MKS INSTRUMENTS INC
S-1/A, 1999-03-15
INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASUREMENT, DISPLAY, AND CONTROL
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 15, 1999
    
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-71363
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
    
                                       TO
 
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>                                    <C>
            MASSACHUSETTS                               3823                                04-2277512
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF          (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL                 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
    INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)          CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)               IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
</TABLE>
 
                               SIX SHATTUCK ROAD
                               ANDOVER, MA 01810
                                 (978) 975-2350
              (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
       INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                                JOHN R. BERTUCCI
                CHAIRMAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AND PRESIDENT
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
                               SIX SHATTUCK ROAD
                               ANDOVER, MA 01810
                                 (978) 975-2350
               (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
               NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
               MARK G. BORDEN, ESQ.                                DAVID C. CHAPIN, ESQ.
                 HALE AND DORR LLP                                     ROPES & GRAY
                  60 STATE STREET                                 ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE
            BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109                         BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110
                  (617) 526-6000                                      (617) 951-7000
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date hereof.
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box.  [ ]
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box:  [ ]
 
   
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(a), MAY
DETERMINE.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
The information contained in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed.
The underwriters may not confirm sales of these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission becomes
effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and is not
soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale
is not permitted.
 
   
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 15, 1999
    
 
                                6,500,000 SHARES
                                   [MKS LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
   
     MKS Instruments, Inc. is offering 6,000,000 shares of its common stock and
the selling stockholders are selling an additional 500,000 shares. This is MKS's
initial public offering and no public market currently exists for its shares. We
have been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"MKSI" for the shares we are offering. We estimate that the initial public
offering price will be between $15.00 and $17.00.
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
     INVESTING IN OUR COMMON STOCK INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. SEE "RISK
FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7.
 
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Per Share    Total
                                                              ---------    -----
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
Public Offering Price                                             $          $
Discounts and Commissions to Underwriters                         $          $
Proceeds to MKS                                                   $          $
Proceeds to the Selling Stockholders                              $          $
</TABLE>
 
     NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
     MKS has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an
additional 975,000 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments.
 
                            ------------------------
 
NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                                                 LEHMAN BROTHERS
 
               The date of this prospectus is             , 1999
<PAGE>   3
                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
                                PROSPECTUS COVER
                                JANUARY 28, 1999


INSIDE FRONT COVER (PG. 2):

This page is produced in four-color process. Amidst a dark background, the MKS
logo appears at the top right of the page, and to the top left is the phrase "A
Wide Range of Products Made Using MKS Process Control Instruments." Two
paragraphs describing the role MKS plays in complex advanced materials
manufacturing processes also appear on this page, and are as follows:

(first paragraph) "MKS Surrounds the Process. Technologically complex,
gas-related manufacturing processes are used to create such products as
semiconductor devices, flat panel displays, fiber optic cables, solar panels,
magnetic and optical storage media, and gas lasers. These processes build up
very thin layers of materials, step by step, through the interaction of specific
gases and materials inside tightly controlled process chambers. Maintaining
control of these complex steps throughout the entire manufacturing process is
critical to maximizing uptime, yield and throughput (second paragraph) MKS's
process control instruments are integrated into many gas-related
processes--managing the flow rates of gases entering and exiting the process
chamber; controlling the gas composition and pressure inside the chamber;
analyzing and monitoring the composition of the gases; and isolating the gases
from the outside environment."

In the center of the page is a photo montage, displaying images of semiconductor
devices, flat panel displays, fiber optic cables, solar panels, magnetic and
optical storage media and gas lasers. Each of these images has a text label
adjacent to it.

MKS, MKS Instruments, Baratron and ORION are trademarks of MKS. This prospectus
contains trademarks, service marks and trade names of companies and
organizations other than MKS.

INSIDE SPREAD (PGS. 3 AND 4):

These pages are produced in four-color process. The main focus of the spread is
the illustration of a typical process chamber, with numerous MKS products
surrounding the chamber. At the top of the illustration, centered across the two
pages, is the title "MKS Instruments...Surrounding the Process." Each product is
described in a brief paragraph, and the paragraphs appear on both sides of the
illustration--left and right columns. The paragraphs are as follows:

DIRECT LIQUID INJECTION SUBSYSTEMS
For use in the delivery of a wide variety of new materials to the process
chamber that cannot be delivered using conventional thermal-based mass flow
controllers.

AUTOMATIC PRESSURE CONTROLLERS WITH INTEGRATED BARATRON(R) PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS
A compact, integrated measurement and control package for use in controlling
upstream or downstream process chamber pressure.

ULTRA-CLEAN MASS FLOW CONTROLLERS
For the precise measurement and control of mass flow rates of inert or corrosive
gases and vapors into the process chamber.

ULTRA-CLEAN MINI-BARATRON(R) PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS
For use in gas cabinets to feed ultra-pure gases to critical process systems.

PRESSURE CONTROL VALVES
To precisely control the flow of gases to a process chamber in a wide range of
flow rates.

GAS BOX RATE OF RISE CALIBRATORS
For fast verification of mass flow controller accuracy and repeatability during
a process.

DIGITAL COLD CATHODE IONIZATION AND CONVECTION VACUUM GAUGES 
A variety of indirect pressure gauges for measuring very low chamber pressures
and conveying information digitally to host computers.

ORION(R) PROCESS MONITORS AND RESIDUAL GAS ANALYZERS
For the analysis of the composition of background and process gases inside the
process chamber.

PRESSURE SWITCHES
Provide protection of vacuum equipment and processes by signaling when
atmospheric pressure has been achieved.

BARATRON(R) PRESSURE MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
For the accurate measurement and control of a wide range of process pressures.

IN-SITU DIAGNOSTICS ACCESS VALVE
Enables accurate calibration and diagnostics of vacuum gauges and pressure
transducers while directly mounted on the process chamber.

EXHAUST THROTTLE VALVES AND AUTOMATIC PRESSURE CONTROLLERS
For isolation and downstream control of process chamber pressures and pressure
control within the exhaust systems.

HIGH VACUUM VALVES
To isolate the process chamber from both the pumps and atmospheric gases.

HEATED PUMPING LINES
To reduce contaminants in the vacuum pump and pump exhaust stream.

VAPOR SUBLIMATION TRAP
To collect by-products and particulates that could otherwise contaminate devices
in the process chamber and damage vacuum pumps.

Prices of products shown above range from $200 to $80,000.

The above graphic depicts a generalized process chamber with a number of MKS's 
manufactured products shown.
<PAGE>   4
 
     YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. WE
HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION DIFFERENT FROM THAT
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. WE ARE OFFERING TO SELL, AND SEEKING OFFERS TO
BUY, SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ONLY IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE OFFERS AND SALES ARE
PERMITTED. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE ONLY AS OF
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS OR OF ANY SALE OF OUR COMMON STOCK. IN THIS PROSPECTUS, "MKS," "WE,"
"US" AND "OUR" REFER TO MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC. (UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE
REQUIRES).
 
   
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
<S>                                                           <C>
Prospectus Summary..........................................    4
Risk Factors................................................    7
S Corporation and Termination of S Corporation Status.......   13
Use of Proceeds.............................................   14
Dividend Policy.............................................   14
Capitalization..............................................   15
Dilution....................................................   16
Selected Consolidated Financial Data........................   17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
  and Results of Operations.................................   19
Business....................................................   28
Management..................................................   45
Certain Transactions........................................   52
Principal and Selling Stockholders..........................   53
Description of Capital Stock................................   54
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.............................   56
Underwriting................................................   57
Legal Matters...............................................   58
Experts.....................................................   58
Additional Information......................................   59
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus.
You should read this entire prospectus carefully. Unless otherwise indicated,
all information contained in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters will
not exercise their over-allotment option. This prospectus contains forward-
looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. MKS's actual results
could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under "Risk
Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus. All information contained in this
prospectus reflects an amendment to MKS's Articles of Organization to be
effected prior to the closing of this offering to convert the shares of Class A
common stock and Class B common stock into a single class of common stock.
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
     We are a leading worldwide developer, manufacturer and supplier of
instruments and components used to measure, control and analyze gases in
semiconductor manufacturing and similar industrial manufacturing processes. We
sold products to over 4,000 customers in 1998. In addition to semiconductors,
our products are used in processes to manufacture a diverse range of products,
such as flat panel displays, solar cells, gas lasers, fiber optic cables,
diamond thin films and coatings for food packagings.
 
     The ability of semiconductor device manufacturers to offer integrated
circuits with smaller geometries and greater functionality at higher speeds
requires continuous improvements in semiconductor process equipment and process
controls. Manufacturing a semiconductor, or a similar industrial product,
requires hundreds of process steps, many of which involve the precise
measurement and control of gases. In the fabrication of semiconductors, for
example, these process steps take place within a process chamber. Specific gas
mixtures at precisely controlled pressures are used in the process chamber to
control the required process atmosphere and are used as a source of material to
manufacture a semiconductor.
 
     Given the complexity of the semiconductor manufacturing process, the value
of the products manufactured and the significant cost of semiconductor
manufacturing equipment and facilities, significant importance is placed upon:
 
     - uptime, which is the amount of time that semiconductor manufacturing
       equipment is available for processing
 
     - yield, which is the ratio of acceptable output to total output
 
     - throughput, which is the aggregate output that can be processed per hour
 
     The design and performance of instruments that control the pressure or flow
of gases are becoming more critical to the semiconductor manufacturing process
since they directly affect uptime, yield and throughput. In addition, the
increasing sophistication of semiconductor devices requires an increase in the
number of components and subsystems used in the design of semiconductor
manufacturing process tools. To address manufacturing complexity, improve
quality and reliability, and ensure long-term service and support, semiconductor
device manufacturers and semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers are
increasingly seeking to reduce their supplier base and are, therefore, choosing
to work with suppliers that provide a broad range of integrated, technologically
advanced products backed by worldwide service and support.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
     We believe that we offer the widest range of pressure and vacuum
measurement and control products serving the semiconductor industry. Our
products measure pressures from as low as one trillionth of atmospheric pressure
to as high as two hundred times atmospheric pressure. Our objective is to be the
leading worldwide supplier of instruments and components used to measure,
control and analyze gases in semiconductor and other advanced thin-film
processing applications and to help semiconductor device manufacturers achieve
improvements in their return on investment capital. Our strategy to accomplish
this objective includes:
 
     - extending our technology leadership
 
     - continuing to broaden our comprehensive product offering
 
     - building upon our close working relationships with customers
 
     - expanding the application of our existing technologies to related markets
 
     - leveraging our global infrastructure and world class manufacturing
       capabilities
 
     For over 25 years, we have focused on satisfying the needs of semiconductor
capital equipment manufacturers and semiconductor device manufacturers. As a
result, we have established long-term relationships with many of our customers.
We sell our products primarily to:
 
     - semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers
 
     - semiconductor device manufacturers
 
     - industrial manufacturing companies
 
     - university, government and industrial research laboratories
 
     Our customers include Applied Materials, Inc., Lam Research Corporation,
Novellus Systems, Inc., Tokyo Electron Limited, Inc., Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc. and Motorola, Inc. We sell our products primarily through our
direct sales force located in 22 offices worldwide.
 
     MKS Instruments, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation organized in June
1961. Our principal executive offices are located at Six Shattuck Road, Andover,
MA 01810, and our telephone number is (978) 975-2350.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Common stock offered by MKS...........  6,000,000 shares
 
Common stock offered by the selling
stockholders..........................  500,000 shares
 
Common stock to be outstanding after
this offering.........................  24,053,167 shares
 
Use of proceeds.......................  For distributions to current
                                        stockholders and general corporate
                                        purposes. See "Use of Proceeds" and "S
                                        Corporation and Termination of S
                                        Corporation Status."
 
   
Nasdaq National Market symbol.........  MKSI
    
 
     The common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on shares
outstanding as of December 31, 1998 and excludes 2,132,575 shares of common
stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of such date at a
weighted average exercise price of $5.19 per share. See "Capitalization" and
Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                      SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
     MKS has been treated as an S corporation for federal income tax purposes
since July 1, 1987. As an S corporation, MKS has not been subject to federal,
and certain state, income taxes. The pro forma net income reflects the provision
for income taxes that would have been recorded had MKS been a C corporation,
assuming an effective tax rate of 39.0% for 1994 and 1995, and 38.0% for 1996,
1997 and 1998. As a result of terminating its S corporation status upon the
closing of this offering, MKS will record a one-time non-cash credit to
historical earnings for additional deferred taxes. If this credit to earnings
had occurred at December 31, 1998, the amount would have been approximately $3.9
million. This amount is expected to increase through the closing of this
offering and is excluded from pro forma net income. See Notes 2 and 9 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
    
 
   
     Pro forma balance sheet data set forth below reflects the liability for the
distribution of an estimated $35.9 million, calculated as of December 31, 1998,
of cumulative undistributed S corporation taxable income for which stockholders
of record prior to the closing of this offering have been or will be taxed. The
pro forma net income per share and weighted average common shares outstanding
for 1998 which are set forth below reflect the effect of an assumed issuance of
sufficient shares to fund this distribution as of January 1, 1998. The
distribution will be made out of the proceeds of this offering. The actual
amount to be distributed is expected to increase based upon taxable earnings for
the period January 1, 1999 through the closing of this offering, subject to
certain limitations. See "S Corporation and Termination of S Corporation
Status." The pro forma as adjusted balance sheet data reflects the sale of
6,000,000 shares of common stock at an assumed initial public offering price of
$16.00 per share, after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and
offering expenses payable by MKS.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                           --------------------------------------------------------
                                                             1994        1995        1996        1997        1998
                                                           --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Net sales................................................  $106,829    $157,164    $170,862    $188,080    $139,763
Gross profit.............................................    47,016      69,461      68,854      80,474      55,979
Income from operations...................................    12,087      24,106      16,068      23,963       9,135
Net income...............................................  $ 10,003    $ 21,658    $ 12,503    $ 20,290    $  7,186
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA(1):
Pro forma net income.....................................  $  6,590    $ 13,821    $  8,248    $ 13,806    $  5,044
Pro forma net income per share:
  Basic..................................................  $   0.37    $   0.77    $   0.46    $   0.76    $   0.25
                                                           ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
  Diluted................................................  $   0.37    $   0.77    $   0.46    $   0.76    $   0.24
                                                           ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding:
  Basic..................................................                                                    20,295
  Diluted................................................                                                    20,780
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                                              ------------------------------------
                                                                                        PRO FORMA
                                                               ACTUAL     PRO FORMA    AS ADJUSTED
                                                              --------    ---------    -----------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>          <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents...................................  $ 11,188    $ 11,188      $ 63,942
Working capital (deficit)...................................    31,493      (4,433)       84,247
Total assets................................................    96,232      96,232       148,986
Short-term obligations......................................    12,819      12,819        12,819
Long-term obligations, less current portion.................    13,786      13,786        13,786
Stockholders' equity........................................    54,826      18,900       107,580
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Data is computed on the same basis as Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
   
     You should consider carefully the risks described below before you decide
to buy our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occur, our
business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In
such case, the trading price of our common stock could fall, and you may lose
all or part of the money you paid to buy our common stock.
    
