Employment Agreements.  Except as set forth on Schedule
                     ---------------------                          --------
     4.18, there are no employment, consulting, severance pay, continuation pay,
     ----                                                                       
     termination pay or indemnification agreements or other similar agreements
     (collectively, the "Employment Agreements") between the Company or any of
                         ---------------------                                
     its Subsidiaries and any current or former shareholder, officer, director
     or employee or any consultant or agent of the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries that are currently in effect.  True and complete copies of the
     Employment Agreements have been delivered to Buyer.

               4.19  Labor and Employment Matters.
                     ---------------------------- 
                  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(a), no collective
                                             ----------------               
        bargaining agreement existed or exists that is binding on the Company or
        any of its 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              26

        Subsidiaries, and to the Knowledge of Sellers, no petition has been
        filed or proceedings instituted by an employee or group of employees
        with any labor relations board seeking recognition of a bargaining 
        representative.  Schedule 4.19(a), to the Knowledge of Sellers, 
                         ----------------                     
        describes any organizational effort currently being made or threatened
        by or on behalf of any labor union to organize any employees of the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and

                  (b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(b), (i) there is no
                                             ----------------                 
        labor strike, dispute, slow down or stoppage pending or, to the
        Knowledge of Sellers, threatened, against or directly affecting the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) no grievance or arbitration
        proceeding arising out of or under any collective bargaining agreement
        is pending, and to the Knowledge of the Sellers, no claims therefor
        exist, and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
        received any notice of any labor or civil rights dispute, controversy or
        grievance or any other unfair labor practice proceeding or breach of
        contract claim or action with respect to claims of, or obligations to,
        any employee or group of employees of the Company or any of its
        Subsidiaries. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in material
        compliance with all laws, regulations and orders relating to the
        employment of labor, including all such laws, regulations and orders
        relating to wages, hours, WARN, collective bargaining, discrimination,
        civil rights, safety and health, workers' compensation and the
        collection and payment of withholding and/or social security taxes and
        any similar tax except for immaterial non-compliance. There has been no
        "mass layoff" or "plant closing" as defined by WARN with respect to the
        Company and its Subsidiaries within the six (6) months prior to the
        Closing Date.

               4.20  Intangible Property.  Other than generally available, "off-
                     -------------------                                    ---
     the-shelf" items containing intellectual property, Schedule 4.20 contains a
     ---------                                          -------------           
     complete and correct list of each patent, trademark, trade name, service
     mark and copyright owned or used by Company and its Subsidiaries as well as
     all registrations thereof and pending 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              27

     applications therefor, and each license or other agreement relating
     thereto. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.20, each of the foregoing is
                                     -------------
     owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries free and clear of all Liens and,
     to the Knowledge of the Sellers, is not the subject of any ownership
     challenge. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any written
     notice that any of the foregoing is invalid or conflicts with the asserted
     rights of others.

               4.21  Environmental Compliance.  Except as set forth on Schedule
                     ------------------------                          --------
     4.21 hereto:
     ----        

                  (a) the operations and facilities (as defined by CERCLA) of
        the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have been for the past three
        years, and are in, material compliance with all applicable Environmental
        Laws and all Permits issued pursuant to Environmental Laws;

                  (b) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have obtained and
        currently maintains all material Permits required under all applicable
        Environmental Laws necessary to operate its business;

                  (c) neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries is the subject of
        any outstanding proceeding, written claim, written order or Contract
        with any Governmental Entity or Person with respect to (i) Environmental
        Law, (ii) Remedial Action or (iii) any Release or threatened Release of
        a Hazardous Material and, to the knowledge of the Sellers, no such
        proceedings, claims, orders or contracts are threatened;

                  (d) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
        received any written communication or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers,
        any other communication, alleging either or both that the Company or any
        of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Properties or facilities
        may be in violation of (i) any Environmental Law or (ii) any Permit
        issued pursuant to any Environmental Law, 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              28

        or that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may have any liability
        under any Environmental Law;

                  (e) to the Knowledge of the Sellers, there are no
        investigations by any Governmental Entity under or pursuant to
        Environmental Laws of the business, operations, Properties or former
        properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pending or
        threatened;

                  (f) there is not now located at any of the Properties of the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries any underground storage tanks for
        which the Company or the Subsidiaries has responsibility ("UST") nor, to
                                                                   ---          
        the Knowledge of the Sellers, any asbestos-containing material in a
        condition necessitating abatement, nor equipment containing
        polychlorinated biphenyls necessitating immediate removal or
        remediation;

                  (g) the Sellers have provided to the Buyer all environmentally
        related Phase I and Phase II reports or other material environmental
        reports that have been performed and provided to the Company or any of
        its Subsidiaries with respect to the Properties or former properties,
        assets or current operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
        and that are in the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' possession,
        custody or control; and

                  (h) as of the Closing Date, to the Knowledge of Sellers, there
        are no conditions requiring Remedial Action on the Properties resulting
        from Releases of Hazardous Materials prior to the Closing, other than
        conditions disclosed to the Phase I or Phase II Consultants. To the
        knowledge of Sellers, there are no conditions on the formerly owned,
        operated or leased properties of the Company or any Subsidiary requiring
        Remedial Action for which the Company may be responsible, other than
        conditions described in the environmental reports provided by the
        Sellers to the Buyer and listed on Schedule 4.21(h).
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              29

               4.22  Finders and Investment Bankers.  Except for Brown Brothers
                     ------------------------------                            
     Harriman & Co. ("Brown Brothers"), no broker, finder, agent or similar
                      --------------                                       
     intermediary has acted on behalf of the Company in connection with this
     Agreement, and that, except for the fees and expenses of Brown Brothers,
     there are no brokerage commissions, finders' fees or similar fees or
     commissions payable in connection therewith based on any agreement,
     arrangement or understanding with the Company or any action taken by the
     Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.

               4.23  Certain Actions.  None of the Company, any of its
                     ---------------                                  
     Subsidiaries nor any Person acting at the direction or on behalf of the
     Company or any of its Subsidiaries has serviced, maintained, modified,
     altered or refurbished any product sold, rented or distributed prior to the
     Closing Date by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
     respective predecessors in a wanton, malicious, wilfully improper or
     criminally negligent manner.

               4.24  No Other Representations and Warranties.  Except for the
                     ---------------------------------------                 
     representations and warranties contained in Articles 3 and 4, the Sellers
     make no other express or implied representations or warranties concerning
     the Shares, the Company, any Subsidiary or asset of the Company or any
     Seller or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

          5.  Representations and Warranties of the Buyer. The Buyer represents
              -------------------------------------------                      
  and warrants to the Sellers as follows:

               5.1  Corporate Organization.  The Buyer is a corporation duly
                    ----------------------                                  
     organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
     State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to
     own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now
     being and as heretofore conducted.

               5.2  Authority to Execute and Perform Agreement.  The Buyer has
                    ------------------------------------------                
     the full legal right and power and all authority and approvals required to
     enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each other agreement,
     document, or instrument or 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              30

     certificate contemplated by this Agreement to be executed by Buyer in
     connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this 
     Agreement (collectively the "Buyer Documents"), and to consummate the 
                                  ---------------          
     transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been duly
     executed and delivered by the Buyer and, assuming due execution and
     delivery hereof by the other parties hereto, this Agreement will be valid
     and binding obligation of the Buyer enforceable against the Buyer in
     accordance with its terms except: (a) as rights to indemnity hereunder may
     be limited by federal or state securities laws or the public policies
     embodied therein; (b) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
     insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws affecting the
     enforcement of creditors' rights generally; and (c) as the remedy of
     specific performance and other forms of injunctive relief may be subject to
     equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any
     proceeding therefor may be brought. The execution and delivery by the Buyer
     of this Agreement and the other Buyer Documents, the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and the performance by the
     Buyer of this Agreement and the other Buyer Documents in accordance with
     their respective terms and conditions will not (i) conflict with or result
     in any breach of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-
     Laws of the Buyer; (ii) require the Buyer to obtain any consent, approval,
     authorization or action of, or make any filing with or give any notice to,
     any Governmental Entity or any other Person other than any filings required
     under the HSR Act and applicable securities laws except for the consent of
     the lenders under the Buyer's credit agreement, which the Buyer has
     obtained; (iii) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any of
     the terms and conditions of, result in a material modification of the
     effect of, otherwise cause the termination of or give any other contracting
     party the right to terminate, or constitute (or with notice or lapse of
     time or both constitute) a default under, any Contract to which the Buyer
     is a party or by or to which the Buyer or any of its properties is or may
     be bound or subject; or (iv) violate Applicable Law or Order of any
     Governmental Entity applicable to the Buyer.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              31

               5.3  Purchase for Investment.  The Buyer is purchasing the Shares
                    -----------------------                                     
     for its own account for investment and not for resale or distribution.  The
     Buyer acknowledges that the sale of the Shares has not been registered
     under the Securities Act, or any applicable state securities laws and that
     such Shares may only be sold or otherwise disposed of under an effective
     registration statement under the Securities Act or under an exemption
     therefrom.  Except with respect to the Buyer's credit agreement, the Buyer
     has no contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any Person or
     entity to sell, hypothecate, pledge, donate, or otherwise transfer (with or
     without consideration) to any such Person any of the Shares, and the Buyer
     has no present plans or intention to enter into any such contract,
     undertaking, agreement, or arrangement.

               5.4  [Intentionally omitted].

               5.5  Sources of Information.  The Buyer acknowledges that it has
                    ----------------------                                     
     conducted its own investigation of the business and affairs of the Company
     and its Subsidiaries.  The Buyer has been afforded the opportunity:  (i) to
     ask such questions as it has deemed necessary of, and to receive answers
     from, representatives of the Company and its Subsidiaries concerning the
     Company and its Subsidiaries; and (ii) to obtain such additional
     information that the Company and its Subsidiaries possess or can acquire
     without unreasonable effort or expense that is reasonably necessary to
     verify the accuracy and completeness of the information previously
     furnished to it by the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided that no
                                                          --------        
     investigation by the Buyer shall affect the representations and warranties
     of the Sellers.

               5.6  Finders and Investment Bankers.  No broker, finder, agent or
                    ------------------------------                              
     similar intermediary has acted on behalf of the Buyer in connection with
     this Agreement, and there are no brokerage commissions, finders' fees or
     similar fees or commissions payable in connection therewith based on any
     agreement, arrangement or understanding with the Buyer or any action taken
     by the Buyer.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              32

               5.7  Litigation.  There are no legal proceedings pending or, to
                    ----------                                                
     the Knowledge of the Buyer, threatened that are reasonably likely to
     prohibit or restrain the ability of the Buyer to enter into this Agreement
     or any other Buyer Document or consummate the transactions contemplated
     hereby or thereby.

          6.  Covenants and Agreements.
              ------------------------ 

               6.1  Conduct of Business of the Company.  Except as contemplated
                    ----------------------------------                         
     by this Agreement, during the period commencing on the date hereof and
     ending at the Closing Date, the Sellers shall cause the Company and its
     Subsidiaries to conduct their respective operations in accordance with
     their ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.  Without
     limiting the generality of the foregoing, and except as otherwise expressly
     provided in this Agreement, prior to the Closing Date, neither the Company
     nor any of its Subsidiaries will, without the prior written consent of the
     Buyer (which may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed):

                  (a) amend or propose to amend its Articles of Incorporation or
        By-Laws or merge or consolidate with or into any other Person;

                  (b) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, pledge, deliver or
        agree or commit to issue, sell, pledge or deliver (whether through the
        issuance or granting of any options, warrants, calls, subscriptions,
        stock appreciation rights or other rights or agreements) any capital
        stock of any class or any securities convertible into or exchangeable
        for shares of capital stock of any class of the Company or such
        Subsidiary, as the case may be (except for the issuance of securities of
        Subsidiaries issued to the Company or another Subsidiary);

                  (c) split, combine or reclassify any shares of Common Stock;

                  (d) enter into any agreements, commitments or contracts that
        are material to the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
        other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
        practice, or otherwise make any material change in (i) any existing
        agreement, commitment or arrangement that is 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              33

        material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (ii)
        the conduct of the Business;

                  (e) except for the exercise of the option regarding the
        property at Egg Harbor Township, purchase or otherwise acquire assets
        from any Person other than in the ordinary course of business;

                  (f) sell, assign, lease, license, transfer or otherwise
        dispose of, or mortgage, pledge or encumber (other than with Permitted
        Liens), any Owned Real Property or any of its assets, or amend,
        terminate or renew any of the Leases;

                  (g) amend or modify in any material respect or terminate any
        Contract entered into by the Company after the date hereof which, if in
        existence on the date hereof, would be required to be set forth in
        Schedule 4.9 as a Scheduled Contract (each, a "Subsequent Material
        ------------                                   -------------------
        Contract");
        --------   

                  (h) enter into or commit or propose to enter into any
        Subsequent Material Contract, except as necessary to permit the Company
        or its Subsidiaries or the Sellers to carry out any of their respective
        covenants and other obligations under this Agreement or any other Seller
        Document;

                  (i) except in the ordinary course of business, waive, cancel
        or take any other action materially impairing any of its rights;

                  (j) make or commit to make any capital expenditure, or group
        of related capital expenditures other than (A) the purchases of
        Equipment and vehicles having an aggregate purchase price of no more
        than $7,000,000; provided that the funds used to purchase such Equipment
                         --------                                               
        or vehicles is obtained from the Company's or its Subsidiaries' working
        capital, existing revolving credit agreement or other indebtedness that
        may be prepaid without penalty, or (B) other capital expenditures or
        group of related capital expenditures of no more than $2,000,000 in the
        aggregate;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              34

                  (k) create, incur, assume or guarantee any indebtedness for
        borrowed money (except (i) in the ordinary course of business or (ii) to
        make the purchases and other capital expenditures permitted under
        Section 6.1(j));

                  (l) (i)  increase the rate or terms of compensation payable or
        to become payable to its directors, officers or employees except with
        respect to employees other than officers in the ordinary course of
        business consistent with past custom and practice, (ii) announce an
        intention to or pay or agree to pay any pension, retirement allowance or
        other employee benefit not provided for by any Benefit Plan or
        Employment Agreement set forth in the Schedules hereto, (iii) announce
        an intention to or commit itself to any additional pension, profit
        sharing, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, stock purchase, stock
        option, stock appreciation right, group insurance, severance pay,
        continuation pay, termination pay, retirement or other employee benefit
        plan, agreement or arrangement, or increase the rate or terms of any
        Benefit Plan, (iv) enter into any employment agreement with or for the
        benefit of any Person, or (v) increase the rate of compensation under or
        otherwise change the terms of any Employment Agreement set forth in
        Schedule 4.18;
        ------------- 

                  (m) except as set forth on Schedule 6.1(m), make any change in
                                             ---------------                    
        its accounting or tax reporting methods or in the manner of keeping its
        books and records or any change in its current practices with respect to
        inventory, sales, receivables, payables or accrued expenses;

                  (n) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution in
        respect of Common Stock or, directly or indirectly, redeem, purchase or
        otherwise acquire any of its Common Stock or make any other payments of
        any kind to the holders of any of its Common Stock in respect thereof,
        or enter into any commitment agreement to do any of the foregoing;
        provided, however, that the Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends
        --------  -------                                                     
        to the Company of another Subsidiary 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              35

        and the Company may distribute the Excluded Assets and Liabilities
        pursuant to Section 6.11;

                  (o) enter into or commit or propose to enter into any
        agreements, commitments or contracts with an Affiliate of the Company or
        any Seller other than MI and Grey Fox; or

                  (p) agree, commit or arrange to do any of the foregoing.

               6.2  Access to Information; Confidentiality.
                    -------------------------------------- 

                  (a) Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date,
        the Sellers shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to afford the
        Buyer and its authorized representatives (including its accountants,
        financial advisors and legal counsel) reasonable access during normal
        business hours to all of the properties, personnel, Contracts, books and
        records of the Company and its Subsidiaries and shall promptly deliver
        or make available to the Buyer information concerning the business,
        properties, assets and personnel of the Company and its Subsidiaries as
        the Buyer may from time to time reasonably request;

                  (b) The Buyer shall hold, and shall cause its authorized
        representatives (including its accountants, financial advisors and legal
        counsel) to hold, all material subject to the Confidentiality Agreement
        dated February 12, 1998, between MI and the Buyer (the "Confidentiality
                                                                ---------------
        Agreement") in confidence in accordance with the terms of the
        ---------                                                    
        Confidentiality Agreement and, in the event of the termination of this
        Agreement for any reason, the Buyer promptly shall return or destroy all
        such material in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality
        Agreement;

                  (c) After the Closing, the Sellers and their respective
        Affiliates will and will cause their respective representatives to treat
        any data and information related to the Company and/or its Subsidiaries
        and the Business confidentially and with commercially reasonable care
        and discretion, and will not 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              36

        disclose any such information to third parties; provided, however, that
                                                        --------  -------
        the foregoing shall not apply to (i) information in the public domain or
        that becomes public through disclosure by a party other than Sellers or
        any of their respective Affiliates or any of their respective
        representatives, so long as such other party is not in breach of a
        confidentiality obligation to the Buyer and (ii) information that may be
        required to be disclosed by Applicable Law.

                  (d) In the event that either a Seller or the Buyer, as the
        case may be, is required, by subpoena or other legal process, in any
        action or proceeding to disclose any such confidential information or
        material referred to in this Section, such party will give the other
        party prompt notice of such request so that such other party may seek an
        appropriate protective order or other confidential treatment of such
        information and will cooperate with such other party in obtaining such
        treatment; and

                  (e) Each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that in the
        event of any breach of Section 6.2, money damages would not be an
        adequate remedy to the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Sellers, on the
        other, for such breach and, even if money damages were adequate, it
        would be impossible to ascertain or measure with any degree of accuracy
        the damages sustained by the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Sellers, on
        the other, therefrom.  Accordingly, if there should be a breach or
        threatened breach by any Person of any provision of Section 6.2, the
        Buyer, on the one hand, or the Sellers, on the other, shall be entitled,
        without showing or providing actual damage sustained by the Buyer, on
        the one hand, or the Sellers on the other, to an injunction restraining
        such Person from any breach.  Nothing in this Section 6.2(d) shall limit
        or otherwise affect the remedies that the Buyer, the Company or the
        Sellers may otherwise have under Applicable Law.

               6.3  Disclosure Supplements.  Prior to the Closing, the Sellers
                    ----------------------                                    
     may supplement or amend the schedules referred to in this Agreement with
     respect to (i) any 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              37

     matter not existing on the date hereof which, if existing or occurring at
     or prior to the date hereof, would have been required to be set forth or
     described in a schedule or (ii) any matter arising after the date hereof
     which is necessary to correct any information in a schedule or in any
     representation and warranty of the Sellers which has been rendered 
     inaccurate thereby; provided that any such supplement or amendment shall 
                         --------                             
     not waive, limit or otherwise affect the condition to Closing set forth in
     Section 9.1, which shall be based on the representations and warranties,
     covenants and agreements made as of the date of this Agreement, but only
     the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by the
     Sellers as amended or supplemented pursuant to this Section 6.3 shall be
     the basis for any indemnification pursuant to Article 7, 8 or 12.

               6.4  Expenses.  Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this
                    --------                                                  
     Agreement, the parties to this Agreement shall bear their respective
     expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation,
     execution and performance of this Agreement and the contemplated
     transactions, including all fees and expenses of agents, representatives,
     counsel and accountants, provided, however, that the Buyer is agreeing to
                              --------  -------                               
     pay the first $400,000 of the fee owed to Brown Brothers by the Sellers
     pursuant to the MI Agreement and the Sellers shall pay all amounts of such
     fee to Brown Brothers in excess of $400,000.

               6.5  Further Assurances.  Each of the parties shall execute such
                    ------------------                                         
     certificates, bills of sale, agreements and other documents and take such
     further actions as may be reasonably required or desirable to carry out the
     provisions hereof and the contemplated transactions.  Each such party shall
     use its commercially reasonable efforts to fulfill or obtain the
     fulfillment of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Articles 9 and
     10.  Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, each of the
     parties hereto shall promptly notify the other parties in writing (a) if
     such party becomes aware of any fact or condition that causes or would be
     reasonably likely to cause or constitute a Material Adverse Effect or a
     breach of any of the representations and warranties of such party set forth
     herein and (b) of the occurrence of any breach of
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              38

     any covenant in this Agreement or of the occurrence of any event that may
     make the satisfaction of the conditions to Closing set forth herein
     impossible or unlikely.

               6.6  Cooperation Regarding Landlords.  The Sellers agree that
                    -------------------------------                         
     they will cause the officers of the Company to reasonably cooperate with
     the Buyer in obtaining consents and estoppel certificates from the
     landlords under the Leases; provided, that the foregoing shall not require
                                 --------                                      
     the Sellers or the Company to pay any amounts to any Person to obtain such
     consents or estoppels; and; provided further, that the Buyer acknowledges
                                 -------- -------                             
     that the receipt of such consents or estoppel certificates is not a
     condition precedent to the consummation of the transactions contemplated
     hereby.

               6.7  Transfer Taxes.  All sales, use, stamp, documentary, filing,
                    --------------                                              
     recording, transfer or similar fees or Taxes and governmental charges as
     levied by any taxing authority or other Governmental Entity as a result of
     the transfer of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement (other than those
     arising out of the Election (as defined in Section 7.1(a)(i) below)) shall
     be borne 50% by the Buyer and 50% by the Sellers.

               6.8  Compliance with Antitrust Laws.  Each of the parties hereto
                    ------------------------------                             
     shall file an appropriate Notification and Report Form concerning the
     transactions contemplated herein as promptly as practicable following the
     date hereof.  Each of the Buyer and each Seller shall cooperate (including
     by way of furnishing to the other such documents and information as may
     reasonably be required) in making filings under the HSR Act and shall use
     its commercially reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
     actions necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as
     promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
     including using its commercially reasonable best efforts (including,
     without limitation, the Buyer agrees that it will dispose of or hold
     separate any part of its or the Company's assets or business; provided, 
                                                                   -------- 
     that in no event shall the Buyer be required to (or be required to agree
     to) dispose of or hold separate assets of the Combined Business which
     generate in the aggregate more than $5 million per year of revenues; and
     provided, further, that
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              39

     in no event shall the Buyer be required to (or be required to agree to)
     dispose of any one of the following locations; the Company's (and its
     Affiliates') location in Fairfield, Connecticut, the Buyer's (or its
     subsidiary's) location in Burlington, New Jersey and the Buyer's (or its
     subsidiary's) location in Baltimore, Maryland) in order to consummate or
     make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by
     this Agreement to resolve such objections, if any, as the Antitrust
     Division of the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission or
     state antitrust enforcement or other Governmental Entity (collectively, 
     the "Regulatory Agencies") may assert under the federal or state antitrust 
          -------------------                                  
     laws with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event an
     action is instituted by any Person challenging the transactions
     contemplated hereby as violative of the antitrust laws, each of the Buyer
     and each Seller shall cooperate with the other parties hereto and use its
     commercially reasonable best efforts to resist or resolve such action.
     "Combined Business" means the existing business of the Buyer or any of its
     current subsidiaries and the business of the Company, MES, Grey Fox or any
     of their respective Subsidiaries.

               6.9  SOC Rebates.  From and after the Closing Date, the Buyer
                    -----------                                             
     shall use its best efforts to collect all supplier-of-choice rebates owed
     to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company relating to equipment
     expenditures made prior to the Closing and pass-through rebates for
     equipment purchased by Hertz Equipment Rental Corp. during the period from
     and including August, 1, 1997 through and including July 31, 1998 (the "SOC
                                                                             ---
     Rebates").  All monies collected on account of the SOC Rebates shall be
     -------                                                                
     held by the Buyer for the Sellers' account.  The Buyer shall pay or cause
     to be paid to the Sellers' Representative, on behalf of the Sellers, on the
     first Business Day of each month all monies so received during the prior
     month.

               6.10  Non-Compete.  For a period commencing on the Closing Date
                     -----------                                              
     and terminating three (3) years thereafter in the case of Ernest Pierson
     and Robert Russo and five (5) years thereafter in the case of each of the
     other Sellers (the "Restricted Period"), the Sellers (i) shall not (except,
                         -----------------                                      
     (x) in the case of Terrance 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              40

     McClinch, in his capacity as a consultant to MI or another subsidiary of
     the Buyer in accordance with his consulting agreement with MI to be entered
     into as of the Closing Date and (y) in the case of Ernest Pierson and
     Robert Russo, in their capacity as employees of MI or another Subsidiary of
     the Buyer), and shall cause their respective Affiliates not to, in each
     case, without the express prior written consent of Buyer (which consent may
     be withheld by Buyer in its sole and absolute discretion) for his, her, or
     its or their, as the case may be, own account or jointly with any other
     Person, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, control,
     finance, invest in, bid for, advise (or advise others with respect to) or
     otherwise participate in, or be connected with, or become or act as a
     partner, manager, member, director, officer, employee, consultant,
     representative, agent or landlord of (other than pursuant to the lease of
     185 Thorpe Street contemplated by the MI Agreement), any business,
     individual, partnership, firm, corporation (other than Buyer), limited
     liability company, association or other entity which is in competition
     with, or is otherwise engaged anywhere in the United States of America and
     the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, Canada, in the Restricted Business 
                      ------------------                           
     (as hereafter defined); provided, however, that a Seller may own,
                             --------  -------  
     directly or indirectly, solely as an investment, (x) the URI Warrants and
     Buyer Common Stock issued upon the exercise thereof (and any stock
     dividends or other securities issued to holders thereof) and (y) securities
     of any business traded on any national securities exchange or NASDAQ,
     provided such Seller is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group
     which controls or seeks to control, such business and further provided that
     such Seller and its Affiliates do not, in the aggregate, directly or
     indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such business ;
     and (ii) shall not, and shall cause their respective Affiliates not to,
     directly or indirectly, for his, her, or its or their own account or
     jointly with another, or for or on behalf of any Person, as principal,
     agent or otherwise, (A) solicit or induce or in any manner attempt to
     solicit or induce any Person employed by the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries to leave such position or (B) interfere with, disrupt or
     attempt to disrupt any relationship, 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              41

     contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
     and any of the customers, clients or suppliers of the Company or any of
     such Subsidiaries; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing the Sellers 
                        --------     
     and their Affiliates may take any action whatsoever (including without
     limitation legal action) against (x) any customer in connection with any
     Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable with respect to which the Sellers
     have an obligation to indemnify under Section 12.1(b) or (y) any supplier,
     manufacturer or any other Person relating to, resulting from or in
     connection with any claims for indemnification by the Buyer or a Buyer
     Indemnitee against the Sellers under Article 7, 8 or 12 of this Agreement.

             In addition, the Sellers shall not, and shall cause their
   respective Affiliates not to, to any Person denigrate or derogate the Buyer
   or any of its subsidiaries (including the Company), or any product or service
   or procedure of any such company whether or not such denigrating or
   derogatory statements shall be true or are based on acts or omissions which
   occurred or are learned by a Seller prior to the date hereof or otherwise.  A
   statement shall be deemed denigrating or derogatory to any Person only if it
   (i) materially adversely affects the esteem in which such Person is held by
   investors, lenders or licensing, rating, or regulatory entities and (ii) is
   not privileged in law.

             The Sellers acknowledge that irreparable harm would be suffered by
   the parties relying on the Sellers' covenants and undertakings set forth
   herein in the event that any of the provisions of this Section were not
   performed fully by the Sellers in accordance with the terms specified herein,
   and that monetary damages are an inadequate remedy for breach of this Section
   because of the difficulty of ascertaining and quantifying the amount of
   damages that will be suffered by the parties relying hereon in the event that
   the undertakings and provisions contained in this Section were breached or
   violated.  Accordingly, each Seller agrees that Buyer shall be entitled to an
   injunction or injunctions to restrain, enjoin and prevent breaches or
   threatened breaches of the covenants, undertakings and provisions herein and
   to enforce specifically the provisions hereof in any court of the United
   States or any state having jurisdiction over the matter, it being
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              42

   understood that any such remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu
   of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.  The Sellers
   further acknowledge and agree that the covenants contained in this Section
   shall not be deemed exclusive of any common law or other rights of Buyer in
   connection with the matters covered hereby.