 
     This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are usually accompanied by words
such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects" and similar expressions.
Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements because of factors such as the Risk Factors discussed
below.
 
OUR PERFORMANCE IS AFFECTED BY THE CYCLICALITY OF THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY
 
     We estimate that approximately 60% of our sales during 1997 and 1998 were
to semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers and semiconductor device
manufacturers, and we expect that sales to such customers will continue to
account for a substantial majority of our sales. Our business depends
substantially upon the capital expenditures of semiconductor device
manufacturers, which in turn depend upon the demand for semiconductors and other
products utilizing semiconductors. Periodic reductions in demand for the
products manufactured by semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers and
semiconductor device manufacturers may adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. Historically, the semiconductor market has
been highly cyclical and has experienced periods of overcapacity, resulting in
significantly reduced demand for capital equipment. For example, in 1996 and
1998 the semiconductor industry experienced a significant decline, which caused
a number of our customers to reduce their orders. We cannot be certain that the
current semiconductor downturn that began in 1998 will not continue. A further
decline in the level of orders as a result of any future downturn or slowdown in
the semiconductor industry could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
OUR NET SALES AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS CAN BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE
INSTABILITY OF ASIAN ECONOMIES
 
     The financial markets in Asia, one of our principal international markets,
have experienced significant turbulence. Turbulence in the Asian markets can
adversely affect our net sales and results of operations. Our direct net sales
to customers in Asian markets have been approximately 17% to 18% of total net
sales for the past three years. Our sales include both direct sales to the
semiconductor industry in Asia, as well as to semiconductor capital equipment
manufacturers that derive a significant portion of their revenue from sales to
the Asian semiconductor industry. Turbulence in the Asian markets began to
adversely affect the semiconductor device manufacturers and semiconductor
capital equipment manufacturers in the fourth quarter of 1997 and continued to
adversely affect them in 1998. We expect the turbulence in the Asian markets
will continue to adversely affect sales of semiconductor capital equipment
manufacturers for at least the first quarter of 1999. As a result, for at least
the first quarter we currently expect that our 1999 quarterly net sales and net
income will be less than net sales and net income for the comparable quarter of
1998.
 
THE JUST-IN-TIME NATURE OF OUR BUSINESS COULD CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN
OUR QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
 
     A substantial portion of our shipments occur shortly after an order is
received and therefore we operate with a low level of backlog. As a consequence
of the just-in-time nature of shipments and the low level of backlog, a decrease
in demand for our products from one or more customers could occur with limited
advance notice and could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations in any particular period.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
OUR FIXED COSTS MAY LEAD TO FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS IF OUR NET SALES
ARE BELOW EXPECTATIONS
 
     A significant percentage of our expenses are relatively fixed and based in
part on expectations of future net sales. The inability to adjust spending
quickly enough to compensate for any shortfall would magnify the adverse impact
of a shortfall in net sales on our results of operations. Factors that could
cause fluctuations in our net sales include:
 
- - the timing of the receipt of orders from major customers
 
   
- - shipment delays
    
 
- - disruption in sources of supply
 
- - seasonal variations of capital spending by customers
 
- - production capacity constraints
 
   
- - specific features requested by customers
    
   
    
 
     For example, we were in the process of increasing production capacity when
the semiconductor capital equipment market began to experience a significant
downturn in 1996. This downturn had a material adverse effect on our operating
results in the second half of 1996 and the first half of 1997. After an increase
in business in the latter half of 1997, the market experienced another downturn
in 1998, which had a material adverse effect on our 1998 operating results. As a
result of the factors discussed above, it is likely that we will in the future
experience quarterly or annual fluctuations and that, in one or more future
quarters, our operating results will fall below the expectations of public
market analysts or investors. In any such event, the price of our common stock
could decline significantly.
 
   
THE LOSS OF SALES TO ANY ONE OF OUR MAJOR CUSTOMERS WOULD LIKELY HAVE A MATERIAL
ADVERSE EFFECT ON US
    
 
     Our five largest customers in 1996, 1997 and 1998 accounted for
approximately 26%, 32% and 24%, respectively, of our net sales. The loss of a
major customer or any reduction in orders by such customers, including
reductions due to market or competitive conditions, would likely have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
During 1998, one customer, Applied Materials, Inc., accounted for approximately
16% of our net sales. While we have entered into a purchase contract with
Applied Materials, Inc. which expires in 2000 unless it is extended by mutual
agreement, none of our significant customers, including Applied Materials, Inc.,
has entered into an agreement requiring it to purchase any minimum quantity of
our products. The demand for our products from our semiconductor capital
equipment customers depends in part on orders received by them from their
semiconductor device manufacturer customers.
 
     Attempts to lessen the adverse effect of any loss or reduction through the
rapid addition of new customers could be difficult because prospective customers
typically require lengthy qualification periods prior to placing volume orders
with a new supplier. Our future success will continue to depend upon:
 
     - our ability to maintain relationships with existing key customers
 
     - our ability to attract new customers
 
     - the success of our customers in creating demand for their capital
       equipment products which incorporate our products
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
   
WE MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY PENETRATING SEMICONDUCTOR-RELATED MARKETS CONTROLLED BY
OUR COMPETITORS
    
 
   
     The markets for our products are highly competitive. Our competitive
success often depends upon factors outside of our control. For example, in some
cases, particularly with respect to mass flow controllers, semiconductor device
manufacturers may direct semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers to use a
specified supplier's product in their equipment. Accordingly, for such products,
our success will depend in part on our ability to have semiconductor device
manufacturers specify that our products be used at their semiconductor
fabrication facilities. In addition, we may encounter difficulties in changing
established relationships of competitors that already have a large installed
base of products within such semiconductor fabrication facilities.
    
 
   
OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO DEVELOP NEW AND ENHANCED PRODUCTS AND TO
ANTICIPATE FUTURE PRODUCTS DEMANDED BY THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY
    
 
   
     To compete effectively we must not only develop products that are
technologically current, but we must also be able to anticipate, design and
develop products that will be required to support the technologies adopted in
the future. For example, to remain competitive, we must have products ready for
current use when a fabrication facility is built. To accomplish this objective,
we must predict what technologies will be demanded by our customers two to three
years prior to the construction of a facility and begin developing products at
that time. Our failure to predict accurately the technologies of the future
could have a material adverse effect on our business.
    
 
FAILURE BY US TO IDENTIFY AND REMEDIATE ALL MATERIAL YEAR 2000 RISKS COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT US
 
     We have implemented a multi-phase Year 2000 project consisting of
assessment and remediation, and testing following remediation. We cannot,
however, be certain that we have identified all of the potential risks. Failure
by us to identify and remediate all material Year 2000 risks could adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have
identified the following risks you should be aware of:
 
     - we cannot be certain that the entities on whom we rely for certain goods
       and services that are important for our business will be successful in
       addressing all of their software and systems problems in order to operate
       without disruption in the year 2000 and beyond
 
     - our customers or potential customers may be affected by Year 2000 issues
       that may, in part:
 
   
        -- cause a delay in payments for products shipped
    
 
        -- cause customers to expend significant resources on Year 2000
           compliance matters, rather than investing in our products
 
     - we have not developed a contingency plan related to the failure of our or
       a third-party's Year 2000 remediation efforts and may not be prepared for
       such an event
 
     Further, while we have made efforts to notify our customers who have
purchased potential non-compliant products, we cannot be sure that customers who
purchased such products will not assert claims against us alleging that such
products should have been Year 2000 compliant at the time of purchase, which
could result in costly litigation and divert management's attention.
 
WE INTEND TO EXPAND OUR BUSINESS OUTSIDE THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY AND OUR
BUSINESS COULD BE MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF WE FAIL TO SUCCESSFULLY
PENETRATE ADDITIONAL MARKETS
 
     We plan to build upon our experience in manufacturing and selling gas
measurement, control and analysis products used by the semiconductor industry by
designing and selling such products for applications in other industries which
use production processes similar to those used in the semiconductor industry.
Any failure by us to penetrate additional markets would limit our ability to
reduce our vulnerability to downturns in the semiconductor industry and could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
     We have limited experience selling our products in certain markets outside
the semiconductor industry. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in
the expansion of our business outside the semiconductor industry. Our future
success will depend in part on our ability to:
 
     - identify new applications for our products
 
     - adapt our products for such applications
 
     - market and sell such products to customers
 
DIFFICULTY IN EXPANDING OUR MANUFACTURING CAPACITY COULD REDUCE OUR MARKET SHARE
 
     During 1999, we plan to add manufacturing capacity to our Austin, Texas
operations and further equip our cleanroom facilities in Andover and Methuen,
Massachusetts. Our ability to increase sales of certain products depends in part
upon our ability to expand our manufacturing capacity for such products in a
timely manner. If we are unable to expand our manufacturing capacity on a timely
basis or to manage such expansion effectively, our customers could seek such
products from others and our market share could be reduced. Because the
semiconductor industry is subject to rapid demand shifts which are difficult to
foresee, we may not be able to increase capacity quickly enough to respond to a
rapid increase in demand in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, capacity
expansion could increase our fixed operating expenses and if sales levels do not
increase to offset the additional expense levels associated with any such
expansion, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected.
 
OUR SALES AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY DOWNTURNS IN
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN COUNTRIES OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES
 
     International sales, which include sales by our foreign subsidiaries, but
exclude direct export sales which were less than 10% of our total net sales,
accounted for approximately 30% of net sales in 1996, 27% of net sales in 1997
and 32% of net sales in 1998. We anticipate that international sales will
continue to account for a significant portion of our net sales. In addition,
certain of our key domestic customers derive a significant portion of their
revenues from sales in international markets. Therefore, our sales and results
of operations could be adversely affected by economic slowdowns and other risks
associated with international sales.
 
EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR NET SALES AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
 
     Exchange rate fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our net sales
and results of operations and we could experience losses with respect to our
hedging activities. Unfavorable currency fluctuations could require us to
increase prices to foreign customers which could result in lower net sales by us
to such customers. Alternatively, if we do not adjust the prices for our
products in response to unfavorable currency fluctuations, our results of
operations could be adversely affected. In addition, sales made by our foreign
subsidiaries are denominated in the currency of the country in which these
products are sold and the currency we receive in payment for such sales could be
less valuable at the time of receipt as a result of exchange rate fluctuations.
While we enter into forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased
options to reduce currency exposure arising from these sales and associated
intercompany purchases of inventory, we cannot be certain that our efforts will
be adequate to protect us against significant currency fluctuations or that such
efforts will not expose us to additional exchange rate risks.
 
WE NEED TO RETAIN AND ATTRACT KEY PERSONNEL SKILLED WITH KNOWLEDGE OF
INSTRUMENTS AND COMPONENTS USED IN SEMICONDUCTOR AND INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING
PROCESSES
 
     Our success depends to a large extent upon the efforts and abilities of a
number of key employees and officers, particularly those with expertise in the
semiconductor manufacturing and similar industrial manufacturing industries. The
loss of key employees or officers could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. We believe that our
future success will depend in part on our ability to attract and retain highly
skilled technical, financial, managerial and marketing
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot be certain
that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. We are
the beneficiary of key-man life insurance policies on John R. Bertucci,
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, in the amount of $7.2 million.
 
OUR BUSINESS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF WE ARE UNABLE TO PROTECT OUR
PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY
 
     Although we seek to protect our intellectual property rights through
patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other measures, we cannot be certain
that:
 
     - we will be able to protect our technology adequately
 
     - competitors will not be able to develop similar technology independently
 
     - any of our pending patent applications will be issued
 
     - intellectual property laws will protect our intellectual property rights
 
     - third parties will not assert that our products infringe patent,
       copyright or trade secrets of such parties
 
PROTECTION OF OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS MAY RESULT IN COSTLY LITIGATION
 
     Litigation may be necessary in order to enforce our patents, copyrights or
other intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine
the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against
claims of infringement. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and
diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
TRADING IN OUR SHARES COULD BE SUBJECT TO EXTREME PRICE FLUCTUATIONS AND YOU
COULD HAVE DIFFICULTY TRADING YOUR SHARES
 
     The market for shares in newly public technology companies is subject to
extreme price and volume fluctuations. These broad market fluctuations may
materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In
addition, although our common stock will be quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market, an active trading market may not develop and be sustained after this
offering.
 
YOU WILL EXPERIENCE AN IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION IN THE BOOK VALUE OF
YOUR INVESTMENT
 
     Purchasers of common stock in this offering will incur immediate and
substantial dilution of $11.53 in the pro forma net tangible book value per
share of common stock from the assumed initial public offering price of $16.00
per share.
 
   
AFTER THIS OFFERING ONE STOCKHOLDER, ALONG WITH MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY, WILL HAVE
CONTROLLING INTEREST IN MKS AND WILL BE ABLE TO EFFECT IMPORTANT CORPORATE
ACTIONS WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF OTHER STOCKHOLDERS
    
 
     Upon consummation of this offering, John R. Bertucci, Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and President of MKS, and members of his family will, in the
aggregate, beneficially own approximately 70% of our outstanding common stock.
As a result, these stockholders, acting together, will be able to take any of
the following actions without the approval of our public stockholders:
 
     - amend our Articles of Organization in certain respects or approve a
       merger, sale of assets or other major corporate transaction
 
     - defeat any non-negotiated takeover attempt that may be beneficial to our
       public stockholders
 
     - determine the amount and timing of dividends paid to themselves and to
       our public stockholders
 
     - otherwise control our management and operations and the outcome of all
       matters submitted for a stockholder vote, including the election of
       directors
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF OUR ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION, OUR BY-LAWS AND
MASSACHUSETTS LAW COULD DISCOURAGE POTENTIAL ACQUISITION PROPOSALS AND COULD
DELAY OR PREVENT A CHANGE IN CONTROL OF MKS
 
     Anti-takeover provisions could diminish the opportunities for stockholders
to participate in tender offers including tender offers at a price above the
then current market value of the common stock. Such provisions may also inhibit
increases in the market price of the common stock that could result from
takeover attempts. For example, while we have no present plans to issue any
preferred stock, the Board of Directors, without further stockholder approval,
may issue preferred stock that could have the effect of delaying, deterring or
preventing a change in control of MKS. The issuance of preferred stock could
adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock including the
loss of voting control to others. In addition, our By-Laws will provide for a
classified Board of Directors consisting of three classes. This classified board
could also have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in
control of MKS.
 
FUTURE SALES BY OUR EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MARKET
PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK
 
     Sales of our common stock in the public market following this offering
could adversely affect the market price of the common stock. All of the shares
offered under this prospectus will be freely tradable in the open market, and
 
     - 17,553,165 additional shares may be sold after the expiration of 180-day
       lock-up agreements
 
     - approximately 1,100,000 additional shares may be sold upon the exercise
       of stock options after the expiration of 180-day lock-up agreements
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
             S CORPORATION AND TERMINATION OF S CORPORATION STATUS
 
     MKS has been treated as an S corporation for federal income tax purposes
since July 1, 1987. As a result, MKS currently pays no federal, and certain
state, income tax, and all of the earnings of MKS are subject to federal, and
certain state, income taxation directly at the stockholder level. MKS's S
corporation status will terminate upon the closing of this offering, at which
time MKS will become subject to corporate income taxation under Subchapter C of
the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state income taxation law. Pro forma
statement of income data set forth in this prospectus has been adjusted to
include pro forma income tax provisions as if MKS had been a C corporation
during the relevant periods.
 
   
     As soon as practicable following the closing of this offering, MKS intends
to make a distribution to the holders of record on the day prior to the closing
of this offering in an amount equivalent to the "accumulated adjustments
account," as defined in Section 1368(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. The
accumulated adjustments account is equal to the cumulative income of MKS, as
determined for federal income tax purposes, for the period MKS was an S
corporation (from July 1, 1987 through the date of the closing of this offering)
minus any distributions made to stockholders during this period. As of December
31, 1998, the outstanding balance of the accumulated adjustments account was
estimated to be approximately $35.9 million, and such balance is expected to
increase in the period from January 1, 1999 through the closing of this
offering. The increase in the accumulated adjustments account for the period
January 1, 1999 through the date of the closing of this offering will equal a
portion of the taxable income as determined for federal income tax purposes of
MKS for the calendar year 1999, excluding any earnings from its international
subsidiaries, determined by allocating all of the calendar year 1999 taxable
income equally to each day in the year and multiplying the daily taxable income
by the number of days from January 1, 1999 through the date of the closing of
this offering. Investors purchasing shares in this offering will not receive any
portion of the distribution.
    
 
   
     MKS expects to enter into a Tax Indemnification and S Corporation
Distribution Agreement with its existing stockholders providing for, among other
things, the indemnification of MKS by such stockholders for any federal and
state income taxes, including interest, incurred by MKS if for any reason MKS is
deemed to be treated as a C corporation during any period in which it reported
its taxable income as an S corporation. The tax indemnification obligation of
the existing stockholders is limited to the amount of any reduction in their tax
liability as a result of any such determination. The agreement also provides for
the payment, with interest, by the existing stockholders or MKS, as the case may
be, for the difference between the amount to be distributed and the actual
amount of accumulated adjustments account on the day immediately preceding the
closing of this offering. The actual amount of the accumulated adjustments
account on the day prior to the closing of this offering cannot be determined
until MKS calculates the amount of its taxable income for the year ending
December 31, 1999 and can be affected by subsequent income tax audits of MKS.
This agreement further provides for the indemnification of MKS by each existing
stockholder and of the existing stockholders by MKS for any losses or
liabilities with respect to certain additional taxes, including interest and
penalties, resulting from MKS's operations during the period in which it was an
S corporation, to the extent such adjustments do not cause a payment to be made
to the other party as a result of a change in the accumulated adjustment
account. Purchasers of common stock in this offering will not be parties to the
Tax Indemnification and S Corporation Distribution Agreement.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds we will receive from the sale of the 6,000,000 shares of
common stock offered by us are estimated to be $88,680,000 ($103,188,000 if the
underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full), after deducting the
estimated underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us and assuming
an initial public offering price of $16.00 per share. We will not receive any of
the proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.
 
     We will use proceeds from this offering to pay current stockholders our
undistributed S corporation earnings through the closing of this offering. The
undistributed S corporation earnings were estimated to be approximately $35.9
million at December 31, 1998, and are expected to increase from January 1, 1999
to the closing of this offering. See "S Corporation and Termination of S
Corporation Status." We expect to use the remainder of the net proceeds for
general corporate purposes, including working capital, product development and
capital expenditures.
 
     A portion of the net proceeds after the S corporation distribution may also
be used for the acquisition of businesses, products and technologies that are
complementary to those of MKS. There are currently no active negotiations,
commitments or agreements with respect to any acquisition. Pending such uses, we
intend to invest the net proceeds from this offering in short-term,
investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     We currently intend, subject to our contractual obligations under the Tax
Indemnification and S Corporation Distribution Agreement, to retain earnings for
the continued development of our business. Restrictions or limitations on the
payment of dividends may be imposed in the future under the terms of credit
agreements or under other contractual provisions. In the absence of such
restrictions or limitations, the payment of any dividends will be at the
discretion of our Board of Directors.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of MKS (1) as of December
31, 1998, (2) on a pro forma basis to reflect distributions and adjustments in
connection with MKS's S corporation status and (3) as adjusted to reflect the
sale of 6,000,000 shares of common stock by MKS at an assumed initial public
offering price of $16.00 per share and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
     The pro forma data reflects the liability for distribution of an estimated
$35.9 million, calculated as of December 31, 1998, of cumulative undistributed S
corporation taxable income for which stockholders of record prior to the closing
of this offering have been or will be taxed. The actual amount to be distributed
is expected to increase based upon taxable earnings for the period from January
1, 1999 through the closing of this offering, subject to certain limitations.
See "S Corporation and Termination of S Corporation Status" and Notes 2 and 9 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The pro forma as adjusted numbers
have been adjusted to reflect the issuance of 6,000,000 shares of common stock
at an assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, after deducting
the estimated underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by MKS. The
remaining balance in retained earnings represents accumulated earnings prior to
MKS's conversion from a C corporation to an S corporation in 1987, accumulated
income in overseas subsidiaries and differences between book and tax accumulated
income.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                                                      PRO FORMA
                                                         ACTUAL       PRO FORMA      AS ADJUSTED
                                                         ------       ---------      -----------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>            <C>
Long-term obligations, less current portion............  $13,786       $13,786        $ 13,786
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, no par value; 30,000,000 shares
     authorized, 18,053,167 shares issued and
     outstanding (actual and pro forma); 24,053,167
     shares issued and outstanding (pro forma as
     adjusted).........................................      113           113             113
  Additional paid-in capital...........................       48            48          88,728
  Retained earnings....................................   52,479        16,553          16,553
  Accumulated other comprehensive income...............    2,186         2,186           2,186
                                                         -------       -------        --------
     Total stockholders' equity........................   54,826        18,900         107,580
                                                         -------       -------        --------
          Total capitalization.........................  $68,612       $32,686        $121,366
                                                         =======       =======        ========
</TABLE>
 
     The common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on shares
outstanding as of December 31, 1998 and excludes 2,132,575 shares of common
stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of such date at a
weighted average exercise price of $5.19 per share. See Note 8 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
                                    DILUTION
 
     As of December 31, 1998, MKS had a net tangible book value of $54,826,000,
or $3.04 per share of common stock. After taking into account the sale of the
shares offered hereby by MKS, the pro forma net tangible book value as of
December 31, 1998 would have been $107,580,000, or $4.47 per share. The pro
forma net tangible book value assumes that the proceeds to MKS, net of offering
expenses and commissions, will be approximately $52,754,000. This number has
also been adjusted to take into account the distribution to current stockholders
of the accumulated undistributed S corporation taxable income for which such
taxpayers have been or will be taxed as of December 31, 1998. That amount is
estimated to be $35.9 million. No other changes occurring after December 31,
1998 have been taken into account. Based on the foregoing, there would be an
immediate increase in net tangible book value to existing stockholders
attributable to new investors of $2.92 per share and the immediate dilution of
$11.53 per share to new investors. The following table illustrates this per
share dilution:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share.............            $16.00
  Net tangible book value per share at December 31, 1998....  $ 3.04
  Decrease per share attributable to the S corporation
     distribution...........................................   (1.49)
  Increase per share attributable to new investors..........    2.92
                                                              ------
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this
  offering..................................................              4.47
                                                                        ------
Dilution per share to new investors.........................            $11.53
                                                                        ======
</TABLE>
 
     The following table sets forth, on a pro forma basis as of December 31,
1998, (1) the number of shares of common stock purchased from MKS, (2) the total
consideration paid to MKS and (3) the average price paid per share by existing
stockholders and by the new investors purchasing shares of common stock in this
offering, at an assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share.
Underwriting discounts, commissions and other estimated offering expenses have
not been deducted. Shares owned by existing stockholders will be reduced by the
number of shares sold by them in this offering.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      SHARES PURCHASED         TOTAL CONSIDERATION
                                    ---------------------    -----------------------    AVERAGE PRICE
                                      NUMBER      PERCENT       AMOUNT       PERCENT      PER SHARE
                                    ----------    -------    ------------    -------    -------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>        <C>             <C>        <C>
Existing stockholders.............  18,053,167      75.1%    $    161,000       0.2%       $0.009
New investors.....................   6,000,000      24.9       96,000,000      99.8        $16.00
                                    ----------     -----     ------------     -----
          Total...................  24,053,167     100.0%      96,161,000     100.0%
                                    ==========     =====     ============     =====
</TABLE>
 
     As of December 31, 1998, there were options outstanding to purchase a total
of 2,132,575 shares of common stock, at a weighted average exercise price of
$5.19 per share and 2,401,793 additional shares reserved for future grants of
issuances under MKS's stock option and stock purchase plans. To the extent that
any of these options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new
investors.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following selected financial data as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 have been derived from
MKS's financial statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus, which have
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, as
indicated in their report. The selected financial data as of December 31, 1994,
1995 and 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 are derived
from financial statements, which were also audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, not included herein. The data should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto, and with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
   
     MKS has been treated as an S corporation under the applicable provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code since July 1, 1987. As an S corporation, MKS has not
been subject to federal, and certain state, income taxes. The pro forma net
income set forth below reflects the provision for income taxes that would have
been recorded had MKS been a C corporation, assuming an effective tax rate of
39.0% for 1994 and 1995, and 38.0% for 1996, 1997, and 1998. As a result of
terminating its S corporation status upon the closing of this offering, MKS will
record a one-time non-cash credit to historical earnings for additional deferred
taxes. If this credit to earnings had occurred at December 31, 1998, the amount
would have been approximately $3.9 million. This amount is expected to change
through the closing of this offering and is excluded from pro forma net income.
See Notes 2 and 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Pro forma
balance sheet data reflects the liability for the distribution of an estimated
$35.9 million, calculated as of December 31, 1998, of cumulative undistributed S
corporation taxable income for which stockholders of record prior to the closing
of this offering have been or will be taxed. The actual amount to be distributed
is expected to increase based upon taxable earnings for the period January 1,
1999 through the closing of this offering, subject to certain limitations. Pro
forma net income per share for 1998 reflects the effect of an assumed issuance
of sufficient shares to fund the distribution, as of January 1, 1998. See "S
Corporation and Termination of S Corporation Status" and Note 2 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                      --------------------------------------------------------
                                        1994        1995        1996        1997        1998
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Net sales...........................  $106,829    $157,164    $170,862    $188,080    $139,763
Cost of sales.......................    59,813      87,703     102,008     107,606      83,784
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Gross profit........................    47,016      69,461      68,854      80,474      55,979
Research and development............     8,036      10,935      14,195      14,673      12,137
Selling, general and
  administrative....................    26,893      34,420      37,191      41,838      34,707
Restructuring.......................        --          --       1,400          --          --
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Income from operations..............    12,087      24,106      16,068      23,963       9,135
Interest expense, net...............     1,284       1,448       2,286       1,861       1,187
Other income (expense), net.........        --          --        (479)        166         187
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Income before income taxes..........    10,803      22,658      13,303      22,268       8,135
Provision for income taxes..........       800       1,000         800       1,978         949
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Net income..........................  $ 10,003    $ 21,658    $ 12,503    $ 20,290    $  7,186
                                      ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
   
     THE HISTORICAL NET INCOME PER SHARE DATA PRESENTED BELOW DOES NOT INCLUDE
PROVISIONS FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAXES BECAUSE PRIOR TO THE CLOSING OF THIS
OFFERING, MKS WAS TREATED AS AN S CORPORATION FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
THE PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA SET FORTH BELOW PRESENTING NET INCOME PER
SHARE DATA AS IF THE MKS HAD BEEN SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAXES AS A C
CORPORATION DURING THE PERIODS PRESENTED.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                     -------------------------------------
                                                     1994    1995    1996    1997    1998
                                                     -----   -----   -----   -----   -----
<S>                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
HISTORICAL NET INCOME PER SHARE:
     Basic.........................................  $0.55   $1.20   $0.69   $1.12   $0.40
                                                     =====   =====   =====   =====   =====
     Diluted.......................................  $0.55   $1.20   $0.69   $1.10   $0.38
                                                     =====   =====   =====   =====   =====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                            --------------------------------------------------
                                             1994       1995       1996       1997       1998
                                            -------    -------    -------    -------    ------
                                                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
  (UNAUDITED):
     Historical income before income
       taxes..............................  $10,803    $22,658    $13,303    $22,268    $8,135
     Pro forma provision for income taxes
       assuming C Corporation tax.........    4,213      8,837      5,055      8,462     3,091
                                            -------    -------    -------    -------    ------
     Pro forma net income.................  $ 6,590    $13,821    $ 8,248    $13,806    $5,044
                                            =======    =======    =======    =======    ======
PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
     Basic................................  $  0.37    $  0.77    $  0.46    $  0.76    $ 0.25
                                            =======    =======    =======    =======    ======
     Diluted..............................  $  0.37    $  0.77    $  0.46    $  0.76    $ 0.24
                                            =======    =======    =======    =======    ======
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            DECEMBER 31,                     DECEMBER 31, 1998
                             ------------------------------------------    ---------------------
                              1994        1995       1996        1997       ACTUAL     PRO FORMA
                             -------    --------    -------    --------    --------    ---------
                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                          <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash
  equivalents..............  $ 4,059    $  3,650    $ 3,815    $  2,511    $ 11,188    $ 11,188
Working capital
  (deficit)................   25,078      32,202     22,404      30,321      31,493      (4,433)
Total assets...............   72,320     104,511     95,000     106,536      96,232      96,232
Short-term obligations.....    9,246      15,192     16,124      13,852      12,819      12,819
Long-term obligations, less
  current portion..........   14,948      20,462     18,899      15,624      13,786      13,786
Stockholders' equity.......   37,272      48,392     45,498      52,848      54,826      18,900
</TABLE>
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. MKS's actual results could differ materially from those
discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors
including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
"Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and the Consolidated Financial Statements
and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
OVERVIEW
 
     MKS was founded in 1961. MKS develops, manufactures and supplies
instruments and components used to measure, control and analyze gases in
semiconductor manufacturing and similar industrial manufacturing processes.
During 1997 and 1998, MKS estimates that approximately 60% of its net sales were
to semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers and semiconductor device
manufacturers. MKS expects that sales to such customers will continue to account
for a substantial majority of its sales. MKS's customers include semiconductor
capital equipment manufacturers, semiconductor device manufacturers, industrial
manufacturing companies and university, government and industrial research
laboratories. In 1996, 1997, and 1998, sales to MKS's top five customers
accounted for approximately 26%, 32% and 24%, respectively, of MKS's net sales.
During 1998, Applied Materials, Inc. accounted for approximately 16% of MKS's
net sales. MKS typically enters into contracts with its semiconductor equipment
manufacturer customers that provide for quantity discounts. MKS recognizes
revenue, and accrues for anticipated returns and warranty costs, upon shipment.
 