             The provisions of this Section are severable, and the invalidity of
   any provision shall not affect the validity of any other provision.  It is
   the intention of the parties that this Section be enforced to the fullest
   extent permitted and, therefore, in the event that any provision of this
   Section or the application thereof is held to be unenforceable in any
   jurisdiction because of the duration or scope thereof, the parties hereto
   agree that the court or panel of arbitrators making such determination shall
   have the power to reduce the duration and scope of such provision to the
   extent necessary to make it enforceable, and that this Section in its reduced
   form shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law, but
   no such reduction shall affect the enforceability of the express terms hereof
   in any other jurisdiction.

               6.11  Excluded Assets and Liabilities.  Prior to the Closing
                     -------------------------------                       
     Date, the Company shall transfer all right, title and interest to, and all
     responsibility in respect of, the Excluded Assets and Liabilities to the
     Sellers or their respective designees.  The Sellers hereby agree to
     indemnify the Buyer Indemnitees from and against all Losses and Liabilities
     attributable to the Excluded Assets and Liabilities.

               6.12  Insurance Tail.  The Buyer shall purchase and cause to be
                     --------------                                           
     maintained in effect at Closing and for a period of two years after the
     Closing Date, for the benefit of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
     liability insurance policies having at least the same coverage as,
     deductible amounts no greater than, and which contain terms and conditions
     that are not less advantageous to the Company and its Subsidiaries than,
     the liability insurance policies maintained by the Company and its
     Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date; provided that the Buyer's obligation
                                          --------
     under this Section with
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              43


     respect to an employee practice liability insurance policy is only to the
     extent that the maximum premium therefore does not exceed $20,000 per
     annum.

               6.13  Payment of Indebtedness.  At Closing, the Buyer may, at its
                     -----------------------                                    
     option, repay any other indebtedness of the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries.  If the Buyer notifies the Sellers at least 10 Business Days
     prior to the Closing Date that it will repay any such indebtedness at
     Closing, the Sellers shall arrange to have the lenders with respect to such
     indebtedness deliver pay-off letters and UCC-3 Termination Statements at
     the closing with respect to such indebtedness.  If the Buyer elects to
     repay any indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries at Closing,
     neither the Sellers nor the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have
     any liability or obligation with respect thereto (it being understood that
     any prepayment penalties resulting therefrom in excess of $18,750 shall be
     included as a liability of the Company in the Preliminary Closing Balance
     Sheet, the Audited Closing Balance Sheet and the Closing Adjusted Net Worth
     Schedule pursuant to Section 1.2).  The Buyer agrees to pay the first
     $18,750 of any such prepayment penalties.

               6.14  Rental Ready Adjustment.  Sellers will deliver a Rental
                     -----------------------                                
     Asset Listing to the Buyer at Closing ("Rental Asset Listing") which shall
                                             --------------------              
     set forth as of the Closing Date (i) the asset description, make, model and
     original cost, accumulated depreciation and net book value of all rental
     equipment inventory held for rent to customers of the Company and its
     Subsidiaries (the "Equipment") as of the Closing Date.  The Sellers shall, 
                        ---------                     
     subject to Sections 12.1(c) (other than Section 12.1(c)(i)), 12.4 and 14.2,
     indemnify the Buyer for (x) each item of Equipment listed on the Rental
     Asset Listing which is not Rental Ready and (y) each item of Equipment
     which is listed on the Rental Asset Listing and which is missing, in the
     amount calculated as described below (the "Rental Ready Adjustment").  
                                                -----------------------
     Within 15 days following the Closing Date, the Buyer shall complete a
     physical inventory of each item of Equipment on the Rental Asset Listing,
     including by visiting renters' locations as necessary to inspect such
     Equipment, and the indemnification provided in this Section 6.14 shall be
     based on the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              44

     Rental Ready Adjustment resulting from the findings of such
     physical inventory (the "Post Closing Rental Ready Adjustment").  The 
                              ------------------------------------
     Sellers' Representative or its designee shall have the right to observe and
     consult with the Buyer during the physical inventory. The amount of any
     indemnification payment required under this Section shall equal (I) the
     lesser of (x) the repair cost and (y) the replacement cost for each item of
     Equipment that is not Rental Ready and (II) the fair market value (as
     determined by the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative) for each item of
     Equipment that is missing; provided, that the Buyer shall be entitled to
                                --------
     indemnification pursuant to this Section 6.14 only when and if the
     aggregate fair market value (determined as aforesaid) of all such missing
     Equipment plus the repair/replacement costs of all such non Rental Ready
     Equipment, exceeds $100,000, and then only to the extent of such excess,
     and any indemnification obligation shall be subject to Sections 12.1(c)
     (other than Section 12.1(c)(i)), 12.4 and 14.2. The amount of any such
     indemnification shall be paid to the Buyer out of the Escrow Amount, and
     the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative shall give instructions to the
     Escrow Agent to pay, an amount equal to such adjustment within five
     Business Days of completion of the determination of the Rental Ready
     Adjustment; provided that if such Post Closing Rental Ready Adjustment 
                 --------
     exceeds the Escrow Amount, the Sellers shall pay to the Buyer on such date
     the excess of the Post Closing Rental Ready Adjustment over the Escrow
     Amount. For purposes of this Agreement, an item of Equipment is "Rental
     Ready" if (i) no maintenance or repairs (other than routine maintenance)
     costing more than the greater of (x) $750 per item and (y) 3.5% of the
     original cost of such item of Equipment, are required with respect to such
     item to bring such item into condition for rental. The repair cost with
     respect to any item of Equipment shall be determined based upon the cost of
     a similar repair most recently performed by the Company or any Subsidiary
     of the Company to the same or similar item of Equipment. The parties agree
     that the items of Equipment listed in Schedule 6.14(b) shall not give rise
                                           ----------------       
     to a Rental Ready Adjustment. Any disputes as to the physical count, fair
     market value or whether any item of Equipment is Rental Ready
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              45

     will, if possible, be resolved while the physical inventory of such
     Equipment is being taken. Any disputes not so resolved within 15 days shall
     be resolved by an independent third party mutually acceptable to Buyer and
     the Sellers' Representative or, if Buyer and the Sellers' Representative
     cannot agree on the designation of such independent third party within five
     Business Days, by the CPA Firm, whose determination shall be final, binding
     and conclusive on the parties hereto. Unless otherwise agreed to by the
     Buyer and the Sellers' Representative in writing, operating leases entered
     into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall not cause an
     adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to an Rental Ready Adjustment.

               6.15  No Solicitation.  The Sellers will not, and will not cause
                     ---------------                                           
     or permit the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees,
     representatives or agents (collectively, "Agents") to, directly or
                                               ------                  
     indirectly, (i) discuss, negotiate, undertake, authorize, recommend,
     propose or enter into, any transaction involving a merger, consolidation,
     business combination, purchase or disposition of any capital stock or other
     equity interest in, or any material amount of the assets of, the Company,
     other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (an "Acquisition
                                                                     -----------
     Transaction"), (ii) facilitate, encourage, solicit, participate in or
     -----------                                                          
     initiate discussions, negotiations or submissions of proposals or offers in
     respect of an Acquisition Transaction, (iii) furnish or cause to be
     furnished, to any Person, any information concerning the business,
     operations, properties or assets of the Company in connection with an
     Acquisition Transaction, or (iv) otherwise cooperate in any way with, or
     assist or participate in, facilitate or encourage, any effort or attempt by
     any other Person to do or seek any of the foregoing.  The Sellers will
     inform the Buyer in writing immediately following the receipt any Seller,
     the Company or any Agent of any proposal or inquiry in respect of any
     Acquisition Transaction.

               6.16  Publicity.  None of the Buyer, the Sellers, the Company or
                     ---------                                                 
     the Agents shall issue any press release or public announcement concerning
     this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without obtaining
     the prior written approval of 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              46

     the other parties hereto, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld
     or delayed; provided, however, that the Buyer may make such disclosure as 
                 --------  -------                
     the Buyer deems is required by Applicable Law or by the applicable rules of
     any stock exchange on which any securities of the Buyer are listed. The
     Sellers acknowledge and agree that the Buyer may disclose information
     concerning this Agreement to the extent required by law in any filing with
     the Securities and Exchange Commission or in any offering memorandum
     relating to a financing of the Buyer; provided that the Buyer shall give
                                           --------      
     the Sellers' Representative an opportunity to review such disclosure (and
     an opportunity to comment thereon) to the extent reasonably possible.

          7.  Tax and Related Matters.
              ----------------------- 

               7.1  Taxes; Section 338(h)(10) Election.
                    ---------------------------------- 

                  (a) (i)  At the election of the Buyer, the Buyer and the
        Sellers shall file an election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and
        under any comparable provisions of state, local, or foreign law with
        respect to the purchase of the Shares (the "Election").  No later than
                                                    --------                  
        60 days after the Closing Date the Buyer shall notify the Sellers
        whether the Buyer will make the Election.  If the Election is made, the
        Election Tax Cost (as determined hereunder) shall be paid as additional
        Purchase Price by the Buyer to the Sellers and the Buyer and Sellers
        shall report, in connection with the determination of Taxes, the
        transactions contemplated by this Agreement in a manner consistent with
        the Election, the computation of the Election Tax Cost, the Modified
        Aggregate Deemed Sales Price (as defined below) and the Deemed Sales
        Price Allocation (as defined below).  The Sellers and the Buyer shall
        take no action which is inconsistent with the Election or its validity
        under the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations.

                  (ii)  On the Closing Date, the Sellers shall execute and
        deliver to Buyer five copies of Internal Revenue Service Form 8023
        provided
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              47

        by the Buyer and any similar forms under applicable state, local and
        foreign law (the "Election Forms").

                  (iii)  As soon as practicable after the Closing Date, but in
        no event later than 60 days after the Closing Date, the Buyer shall
        deliver to the Sellers a written notice of its intention to file the
        Election, together with the Buyer's calculation of (A) the Modified
        Aggregate Deemed Sales Price, (B) the allocation thereof among the
        assets of the Company in accordance with the principles of Treasury
        Regulations (S) 1.338(h)(10)-1(f)(1)(ii) (the "Deemed Sales Price
        Allocation") and (C) the Election Tax Cost.  The term "Modified
        Aggregate Deemed Sales Price" shall mean an amount resulting from the
        Election, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation (S) 1.338(h)(10)-
        1(f) without regard to items described in Treasury Regulation (S)
        1.338(h)(10)-1(f)(4) (provided that the Sellers may take such items into
        account in filing Tax Returns.)  The term "Election Tax Cost" shall
        mean, with respect to each Seller, (A) the excess, if any, of (x) the
        net ordinary income and capital gain recognized by such Seller as a
        consequence of the Election multiplied by a tax rate of 44% for ordinary
        income and 24% for capital gain, as the case may be, over (y) the net
        long-term capital gain that would have been recognized by such Seller on
        the sale of his Shares if the Election had not been made multiplied by
        24%, divided by (B) the excess of 100 percent over the applicable
        percentage described in clause (x).

                  (iv)  The Buyer shall be responsible for the preparation and
        filing of all forms and documents required in connection with the
        Election. The Buyer shall provide the Sellers with copies of (A) any
        necessary corrections, amendments, or supplements to Form 8023, (B) all
        attachments required to be filed therewith pursuant to applicable
        Treasury Regulations, and (C) any comparable forms and attachments with
        respect to any applicable state, foreign, or local elections included as
        part of the Election. The Sellers shall execute and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              48

        deliver to the Buyer within five (5) days of receipt by the Sellers such
        documents or forms as are required properly to complete the Election.

                  (v)  The Sellers and the Buyer shall cooperate fully with each
        other and make available to each other such Tax data and other
        information as may be reasonably required by the Sellers or the Buyer in
        order for the Buyer to (A) timely file the Election and any other
        required statements or schedules (or any amendments or supplements
        thereto), (B) compute the Modified Aggregate Deemed Sale Price and the
        Deemed Sale Price Allocation and (C) compute the Election Tax Cost.

                  (b) Payment Mechanism. If the Buyer makes the Election
                      -----------------                                 
        pursuant to Section 7.1(a), the Buyer shall pay to the Sellers the
        amount of the Election Tax Cost by March 15, 1999.  The Buyer's
        determination of the Election Tax Cost shall be final and binding upon
        the parties to this Agreement unless within thirty (30) days after
        receipt by the Sellers of the Buyer's computation of the Election Tax
        Cost the Sellers shall have delivered to the Buyer a notice (an "ETC
                                                                         ---
        Disagreement Notice") setting forth specific objections to the amount or
        -------------------                                                     
        calculations of the Election Tax Cost.  If any ETC Disagreement Notice
        is delivered by the Sellers to the Buyer in a timely manner indicating
        objections to the amount of the Election Tax Cost, then during a period
        of ten (10) Business Days following delivery by the Sellers of such ETC
        Disagreement Notice, the Buyer and the Sellers shall attempt to resolve,
        in writing, any differences they have with respect to any matter
        specified in the ETC Disagreement Notice and to agree on the amounts of
        the calculations made in determining the Election Tax Cost. If at the
        end of such 10-Business Day period, the Buyer and the Sellers have
        failed to reach written agreement with respect to any of such matters,
        then either of the Buyer or the Sellers may submit a demand for
        resolution as to matters as to which they have failed to reach written
        agreement to the CPA Firm (in such capacity, the "ETC Accountant"). The
                                                          --------------    
        ETC Accountant shall on or prior to the date that is thirty
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              49

        (30) days after any information reasonably requested by the ETC
        Accountant to be provided shall have been received by the ETC
        Accountant, deliver to the Buyer and the Sellers, a statement stating
        that the calculations made in determining the Election Tax Cost are
        correct or setting forth its resolution of any specific items of
        disagreement and a calculation of any unpaid Election Tax Cost based
        upon such resolution. The Buyer shall pay any such unpaid Election Tax
        Cost to the affected Sellers within five (5) Business Days after receipt
        of the ETC Accountant's statement. All fees and expenses payable to the
        ETC Accountant incurred in connection with such disagreement shall be
        borne 50% by the Buyer and 50% by the Sellers and all other expenses
        incurred in connection therewith shall be borne by the party incurring
        such expenses.