     In the third quarter of 1996, as a result of the downturn in the
semiconductor industry, MKS recorded a restructuring charge of $1.4 million. The
charge was primarily related to a reduction of personnel and the closure of
certain facilities and included the cost of severance, lease commitments and the
write-off of leasehold improvements. During 1998, as a result of the downturn in
the semiconductor industry, MKS reduced its staffing levels by approximately 30%
from its year-end 1997 levels.
 
     A significant portion of MKS's sales are to operations in international
markets. International sales by MKS's foreign subsidiaries, located in Japan,
Korea, Europe, and Canada, were 27.3% and 32.4% of net sales for 1997 and 1998,
respectively. Sales by MKS's Japan subsidiary comprised 15.0% and 15.1% of net
sales in 1997 and 1998, respectively. MKS does not classify export sales made
directly by MKS as international sales. Such export sales have generally been
less than 10% of net sales. MKS currently uses, and plans to continue to use,
forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased options to reduce
currency exposure arising from foreign denominated sales associated with the
intercompany purchases of inventory. Gains and losses on derivative financial
instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are classified in cost of sales.
Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for
hedge accounting are marked-to-market and recognized immediately in other
income. See Note 3 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     MKS has been treated as an S corporation for federal income tax purposes
since July 1, 1987. MKS's S corporation status will terminate upon the closing
of this offering, at which time MKS will become subject to federal, and certain
state, income taxation as a C corporation. The pro forma net income reflects a
pro forma effective tax rate of 38.0% to reflect federal and state income taxes
which would have been payable for 1998 had MKS been taxed as a C corporation.
See "S Corporation and Termination of S Corporation Status."
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage of
total net sales of certain line items included in MKS's consolidated statement
of income data:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------------
                                                              1996     1997     1998
                                                              -----    -----    -----
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>      <C>
Net sales...................................................  100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales...............................................   59.7     57.2     59.9
                                                              -----    -----    -----
Gross profit................................................   40.3     42.8     40.1
Research and development....................................    8.3      7.8      8.7
Selling, general and administrative.........................   21.8     22.3     24.9
Restructuring...............................................    0.8       --       --
                                                              -----    -----    -----
Income from operations......................................    9.4     12.7      6.5
Interest expense, net.......................................    1.3      1.0      0.8
Other income (expense), net.................................   (0.3)     0.1      0.1
                                                              -----    -----    -----
Income before income taxes..................................    7.8     11.8      5.8
Provision for income taxes..................................    0.5      1.0      0.7
                                                              -----    -----    -----
Net income..................................................    7.3%    10.8%     5.1%
                                                              =====    =====    =====
Pro forma data:
  Historical income before income taxes.....................    7.8%    11.8%     5.8%
  Pro forma provision for income taxes......................    3.0      4.5      2.2
                                                              -----    -----    -----
  Pro forma net income......................................    4.8%     7.3%     3.6%
                                                              =====    =====    =====
</TABLE>
    
 
Year Ended 1998 Compared to 1997
 
     Net Sales.  Net sales decreased 25.7% to $139.8 million for 1998 from
$188.1 million for 1997. International net sales were approximately $45.3
million in 1998 or 32.4% of net sales and $51.4 million in 1997 or 27.3% of net
sales. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to decreased sales volume of
MKS's existing products in the United States and in Asia caused by the 1998
downturn in the semiconductor capital equipment market.
 
     Gross Profit.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 40.1%
for 1998 from 42.8% in 1997. The change was primarily due to manufacturing
overhead costs being a higher percentage of net sales due to lower sales volume
in 1998.
 
     Research and Development.  Research and development expenses decreased
17.3% to $12.1 million or 8.7% of net sales for 1998 from $14.7 million or 7.8%
of net sales for 1997. The decrease was due to reduced spending for development
materials primarily related to certain projects that were completed during 1998.
 
     Selling, General and Administrative.  Selling, general and administrative
expenses decreased 17.0% to $34.7 million or 24.9% of net sales for 1998 from
$41.8 million or 22.3% of net sales for 1997. The decrease was due primarily to
a decrease of approximately $4.2 million in compensation expense resulting from
the reduction in personnel during 1998 and reduced incentive compensation.
Additionally, expenses were reduced as a result of lower spending on
advertising, travel, and other selling and administrative costs.
 
     Interest Expense, Net.  Net interest expense decreased to $1.2 million for
1998 from $1.9 million for 1997 primarily due to lower debt outstanding during
1998.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
     Other Income (Expense), Net.  Other income of $0.2 million in 1998
primarily represents foreign exchange translation gains on intercompany payables
of $1.0 million offset by $0.7 million for costs associated with MKS's planned
initial public offering in early 1998 which was postponed. Other income of $0.2
million in 1997 represents gains of $1.2 million from foreign exchange contracts
that did not qualify for hedge accounting, offset by a foreign exchange
translation loss on an intercompany payable.
 
     Pro Forma Provision for Income Taxes.  The pro forma provision for income
taxes for 1998 reflects the estimated tax expense MKS would have incurred had it
been subject to federal and state income taxes as a C corporation under the
Internal Revenue Code. The pro forma provision reflects a pro forma tax rate of
38.0%, which differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to the
effects of state and foreign taxes and certain tax credits.
 
Year Ended 1997 Compared to 1996
 
     Net Sales.  Net sales increased 10.1% to $188.1 million for 1997 from
$170.9 million for 1996. International net sales were approximately $51.4
million in both 1997 and 1996 and were 27.3% of net sales in 1997 and 30.1% of
net sales in 1996. The increase in net sales was primarily due to increased
sales volume of MKS's existing products in the United States.
 
     Gross Profit.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 42.8%
for 1997 from 40.3% for 1996. The change was due primarily to the reduction in
fixed costs resulting from the restructuring effected in the third quarter of
1996 and the resulting increase in operational efficiencies.
 
     Research and Development.  Research and development expenses increased 3.4%
to $14.7 million or 7.8% of net sales for 1997 from $14.2 million or 8.3% of net
sales for 1996. The increase was primarily due to an increase in staffing
throughout 1997 for certain development projects.
 
     Selling, General and Administrative.  Selling, general and administrative
expenses increased 12.5% to $41.8 million or 22.3% of net sales for 1997 from
$37.2 million or 21.8% of net sales for 1996. The increase was due to increased
compensation expense resulting from increased salaries and wages and incentive
compensation.
 
     Restructuring.  In the third quarter of 1996, as a result of the downturn
in the semiconductor industry, MKS recorded a restructuring charge of $1.4
million. The charge included $0.4 million of severance pay, $0.7 million of
lease commitments, and $0.3 million for the write-off of leasehold improvements.
 
     Interest Expense, Net.  Net interest expense decreased to $1.9 million for
1997 from $2.3 million for 1996 primarily due to lower debt outstanding during
1997.
 
     Other Income (Expense), Net.  Other expense for 1996 and other income for
1997 reflect losses and gains of $0.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively,
from foreign exchange contracts that did not qualify for hedge accounting, and a
foreign exchange translation loss on an intercompany payable from MKS's Korean
subsidiary of $1.0 million related to the devaluation of the Korean won in the
fourth quarter of 1997.
 
   
     Pro Forma Provision for Income Taxes.  The pro forma provision for income
taxes for 1997 reflects the estimated tax expense MKS would have incurred had it
been subject to federal and state income taxes as a C corporation under the
Internal Revenue Code. The pro forma provision reflects a pro forma tax rate of
38.0%, which differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to the
effects of state and foreign taxes and certain tax credits.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
Selected Quarterly Operating Results
 
     The following tables present unaudited consolidated financial information
for the eight quarters ended December 31, 1998. In the opinion of management,
this information has been presented on the same basis as the audited
Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. All
adjustments which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the
results of such periods have been included to present fairly the unaudited
quarterly results when read in conjunction with MKS's Consolidated Financial
Statements and Notes thereto. The results for any quarter are not necessarily
indicative of future quarterly results of operations.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         QUARTER ENDED
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,   SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,   MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,   SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,
                                     1997        1997       1997        1997       1998        1998       1998        1998
                                   ---------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------   --------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Net sales........................   $40,520    $45,749     $48,360    $53,451     $46,163    $34,026     $28,834    $30,740
Cost of sales....................    24,277     26,413      27,766     29,150      26,757     20,265      18,140     18,622
                                    -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------
Gross profit.....................    16,243     19,336      20,594     24,301      19,406     13,761      10,694     12,118
Research and development.........     2,994      3,563       3,779      4,337       3,794      3,107       2,568      2,668
Selling, general and
  administrative.................     9,612     10,321      10,816     11,089      10,112      9,045       7,808      7,742
                                    -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------
Income from operations...........     3,637      5,452       5,999      8,875       5,500      1,609         318      1,708
Interest expense, net............       494        527         445        395         375        337         234        241
Other income (expense), net......       275       (447)        632       (294)       (281)       123          77        268
                                    -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------
Income before income taxes.......     3,418      4,478       6,186      8,186       4,844      1,395         161      1,735
Provision for income taxes.......       289        378         523        788         565        163          19        202
                                    -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------
Net income.......................   $ 3,129    $ 4,100     $ 5,663    $ 7,398     $ 4,279    $ 1,232     $   142    $ 1,533
                                    =======    =======     =======    =======     =======    =======     =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         QUARTER ENDED
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,   SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,   MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,   SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,
                                     1997        1997       1997        1997       1998        1998       1998        1998
                                   ---------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------   --------
<S>                                <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES:
Net sales........................     100.0%     100.0%      100.0%     100.0%      100.0%     100.0%      100.0%     100.0%
Cost of sales....................      59.9       57.7        57.4       54.5        58.0       59.6        62.9       60.6
                                    -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------
Gross profit.....................      40.1       42.3        42.6       45.5        42.0       40.4        37.1       39.4
Research and development.........       7.4        7.8         7.8        8.1         8.2        9.1         8.9        8.6
Selling, general and
  administrative.................      23.7       22.6        22.4       20.8        21.9       26.6        27.1       25.2
                                    -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------
Income from operations...........       9.0       11.9        12.4       16.6        11.9        4.7         1.1        5.6
Interest expense, net............       1.2        1.1         0.9        0.7         0.8        1.0         0.8        0.8
Other income (expense), net......       0.6       (1.0)        1.3       (0.6)       (0.6)       0.4         0.3        0.8
                                    -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------
Income before income taxes.......       8.4        9.8        12.8       15.3        10.5        4.1         0.6        5.6
Provision for income taxes.......       0.7        0.8         1.1        1.5         1.2        0.5         0.1        0.6
                                    -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------     -------    -------
Net income.......................       7.7%       9.0%       11.7%      13.8%        9.3%       3.6%        0.5%       5.0%
                                    =======    =======     =======    =======     =======    =======     =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     MKS's quarterly operating results have varied significantly and are likely
to continue to vary significantly due to a number of factors including:
 
     - specific economic conditions in the industries in which MKS's customers
       operate, particularly the semiconductor industry
 
     - the timing of the receipt of orders from major customers
 
     - customer cancellations or shipment delays
 
     - price competition
 
     - disruption in sources of supply
 
     - seasonal variations of capital spending by customers
 
     - production capacity constraints
 
     - specific features requested by customers
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
     - exchange rate fluctuations
 
     - the introduction or announcement of new products by MKS or its
competitors
 
     - other factors, many of which are beyond MKS's control
 
     MKS's net sales have fluctuated over the past eight quarters primarily due
to the decline in the semiconductor capital equipment market and the
semiconductor device market in 1998 that adversely affected sales of MKS's
products in each of the quarters of 1998. MKS expects that the decline in
worldwide semiconductor capital equipment orders in the second half of 1998 and
the instability of the Asian markets will continue to adversely affect sales of
semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers for at least the first quarter of
1999. As a result, for at least the first quarter we currently expect that our
1999 quarterly net sales and net income will be less than net sales and net
income for the comparable quarter of 1998.
 
     Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased in each quarter of 1997
primarily as a result of fuller utilization of existing manufacturing capacity
as a result of increased net sales. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales
decreased in each of the first three quarters of 1998 as a result of
manufacturing overhead costs becoming a higher percentage of net sales due to
lower sales volume.
 
     The increase in research and development expenses for the second, third and
fourth quarters of 1997 was primarily due to increased staffing levels. The
decrease in research and development expenses for the first, second, and third
quarters of 1998 was due to reduced spending for development materials primarily
related to certain projects that were completed during 1998.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in the second, third
and fourth quarters of 1997 primarily due to increased compensation expense and
the write-off of certain abandoned assets. The decrease in selling, general and
administrative expenses in the first, second, and third quarters of 1998 was
primarily due to a decrease in compensation expense along with other selling
related expenses.
 
     Other income primarily represents gains and losses on foreign exchange
contracts and a foreign exchange translation loss on an intercompany payable
from MKS's Korean subsidiary of $1.0 million in the fourth quarter of 1997
related to the devaluation of the Korean won. Other expenses in the first
quarter of 1998 include $0.7 million for costs associated with MKS's planned
initial public offering in early 1998 which was postponed.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     MKS has financed its operations and capital requirements through a
combination of cash provided by operations, long-term real estate financing,
capital lease financing and short-term lines of credit.
 
     Operations provided cash of $26.3 million, $16.8 million and $23.0 million
for 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively, primarily impacted in each period by net
income, depreciation and changes in the levels of inventory and accounts
receivable. Investing activities utilized cash of $10.2 million, $3.3 million
and $2.1 million in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively, primarily for the
purchase of property and equipment in each period. Financing activities utilized
cash of $15.6 million, $16.2 million and $11.8 million in 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively, primarily for stockholder distributions in each period. Cash flows
from financing activities for each period were primarily from short-term and
long-term borrowings.
 
     Working capital was $31.5 million as of December 31, 1998. MKS has a
combined $30.0 million line of credit with two banks, expiring December 31,
1999, all of which is available. Interest on future borrowings under the line of
credit would be payable monthly at a rate based on LIBOR, which was 7.131% at
December 31, 1998. MKS also has lines of credit through its foreign subsidiaries
with several financial institutions totaling $15.0 million at December 31, 1998.
The total unused balance under these lines of credit was $5.3 million at
December 31, 1998. The interest rates on borrowings outstanding as of December
31, 1998 on these lines of credit ranged from 1.3% to 1.7%. Interest on future
borrowings under the unused balance of these lines of credit would be at rates
ranging from 1.5% to 7.85%. These lines generally expire and are renewed at six
month intervals. In addition, MKS has outstanding term loans and
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
mortgage loans from banks totaling $12.0 million (net of the current portion) at
December 31, 1998. See Notes 6 and 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
     In 1997 and 1998, MKS distributed $12.4 million and $6.2 million,
respectively, of undistributed S corporation earnings to its stockholders. As
soon as practicable following the closing of this offering, MKS intends to make
a distribution to the holders of record on the day prior to the closing of this
offering in an amount equivalent to the accumulated adjustments account. The
accumulated adjustments account is cumulatively equal to financial reporting
income, adjusted for differences between the methods of accounting used for
financial accounting and for federal income tax purposes from July 1, 1987
through the date of termination of MKS's S corporation status, that has not been
previously distributed. Investors purchasing shares in this offering will not
receive any portion of the distribution. As of December 31, 1998, the
outstanding balance of the accumulated adjustments account was estimated to be
approximately $35.9 million, and such balance is expected to increase in the
period from January 1, 1999 through the closing of this offering.
 
     MKS believes that the net proceeds from this offering, together with the
cash anticipated to be generated from operations and funds available from
existing credit facilities, will be sufficient to satisfy its estimated working
capital and planned capital expenditure requirements through at least the next
24 months.
 
EFFECT OF CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES AND EXCHANGE RATE RISK MANAGEMENT
 
     A significant portion of MKS's business is conducted outside of the United
States through its foreign subsidiaries. The foreign subsidiaries maintain their
accounting records in their local currencies. Consequently, period to period
comparability of results of operations is affected by fluctuations in exchange
rates. MKS derives a significant portion of its cash flows from foreign
denominated revenue. To the extent the dollar value of foreign denominated
revenue is diminished as a result of a strengthening U.S. dollar, MKS's results
of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
 
     The primary currencies to which MKS has exposure are the Japanese yen and
the German mark. The nature of this exposure is from MKS selling inventory to
its overseas subsidiaries for resale in local currency. Consequently, the cash
flows from the overseas subsidiaries are affected by exchange rate fluctuations.
To reduce the risks associated with foreign currency rate fluctuations, MKS has
entered into forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased options on
a continuing basis in amounts and timing consistent with the underlying currency
exposures.
 
     The factors MKS considers in determining whether forward exchange contracts
or purchased options qualify for hedge accounting include:
 
     - whether the notional amounts of the derivatives offset the underlying
       currency exposures in terms of timing and amounts
 
     - for forward exchange contracts, whether the underlying transactions being
       hedged are pursuant to firm commitments
 
     - for local currency purchased options, whether it is probable that the
       underlying hedging transaction will occur
 
     Gains on forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased options,
qualifying for hedge accounting, amounted to $2.5 million, $1.2 million and $0.3
million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively, and
are classified in cost of sales. Losses of $0.5 million, gains of $1.2 million
and losses of $0.2 million on forward exchange contracts that did not qualify
for hedge accounting were recognized in earnings for 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively, and are classified in other income (expense), net. These amounts
are net of a foreign exchange translation loss of $1.0 million and a gain of
$1.0 million on intercompany payables from its subsidiaries in 1997 and 1998
respectively. Foreign exchange translation gains and losses from unhedged
intercompany balances were not material in 1996. While MKS does not issue or
hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes, there can be no
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
assurance that any losses realized on such instruments will be fully offset by
gains on the underlying exposure. Prospectively, MKS plans to continue to use
forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased options to seek to
mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. See Notes 2 and 3 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
MARKET RISK AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
 
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
 
     The potential fair value loss for a hypothetical 10% adverse change in
forward currency exchange rates on MKS's forward exchange contracts at December
31, 1998 would be $949,000. The potential loss was estimated by calculating the
fair value of the forward exchange contracts at December 31, 1998 and comparing
that with those calculated using the hypothetical forward currency exchange
rates.
 
     The value of the local currency purchased options at December 31, 1998 was
immaterial. Any loss related to the local currency purchased options is limited
to the unamortized premium of $155,000 at December 31, 1998.
 
     At December 31, 1998, MKS had $9,687,000 related to short-term borrowings
denominated in Japanese yen. The carrying value of these short-term borrowings
approximates fair value due to their short period to maturity. Assuming a
hypothetical 10% adverse change in the Japanese yen to U.S. dollar year end
exchange rate, the fair value of these short-term borrowings would increase by
$1,077,000. The potential increase in fair value was estimated by calculating
the fair value of the short-term borrowings at December 31, 1998 and comparing
that with the fair value using the hypothetical year end exchange rate.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
     MKS is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates in connection with its
variable rate term loans. In order to minimize the effect of changes in interest
rates on earnings, MKS entered into an interest rate swap that fixed the
interest rate on its variable rate term loans. Under the swap agreement, MKS
pays a fixed rate of 5.85% on the notional amount and receives LIBOR. At
December 31, 1998, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was equal to
the principal amount of the variable rate term loans. The potential increase in
the fair value of term loans when adjusting for the interest rate swap paying at
a fixed rate resulting from a hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates was
not material.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
     See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion
of the impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
 
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
 
     The Year 2000 problem stems from the fact that many currently installed
computer systems include software and hardware products that are unable to
distinguish 21st century dates from those in the 20th century. As a result,
computer software and/or hardware used by many companies and governmental
agencies may need to be upgraded to comply with Year 2000 requirements or risk
system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions to normal business
activities.
 
State of Readiness
 
     MKS designed and began implementation of a multi-phase Year 2000 project
which consists of:
 
     - assessment of the corporate systems and operations including both
       information technology and non-information technology that could be
       affected by the Year 2000 problem
 
     - remediation of non-compliant systems and components
 
     - testing of systems and components following remediation
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
     MKS, under the guidance of its Information Technology Steering Committee,
has focused its Year 2000 review on four areas:
 
     - internal computer software and hardware
 
     - product compliance
 
     - facilities and manufacturing equipment
 
     - third-party compliance
 
     Internal Computer Software and Hardware.  MKS uses information technology
for its internal infrastructure, which consists of its main enterprise systems
which include the systems used, in part, for purchase orders, invoicing,
shipping and accounting, and individual workstations, including personal
computers, and its network systems.
 
     Because MKS's business and manufacturing systems, such as its main
enterprise systems, are essential to its business, financial condition and
results of operations, MKS began its assessment of these systems prior to its
other non-critical information technology systems. MKS began its assessment in
the fall of 1997, and in November 1997, MKS developed a remediation plan for all
identified noncompliant business and manufacturing systems. This remediation
plan was implemented in January 1998. By July 1998, MKS had installed new
systems or upgraded existing systems. Based upon post-implementation testing and
review, management believes that all business and manufacturing systems within
its manufacturing operations are Year 2000 compliant.
 
     One of MKS's international subsidiaries is currently undergoing conversion
of its business systems in order to become Year 2000 compliant. Management
believes that these systems will be operational by June 1999. This phase of the
Year 2000 project is currently on schedule.
 
     MKS's personal computer based systems were assessed in early 1998. MKS
believes that all non-compliant hardware and software was identified by March
1998, at which time it made a list prioritizing databases to be remedied.
Critical databases were identified and were scheduled for remediation prior to
other databases. Remediation plans to convert the databases were initiated in
November 1998. MKS anticipates that it will complete its critical and
non-critical conversions by June 1999. This phase of the Year 2000 project is
currently on schedule.
 
     Product Compliance.  Throughout 1998, MKS assessed and addressed the Year
2000 compliance of its products. This assessment resulted in the identification
of MKS's products that were compliant and non-compliant. The substantial
majority of MKS's products were deemed to be compliant.
 
     The date related functions of all non-compliant products, other than
certain residual gas analysis products, are believed by MKS to be non-critical
in that such noncompliance would not affect the independent performance of the
product; would not cause the MKS product to cease operating on any particular
date; and independently would not pose a safety risk. MKS believes that Year
2000 problems associated with non-compliant residual gas analysis products will
also be non-critical. However, these products contain components of other
manufacturers and cannot be tested and therefore it is possible that such
products could cause unanticipated performance problems. The non-compliant
features of our other products primarily relate to non-essential functions such
as date displays. MKS made available to its customers a list which describes
Year 2000 readiness of its products. This phase of the Year 2000 project is
currently on schedule.
 
     Facilities and Manufacturing Equipment.  Some aspects of MKS's facilities
and manufacturing equipment may include embedded technology, such as
microcontrollers. The Year 2000 problem could cause a system failure or
miscalculation in such facilities or manufacturing equipment which could disrupt
MKS's operations. Affected areas include security systems, elevator controls,
voice mail and phone systems, clean room environmental controls, numerically
controlled production machinery and computer based production equipment. MKS
organized a team of experienced managers in November 1998 to assess the
potential problems in these areas. An assessment of all facilities and
manufacturing equipment was conducted through December 1998, and a remediation
plan was developed in January 1999. MKS
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
anticipates completion of all corrective actions by June 1999 with testing and
review of corrected items to occur in the summer of 1999. This phase of the Year
2000 project is currently on schedule.
 
     Third-Party Compliance.  MKS has relationships with third-parties including
customers and vendors and suppliers of goods, services and computer interfaces.
The failure of such persons to implement and execute Year 2000 compliance
measures in a timely manner, if at all, could, among other things:
 
     - adversely affect MKS's ability to obtain components in a timely manner
 
     - cause a reduction in the quality of components obtained by MKS
 
     - cause a reduction, delay or cancellation of customer orders received by
       MKS or a delay in payments by its customers for products shipped
 
     - result in the loss of services that would be necessary for MKS to operate
       in the normal course of business
 
     MKS assessed which of these third-party goods, services and interfaces were
critical to its operations and developed and mailed a standard survey to each
third-party deemed critical in January 1998. By March 1998, MKS had reviewed
most responses received. To date, the responses received indicate that the
third-parties are either in the process of developing remediation plans, or are
compliant. MKS anticipates further assessment to continue through March 1999 and
plans to conduct reviews at that time. A remediation plan is expected to be in
place by June 1999 with all critical third-parties achieving satisfactory
compliance by August 1999. This phase of the Year 2000 project is currently on
schedule.
 
Costs
 
     MKS's costs to date associated with assessment, remediation and testing
activities concerning the Year 2000 problem have been approximately $1,500,000.
MKS estimates that an additional $1,500,000, the major portion of which will be
capitalized and expensed over the life of the assets, will be required to
complete the replacement or modification of its facilities, manufacturing
equipment, computer software and products and to address the noncompliance of
key third-parties. MKS has funded and will continue to fund these activities
principally through cash provided by operations and existing leasing lines of
credit. It is not possible for MKS to completely estimate the costs incurred in
its remediation effort as many of its employees have focused and will continue
to focus significant efforts in evaluating MKS's Year 2000 state of readiness
and in remediating problems that have arisen, and will continue to arise, from
such evaluation.
 
Contingency Plan
 
     To date, MKS has not formulated contingency plans related to the failure of
its or a third-party's Year 2000 remediation efforts. Contingency plans for the
failure to implement compliance procedures have not been completed because it is
the intent of MKS to complete all required modifications and to test
modifications thoroughly prior to December 31, 1999. However, as discussed
above, MKS is engaged in ongoing assessment, remediation and testing activities
and the internal results as well as the responses received from third-parties
will be taken into account in determining the nature and extent of any
contingency plans if necessary.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
     MKS is a leading worldwide developer, manufacturer and supplier of
instruments and components used to measure, control and analyze gases in
semiconductor manufacturing and similar industrial manufacturing processes. MKS
offers a comprehensive line of products which are used to manufacture, among
other things:
 
- - semiconductors
- - flat panel displays
- - magnetic and optical storage devices and media, including:
  -- compact disks
  -- hard disk storage devices
  -- magnetic devices for reading disk data
  -- digital video disks
  -- optical storage disks or laser readable disks
 
- - solar cells which convert light into electrical current
- - fiber optic cables for telecommunications
- - optical coatings, such as eyeglass coatings
- - coatings for architectural glass
- - hard coatings to minimize wear on cutting tools
- - diamond thin films
 
Our products include:
 
- - instruments used to measure, control and analyze:
  -- gas pressure
  -- gas flow
  -- gas composition
 
- - vacuum technology products:
  -- vacuum gauges
  -- vacuum valves and components
 
     For over 25 years, MKS has focused on satisfying the needs of semiconductor
capital equipment manufacturers and semiconductor device manufacturers and has
established long-term relationships with many of its customers. Over 4,000
customers worldwide purchased products from MKS during 1998 including:
 
     - semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers
 
     - semiconductor device manufacturers
 
     - industrial manufacturing companies
 
     - university, government and industrial research laboratories
 
     MKS's customers include Applied Materials, Inc., Lam Research Corporation,
Novellus Systems, Inc., Tokyo Electron Limited, Inc., Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc. and Motorola, Inc. MKS sells its products primarily through its
sales force which consists of 118 employees, as of December 31, 1998, in 22
offices in France, Germany, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan,
the United Kingdom and the United States.
 