               7.2  Tax Administration.
                    ------------------ 

                  (a) (i)  The Sellers shall prepare or cause to be prepared and
        shall timely file or cause to be timely filed all Tax Returns required
        to be filed by or on behalf of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries
        any of their respective operations and assets on or before the Closing
        Date (taking into account applicable extensions of time) and shall cause
        to be paid any Taxes shown to be due thereon.  Such Tax Returns shall be
        prepared in a manner consistent with prior practice and in accordance
        with applicable law.  The Sellers shall also prepare or cause to be
        prepared for the Company, in a manner consistent with prior practice and
        in accordance with applicable law all Tax Returns required to be filed
        or with respect to the Company which relate to taxable periods (or
        portions thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date ("Pre-Closing
                                                                   -----------
        Date Tax Returns") and shall remit or cause to be remitted to the Buyer
        ----------------                                                       
        any and all Taxes due, to the extent such Taxes have not been provided
        for in the Closing Balance Sheet Tax Reserve, with respect to such Pre-
        Closing Date Tax Returns.  The Sellers shall deliver or cause to be
        delivered all such Pre-Closing Date Tax Returns to the Buyer not less
        than 20 Business Days prior to the due date therefor.  The Buyer shall
        review and 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              50

        comment upon such Tax Returns, and upon the Buyer's approval thereof,
        the Buyer shall cause the Company to file such Pre-Closing Date Tax
        Returns. Expenses relating to the preparation of the Tax Returns
        described in the preceding sentences shall be borne 50% by the Buyer and
        50% by the Sellers; provided, however, that the amount of expense
                            --------  -------                            
        incurred by the Buyer in connection with the preparation of such Tax
        Returns for the Company, MI and Grey Fox shall not exceed, in the
        aggregate, $10,000. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Buyer shall
        be responsible for preparing and filing or causing to be prepared and
        filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of the
        Company and any of its operations and/or assets after the Closing Date
        (taking into account applicable extensions of time) and shall, subject
        to this Section 7.2(a)(i) and Section 7.2(a)(ii) hereof, pay or cause to
        be paid any Taxes shown to be due thereon.

                  (ii)  With respect to any Tax Return required to be filed by
        the Buyer for a taxable period of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
        beginning on or before and ending on or after the Closing Date, the
        Buyer shall provide the Sellers with a statement setting forth the
        amount of Tax shown on such Tax Return for which the Sellers are
        responsible pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(i) hereof or that are allocable
        to the Sellers pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(iii) hereof (as the case may
        be) (the "Statement") at least thirty (30) Business Days prior to the
                  ---------                                                  
        due date for filing of such Tax Return (including extensions).  Not
        later than 5 business days before the due date (including extensions)
        for payment of Taxes with respect to such a Tax Return the Sellers shall
        pay to Buyer an equal amount to the Taxes shown on the Statement as
        being the responsibility of the Sellers pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(i)
        hereof or allocable to the Sellers pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(iii)
        hereof (as the case may be).  No payment pursuant to this Section
        7.2(a)(ii) shall excuse the Sellers from their indemnification
        obligations pursuant to Section 7.2(b) hereof should the amount of Taxes
        as ultimately determined (on audit or otherwise), 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              51

        for the periods covered by such Tax Returns and which are the
        responsibility of Sellers, exceed the amount of the Sellers' payment
        under this Section 7.2(a)(ii).

                  (iii)  The Sellers may not file any amended Tax Returns or
        refund claims in respect of any taxable period of the Company or any of
        its Subsidiaries ending on or prior to the Closing Date without the
        prior written consent of the Buyer which shall not be unreasonably
        withheld.

                  (iv)  The parties shall cooperate fully with and make
        available to one another in a timely fashion such Tax data and other
        information as may be reasonably required for the preparation by the
        Buyer or the Sellers, as applicable, of any Tax Returns required to be
        prepared and filed hereunder.  The Sellers and the Buyer shall make
        available to the other, as reasonably requested, all information,
        records or documents in their possession relating to Tax liabilities of
        the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for all taxable periods of the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, ending on, prior
        to or including the Closing Date and shall preserve all such
        information, records and documents until the expiration of any
        applicable Tax statute of limitations or extensions thereof; provided,
                                                                     -------- 
        however, that if a proceeding has been instituted for which the
        -------                                                        
        information, records or documents is required prior to the expiration of
        the applicable statute of limitations, such information, records or
        documents shall be retained until there is a final determination with
        respect to such proceeding.

                  (b) (i)  The Sellers will, jointly and severally, be liable
        for, and will hold the Buyer and the Company and their respective
        directors, officers, affiliates, successors and permitted assigns (each
        a "Buyer Indemnified Person") harmless from and against any and all 
           ------------------------   
        Losses resulting from, arising out of or based upon (A) any and all
        Taxes for which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may be liable for
        all taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date (the "Pre-
                                                                       --- 
        Closing Period") and to the extent provided in clause (iii) below, 
        ---------------                    
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              52

        all taxable periods that include, and end after the Closing Date in each
        case to the extent that such Taxes exceed, in the aggregate, the Closing
        Balance Sheet Tax Reserve and (B) any inaccuracy in or breach of any
        representation or warranty set forth in Section 4.7 of this Agreement;
        provided, however, that if an audit adjustment for a Pre-Closing Period 
        --------  -------                  
        (x) gives rise to an indemnity obligation under this Section 7.3(b)(i)
        and (y) is reasonably expected to reduce the taxable income of the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries for a taxable year or period
        beginning after the Closing Date (such estimated reduction in taxable
        income is referred to herein as a "Post-Closing Tax Benefit"), then 
                                           ------------------------     
        the amount required to be indemnified by the Sellers pursuant to this
        Section 7.3(b)(i) shall be reduced by the "net present value" of such
        Post-Closing Tax Benefit. The "net present value" of a Post-Closing Tax
        Benefit shall be determined by using a discount rate equal to 6%. For
        purposes of making this determination, the parties shall assume that a
        Post-Closing Tax Benefit shall be realized by the Company or relevant
        Subsidiary at the time the relevant Tax Return is required to be filed
        for the taxable year or period in which such Post-Closing Tax Benefit is
        reasonably expected to be available and that the Company or relevant
        Subsidiary is subject to Federal income tax, and any applicable state
        and local taxes, at the maximum rates provided by law for such taxable
        year or period.

                  (ii)  The Buyer will indemnify and hold harmless the Sellers,
        any trustee of any Seller in his or her individual capacity as trustee
        and any beneficiary or trustee of any Seller in his or her capacity and
        their respective successors from and against any and all Losses
        resulting from, arising out of or based upon all Taxes for which the
        Company may be liable for all taxable periods or portions thereof
        beginning after the Closing Date.

                  (iii)  For purposes of the foregoing, if a taxable period
        begins before and ends after the Closing Date (the "Interim Period"),
                                                            --------------   
        Taxes for the portion of such taxable period ending on the Closing Date
        will be 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              53

        determined by an interim closing the books of the Company or its
        relevant Subsidiary and determining the amount of relevant Taxes that
        would have been due had such taxable period ended on the Closing Date,
        without regard to any events occurring after the Closing Date. Any Taxes
        for such taxable period in excess of the foregoing amount will be deemed
        to be attributable to the portion of such taxable period occurring after
        the Closing Date. To the extent any Taxes are not susceptible to such
        allocation, such Taxes shall be allocated by apportionment on the basis
        of elapsed days.

               7.3  Contests.
                    -------- 

                  (a) After the Closing Date, the Buyer shall promptly notify
        the Sellers in writing of any written notice of a proposed assessment or
        claim in an audit or administrative or judicial proceeding involving the
        Company or any of its Subsidiaries which, if determined adversely to the
        Company or relevant Subsidiary, would be grounds for indemnification
        under this Article 7; provided, however, that a failure to give such 
                              --------  -------  
        notice will not affect a Buyer Indemnified Person's right to
        indemnification hereunder except to the extent, if any, that, but for
        such failure, the Sellers could have avoided the Tax liability in
        question.

                  (b) Except as provided in Section 7.3(c) below, in the case of
        an audit or administrative or judicial proceeding that relates to any
        Pre-Closing Period, the Sellers shall have the right at their own
        expense to control the conduct of such audit or proceeding; provided
                                                                    --------
        that within 30 days after the Sellers have received the written notice
        from the Buyer that is required under Section 7.3(a) above, and prior to
        taking any action with respect to such audit or administrative or
        judicial proceeding, the Sellers acknowledge in writing their joint
        liability under Section 7.3(b)(i) of this Agreement to hold any Buyer
        Indemnified Person harmless against the full amount of any adjustment
        which may be made as a result of such audit or proceeding that relates
        to the Pre-Closing Period (to the extent 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              54

        such amount exceeds the Closing Balance Sheet Tax Reserve after giving
        effect to all prior and concurrent payments made pursuant to Section
        7.3(b)(i) of this Agreement to any Buyer Indemnified Person); provided,
                                                                      --------  
        further, that the Sellers may not agree to a settlement or compromise 
        -------                  
        to any such audit or proceeding that may reasonably be expected to have
        an adverse effect on the tax liability of the Company for a taxable
        period after the Closing Date without the prior written consent of the
        Buyer; provided, further, that if the Buyer does not consent to such 
               --------  ------- 
        settlement or compromise, the Sellers' liability to indemnify the Buyer
        as a result of such audit or proceeding shall be limited to the amount
        that the Sellers would have paid had the Buyer consented to such
        settlement or compromise. The Buyer also may participate in any such
        audit or proceeding at its own expense and, if the Sellers do not assume
        the defense of any such audit or proceeding, the Buyer may defend the
        same at its own expense in such manner as it may deem appropriate,
        including, but not limited to, settling such audit or proceeding,
        without any effect to any Buyer Indemnified Person's right to
        indemnification under this Article 7.

                  (c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, any contest and/or
        settlement of any issue raised in an official inquiry, examination or
        proceeding that relates to the validity or effect of the Election will
        be conducted by the Buyer and the Company.

                  (d) In the case of an audit or administrative or judicial
        proceeding that relates to the Interim Period, the Buyer shall have the
        right at its own expense to control the conduct of such audit or
        proceeding; provided that the Buyer may not agree to a settlement or
                    --------                                                
        compromise in any such audit or proceeding without the prior written
        consent of the Seller's Representative (as defined in Section 12.5
        below), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  The Sellers
        also may participate in any such audit or proceeding at their own
        expense and, if the Buyer does not assume the defense of any such audit
        or proceeding, the Sellers may defend the same at its own expense in
        such manner as it may deem 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              55

        appropriate, including, but not limited to, settling such audit or
        proceeding, without any effect to the Sellers' right to indemnification
        under this Article 7.

          8.  Environmental Matters.
              --------------------- 

               8.1  The Phase I Investigations.
                    -------------------------- 

                  (a) Within ten days of the execution of this Agreement, the
        Buyer shall retain, at its sole expense, an environmental consulting
        firm reasonably acceptable to the Sellers (the "Phase I Consultant") to
                                                        ------------------     
        perform an environmental assessment for the Properties in accordance
        with ASTM Phase I Standard E 1527 and other sound practices and
        procedures normally employed in the Phase I process (the "Phase I
                                                                  -------
        Assessments").  The Phase I Assessments shall be completed as soon as is
        -----------                                                             
        reasonably practicable.  The Phase I Consultant shall report its
        findings simultaneously to the Buyer and the Sellers both orally and in
        writing.

                  (b) With respect to the leased Properties, the Phase I
        Assessment shall provide the Phase I Consultant's estimate of the range
        of costs, from the reasonable best to reasonable worst case, to
        remediate known or reasonably suspected Releases of Hazardous Materials,
        on the leased Properties for which the Company is obligated under
        Environmental Laws to perform Remedial Action, or for which the Company
        would be obligated to perform Remedial Action if the relevant
        Governmental Authorities were aware of the Release. The Phase I
        Consultant shall also provide estimates for expenditures necessary to
        correct violations of Environmental Laws on the leased Properties.  The
        Phase I Consultant shall assume the use of the most cost-effective,
        reasonable and timely Remedial Action and shall consider the Company's
        status as a lessee in evaluating the Company's potential obligations
        under Environmental Laws.

                  (c) With respect to the Owned Real Properties for which
        sufficient sampling data exists to enable the Phase I Consultant to
        provide a reasonable range of estimates, the Phase I Assessment shall
        provide the Phase I 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              56

        Consultant's estimate of the range of cost, from the reasonable best to
        reasonable worst case, to remediate known or reasonably suspected
        Releases of Hazardous Materials for which there is an obligation under
        Environmental Laws on the part of the Company or any Subsidiary of the
        Company to perform Remedial Action, or for which there would be such an
        obligation, if relevant Governmental Entities had notice of the Release.
        The Phase I Consultant shall also provide estimates for the expenditures
        necessary to correct violations of Environmental Laws on the Owned
        Properties. In making its estimates, the Phase I Consultant shall assume
        the use of the most cost-effective, reasonable and timely Remedial
        Action. With respect to known or reasonably suspected Releases of
        Hazardous Materials at the Owned Real Properties where there is not
        sufficient information to enable the Phase I Consultant to estimate
        reasonably the ranges of costs of the most cost-effective, timely and
        reasonable Remedial Action, the Phase I Assessment shall recommend
        appropriate media sampling.

               8.2  The Phase II Investigations.  In the event that the Phase I
                    ---------------------------                                
     Report concludes that media sampling is necessary at one or more of the
     Owned Real Properties, the Buyer shall retain at its sole expense an
     environmental consulting firm reasonably acceptable to the Sellers (the
     "Phase II Consultant") to perform the necessary Phase II assessments (the
     --------------------                                                     
     "Phase II Assessment") using subcontractors of its choice.  For properties
     --------------------                                                      
     subject to the Phase II process, the Phase II Consultant shall be required
     to provide simultaneously to the Buyer and the Sellers a report identifying
     each identified Release of Hazardous Materials, or violation of
     Environmental Laws, not addressed in the Phase I Assessments for which
     there is an obligation under Environmental Law on the part of the Company
     or any Subsidiary of the Company to undertake Remedial Action (which could
     include further investigation), or for which there would be such an
     obligation if the relevant Governmental Entities had notice of the Release
     or violation, and estimating the range of costs from the reasonable best to
     reasonable worst case, of the actions reasonably necessary to perform such
     Remedial 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              57

     Action. The Phase I Assessments prepared pursuant to paragraph 8.1 and the
     Phase II Assessments are hereinafter referred to collectively as the
     "Assessments."