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
     In the past 40 years, significant advances in materials science and
processing technologies have made possible the manufacture of products ranging
from highly complex microprocessor chips to simple but effective airtight
coatings for food packagings. In many materials processing applications,
specific gas mixtures at precisely controlled pressures are used:
 
     - to create and maintain the required process atmosphere
 
     - as a source of materials to be deposited on a surface, such as a silicon
       wafer
 
     - to remove or etch materials from a surface to form a circuit pattern
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
     The largest commercial application employing materials science and
processing technologies is the manufacture of semiconductors. Worldwide
semiconductor sales have increased as the use of semiconductors has expanded
beyond personal computers and computer systems to a wide array of additional
applications such as telecommunications and data communications systems,
automotive products, consumer goods, medical products and household appliances.
In large part, this growth has been facilitated by the ability of semiconductor
device manufacturers to produce increasingly fast, more complex, higher
performance semiconductors while steadily reducing cost per function, power
consumption requirements and size of these products to meet end-user and system
designer requirements. These improvements in the ratio of price to performance
have been enabled by advancements in semiconductor processing technologies,
which have facilitated the ability to reduce circuit pattern sizes and
subsequently increase the number of individual semiconductor circuits on a
silicon wafer. These trends have driven the need for increasingly complex and
sophisticated semiconductor device manufacturing processes, process equipment
and process controls.
 
  Semiconductor Manufacturing Process
 
     The manufacturing of semiconductors requires hundreds of process steps.
Many steps involve the controlled application or removal of layers of materials
to or from a surface referred to as a substrate. These process steps take place
within a process chamber, which provides a controlled environment for the
fabrication of semiconductor devices. Most of the key processes used in the
production of semiconductors require precise automatic control of gas pressure,
flow and composition in the process chamber.
 
     To ensure the integrity and performance of the manufacturing process,
semiconductor device manufacturers require sophisticated instruments that can
provide precise automated control of all major process variables within the
process chamber. The process steps required to produce circuit patterns involve
the control of multiple gases flowing into the process chamber at specified
intervals, and at controlled pressure and vacuum levels. In a typical process
step, the process chamber is evacuated to a base pressure established by a
vacuum pumping system and measured with vacuum gauges. Automatic shut-off valves
are sequenced to protect pumps and process instruments from exposure to
atmospheric pressure. Chamber leak integrity may be checked by gas analyzers
scanning for the presence of undesirable atmospheric gases or water vapor. Mass
flow controllers automatically control the flow rates of multiple gases into the
process chamber. Simultaneously, the automatic pressure control system for the
process chamber measures the pressure in the chamber and controls it at the
desired level by electronically adjusting the position of a control valve
located between the process chamber and the vacuum pump. Downstream of the
process chamber, heated lines, particle traps, and vacuum valves and switches
are used to prevent contamination of the process chamber as a result of the
backstream of particles and exhaust gases back into the process chamber. This
improves circuit quality, reduces maintenance and prolongs vacuum pump life.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
     The pressures used in semiconductor manufacturing processes range from as
low as one trillionth of atmospheric pressure to as high as two hundred times
atmospheric pressure. The following table shows the wide range of pressures
required for typical semiconductor manufacturing processes:
    [PRESSURE RANGES OF TYPICAL SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES CHART]
[This table graphically depicts, using graybars, the gas pressure ranges, from
one trillionth of atmospheric pressure to two hundred times atmospheric pressure
used in various typical semiconductor manufacturing process steps (introduction
of gases into process chamber, deposition of materials and thin films on to
substrates, introduction of gases to etch circuit patterns, deposition of
conductive metal layers onto substrates and implantation of positively charged
atoms into substrates).
 
     The fabrication of a semiconductor circuit requires varying flow rates,
pressures and gases. A typical process step uses from three to five different
gases.
 
     Uptime, yield and throughput are critical semiconductor manufacturing
concepts. Uptime is the amount of time that the semiconductor processing tool is
available for processing. Yield is the ratio of acceptable circuits to total
circuits processed. Throughput is the number of wafers that can be processed per
hour. Uptime, yield, and throughput depend in major part upon:
 
     - precise repeatable measurement and control of the specific gas pressure,
       flow rates and composition
 
     - the maintenance of the vacuum integrity of the process chamber
 
     - the prevention of wafer contamination from particles entering the chamber
 
     Pressure variations of as little as one one-hundred-thousandth of
atmospheric pressure can change process yields significantly and errors in gas
flow rates and composition may impair circuit performance. Atmospheric
contamination and particle contamination can produce defects that significantly
reduce wafer yields and the time required to remove contaminates reduces uptime
and throughput. The speed of response and precision of the automatic control
systems directly affects uptime, throughput of wafers and process yields.
 
  Other Similar Industrial Manufacturing Processes
 
     Many of the same processes used to manufacture semiconductors are also used
to manufacture: flat panel displays; magnetic and optical storage devices and
media; solar cells; fiber optic cables for telecommunications; optical coatings;
coatings for architectural glass; hard coatings to minimize wear on cutting
tools; and diamond thin films.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
  Trends in Semiconductor Manufacturing
 
     The ability of semiconductor device manufacturers to offer integrated
circuits with smaller geometries and greater functionality at higher speeds
requires continuous improvements in semiconductor process equipment and process
controls. The transition to smaller circuit patterns, such as 0.18 micron and
smaller line-widths, requires more process steps. It is also leading to the
introduction of new materials such as copper for conductors and a whole new
class of organic and inorganic materials for insulators. These in turn require
new technologies for delivery of gases and vapors to the process chamber. In
addition, the introduction of advanced processes such as high density plasma is
leading to a need for lower pressures, which are more difficult to measure and
control than higher pressures. These trends, along with increased wafer sizes,
which result in higher circuit value per wafer, are leading to the need for
increased sophistication of semiconductor processing equipment, a heightened
emphasis on uptime, yield and throughput and the need for more precise process
controls. As a result, the design and performance of instruments that control
pressure or the flow of gases, or analyze the composition of gases, are becoming
even more critical to the semiconductor manufacturing process.
 
     To address the increasing complexity of semiconductor devices,
semiconductor device manufacturers typically develop processes to create
particular device features using specific manufacturing equipment. The process
for each feature is then documented and may be subsequently replicated for use
in multiple fabrication facilities around the world. The precision,
repeatability and reliability of the measurement and control instrumentation
used for each process is critical to providing uptime, high yield and throughput
on manufacturing equipment at all facilities employing such processes.
Semiconductor device manufacturers are placing increasing importance on uptime,
yield, throughput and process consistency throughout their facilities to
minimize:
 
     - capital equipment expenditures
     - facility construction costs
     - overall ongoing operating costs
 
     The increasing sophistication of semiconductor devices requires an increase
in the number of components and subsystems used in the design of semiconductor
manufacturing process tools. To reduce manufacturing complexity, improve quality
and reliability and ensure long-term service and support, semiconductor capital
equipment manufacturers and semiconductor device manufacturers are increasingly
seeking to establish relationships with a smaller group of broad-based suppliers
that meet their needs on a worldwide basis and provide:
 
     - advanced technological capabilities to address the increasing
       complexities of the semiconductor manufacturing process
     - instrument and component designs that ensure repeatable processes around
       the world
     - value-added, integrated instruments and components
     - a worldwide sales, service and support infrastructure
 
MKS SOLUTION AND STRATEGY
 
     MKS's objective is to be the leading worldwide supplier of instruments and
components used to measure, control and analyze gases in semiconductor and other
advanced thin-film materials processing applications and to help semiconductor
device manufacturers achieve improvements in their return on invested capital.
The principal elements of MKS's solution and strategy to achieve this objective
are set forth below:
 
     Technology Leadership.  MKS's products incorporate leading-edge
technologies to control and monitor increasingly complex gas-related
semiconductor manufacturing processes, thereby enhancing
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
uptime, yield and throughput which can improve the investment return on capital
equipment and facilities. The instruments and components in MKS's product
offering provides the required capabilities through:
 
     - high precision operation over the extreme and variable pressure ranges
       required for semiconductor processes
 
     - precise, consistent and repeatable measurement and control performance
       that allows processes to be replicated in manufacturing facilities around
       the world
 
     - advanced control technologies which enhance uptime, yield and throughput
 
     - multiple, diverse and alternative technologies for controlling the flow
       rate and composition of gases and vapors needed for new classes of
       advanced materials for next generation semiconductor devices
 
     - innovative vacuum technology subsystems that reduce atmospheric and
       particle contamination, thereby enhancing uptime, yield and throughput
 
     MKS's products have continuously advanced as its customers' needs have
evolved. MKS seeks to extend its technological leadership by applying its
expertise in vacuum, pressure, flow and gas composition measurement control and
analysis technologies to develop advanced products that meet the critical gas-
related process requirements of semiconductor and advanced thin-film materials
manufacturers.
 
     MKS has introduced technological innovations including:
 
     - corrosion-resistant pressure and vacuum sensors
 
     - automatic pressure and vacuum control systems
 
     - compact single unit gas composition analyzers to replace bulky
       multi-component systems
 
     MKS has developed, and continues to develop, new products to address
emerging industry trends such as the transition from the use of 200mm wafers to
300mm wafers and the shrinking of integrated circuit line-widths from 0.25
micron to 0.18 micron and smaller. MKS has supplied pre-production equipment to
be incorporated into semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers' 300mm
pre-production semiconductor wafer process equipment, which is expected to be
included in pilot production lines of device manufacturers.
 
     MKS has also developed equipment that is being used by research
laboratories for semiconductor devices using less than 0.18 micron line-widths.
In addition, MKS has developed, and continues to develop, materials delivery
systems for new classes of materials, such as copper for conductors, titanium
nitride for barriers and a class of organic and inorganic dielectric materials
that are beginning to be used in small geometry manufacturing.
 
     MKS has been a leader in making its products compatible with emerging
digital network standards, such as DeviceNet. DeviceNet enables components used
in semiconductor manufacturing processes to transmit self-diagnostic and other
information on a digital host network. This reduces system complexity and space
requirements.
 
     To ensure that MKS maintains its leading-edge position, MKS aligns its
research and development program to the Semiconductor Industry Association
Technology Roadmap. The Semiconductor Industry Association Technology Roadmap
identifies technological developments, as well as obstacles, required to produce
future generations of semiconductor devices. MKS also maintains associations
with leading universities to anticipate future semiconductor production needs
three to seven years in advance.
 
     Comprehensive Product Offering.  MKS currently offers, and intends to
continue to offer, the widest range of pressure and vacuum measurement and
control products serving the semiconductor manufacturing and similar industrial
manufacturing industries. MKS offers a full line of products including a wide
range of gas pressure, flow and composition analysis measurement and control
instruments and vacuum gauges, valves and components.
 
     Since the development of its original Baratron laboratory-based pressure
measurement instrument in 1961, MKS has continuously enhanced and expanded its
product offerings in response to the evolving needs of its customers. For
example, MKS recently introduced the Micro Baratron instrument, a significantly
smaller version of its pressure measurement product, and a new low vapor
pressure material
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
delivery system. MKS plans to introduce new products throughout 1999, including
a line of mass flow calibrators and process monitoring hardware and software for
gas analysis.
 
     MKS's products are designed to meet the increasingly complex needs of its
customers. With the increasing sophistication of semiconductor capital equipment
leading to an increasing number of components and subsystems in semiconductor
manufacturing process tools, MKS delivers products that reduce equipment size
and improve process performance. MKS's subsystem products combine several
components into single integrated solutions. MKS's integrated solutions deliver
higher performance at a lower cost than similar subsystems built from discrete
components. Additionally, MKS's integrated solutions are easier to install and
configure, further reducing the overall cost to the customer.
 
     MKS plans to continue to expand its product lines through both internal
development and acquisitions of complementary businesses, products and
technologies. MKS's comprehensive product offering enables MKS to meet a broad
range of customer needs and provide a single source of solutions for
semiconductor device and semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers as they
seek to consolidate their supplier relationships to a smaller select group.
 
     Close Working Relationships with Customers.  MKS has focused on satisfying
the needs of semiconductor device manufacturers and semiconductor capital
equipment manufacturers for over 25 years and has established long-term
relationships with many of its customers. MKS works with its customers at the
pre-design and design stage to identify and respond to their requests for
current and future generations of products. These close working relationships
allow MKS to understand and address the cost and performance expectations of its
customers. MKS plans to enhance its relationships with its major customers and
identify opportunities to develop similar relationships with additional
semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers and semiconductor device
manufacturers.
 
     Applications in Related Markets.  MKS is leveraging its accumulated
expertise in the semiconductor industry by developing products for applications
that employ production processes similar to semiconductor fabrication processes
in their reliance upon gases and vacuum-based production technologies.
Applications served by MKS outside the semiconductor industry include vacuum
freeze-drying of pharmaceuticals and foods, sterilization of medical appliances,
and applications that involve advanced thin-film manufacturing such as flat
panel displays, magnetic and optical storage media, solar cells, fiber optic
cables and optical coatings. MKS plans to continue to identify and develop
products that address advanced materials processing applications where gas
management plays a critical role.
 
     Global Infrastructure and World Class Manufacturing Capabilities.  As
semiconductor device manufacturers have become increasingly global, they have
required that suppliers offer comprehensive local repair service and close
customer support. Manufacturers require close support to enable them to
calibrate, repair, modify, upgrade and retrofit their equipment to improve
process consistency, uptime, yield and throughput. To meet these market
requirements, MKS maintains a global sales and support organization with 22
offices worldwide. MKS currently manufactures its products at nine facilities in
the United States and abroad. MKS continues to devote significant resources to
expand and maintain its worldwide production and service capabilities to meet
the global demand for gas measurement, control and analysis instruments and
vacuum technology components. MKS opened a sales and support facility in
Singapore in 1998 and during 1999 plans to add manufacturing capabilities to its
Austin, Texas facility and further equip its cleanroom facilities in Andover and
Methuen, Massachusetts.
 
     MKS believes that the ability to manufacture reliable instruments and
components in a cost-effective manner is critical to meet the demanding
just-in-time delivery requirements of semiconductor capital equipment
manufacturers and semiconductor device manufacturers. MKS's worldwide production
and manufacturing facilities provide MKS with the ability to manufacture
reliable gas measurement, control and analysis instruments and components in a
timely and cost-effective manner. With a total of approximately 250,000 square
feet of manufacturing capacity in five locations in the United States and four
others in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and Korea, MKS has implemented
world class practices in quality and delivery techniques. MKS's manufacturing
facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany are ISO 9001
certified.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
PRODUCTS
 
     MKS offers a full line of instruments and components that are used to
measure, control and analyze gases in semiconductor manufacturing and other
advanced thin-film manufacturing processes. MKS supplies products in two
principal areas:
 
     - measurement and control instrumentation products
 
     - vacuum technology products
 
     The following schematic shows where MKS products are used in a typical
semiconductor manufacturing process.
[CHART]
[Schematic showing where MKS products are used in a typical semiconductor
manufacturing process.]
 
     MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL INSTRUMENTATION PRODUCTS.  MKS designs and
manufactures a wide range of gas pressure, flow and composition analysis
measurement and control instrumentation. Each product line consists of products
which are designed for a variety of pressure, flow and composition ranges and
accuracies.
 
     Baratron Pressure Measurement Products.  MKS's Baratron pressure
measurement products are high precision, pressure measurement instruments. MKS
has five Baratron product families that range from high accuracy digital output
instruments to simple electronic switches. These products are typically used to
measure the pressure of the gases being distributed upstream of the process
chambers, to measure process chamber pressures and to measure pressures between
process chambers, vacuum pumps and exhaust lines. Baratron instruments measure
pressures at ranges from two hundred times atmospheric pressure to one billionth
of atmospheric pressure. MKS believes it offers the widest range of gas pressure
measurement instruments in the semiconductor and advanced thin-film materials
processing industries.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
     A key feature of Baratron instruments is the ability to measure pressure
independent of gas composition, which is critical for precise pressure control
of semiconductor processes that involve gas mixtures. In these processes, there
is a need to control both pressure and gas mixture, but the pressure measurement
instrument must measure only the pressure of the sum of the gases in the
chamber, independent of gas composition. The Baratron instruments enable users
to achieve a highly precise, accurate and repeatable measurement of gas
pressure. Pressure measurement, independent of gas composition, is also useful
during process steps used to remove atmospheric gases as well as those used to
introduce specific amounts of various types of gases. Such processes are used to
manufacture fluorescent bulbs and to fabricate gas lasers.
 
     The following table shows MKS's principal Baratron pressure measurement
product lines:
 
                     BARATRON PRESSURE MEASUREMENT PRODUCTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           PRODUCT LINES                              DESCRIPTION                    RANGES OF LIST PRICES
           -------------                              -----------                    ---------------------
<S>                                    <C>                                           <C>
High precision, high accuracy          Instruments with built-in temperature         $2,900-$6,400
pressure and vacuum measurement        stabilization features, for high
instruments                            precision, high accuracy and high
                                       temperature operation
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General purpose pressure and vacuum    Rugged instruments with and without           $450-$4,200
measurement instruments                built-in temperature stabilization
                                       features, for reliable, precise and
                                       accurate process measurement
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra-clean high pressure and          Instruments with ultra- clean surfaces        $550-$1,050
vacuum measurement instruments         exposed to gas, for precise, high purity
                                       applications
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General purpose "MINI" pressure and    Small footprint instruments for precise,      $650-$1,400
vacuum measurement instruments         accurate, general purpose process
                                       measurement
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic pressure and vacuum         Economical, stable instrument providing       $350-$750
switches                               "go/no-go" output for precise pressure
                                       trip-points and alarms
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
     MKS's list prices for its Baratron measurement products vary depending upon
precision, accuracy, pressure range, operating temperature range, stability and
gas purity specifications.
 
     Automatic Pressure and Vacuum Control Products.  MKS's automatic pressure
control products consist of analog and digital automatic pressure and vacuum
control electronic instruments and valves. These products enable precise control
of process pressure by electronically actuating valves which control the flow of
gases in and out of the process chamber to minimize the difference between
desired and actual pressure in the chamber. The electronic controllers vary from
simple analog units with precise manual tuning capability to state-of-the-art
self-tuning, digital signal processing controllers. The valve products vary from
small gas inlet valves to large exhaust valves.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
     In most cases, MKS's Baratron pressure measurement instruments provide the
pressure input to the automatic pressure control device. Together, these
components create an integrated automatic pressure control system. MKS's
pressure control products can also accept inputs from other measurement
instruments, enabling the automatic control of gas input or exhaust based on
parameters other than pressure.
 
                 AUTOMATIC PRESSURE AND VACUUM CONTROL PRODUCTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           PRODUCT LINES                              DESCRIPTION                    RANGES OF LIST PRICES
           -------------                              -----------                    ---------------------
<S>                                    <C>                                           <C>
Automatic throttle control valve       Analog controllers, self-tuning digital       $800-$2,650
controllers                            controllers and displayless self-tuning
                                       controllers
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throttle control valves                Non-sealing and sealing valves; high speed    $1,400-$8,800
                                       sealing throttle control valves;
                                       automatic, microprocessor-based smart
                                       throttle control valves
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automatic solenoid control valve       Stand-alone control electronics packages      $1,850-$2,900
controllers                            or integrated sensor, valve and control
                                       electronics packages
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solenoid control valves                Elastomer and all-metal-sealed solenoid       $450-$1,500
                                       control valves
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
     MKS has recently introduced a line of integrated pressure controllers that
combine the functions of its Baratron pressure measurement instrument, flow
measurement instrument, control electronics and valve into a four-inch long
instrument which can be placed directly on a gas line to control pressure
downstream of the instrument while indicating the gas flow rate. This addresses
the need for smaller components, saving valuable clean room space.
 
     Flow Measurement and Control Products.  MKS's flow measurement products
include gas, vapor and liquid flow measurement products based upon thermal
conductivity, pressure and direct liquid injection technologies. The flow
control products combine the flow measuring device with valve control elements
based upon solenoid, piezo-electric and piston pump technologies. The products
measure and automatically control the mass flow rate of gases and vapors into
the process chamber. MKS's broad product lines include products that allow the
precise, automatic flow control of inert or corrosive gases, the automatic
control of low vapor pressure gases and heated liquid source materials, and the
automatic control of delicate, advanced technology liquid sources and vaporized
solid sources for next generation devices.
 
     MKS's line of thermal-based mass flow controllers, which control gas flow
based on the molecular weight of gases, includes all-metal-sealed designs and
ultra-clean designs for semiconductor applications, and general purpose
controllers for applications where all-metal-sealed construction is not
required. MKS has also developed pressure-based mass flow controllers, based on
Baratron pressure instrument measurement and control technology, which use flow
restrictors in the gas line to transform pressure control into mass flow
control.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
                     FLOW MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL PRODUCTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           PRODUCT LINES                              DESCRIPTION                    RANGES OF LIST PRICES
           -------------                              -----------                    ---------------------
<S>                                    <C>                                           <C>
Direct liquid injection subsystem      Pumps and vaporizes liquid precursors for     $8,500-$24,900
                                       metals and dielectrics into process
                                       chamber
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gas box rate of rise calibrator        Measures pressure increase with time in a     $8,100-$11,800
                                       known volume
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pressure-based vapor delivery          Measures and controls flow of low pressure    $4,900-$12,400
systems                                vapors into chamber
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pressure-based mass flow               Gas flow controller consisting of Baratron    $2,700
controllers                            sensor, control valve, orifice and
                                       electronics
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra-clean, all-metal-sealed          Gas flow controller consisting of sensor,     $1,400-$9,500
thermal mass flow controllers          control valve and electronics
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General purpose elastomer-sealed       Gas flow controller consisting of sensor,     $1,050-$2,450
mass flow controllers                  control valve and electronics
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
     Certain new materials required for the next generation of semiconductor
devices are difficult to control using traditional thermal mass flow technology.
To control these new materials, MKS has designed a direct liquid injection
subsystem which pumps a precise volume of liquid into a vaporizer, which in turn
supplies a controlled flow of vapor into the process chamber. The direct liquid
injection subsystem pump and vaporizer are presently used principally for
research and development applications for next generation semiconductor device
conductors, diffusion barriers and insulators, such as copper, titanium nitride
and dielectric materials.
 
     MKS's flow measurement products also include a calibration system which
independently measures mass flow and compares this measurement to that of the
process chamber mass flow controller. The demand for the MKS calibration system
is driven by the increasingly stringent process control needs of the
semiconductor industry and the need to reduce costly downtime resulting from
stopping operations to address mass flow controller problems.
 
     Gas Composition Analysis Instruments.  MKS's gas analysis instruments are
sold primarily to the semiconductor industry. The residual gas analysis product
lines include a quadrapole mass spectrometer sensor, which is a device that
separates gases based on molecular weight. MKS's quadrapole mass spectrometer
sensors include built-in electronics to analyze the composition of background
and process gases in the process chamber. MKS's ORION process monitoring system
is a sophisticated quadrapole mass spectrometer process analyzer for statistical
process monitoring of manufacturing processes operating from very low pressures
to atmospheric pressure. These instruments are provided both as portable
laboratory systems and as process gas monitoring systems used in the diagnosis
of semiconductor manufacturing process systems and are sold at prices ranging up
to $80,000. The gas monitoring systems can indicate out-of-bounds conditions,
such as the presence of undesirable atmospheric gases, water vapor or
out-of-tolerance amounts of specific gases in the process chamber, enabling
operators to diagnose and repair faulty equipment. MKS's gas sampling systems
provide a turn-key solution for withdrawing gases from chambers at relatively
high pressures for introduction into the low pressure gas analyzers. Next
generation semiconductor manufacturing processes, with smaller circuit patterns
and larger wafer sizes, are expected to require sophisticated gas analysis
instruments and/or monitoring equipment to ensure tighter process control and
earlier diagnosis of equipment malfunction.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
     VACUUM TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS.  MKS designs and manufactures a wide variety of
vacuum technology products, including vacuum gauges, vacuum valves and
components.
 
     Vacuum Gauging Products.  MKS offers a wide range of vacuum instruments
consisting of vacuum measurement sensors and associated power supply and readout
units. These vacuum gauges measure phenomena that are related to the level of
pressure in the process chamber and downstream of the process chamber between
the chamber and the pump. Unlike Baratron pressure measurement instruments,
vacuum gauges do not measure pressure directly. These gauges are used to measure
vacuum at pressures lower than those measurable with a Baratron pressure
measurement instrument or to measure vacuum in the Baratron pressure measurement
instrument range where less accuracy is required. MKS's indirect pressure gauges
use thermal conductivity and ionization gauge technologies to measure pressure
from atmospheric pressure to one trillionth of atmospheric pressure. MKS's
Baratron pressure measurement instruments, together with its vacuum gauges, are
capable of measuring the full range of pressures used in semiconductor and other
thin-film manufacturing processes from two hundred times atmospheric pressure to
one trillionth of atmospheric pressure.
 
     MKS also manufactures a wide range of vacuum gauge instruments in which the
associated electronics are packaged with the vacuum sensor, reducing panel space
and installation cost. MKS offers both analog and digital versions of these
vacuum gauge transducers.
 
     Vacuum Valves and Components.  MKS's vacuum valves are used on the gas
lines between the process chamber and the pump downstream of the process
chamber. MKS's vacuum components consist of flanges, fittings, traps and heated
lines that are used downstream from the process chamber to provide leak free
connections and to prevent condensable materials from depositing particles near
or back into the chamber. The manufacture of small circuit patterns cannot
tolerate contamination from atmospheric leaks or particles. MKS's vacuum
components are designed to minimize such contamination and thus increase yields
and uptimes.
 
                           VACUUM TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           PRODUCT LINES                              DESCRIPTION                    RANGES OF LIST PRICES
           -------------                              -----------                    ---------------------
<S>                                    <C>                                           <C>
Cold cathode and hot filament          Electronic gauges to measure pressure down    $600-$6,200
vacuum gauges                          to one trillionth of atmospheric pressure
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convection gauges                      Electronic gauges to measure from one         $200-$700
                                       atmosphere down to one millionth of
                                       atmospheric pressure
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Right-angle and in-line shut-off       High vacuum rapid action poppet valves        $250-$4,500
valves
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vapor sublimation traps                Contaminant particle trap                     $1,800-$4,600
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other vacuum components                Flanges, fittings, valves and heated lines    $50-$3,050
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
MARKETS AND APPLICATIONS
 
     MKS estimates that approximately 60% of its sales in 1998 were made to the
semiconductor industry. MKS's products are also used in other markets and
applications including the manufacture of, among other things:
 
     - flat panel displays
 
     - magnetic and optical storage devices and media
 
     - solar cells which convert light into electrical current
 
     - fiber optic cables for telecommunications
 
     - optical coatings, such as eyeglass coatings
 
     - coatings for architectural glass
 
     - hard coatings to minimize wear on cutting tools
 
     - diamond thin films
 
     MKS sells its products primarily through its direct sales force in 22
offices in France, Germany, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan,
the United Kingdom and the United States. This direct sales force is
supplemented by sales representatives and agents in Canada, China, India,
Israel, and Italy and in selected U.S. cities. The major markets for MKS's
products include:
 
  Semiconductor Manufacturing
 
     MKS's products are sold to semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers
and semiconductor device manufacturers. MKS's products are used in the major
semiconductor processing steps such as:
 
     - depositing materials on to substrates
 
     - etching circuit patterns
 
     - implanting positively charged atoms into a substrate to alter electrical
       characteristics
 
     MKS's products are also used for process facility applications such as gas
distribution, pressure control and vacuum distribution in clean rooms where
semiconductor manufacturing takes place. MKS anticipates that the semiconductor
manufacturing market will continue to account for a substantial portion of its
sales. While the semiconductor device manufacturing market is global, the major
semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers are concentrated in the United
States, Japan and Europe.
 
  Flat Panel Display Manufacturing
 
     MKS's products are used in the manufacture of flat panel displays, which
require the same or similar fabrication processes as semiconductor
manufacturing. MKS sells its products both to flat panel original equipment
manufacturers and to end-users in the flat panel display market. The transition
to larger panel size and higher definition is driving the need for defect
reduction which requires tighter process controls. The major manufacturers for
flat panel displays and flat panel display equipment are concentrated in Japan.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
  Magnetic and Optical Storage Devices and Media
 
     MKS's products are used in the manufacture of:
 
     - magnetic storage media which store and read data magnetically
 
     - optical storage media which store and read data using laser technology
 
     - compact disks
 
     - hard disks
 
     - data storage devices
 
     - digital video or versatile disks
 
     The transition to higher density storage capacity requires manufacturing
processes incorporating tighter process controls. While storage media
manufacturing is global, the major manufacturers are concentrated in Japan and
the Asia-Pacific region and storage media capital equipment manufacturers are
concentrated in the United States, Japan and Europe.
 