               8.3  Certain Procedures Relating to the Consultant's Estimates.
                    --------------------------------------------------------- 

                  (a) The Phase I and II Consultants' estimates shall be based
        upon the assumption that the Buyer covenants (which the Buyer hereby
        does) to undertake, or cause the Company to undertake, all reasonable
        actions necessary to insure that the remediation of any area, or the
        correction of any violation of Environmental Law, is accomplished in the
        most cost-effective, timely, reasonable manner consistent with the
        present uses of the Properties, and that the least onerous soil and
        groundwater cleanup criteria available under applicable Environmental
        Laws are used in any such remediation. To the extent reasonably
        necessary to achieve no further action status, such actions by the Buyer
        and the Company shall include, but not be limited to, the execution of
        consents by the Buyer and the Company to restrict the future use of the
        Properties to commercial/industrial uses such as those in existence as
        of the Closing Date.


                  (b) For each area or violation, the Consultants' estimates may
        be made in ranges in which event the seventy-fifth percent of the range
        shall be deemed to be the estimate for the purposes of this Agreement
        which shall be calculated by multiplying the difference between the high
        and the low end by .75 and adding the product of that multiplication to
        the low end.

                  (c) In making its estimates, the Consultants shall assume that
        the Company has responsibility for all investigative and remedial
        obligations that must be performed under Environmental Laws (if any) as
        a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

               8.4  Review of the Estimated Costs of Remediation.  In the event
                    --------------------------------------------               
     that either the Buyer or the Sellers disagree with the Phase I or Phase II
     Consultants' estimate of the cost of necessary compliance action or
     Remedial Action, then either (or 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              58

     both) may submit such disagreement to an independent environmental
     consultant mutually acceptable to the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative
     (the "Independent Consultant") for a final and binding determination.  If 
           ----------------------                  
     the Buyer and the Sellers' Representative cannot agree on the independent
     engineer, he or she shall be appointed by the President of the National
     Society of Professional Engineers. Proceedings before the Independent
     Consultant shall be restricted to the submission to him or her of the Phase
     I Assessment and Phase II Assessment, and a statement of position with one
     supporting affidavit by each party. Each statement of position shall set
     forth the parties' estimate of the costs of the remediation or capital
     improvements reasonably necessary to achieve compliance with Environmental
     Laws for each area at which Releases of Hazardous Materials have been
     documented in the Phase I Assessments and/or Phase II Assessments based
     upon the standards set forth in this Section 8. The statements of position
     of each of the Buyer and the Sellers shall be submitted to the Independent
     Consultant within 10 days of his or her appointment. The Independent
     Consultant shall, within 14 days of receipt of such statements, issue a
     report accepting the estimate of one or the other party for each area in
     dispute (the "Independent Consultant's Report").  The Independent 
                   -------------------------------                     
     Consultant may employ counsel to assist it in the review process. Costs of
     the Independent Consultant and its counsel shall be borne 50 percent by the
     Buyer and 50 percent by the Sellers.

               8.5  The Sellers' Indemnification of Buyer.  Subject to Sections
                    -------------------------------------                      
     12.1(c), 12.4 and 14.2, Sellers will defend, indemnify and hold harmless
     the Buyer Indemnitees (as defined in Section 12.1) from all Pre-Closing
     Environmental Losses. For the purposes of this Agreement, "Pre-Closing
                                                                -----------
     Environmental Losses" means (1) all costs and expenses necessary to
     --------------------                                               
     implement Remedial Action on the Owned Real Properties for which a
     determination has been made in the Phase I Assessment or Phase II
     Assessment that (i) Remedial Action by the Company or any Subsidiaries of
     the Company is necessary to discharge obligations under (or to cure
     violations of) Environmental Laws, including obligations to remediate
     Hazardous Materials in soil or 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              59

     ground water to the extent applicable Environmental Laws require such
     remediation or (ii) such Remedial Action would be necessary if applicable
     Governmental Authorities had been notified of conditions on the Owned Real
     Properties; provided that costs and expenses shall be subject to 
                 --------               
     indemnification under this clause (ii) only if incurred in connection with
     a suit (whether brought by a Person or Governmental Entity), or an order,
     investigation or directive of a Governmental Entity commenced prior to the
     third anniversary of the Closing Date; and (2) Losses arising out of or
     relating to any breach of the representations in Section 4.21 hereof;
     provided that in each of subsections (1) and (2) above the aggregate 
     --------                                        
     Losses that the Sellers shall be obligated to pay under this Agreement with
     respect to Remedial Action in connection with Owned Real Property shall not
     exceed the aggregate estimated remediation costs at the Owned Real
     Properties set forth in the Phase I Assessments and the Phase II
     Assessments, in each case as modified by the Independent Consultant's
     Report and reduced by any amounts the Buyer or the Company pays to perform
     Remedial Action at such properties which would be subject to
     indemnification under Article 8.5 but for the existence of the Minimum
     Amount as established in Section 12.1(c)(i).

               8.6  Buyer's Indemnification of the Sellers.  Except with respect
                    --------------------------------------                      
     to Losses for which the Buyer is entitled to indemnification under Section
     8.5, the Buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and save harmless Seller
     Indemnitees (as defined in Section 12.2) from and against any Losses under
     or relating to Environmental Laws incurred by the Seller Indemnitees
     resulting from, arising out of, relating to, the operation of the Business
     or condition of the Properties, whether before or after the Closing Date;
     provided, the Buyer shall not be obligated to indemnify Seller Indemnitees
     --------                                                                  
     for Losses resulting from, arising out of, or related to the operation of
     the Business or condition of the Properties before the Closing Date to the
     extent such Losses were caused by the Seller Indemnitees' willful
     misconduct, violation of standards under Environmental Laws, or to the
     extent such Losses arose out of a condition on the Properties of which the
     Seller Indemnitees had knowledge prior to the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              60

     Closing Date, but concerning which the Sellers failed to make a disclosure
     to the Buyer or the Phase I Consultant prior to such time.

               8.7  Exclusive Remedy. Except with respect to claims for fraud,
                    ----------------                                          
     the environmental indemnities in this Article shall be the sole and
     exclusive remedy of the parties with respect to Losses under or relating to
     Environmental Laws arising out of the operation of the Business or the
     condition of the Properties prior to the Closing Date.  The Buyer and the
     Sellers specifically agree that, except to the extent that this Agreement
     is held to be invalid or is unenforceable, they will not now or in the
     future pursue any claims against one another, including, but not limited
     to, claims pursuant to CERCLA or any analogous state law, with respect to
     environmental matters arising out of the operation of the Business prior to
     the Closing Date or conditions on, in, under or about the Properties as of
     the Closing Date except as provided in this Agreement.

               8.8  Limitation of Sellers' Duty to Indemnify.  Notwith standing
                    ----------------------------------------                   
     anything herein to the contrary, the Sellers' obligation to indemnify the
     Buyer Indemnitees pursuant to this Article 8 is limited to matters for
     which an "Environmental Claim Notice" (as defined below) has been received
               --------------------------                                      
     by the Sellers (a) within 180 days after the Closing Date with respect to
     the matters referred to in clause (1)(i) of the definition of Pre-Closing
     Environmental Losses or (b) on or prior to the third anniversary of the
     Closing Date with respect to matters referred to in clauses 1(ii) and (2)
     of the definition of Pre-Closing Environmental Losses.

               8.9  Expenses in the Ordinary Course Excluded from
                    ---------------------------------------------
     Indemnification.  Environmental Liabilities indemnifiable pursuant to this
     ---------------                                                           
     Article 8 shall not include costs or expenses of nonremedial or
     noncorrective activities undertaken in the ordinary course of business by
     the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after the Closing Date, including,
     without limitation, costs or expenses relating to the routine disposal of
     Hazardous Substances lawfully accumulated, sampling undertaken pursuant to
     a Permit,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              61

     or routine maintenance of environmental control facilities unless
     undertaken to cure Pre-Closing violations of Environmental Laws.

               8.10  Control of Remedial Action.
                     -------------------------- 

                  (a) In the event that the transactions contemplated by this
        Agreement trigger any investigative or remedial obligations under
        Environmental Laws with respect to the Properties, including any
        responsibility under the Connecticut Real Property Transfer Act and the
        New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act, the Company shall have
        responsibility for the discharge of such obligations; provided that
                                                              --------     
        Losses incurred by the Company to discharge any such obligation shall be
        subject to the indemnification by the Sellers to the extent provided in
        this Article 8.

                  (b) Until exhaustion of the Minimum Amount established by
        Section 12.1(c)(i), the Company shall have the exclusive right to manage
        and control all Remedial Actions for which the Buyer would be entitled
        to indemnification (but for the Section 12.1(c) basket), and to
        negotiate with and fulfill any requirements of or claims by a
        Governmental Entity or other Person with respect to any such matter;
        provided that the Buyer shall keep the Sellers' Representative informed
        --------                                                               
        of all material developments, and provided further the Sellers'
        Representative (or its designee) shall have the right to attend and
        observe negotiations/ meetings with relevant Governmental Entities.

                  (c) The Sellers shall have the exclusive right to manage and
        control all Remedial Actions for which the Buyer is fully indemnified
        hereunder and to negotiate with any fulfill any requirements of or
        claims by a Governmental Entity or other Person with respect to any such
        matter; provided that such remediation  (and any settlement, agreement
                --------                                                      
        or ongoing obligations imposed in connection therewith) shall not
        unreasonably interfere with the Buyer's or the Company's use of the
        Properties, and provided further, that the Buyer shall have 
                        -------- -------                                        
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              62

        the right to attend and observe negotiations/meetings with relevant
        Governmental Entities and participate in any negotiations with respect
        to operational or use restrictions; provided further, that the Buyer
                                            -------- -------  
        shall have the right to take control of any Remedial Actions if (i) the
        Sellers fail to diligently conduct the Remedial Action in light of an
        order or directive of a Governmental Entity and Sellers fail to
        implement the same within 30 days of receipt of notice from the Buyer or
        the Company or (ii) the Buyer reasonably determines that the Sellers are
        failing to adequately protect the environment, human health or safety,
        including the health and safety of the Company's employees.

               8.11  Environmental Indemnification Procedure.  In order to seek
                     ---------------------------------------                   
     indemnification under this Article 8, the party seeking indemnification
     (the "Indemnified Party") must submit to the party from which
           -----------------                                      
     indemnification is being sought (the "Indemnifying Party") (1) within 60
                                           ------------------                
     days of the discovery by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company of a
     matter which is likely to give rise to indemnifiable Losses relating to
     environmental matters, and (2) within 30 days of receipt of a directive
     from a Governmental Entity or notice of claim by a third party, a written
     notice of the claim for indemnification (an "Environmental Claim Notice")
                                                  --------------------------  
     which shall include a copy of the such directive or notice of a third-party
     claim, if any; provided, however, failure to promptly submit an 
                    --------  ------- 
     Environmental Claim Notice shall not result in a loss of the right to
     indemnification pursuant to this Article except to the extent that it
     results in actual prejudice to the Indemnifying Party.

               8.12  Access to Information.  The Indemnified Party shall provide
                     ---------------------                                      
     to the Indemnifying Party reasonable access to all information (including
     documentary records, physical conditions and personnel at any property that
     is the subject of the claim for indemnification) necessary to evaluate the
     claim for indemnification contained in an Environmental Claim Notice.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              63

               8.13  Matters Involving Third Parties.  If any Governmental
                     -------------------------------                      
     Entity or other third party shall notify an Indemnified Party with respect
     to any matter which may give rise to a claim for indemnification against
     any Indemnifying Party under this Agreement, then the Indemnified Party
     shall notify the Indemnifying Party thereof promptly; provided, however,
                                                           --------  ------- 
     that no delay on the part of the Indemnified Party in notifying the
     Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability
     or obligation hereunder unless (and then solely to the extent) the
     Indemnifying Party thereby is actually prejudiced.  In the event any
     Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party within 15 days after the
     Indemnified Party has given notice of the matter that the Indemnifying
     Party is assuming the defense thereof, (i) the Indemnifying Party will
     defend the Indemnified Party against the matter with counsel of its choice
     reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, (ii) the Indemnified
     Party may retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense (except
     that the Indemnifying Party will be responsible for the fees and expenses
     of the separate co-counsel if the Indemnified Party concludes reasonably
     that the counsel the Indemnifying Party has selected has a conflict of
     interest with the Indemnified Party), (iii) the Indemnified Party will not
     consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with
     respect to the matter without the written consent of the Indemnifying Party
     (not to be withheld unreasonably), and (iv) the Indemnifying Party will not
     consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to the matter, or enter
     into any settlement which does not include a provision whereby the
     plaintiff or claimant in the matter releases the Indemnified Party from all
     Loss with respect thereto, without the written consent of the Indemnified
     Party (not to be withheld unreasonably). In the event the Indemnifying
     Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within 15 days after the
     Indemnified Party has given notice of the matter that the Indemnifying
     Party is assuming the defense thereof, or does not timely thereafter assume
     such defense, the Indemnified Party may defend against, or enter into any
     settlement with respect to, the matter in any manner consistent with the
     terms of this Section at the expense of the Indemnifying Party.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              64

          9.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Buyer to Close. The
              ------------------------------------------------------------     
  obligation of the Buyer to complete the Closing is subject to the fulfillment
  on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any one or more
  of which may be waived by the Buyer to the extent permitted by Applicable Law:

               9.1  Representations and Covenants.  All representations and
                    -----------------------------                          
     warranties of the Sellers contained herein that are qualified as to
     materiality shall be true and correct, and the representations and
     warranties of the Sellers contained herein not qualified as to materiality
     shall be true and correct in all material respects, at and as of the
     Closing Date with the same effect as though those representations and
     warranties had been made again at and as of the Closing Date, except for
     those specifically relating to a date other than the Closing Date, in which
     case at and as of such date.  The Sellers shall have performed and complied
     in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this
     Agreement to be performed or complied with by the Sellers on or prior to
     the Closing Date.  The Sellers shall have delivered to the Buyer a
     certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by or on behalf of each of
     the Sellers, to the foregoing effect.

               9.2  HSR Act Filing.  Any Person required in connection with the
                    --------------                                             
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement to file a notification and
     report form in compliance with the HSR Act shall have filed such form and
     the applicable waiting period with respect to each such form (including any
     extension thereof by reason of a request for additional information) shall
     have expired or been terminated.

               9.3  No Injunction or Violation of Law.  No order, statute, rule,
                    ---------------------------------                           
     regulation, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction shall
     have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any court or
     Governmental Entity which prohibits or prevents the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement and which has not been stayed
     or vacated by the Closing Date.  The Buyer and each of the Sellers shall
     each use their reasonable best efforts and shall cooperate
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              65

     with each other to have any such order, statute, rule, regulation,
     executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction vacated or stayed.

               9.4  Title Policies.  The Sellers shall have delivered or caused
                    --------------                                             
     to be delivered, prior to or on the Closing Date, title insurance policies
     relating to each Owned Real Property set forth on Schedule 4.10(a) insuring
                                                       ----------------         
     such Owned Real property in the amount set forth in Schedule 9.4 with
     respect to such property.

               9.5  Simultaneous Closing.  The transactions contemplated by (i)
                    --------------------                                       
     that certain Share Purchase Agreement (the "MI Agreement") dated of even
                                                 ------------                
     date herewith, by and among the Buyer and the shareholders of McClinch,
     Inc., a Connecticut corporation ("MI") and (ii) that certain Share Purchase
                                       --                                       
     Agreement ("Grey Fox Agreement") dated of even date herewith, by and among
                 ------------------                                            
     the Buyer and the shareholders of Grey Fox Equipment, Inc., a Connecticut
     corporation ("Grey Fox"), shall be consummated simultaneously with the
                   --------                                                
     transactions contemplated hereby.

               9.6  Resignations.  The Buyer shall have received the written
                    ------------                                            
     resignations of each of the officers and directors of the Company and
     releases in the form of Exhibit F from each Seller other than Robert Russo
     and Ernest Pierson.

               9.7  Reports.  The Buyer shall have obtained the Phase I
                    -------                                            
     Assessment and Phase II Assessment reports as contemplated by Article 8
     and, to the extent required by Article 8, the Independent Consultant's
     Report.

               9.8  Escrow Agreement.  The Buyer shall have received a copy of
                    ----------------                                          
     the Escrow Agreement, executed by the Sellers' Representative and the
     Escrow Agent.

               9.9  Legal Opinions.  The Buyer shall have received the opinions
                    --------------                                             
     of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Brody & Ober, P.C., counsel
     to the Sellers, addressed to the Buyer, in form and substance reasonably
     acceptable to Buyer.

               9.10  Affidavits.  Each of the Sellers shall have provided Buyer
                     ----------                                                
     with an affidavit of non-foreign status that complies with Section 1445 of
     the Code.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              66

               9.11  Affiliate Contracts.  Buyer shall have received evidence
                     -------------------                                     
     satisfactory to it that all Contracts between the Company or any Subsidiary
     and any of its Affiliates (other than MI and Grey Fox) shall have been
     fully discharged and terminated as of the Closing Date without any further
     liability (contingent or otherwise) of the Company thereunder.

               9.12  Certificates.  Buyer shall have received certificates of
                     ------------                                            
     good standing with respect to the Company and each of its Subsidiaries
     issued by the Secretary of State or comparable official of their respective
     jurisdiction of organization and for each jurisdiction in which they are
     qualified to do business as a foreign corporation.

               9.13  [Intentionally Omitted].

               9.14  Employment/Consulting Agreements.  Each of Ernest Pierson
                     --------------------------------                         
     and Robert Russo shall have executed and delivered the Employment
     Agreement, and Terrance J. McClinch shall have executed and delivered the
     Consulting Agreement in the form of Exhibits C, D and E, respectively,
     attached hereto.

               9.15  Release of Guarantees. The guarantees by the Company and
                     ---------------------                                   
     its Subsidiaries of (i) the synthetic aircraft lease between Fleet Capital
     Corporation and McClinch Aviation, Inc., and (ii) the mortgage loan by
     Fleet National Bank (formerly Shawmut Bank Connecticut, N.A.) to 185 Thorpe
     Street Corporation, shall each be terminated.

               9.16  Material Adverse Effect.  No event having a Material
                     -----------------------                             
     Adverse Effect shall have occurred, other than (i) termination by any
     customer or distributor of a contract or relationship with the Company
     primarily as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
     (ii) other adverse events occurring solely as a result of the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement or (iii) the occurrence of a default under,
     or termination of any Contracts listed on Schedule 4.6(a) occurring solely
     as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              67

          10.  Conditions Precedent to the Obligation of the Sellers to Close.
               --------------------------------------------------------------  
  The obligation of the Sellers to complete the Closing is subject, to the
  fulfillment on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any
  one or more of which may be unanimously waived by the Sellers to the extent
  permitted by Applicable Law.

               10.1  Representations and Covenants.  All representations and
                     -----------------------------                          
     warranties of the Buyer contained herein that are qualified as to
     materiality shall be true and correct, and the representations and
     warranties of the Buyer contained herein not qualified as to materiality
     shall be true and correct in all material respects, at and as of the
     Closing Date with the same effect as though those representations and
     warranties had been made again at and as of the Closing Date, except for
     those specifically relating to a date other than the Closing Date, in which
     case at and as of such date.  The Buyer shall have performed and complied
     in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this
     Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing
     Date. The Buyer shall have delivered to the Sellers a certificate, dated
     the Closing Date and signed by an authorized officer of the Buyer, to the
     foregoing effect.

               10.2  HSR Act Filing.  Any Person required in connection with the
                     --------------                                             
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement to file a notification and
     report form in compliance with the HSR Act shall have filed such form and
     the applicable waiting period with respect to each such form (including any
     extension thereof by reason of a request for additional information) shall
     have expired or been terminated.

               10.3  No Injunction or Violation of Law. No order, statute, rule,
                     ---------------------------------                          
     regulation, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction shall
     have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any court or
     Governmental Entity which prohibits or prevents the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement and which has not been stayed
     or vacated by the Closing Date.  The Buyer and each of the Sellers shall
     each use their best efforts and shall cooperate with each 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              68

     other to have any such order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order,
     stay, decree, judgment or injunction vacated or stayed.

               10.4  United Rentals, Inc. Warrants.  Terrance J. McClinch,
                     -----------------------------                        
     Ernest Pierson and Robert Russo shall each have received a 10 year warrant
     (collectively, the "URI Warrants") to purchase $200,000 worth of common
                         ------------                                       
     stock of the Buyer ("Buyer Common Stock") substantially in the form
                          ------------------                            
     attached hereto as Exhibit A.

               10.5  [Intentionally Omitted].

               10.6  [Intentionally Omitted].

               10.7  Simultaneous Closing.  The transactions contemplated by (i)
                     --------------------                                       
     the MI Agreement and (ii) the Grey Fox Agreement shall be consummated
     simultaneously with the transactions consummated by this Agreement.

               10.8  Reports.  The Sellers shall have received copies of the
                     -------                                                
     Phase I Assessment and Phase II Assessment reports as contemplated by
     Article 8 and, to the extent required by Article 8, the Independent
     Consultant's Report.

               10.9  Escrow Agreement.  The Sellers shall have received a copy
                     ----------------                                         
     of the Escrow Agreement, executed by each of the Buyer and the Escrow
     Agent.

               10.10  Legal Opinion.  The Sellers shall have received the
                      -------------                                      
     opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, counsel to the Buyer, addressed to
     the Sellers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Sellers.

               10.11  Certificate.  Sellers shall have received a certificate of
                      -----------                                               
     good standing of the Buyer issued by the Secretary of State of the State of
     Delaware.

          11.  Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
               ----------------------------------------------------- 

               11.1  General Survival.  Except as otherwise provided in this
                     ----------------                                       
     Article 11, all representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and
     obligations of each party contained herein, shall expire twenty-four (24)
     months after the Closing Date, except for (i) covenants or obligations
     (including covenants to indemnify) which by their terms shall be performed
     after the Closing which shall survive the Closing and not expire 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              69

     unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, (ii) the representations and
     warranties contained in Sections 3.1 and 4.7 shall survive the Closing Date
     until the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, including
     extensions thereof, (iii) the representations and warranties contained in
     Section 4.21 shall survive the Closing Date and expire thirty-six (36)
     months after the Closing Date, and (iv) the representations and warranties
     in Section 4.10(a) and the first sentence of Section 4.10(c) shall not
     survive the Closing.

          12.  General Indemnification.

               12.1  Indemnification of the Buyer.

                  (a) Indemnification with Respect to Representations.  Subject
                      -----------------------------------------------          
        to Sections 12.1(c), 12.4 and 14.2, the Sellers hereby agree to, jointly
        and severally, indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer, its directors,
        officers, employees, agents, Affiliates, successors and assigns, the
        Company and its Subsidiaries (the "Buyer Indemnitees") from and against
                                           -----------------                   
        all losses, liabilities, obligations, damages, costs (including costs of
        investigation) and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' and other
        professionals' fees and expenses) (collectively, the "Losses") actually
                                                              ------           
        incurred as a result of, or attributable to any inaccuracy in, or breach
        of, any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of the Sellers
        in this Agreement; provided that this Section 12.1(a) shall not apply to
                           --------                                             
        any obligation of the Sellers to indemnify with respect to (i) Taxes,
        which shall be governed exclusively by Article 7, (ii) Losses relating
        to matters referred in Article 8, which shall be governed exclusively by
        such Article and (iii) Losses relating to the noncollection of accounts
        receivable which shall be governed exclusively by Section 12.1(b).

                  (b) Indemnification for Accounts Receivable.  From and after
                      ---------------------------------------                 
        the Closing Date, the Buyer shall use its commercially reasonable best
        efforts to cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to collect payment of
        all trade accounts receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries. In
        the event that the Buyer and the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              70

        Company, after using their commercially reasonable best efforts
        consistent with the past practices of the Company and its Subsidiaries
        to collect payment in full of any Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable
        (as defined below), has not received payment in full (net of bad debt
        reserves and credit memo reserves reflected on the Audited Closing
        Balance Sheet (as increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the
        Resolved Objections and the CPA--Determined Differences)) on or before
        the Due Date (as defined below), the Buyer shall notify the Sellers'
        Representative of such event (which notice shall set forth the amount of
        such Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable, the name of the customer and
        the Due Date with respect thereto). Upon receipt of any such notice from
        the Buyer, the Sellers' Representative shall review the information set
        forth therein. If the Sellers' Representative so requests, the Buyer
        shall make available to the Sellers' Representative such additional
        information which is in the possession and control of either the Buyer,
        the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries with respect to such
        Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable as the Sellers' Representative may
        reasonably require. Subject to Sections 12.1(c), 12.4 and 14.2, within
        fifteen (15) days of the receipt by the Sellers' Representative of such
        notice (or such later date as is reasonably required for the Sellers'
        Representative to review any additional information received from the
        Buyer at the request of the Sellers' Representative), the Sellers shall
        pay to the Buyer, an amount equal to the excess of (A) the amount of
        such Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable that remains past due and
        unpaid after the Due Date over (B) any amount for which a reserve with
        respect to such Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable has been
        established on the Audited Closing Balance Sheet (either as a bad debt
        reserve or a credit memo reserve); provided that the Sellers shall have
                                           --------
        no obligation to pay (i) any amount under this Section if the Buyer (x)
        fails to keep and maintain the collection operation of the Company and
        its Subsidiaries in its present location under the supervision of Ernest
        Pierson or, in the case Mr. Pierson is not employed
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              71

        by MI or its subsidiaries and was not terminated without cause (as
        determined under Mr. Pierson's Employment Agreement), his replacement,
        and (y) reduces the size or the salary level of the staff below the
        present level or changes (adversely) the commission basis for salesmen
        or (z) reduces the collection expense budget below that which is
        consistent with past practice or (ii) to the extent the Buyer takes any
        action which would reduce such Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable or
        otherwise interfere with its collection in full. From time to time at
        the request of the Sellers' Representative, the Buyer shall supply the
        Sellers with such information as the Sellers' Representative may
        reasonably request concerning the aging of the Reimbursable Trade
        Accounts Receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries and any
        conversion of the Company's computer system referred to below. As used
        herein, the term "Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable" shall mean 
                          -------------------------------------        
        any trade account receivable of the Company (i) reflected in the Audited
        Closing Balance Sheet, (ii) for which payment has not been withheld or
        disputed as a result of any right of setoff or other claim against the
        Buyer, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in respect of
        transactions arising after the Closing Date and (iii) which does not
        reflect any other concession made after the Closing Date by the Buyer,
        the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to the customer in respect
        of such trade account receivable. Except as specified in respect of any
        payment received, all payments received from a customer shall be applied
        first against the oldest receivables with respect to such customer. As
        used herein, the term "Due Date" with respect to the Reimbursable Trade
                               ---------                 
        Account Receivables shall mean 180 days after the Closing Date;
        provided, however that in the event that it is necessary for the Buyer 
        --------                 
        to undertake a conversion of the Company's computer system, the Due Date
        shall be extended for the period to be agreed by the Buyer and the
        Sellers' Representative; provided that if such Persons fail to agree
                                 --------         
        then the Due Date shall be 240 days after the Closing Date. To the
        extent that the Buyer has not collected the full amount of any
        Reimbursable Trade Account
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              72

        Receivable and the Buyer has been compensated therefor as set forth in
        this Section 12.1(b), the Buyer shall transfer and assign all right,
        title and interest in an any such Reimbursable Trade Account Receivable
        to the Sellers, free of any Liens. It is agreed and understood that in
        exercising "commercially reasonable best efforts" in connection with the
        collection of accounts receivable pursuant to this Section, the Buyer
        and the Company shall have no obligation to take any action out of the
        ordinary course of business consistent with past practice of the
        Business; provided that the Buyer agrees that it shall (consistent with
                  --------                                                     
        past practice of the Business) commence or threaten any litigation or
        prepare or file any proof of claim in any bankruptcy or similar
        proceeding or incur such expenses (consistent with past practice of the
        Business) to collect such receivables.

                  (c) Limitation on Indemnification Obligations.  The
                      -----------------------------------------      
        indemnification provided for in Article 8 and Article 12 shall be
        subject to the following limitations:

                  (i)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
        notwithstanding, no indemnification payment shall be made pursuant to
        this Agreement (other than pursuant to Sections 1.2, 6.4, 6.11 and 6.14
        and Article 7 hereof) except to the extent that the amounts which would
        otherwise be payable under this Agreement (other than pursuant to
        Sections 1.2, 6.4, 6.11 and 6.14 and Article 7 hereof) would
        collectively aggregate at least $450,000 (the "Minimum Amount") and such
                                                       --------------           
        Minimum Amount shall be deducted from the aggregate amount payable under
        such provisions;

                  (ii)  In no event shall the Sellers have any obligation or
        liability to pay any amounts pursuant this Agreement (other than
        pursuant to Sections 1.2, 6.4 and 6.11 and Article 7 hereof) in excess
        of $40,500,000; provided that in no event shall the Sellers be obligated
                        --------                                                
        to pay more than $16,200,000 with respect to claims made under this
        Agreement (other than pursuant 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              73

        to Sections 1.2 and 6.4 and Article 7 hereof) by a Buyer Indemnitee on
        or after 180 days after the Closing Date;

                  (iii)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the
        Buyer shall have no right to any indemnification under this Article 12
        for any matter to the extent (i) the Net Worth of the Company was
        reduced because of such matter and either Buyer did not dispute the
        amount of the reduction in the Audited Closing Balance Sheet or the
        dispute as to the amount of the reduction was resolved pursuant to
        Section 1.2, or (ii) the matter relates to whether any item of Equipment
        was Rental Ready or missing or the fair market value or cost of repair
        or replacement of any item of Equipment and such matter was not disputed
        or was disputed in determining the amounts payable under Section 6.14
        and resolved as contemplated by Section 6.14;

                  (iv)  In no event shall the Sellers be liable for loss of
        profits or consequential damages; and

                  (v)  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
        contrary, the Sellers shall not be obligated to indemnify the Buyer
        Indemnities with respect to any Losses to the extent of (A) any proceeds
        received in connection with such Losses by the Company or any Subsidiary
        of the Company under any insurance policy of the Company or any
        Subsidiary of the Company in effect on the Closing Date (including,
        without limitation, the insurance policy described in Section 6.12  to
        be purchased pursuant to such Section 6.12 (each, a "Company Insurance
                                                             -----------------
        Policy")); (B) any proceeds recoverable in connection with such Losses
        ------                                                                
        by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company under any applicable
        warranty claim, which claims the Buyer hereby undertakes to pursue using
        its commercially reasonable best efforts; and (C) any amounts
        recoverable by the Buyer, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from
        customers or other third parties who are, in whole or in part,
        responsible for such Losses, and the Buyer hereby undertakes 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              74

        to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to pursue such claims;
        it being agreed that the Buyer shall use commercially reasonable best
        efforts (including threatening or instituting proceedings) to recover
        amounts referred to in clause (A), (B) or (C) of this clause (v) but the
        Buyer shall have no obligation to threaten or institute proceedings
        against any insurance carrier; provided, that this clause (v) shall 
                                       --------           
        not be applicable with respect to any amounts described in (A), (B) or
        (C) above which are not received by the Company or the Buyer following
        the exercise of the Buyer's undertakings therein and only if, upon
        payment of the relevant indemnification claims by the Sellers, all of
        the Buyer's or the Company's right, title and interest in and to all
        claims for such amounts are transferred and assigned to the Sellers.

                  (d) Any amounts payable to any Buyer Indemnitee pursuant to
        Article 7, 8 or 12 or Sections 6.4, 6.11 or 6.14 shall be paid by the
        Escrow Agent to such Buyer Indemnitee from the Escrow Amount in
        accordance with the Escrow Agreement until the Escrow Amount (including
        interest thereon at the Reference Rate since the Closing Date) is
        exhausted.  After the earlier of (i) the time that the Escrow Amount
        (and any interest thereon) has been exhausted or (ii) the date of the
        termination of the Escrow Agreement in accordance with its terms and the
        return of the remaining Escrow Amount, if any, to the Sellers in
        accordance with the Escrow Agreement, any amounts payable to any Buyer
        Indemnitee pursuant to Article 7, 8 or 12 or Sections 6.4, 6.11 or 6.14,
        subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 12.1(c), 12.4 and 14.2,
        shall be paid by the Sellers to such Buyer Indemnitee.

               12.2  Indemnification of the Sellers.  The Buyer hereby agrees to
                     ------------------------------                             
     indemnify and hold harmless each of the Sellers, any trustee of any Seller
     in his or her capacity as trustee and any beneficiary or trustee of any
     Seller in his or her capacity as such, and their respective successors,
     assigns, agents and Affiliates (collectively, the "Seller Indemnitees")
                                                        ------------------  
     against all Losses actually incurred as a result of, or attributable 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              75

     to (i) any inaccuracy in, or breach of, any representation, warranty,
     covenant or agreement made by the Buyer in this Agreement or (ii) by reason
     of any act or failure to act by the Buyer, its Affiliates its successors or
     assigns or, after the Closing Date, by the Company or any Subsidiary, in
     connection with the ownership of the Company or any Subsidiary or the
     operation of the Business after the Closing Date; provided that in no event
                                                       --------      
     shall the Buyer be liable for loss of profits or consequential damages.

               12.3  Notice and Opportunity to Defend.
                     -------------------------------- 

                  (a) Notice of Asserted Liability.  The party making a claim
                      ----------------------------                           
        under this Article 12 is referred to as the "Indemnitee," and the party
                                                     ----------                
        against whom such claims are asserted under this Article 12 is referred
        to as the "Indemnifying Party."  All claims by any Indemnitee under this
                   ------------------                                           
        Article 12 shall be asserted and resolved as follows:  promptly after
        receipt by the Indemnitee of notice of any claim or circumstances which,
        with the lapse of time, would or might give rise to a claim or the
        commencement (or threatened commencement) of a claim including any
        action, proceeding or investigation (an "Asserted Liability") that may
                                                 ------------------           
        result in a Loss, the Indemnitee shall give notice thereof (the "Claims
                                                                         ------
        Notice") to the Indemnifying Party; provided that no delay on the part
        ------                              --------                          
        of the Indemnitee in notifying the Indemnifying Party shall relieve the
        Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation under this Article
        unless (and then solely to the extent) the Indemnifying Party thereby is
        actually prejudiced. The Claims Notice shall describe the Asserted
        Liability in reasonable detail, and shall indicate the amount
        (estimated, if necessary and to the extent feasible) of the Loss that
        has been or may be suffered by the Indemnitee.

                  (b) Opportunity to Defend.  The Indemnifying Party may elect
                      ---------------------                                   
        to compromise or defend, at its own expense and by its own counsel which
        shall be reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee, any Asserted
        Liability; provided that in the event that under then applicable
                   --------                                             
        standards of professional conduct the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              76

        Indemnitee is required to be represented by separate counsel and the
        Indemnitee elects to be represented by separate counsel, the
        Indemnifying Party shall pay the fees and expenses of one law firm
        incurred by the Indemnitee in the compromise of, or defense against,
        such matter; and provided further that if the Asserted Liability 
                         -------- -------
        includes only a request for injunctive relief, the Indemnitee may
        control the defense thereof (at the Indemnifying Party's expense) and if
        the Asserted Liability includes a request for injunctive relief and
        other remedies, the Indemnitee may (at its own expense) share control of
        the defense thereof to the extent of the injunctive relief claims. If
        the Indemnifying Party elects to compromise or defend such Asserted
        Liability, it shall within 30 days (or sooner, if the nature of the
        Asserted Liability so requires) notify the Indemnitee of its intent to
        do so, and the Indemnitee shall cooperate, at the expense of the
        Indemnifying Party, in the compromise of, or defense against, such
        Asserted Liability. If the Indemnifying Party elects not to compromise
        or defend the Asserted Liability or fails to notify the Indemnitee of
        its election as herein provided, or otherwise fails to timely assume
        such defense the Indemnitee may pay, compromise or defend such Asserted
        Liability at the Indemnifying Party's expense. Notwithstanding the
        foregoing, neither the Indemnifying Party nor the Indemnitee may settle
        or compromise any Asserted Liability over the objection of the other;
        provided, however, consent to settlement or compromise shall not be 
        --------  ------- 
        unreasonably withheld or delayed. In any event, the Indemnitee and the
        Indemnifying Party may participate, at their own expense, in the defense
        of such Asserted Liability. If the Indemnifying Party chooses to defend
        any Asserted Liability, the Indemnitee shall make available to the
        Indemnifying Party any books, records or other documents within its
        control that are necessary or appropriate for such defense.

               12.4  Exclusive Remedies.  Notwithstanding anything in this
                     ------------------                                   
     Agreement to the contrary, the remedies provided in this Agreement shall be
     the sole and exclusive remedies for any inaccuracy and for any breach of
     any representation, 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              77

     warranty, covenant or agreement of, or obligation or liability of, the
     Buyer or the Sellers, contained herein or in any certificate or instrument
     delivered pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise relating hereto or
     thereto; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 12.4 shall be 
              --------  -------                              
     construed to limit any right or remedy that the Buyer or the Sellers may
     have with respect to fraud.

               12.5  Sellers' Representative.  Each Seller hereby irrevocably
                     -----------------------                                 
     appoints Terrance J. McClinch as Sellers' Representative (or his designee,
     the "Sellers' Representative"), and the Sellers' Representative hereby
          -----------------------                                          
     accepts such appointment and agrees to act as such Sellers' Representative,
     who shall, in such capacity, have full power and authority to make, on
     behalf of the Sellers, all decisions relating to the defense or settlement
     of any claims for which any Buyer Indemnitee may claim to be entitled to
     indemnity or payment pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise to act on
     behalf of the Sellers in all respects with respect to this Agreement. All
     decisions and actions by the Sellers' Representative shall be binding upon
     all of the Sellers, and no Seller shall have the right to object to,
     dissent from, protest or otherwise contest the same. The Buyer shall not
     have the right to object to, protest or otherwise contest any matter
     related to the procedures for action being taken by the Sellers'
     Representative. By the execution of this Agreement by or on behalf of such
     Seller, each Seller shall be deemed to have agreed that (i) the provisions
     of this Section 12.5 are independent and severable, are irrevocable and
     coupled with an interest and shall be enforceable notwithstanding any
     rights or remedies any Seller may have in connection with the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the remedy at law for any breach of
     the provisions of this Section 12.5 would be inadequate, (iii) the
     provisions of this Section 12.5 shall be binding upon the successors and
     assigns of each Seller and (iv) any references in this Agreement to a
     Seller or the Sellers shall mean and include the successors to the Seller's
     rights hereunder. In addition, by the execution of this Agreement by or on
     behalf of such Seller, each Seller shall be deemed to have waived any
     claims they may have or assert,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              78

     including those that may arise in the future, against the Sellers'
     Representative for any action or inaction taken or not taken by the
     Sellers' Representative except to the extent that such action or inaction
     shall have been held by a court of competent jurisdiction to constitute
     willful misconduct. In consideration for serving as the Sellers'
     Representative, the Sellers' Representative shall be released by each
     Seller from any liability for any action or inaction taken or not taken by
     such Sellers' Representative except to the extent that such action or
     inaction shall have been held by a court of competent jurisdiction to
     constitute willful misconduct.

               12.6  Nature of Payments.  Any payment under this Article 12
                     ------------------                                    
     shall be treated for tax purposes as an adjustment of the Purchase Price
     given or received, as the case may be, with respect to the Shares to the
     extent such characterization is proper and permissible under relevant Tax
     authorities, including court decisions, statutes, regulations and
     administrative promulgations.

          13.  Termination of Agreement.
               ------------------------ 

               13.1  Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated prior to the
                     -----------                                                
     Closing as follows:

                  (a) at the election of the Sellers' Representative, if any one
        or more of the conditions to the obligation of the Sellers to close set
        forth in Article 10 has not been fulfilled as of the Scheduled Closing;

                  (b) at the election of the Buyer, if any one or more of the
        conditions to the obligation of the Buyer to close set forth in Article
        9 has not been fulfilled as of the Scheduled Closing;

                  (c) at the election of the Buyer or the Sellers'
        Representative, if the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have
        not been consummated by November 15, 1998; provided, that the right to
                                                   --------                   
        terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 13.1(c) shall not be
        available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under
        this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              79

        the failure of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
        Agreement to occur on or prior to such date; or

                  (d) at the election of the Buyer if the aggregate remediation
        costs set forth in the Phase I Assessment for the leased Properties and
        the Phase I Assessments for the leased properties in the MI Agreement
        and Grey Fox Agreement exceed a dollar amount equal to $1,000,000 less
        the aggregate estimated remediation costs for the Owned Real Properties
        set forth in the Assessments and the Assessments referred to in the MI
        and Grey Fox Agreements (but in no event less than $0); provided,
                                                                -------- 
        however, Buyer shall not have any right of termination pursuant to this
        -------                                                                
        subsection (d) if the Sellers notify Buyer within 10 days of receipt of
        the Phase I and II Assessments that the Sellers agree to amend the
        indemnification provisions of Section 8.5 to include an indemnity in the
        Buyer's favor covering the leased Properties in the same manner as the
        Owned Real Properties, such that such indemnity will, among other
        things, be subject to the same Minimum Amount as defined in Section
        12.1(c)(i), it being understood that the Loss limitations for the leased
        Properties will be the remediation estimates for the leased Properties
        set forth in the Assessments;

                  (e) at the election of the Buyer if the aggregate remediation
        estimates for the Properties set forth in the Phase I Assessment, Phase
        II Assessment and the Phase I and Phase II Assessments referred to in
        the MI Agreement and the Grey Fox Agreement exceed $51,600,000;

                  (f) at the election of the Sellers' Representative, if the
        aggregate remediation costs for the Properties set forth in the Phase I
        Assessment, Phase II Assessment and the Phase I and Phase II Assessments
        referred to in the MI Agreement and the Grey Fox Agreement exceed
        $2,300,000; and

                  (g) at any time on or prior to the Closing Date, by mutual
        written consent of the Sellers' Representative and the Buyer.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              80

             If this Agreement so terminates, it shall become null and void and
   have no further force or effect, except as provided in Section 13.2.

               13.2  Survival After Termination.  If this Agreement terminates
                     --------------------------                               
     pursuant to Section 12.1 and the contemplated transactions are not
     consummated, this Agreement shall become null and void and have no further
     force or effect, except that any such termination shall be without
     prejudice to the rights of any party on account of the nonsatisfaction of
     the conditions set forth in Articles 9 and 10 resulting from the
     intentional or willful breach or violation of the representations,
     warranties, covenants or agreements of another party under this Agreement
     or the breach of the representation and warranty set forth in clause (ii)
     of third sentence of Section 5.2 with respect to the bank consent.
     Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) the
     provisions of Section 6.2 relating to the obligation of the Buyer to keep
     confidential and not to use certain information and data obtained by it
     from the Company, and to return documents to the Company and (ii) the
     provisions of Sections 6.4, this Section 13.2 and Article 14 shall survive
     any termination of this Agreement.

          14.  Miscellaneous.
               ------------- 

               14.1  Certain Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the
                     -------------------                                 
     following terms have the following meanings:

             "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person
              ---------                                                     
   controlling, controlled by or under common control with, or the parents,
   spouse, lineal descendants or beneficiaries of, such Person.

             "Applicable Law" means with respect to any Person, any domestic or
              --------------                                                   
   foreign, federal, state or local statute, law, ordinance, rule,
   administrative interpretation, regulation, order, writ, injunction,
   directive, policy, guidance, judgment, decree or other requirement of any
   Governmental Entity applicable to such Person or its properties, business,
   operations or assets.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              81

             "Benefit Plan" means any employee benefit plan, arrangement, policy
              ------------                                                      
   or commitment (whether or not an employee benefit plan within the meaning of
   section 3(3) of ERISA), including any employment, consulting or deferred
   compensation agreement, executive compensation, retention, change in control,
   bonus, incentive, pension, profit-sharing, savings, retirement, stock option,
   stock award, stock purchase or severance pay plan or arrangement, any life,
   health, disability or accident insurance plan, any fringe benefit  plan or
   arrangement or any holiday or vacation practice, as to which the Company or
   any Subsidiary has or in the future would have any direct or indirect, actual
   or contingent liability.

             "Business Day" means any day of the year (other than a Saturday  or
              ------------                                                      
   Sunday) on which national banking institutions in Greenwich, Connecticut are
   open to the public for conducting business and are not required or authorized
   to close.

             "Closing Balance Sheet Tax Reserve" means the portion of the
              ---------------------------------                          
   deferred tax reserve shown on the Audited Closing Balance Sheet (and
   reflected in the Audited Closing Adjusted Net Worth, as increased or
   decreased, as the case may be, by the Resolved Objections and the CPA--
   Determined Differences) that does not relate to timing differences between
   book and tax accounting.

             "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
              ----                                                      

             "DOL" means the United States Department of Labor.
              ---                                              

             "Employee" means any individual employed by the Company or any
              --------                                                     
   Subsidiary of the Company.

             "Environmental Laws" means all applicable laws relating to
              ------------------                                       
   Hazardous Substances, the environment or natural resources, including the
   Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), the Comprehensive
   Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Clean
   Air Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and
   the Toxic Substances Control Act 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              82

   ("TSCA"), and any requirements promulgated pursuant to these applicable laws
   or any analogous state or local applicable laws.

             "Environmental Liabilities" means all Liabilities of a Person
              -------------------------                                   
   (whether such Liabilities are owed by such Person to Governmental
   Authorities, third parties or otherwise) which arise under or relate to any
   Environmental Law.

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

             "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United
              ----                                                              
   States applied in a consistent basis during the relevant periods.

             "Governmental Entity" means any foreign, domestic, federal,
              -------------------                                       
   territorial, state or local governmental authority, quasi-governmental
   authority, instrumentality, court, government or self-regulatory
   organization, commission, tribunal or organization or any regulatory,
   administrative or other agency or any political or other subdivision,
   department or branch of the any of the foregoing.

             "Hazardous Substance" means any substance, material or waste:  (i)
              -------------------                                              
   the presence of which in the environment requires investigation or
   remediation under any applicable law; or (ii) that is defined characterized
   or otherwise classified as a "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance," "toxic
                                 ---------------    -------------------         
   material" or "toxic waste" or words of similar connotation under any
   Environmental Law; or (iii) that is toxic, explosive, corrosive, flammable,
   infectious, radioactive, carcinogenic or mutagenic or otherwise hazardous and
   is regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law; (iv) the presence of which
   causes a nuisance, trespass or other tortious condition; or (v) without
   limitation, that contains gasoline, diesel fuel or other petroleum
   hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) or asbestos.

             "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.
              ---                                     

             "Knowledge of Sellers" shall have the meaning assigned to it in
              --------------------                                          
   that certain letter agreement among the parties hereto and others of even
   date herewith.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              83

             "Lien" means any lien, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust, security
              ----                                                           
   interest, claim, lease, license, charge, option, right of first refusal,
   easement, servitude or transfer restriction and, with respect to the Shares,
   voting trusts, proxies, stockholder or similar agreements, encumbrances or
   restrictions of any nature whatsoever.

             "Material Adverse Effect" means material adverse effect on the
              -----------------------                                      
   properties, business, results of operations or financial condition of the
   Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on their ability to
   consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the terms set
   forth herein.

             "Pension Plan" means any Benefit Plan which is a pension plan
              ------------                                                
   within the meaning of ERISA section 3(2) (regardless of whether the plan is
   covered by ERISA).

             "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens for Taxes or governmental
              ---------------                                           
   assessments, charges or claims the payment of which is not yet due, or for
   Taxes the validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate
   proceedings and for which adequate reserves are reflected on the Balance
   Sheet; (ii) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen,
   mechanics, materialmen and other similar Persons and other Liens imposed by
   applicable law incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet
   delinquent or being contested in good faith; (iii) Liens relating to deposits
   made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers'
   compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security or to
   secure the performance of leases, trade contracts or other similar
   agreements; (iv) Liens specifically identified on the Balance Sheet; (v)
   Liens securing executory obligations under any lease that constitutes an
   "operating lease" under GAAP; and (vi) other Liens set forth on Schedule
   ----------------                                                --------
   14.1(b) hereto.
   -------        

             "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited
              ------                                                         
   liability company, firm, joint venture, association, joint-stock company,
   trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Entity or other entity.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              84


             "property" or "properties" means real, personal or mixed property,
              --------      ----------                                         
   tangible or intangible.

             "Reference Rate" means the per annum rate of interest publicly
              --------------                                               
   announced from time to time by Chase Manhattan Bank as its prime rate (or
   reference rate).  Any change in the Reference Rate shall take effect at the
   opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such
   change.

             "Release" means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping,
              -------                                                       
   pouring, dumping, emptying, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge,
   dispersal, leaching or migration of Hazardous Materials on or into the
   environment.

             "Remedial Action" has the meaning ascribed to it on the
              ---------------                                       
   definitional provisions of CERCLA and also means such actions as are
   necessary to cause fixtures and operations on the Properties (not including
   movable equipment leased by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary
   course) to be in compliance with Environmental Laws, assuming use of such
   fixtures and operations in a manner consistent with past practices of the
   Company and its Subsidiaries.

             "Restricted Business" means, collectively, (a) any business in
              -------------------                                          
   which the Company, MI, Grey Fox and/or their respective Subsidiaries are
   engaged on the Closing Date and (b) the business of renting, leasing, acting
   as a dealer or  distributor for, repairing, servicing or selling light to
   heavy construction and industrial equipment (including, without limitation,
   aerial lifts (including boom and scissor lifts), cranes, backhoes, digging
   equipment, forklifts, tractors, skid-steer loaders, scaffolding, compressors,
   pumps and generators), and/or general tools and equipment (including, without
   limitation, power tools, hand tools, high-pressure washers, paint sprayers,
   gardening and landscaping equipment and roto tillers) and, in each case, any
   related merchandise, accessories or parts.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              85

             "Subsidiary" means any Person of which a majority of the
              ----------                                             
   outstanding voting securities or other voting equity interests are owned,
   directly or indirectly, by the Company.

             "Tax" means all taxes of any nature including any United States
              ---                                                           
   federal, state, local or foreign income, sales and use, excise, franchise,
   real and personal property, transfer, gross receipts, license, payroll,
   employment, withholding, estimated or other tax or charge imposed by any
   governmental entity, together with any interest and penalties related thereto
   or to the nonpayment thereof and any loss in connection with the
   determination, settlement or litigation of any tax liability.

               14.2  Nature of Obligations.
                     --------------------- 

                  (a) The representations, warranties, and covenants of the
        Sellers in this Agreement are joint and several obligations.
        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the aggregate amount a Seller shall be
        required to pay to the Buyer or any Buyer Indemnitee hereunder shall not
        exceed such Seller's Pro Rata Portion of the Purchase Price.

               14.3  Notices.  Any notice or other communication required or
                     -------                                                
     permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally,
     sent by facsimile transmission sent by overnight courier or sent by
     certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid. Any such notice
     shall be deemed given when so delivered personally, or sent by facsimile
     transmission or if sent by overnight courier, one Business Day after the
     date so sent, or, if mailed, five Business Days after the date of deposit
     in the United States mails, as follows:

                       (i)  If to Buyer or, after the Closing Date, the Company:

                            United Rentals, Inc.
                            Four Greenwich Office Park
                            Greenwich, CT 06830
                            Attention: Mr. John N. Milne
                            Facsimile: (203) 622-6080

                       with copies to:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              86

                            Oscar D.  Folger, Esq.
                            521 Fifth Avenue, 24th Floor
                            New York, NY 10175
                            Facsimile: (212) 697-9570

                                 and

                            Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                            767 Fifth Avenue
                            New York, NY 10153
                            Attention: Stephen M. Besen, Esq.
                            Facsimile: (212) 310-8007

                       (ii) if to the Sellers or the Sellers' Representative, to
                            the addresses set forth beside the Sellers'
                            Representative's name on Annex C

                       with a copy to:

                            Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
                            1285 Avenue of the Americas
                            New York, New York  10019-6064
                            Attention:  Marilyn Sobel, Esq.
                            Telephone: (212) 373-3000
                            Facsimile:  (212) 757-3990

   Any party may by notice given in accordance with this Section to the other
   parties designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

               14.4  Entire Agreement.  The Confidentiality Agreement, this
                     ----------------                                      
     Agreement and any other collateral agreements executed in connection with
     the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement contain
     the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the purchase of the
     Shares and supersede all prior agreements, written or oral, with respect
     thereto.

               14.5  Waivers and Amendments; Non-Contractual Remedies.  This
                     ------------------------------------------------       
     Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended, and
     the terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by the
     Buyer and the Sellers' Representative or, in the case of a waiver, by the
     party waiving compliance.  No delay on the part of any party in exercising
     any right, power or privilege hereunder shall 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              87

     operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of any party
     of any such right, power or privilege, nor any single or partial exercise
     of any such right, power or privilege, preclude any further exercise
     thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege. The
     rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of
     any rights or remedies that any party may otherwise have at law or in
     equity.

               14.6  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed and
                     -------------                                       
     construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable
     to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State.

               14.7  Binding Effect; Assignment.  This Agreement shall be
                     --------------------------                          
     binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective
     successors and legal representatives.  This Agreement is not assignable;
     provided, however, that the Buyer may assign this Agreement to a wholly-
     --------                                                               
     owned subsidiary of the Buyer; and provided further, that no such 
                                        -------- -------             
     assignment shall release the Buyer from any of its obligations hereunder.

               14.8  Usage.  All pronouns and any variations thereof refer to
                     -----                                                   
     the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the context may
     require.  All terms defined in this Agreement in their singular or plural
     forms have correlative meanings when used herein in their plural or
     singular forms, respectively.  Unless otherwise expressly provided, the
     words "include," "includes" and "including" do not limit the preceding
     words or terms and shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
     limitation."

               14.9  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by the
                     ------------                                        
     parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and
     delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together
     constitute one and the same instrument.  Each counterpart may consist of a
     number of copies hereof each signed by less than all, but together signed
     by all of the parties hereto.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              88

               14.10  Exhibits and Schedules.  The Exhibits and Schedules are a
                      ----------------------                                   
     part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein and all references to
     this Agreement shall be deemed to include the Exhibits and Schedules.  All
     references herein to Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed
     references to such parts of this Agreement, unless the context shall
     otherwise require.  Any matter disclosed on one Schedule hereto shall be
     deemed to have been disclosed on any other Schedule provided the relevance
     of such matter to such other Schedule is reasonably discernible from the
     information provided in the Schedule on which such disclosure appears.

               14.11  Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for
                      --------                                         
     reference only, and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

               14.12  Severability of Provisions.
                      -------------------------- 
                  (a) If any provision or any portion of any provision of this
        Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portion
        of such provision and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall
        not be affected thereby; provided, that the material economic terms
                                 --------                                  
        provided for herein are not affected thereby in a manner adverse to the
        Buyer or any Seller.

                  (b) If the application of any provision or any portion of any
        provision of this Agreement to any Person or circumstance shall be held
        invalid or unenforceable, the application of such provision or portion
        of such provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to
        which it is held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby;
        provided, that the material economic terms provided for herein are not
        --------                                                              
        affected thereby in a manner adverse to the Buyer or any Seller.

               14.13  Consent to Jurisdiction.  Each of the parties hereto
                      -----------------------                             
     hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S.
     District Court for the District of Connecticut; and irrevocably agrees that
     all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and
     determined in such court. Each of the parties 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              89

     hereto further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or
     document by U.S. registered mail to such party's respective address set
     forth in Section 14.3 shall be effective service of process for any action,
     suit or proceeding in the State of Connecticut with respect to any matters
     to which it has submitted to jurisdiction as set forth above in the
     immediately preceding sentence. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and
     unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any action,
     suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or the transactions
     contemplated hereby in the U.S. District Court for the District of
     Connecticut, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and
     agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any action, suit or
     proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient
     forum.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              90


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

                            UNITED RENTALS, INC.


                            By:
                               Name:
                               Title:


                            SELLERS:
                            ------- 
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX A




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       Name of Shareholder                                 Number of Shares
                       -------------------                                 ----------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
        TOTAL
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX B

                               [Escrow Agreement]
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX C

                            [Addresses for Notices ]


   Sellers' Representative

   Terrance J. McClinch
   c/o Brody & Ober P.C.
   135 Rennell Drive
   Southport, Connecticut  06490


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