  Optical Fiber and Optical Coating
 
     MKS's products are used in optical fiber and optical thin-film coating
processes. MKS's products are sold both to coating equipment manufacturers and
to manufacturers of products made using optical thin-film coating processes.
Optical fibers used for data transmission are manufactured using processes to
deposit chemical vapors which are similar to those used in semiconductor
manufacturing. The requirement for greater data transmission is driving the need
for tighter control of optical fiber coating processes. Optical thin films for
eyeglasses, solar panels and architectural glass are deposited using processes
to deposit chemical vapors and gaseous metals similar to those used in
semiconductor manufacturing. Optical fiber manufacturing and optical thin-film
processing are concentrated in the United States, Japan and Europe.
 
  Other Coating Markets
 
     MKS's pressure and flow measurement and control instruments are also used
in processes for the application of thin films to harden tool bit surfaces, in
the production of diamond thin films, coatings for food container packagings and
coatings for jewelry and ornaments. The major equipment and process providers
are concentrated in the United States, Japan and Europe.
 
     MKS estimates that the flat panel display, magnetic and optical storage
media, optical fiber, optical coating markets and other coating markets
combined, accounted for approximately 12% and 14% of net sales for 1997 and
1998, respectively.
 
  Other Markets
 
     MKS's pressure measurement and control instruments and vacuum components
are used in plasma processes used to sterilize medical instruments, in vacuum
freeze drying of pharmaceuticals, foods and beverages, and in vacuum processes
involved in light bulb and gas laser manufacturing. MKS's products are also sold
to government, university and industrial laboratories for vacuum applications
involving research and development in materials science, physical chemistry and
electronics materials. The major equipment and process providers and research
laboratories are concentrated in the United States, Japan and Europe.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
CUSTOMERS
 
     MKS's largest customers are leading semiconductor capital equipment
manufacturers such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, Novellus and Tokyo
Electron, semiconductor device manufacturers such as Motorola, and specialty gas
providers such as Air Products and Chemicals. In 1996, 1997, and 1998, sales to
MKS's top five customers accounted for approximately 26%, 32% and 24%,
respectively, of MKS's net sales. During the same periods, international sales
represented approximately 30%, 27% and 32% of total net sales, respectively.
During 1998, Applied Materials accounted for approximately 16% of MKS's net
sales. Applied Materials purchases products from MKS under the terms of an
agreement, with no minimum purchase requirements, that expires in 2000.
 
SALES, MARKETING AND SUPPORT
 
     MKS's worldwide sales, marketing and support organization is critical to
its strategy of maintaining close relationships with semiconductor capital
equipment manufacturers and semiconductor device manufacturers. MKS sells its
products primarily through its direct sales force. As of December 31, 1998, MKS
had 118 sales employees in 22 offices in France, Germany, Japan, Korea, The
Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. This
direct sales force is supplemented by sales representatives and agents in
Canada, China, India, Israel, and Italy and in selected U.S. cities. MKS
maintains a marketing staff, which as of December 31, 1998, consisted of 14
employees, to identify customer requirements, assist in product planning and
specifications and to focus on future trends in the semiconductor and other
markets.
 
     As semiconductor device manufacturers have become increasingly sensitive to
the significant costs of system downtime, they have required that suppliers
offer comprehensive local repair service and close customer support.
Manufacturers require close support to enable them to repair, modify, upgrade
and retrofit their equipment to improve yields and adapt new materials or
processes. To meet these market requirements, MKS maintains a worldwide sales
and support organization with offices in 22 locations. Technical support is
provided by applications engineers located at offices in Arizona, California,
Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon and Texas, as well as Canada, France, Germany,
India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan and the
United Kingdom. Repair and calibration services are provided at 14 service
depots located worldwide. MKS provides warranties from one to three years,
depending upon the type of product. In addition, MKS offers training programs
for its customers in a wide range of vacuum and gas processing technologies.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
     MKS believes that the ability to manufacture reliable gas management
instruments and components in a cost-effective manner is critical to meeting the
demanding requirements of semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers and
semiconductor device manufacturers. MKS monitors and analyzes product lead
times, warranty data, process yields, supplier performance, field data on mean
time between failures, inventory turns, repair response time and other
indicators so that it may continuously improve its manufacturing processes. MKS
has adopted a total quality management process. MKS's manufacturing facilities
in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany are ISO 9001 certified.
 
     MKS is devoting significant financial and management resources to maintain
and expand its worldwide production and service capabilities to meet the global
demand for gas management instruments and components. MKS believes that the
ability to manufacture reliable instruments and components in a cost-effective
manner is critical to meet the demanding just-in-time delivery requirements of
semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers and semiconductor device
manufacturers. Due to the short time between the receipt of orders and
shipments, MKS normally operates with a level of backlog that is not
significant. MKS currently manufactures its products at nine facilities in the
United States and abroad. MKS plans to add manufacturing capabilities in 1999 to
its Austin, Texas facilities and further equip its cleanroom facilities in
Andover and Methuen, Massachusetts.
 
     MKS's principal manufacturing activities consist of precision assembly,
test, calibration, welding and machining activities. MKS subcontracts a portion
of its assembly, machining and printed circuit board assembly and testing. All
other assembly, test and calibration functions are performed by MKS. Critical
assembly activities are performed in cleanroom environments at MKS's facilities.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
     MKS's research and development efforts are directed toward developing and
improving MKS's gas management instruments and components for semiconductor and
advanced thin-film processing applications and identifying and developing
products for new applications for which gas management plays a critical role.
MKS has undertaken an initiative to involve its marketing, engineering,
manufacturing and sales personnel in the concurrent development of new products
in order to reduce the time to market for new products. MKS's employees also
work closely with its customers' development personnel. These relationships help
MKS identify and define future technical needs on which to focus its research
and development efforts. In addition, MKS participates in SEMI/SEMATECH, a
consortium of semiconductor equipment suppliers, to assist in product
development and standardization of product technology, and it supports research
at academic institutions targeted at advances in materials science and
semiconductor process development.
 
     As of December 31, 1998, MKS employed a research and development staff of
89 employees. In 1996, 1997 and 1998, MKS's research and development
expenditures were approximately $14.2 million, $14.7 million and $12.1 million,
respectively, representing approximately 8.3%, 7.8% and 8.7% of net sales,
respectively.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The market for MKS's products is highly competitive. Principal competitive
factors include:
 
     - historical customer relationships
 
     - product quality, performance and price
 
     - breadth of product line
 
     - manufacturing capabilities
 
     - customer service and support
 
     While MKS believes that it competes favorably with respect to these
factors, there can be no assurance that it will continue to do so.
 
     MKS encounters substantial competition in each of its product lines from a
number of competitors, although no one competitor competes with MKS across all
product lines. Certain of MKS's competitors have greater financial and other
resources than MKS. In some cases, the competitors are smaller than MKS, but
well-established in specific product niches. Millipore Corporation offers
products that compete with MKS's pressure and flow products. Aera Corporation,
STEC (Horiba Ltd.), and Unit Instruments, Inc., each offer products that compete
with MKS's mass flow control products. Nor-Cal Products, Inc. and MDC Vacuum
Products, Inc., each offer products that compete with MKS's vacuum components.
Leybold-Inficon, Inc., offers products that compete with MKS's vacuum measuring
and gas analysis products. Helix Technology Corporation offers products that
compete with MKS's vacuum gauging products. Spectra International LLC offers
products that compete with MKS's gas analysis products.
 
     In some cases, particularly with respect to mass flow controllers,
semiconductor device manufacturers may direct semiconductor capital equipment
manufacturers to use a specified supplier's product in their equipment.
Accordingly, MKS's success depends in part on its ability to have semiconductor
device manufacturers specify that its products be used at their fabrication
facilities and MKS may encounter difficulties in changing established
relationships of competitors with a large installed base of products at such
customers' fabrication facilities. In addition, MKS's competitors can be
expected to continue to improve the design and performance of their products.
There can be no assurance that competitors will not develop products that offer
price or performance features superior to those of MKS's products.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
PATENTS AND OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
 
     MKS relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade
secret laws and license agreements to establish and protect its proprietary
rights. MKS has 49 U.S. patents and 8 pending U.S. patent applications. Foreign
counterparts of certain of these applications have been filed or may be filed at
the appropriate time. While MKS believes that certain patents may be important
for certain aspects of its business, MKS believes that its success depends more
upon close customer contact, innovation, technological expertise, responsiveness
and worldwide distribution.
 
     MKS requires each of its employees, including its executive officers, to
enter into standard agreements pursuant to which the employee agrees to keep
confidential all proprietary information of MKS and to assign to MKS all
inventions made while in the employ of MKS.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of December 31, 1998, MKS employed 821 persons, including 486 in
manufacturing, 89 in research and development, 246 in marketing, sales, support
and general and administrative activities. Management believes that MKS's
ongoing success depends upon its continued ability to attract and retain highly
skilled employees. None of MKS's employees is represented by a labor union or
party to a collective bargaining agreement. MKS believes that its employee
relations are good.
 
FACILITIES
 
     MKS sells its products primarily through its direct sales force in 22
offices in France, Germany, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan,
the United Kingdom and the United States. The direct sales force is supplemented
by sales representatives and agents in Canada, China, India, Israel, and Italy
and in selected U.S. cities. MKS's corporate headquarters are located in
Andover, Massachusetts. Manufacturing and other operations are conducted in a
number of locations worldwide. MKS's minimum payments for leased real estate for
the year ending December 31, 1999 are expected to be $1,484,000. MKS believes
that the current facilities along with the planned addition for 1999 will be
adequate and suitable to meet its needs for the foreseeable future. The
following table provides information concerning MKS's principal and certain
other owned and leased facilities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       LEASE
       LOCATION          SQ. FT.          ACTIVITY           PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED    EXPIRES
       --------          -------          --------           ---------------------   ---------
<S>                      <C>       <C>                      <C>                      <C>
Andover, Massachusetts   82,000    Headquarters,            Baratron pressure           (1)
                                   Manufacturing, Customer  measurement products
                                   Support and Research &
                                   Development
Boulder, Colorado        86,000    Manufacturing, Customer  Vacuum gauges, valves       (2)
                                   Support, Service and     and components
                                   Research & Development
Methuen, Massachusetts   85,000    Manufacturing, Customer  Pressure control and        (1)
                                   Support, Service and     flow measurement and
                                   Research & Development   control products
Lawrence, Massachusetts  40,000    Manufacturing            Baratron pressure           (1)
                                                            measurement products
Tokyo, Japan             20,700    Manufacturing, Sales,    Mass flow measurement       (3)
                                   Customer Support,        and control products
                                   Service and Research &
                                   Development
Santa Clara, California  15,600    Sales, Customer Support  Not applicable             (4)*
                                   and Service
</TABLE>
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       LEASE
       LOCATION          SQ. FT.          ACTIVITY           PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED    EXPIRES
       --------          -------          --------           ---------------------   ---------
<S>                      <C>       <C>                      <C>                      <C>
Richardson, Texas        14,600    Manufacturing, Sales,    Subassemblies             8/31/01
                                   Customer Support and
                                   Service
Munich, Germany          14,100    Manufacturing, Sales,    Mass flow measurement       (1)
                                   Customer Support,        and control products
                                   Service and Research &
                                   Development
Le Bourget, France       13,700    Sales, Customer Support  Not applicable              (1)
                                   and Service
Austin, Texas             8,200    Sales, Customer Support  Not applicable            1/30/03
                                   and Service
Seoul, Korea              4,760    Manufacturing, Sales,    Mass flow measurement    5/30/00**
                                   Customer Support and     and control products
                                   Service
Manchester, U.K.          2,200    Manufacturing, Sales,    Mass flow measurement     10/5/09
                                   Customer Support and     and control products
                                   Service
Singapore                 2,050    Sales, Customer Support  Not applicable            3/25/01
                                   and Service
Taiwan                    2,050    Sales, Customer Support  Not applicable           12/31/01
                                   and Service
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) This facility is owned by MKS.
 
(2) MKS leases one facility which has 39,000 square feet of space and a lease
    term which expires 10/31/01 and owns a second and third facility with 28,000
    and 19,000 square feet of space, respectively.
 
(3) MKS leases a facility which has 14,000 square feet of space and a lease term
    which expires 4/30/99 and owns another facility with 6,700 square feet of
    space.
 
(4) MKS leases one facility with 4,000 square feet of space on a month-to-month
    basis, a second facility of 4,000 square feet with a lease term which
    expires on 1/30/00 and a third facility of 2,600 square feet with a lease
    term which expires 6/30/99. MKS owns a fourth facility of 5,000 square feet.
 
 *  MKS has an option to extend its leases at this location for a period of 18
    months.
 
**  MKS has an option to extend this lease for a period of two years.
 
     In addition to manufacturing and other operations conducted at the
foregoing leased or owned facilities, MKS provides worldwide sales, customer
support and services from various other leased facilities throughout the world
not listed in the table above. See "Business -- Sales, Marketing and Support."
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     MKS is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
     The executive officers and directors of MKS as of December 31, 1998 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAME                     AGE                         POSITION
                   ----                     ---                         --------
<S>                                         <C>   <C>
John R. Bertucci..........................  58    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
Ronald C. Weigner.........................  53    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John J. Sullivan..........................  63    Executive Vice President of Technology
William D. Stewart........................  54    Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Vacuum
                                                  Products
Joseph A. Maher, Jr.......................  51    Corporate Vice President and General Manager,
                                                  Measurement and Control Products
Leo Berlinghieri..........................  45    Corporate Vice President, Customer Support
                                                  Operations
Richard S. Chute(1).......................  60    Director
Owen W. Robbins(2)........................  69    Director
Robert J. Therrien........................  64    Director
Louis P. Valente(1)(2)....................  68    Director
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Member of Compensation Committee.
 
(2) Member of Audit Committee.
 
     Mr. Bertucci has served as President and a Director of MKS since 1974 and
has been Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer since
November 1995. From 1970 to 1974, he was Vice President and General Manager. Mr.
Bertucci has an M.S. in Industrial Administration and a B.S. in Metallurgical
Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University. Mr. Bertucci is also a director of
Applied Science and Technology Corporation and Intellisense Corporation.
 
     Mr. Weigner has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MKS
since November 1995. From September 1993 until November 1995, he was Vice
President and Corporate Controller and from 1980 to 1993 he was Corporate
Controller. Mr. Weigner is a certified public accountant and has a B.S. in
Business Administration from Boston University.
 
     Mr. Sullivan has served as Executive Vice President of Technology of MKS
since March 1995. From 1982 to March 1995, he was Vice President of Marketing,
and from 1975 to 1982, he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr.
Sullivan has an M.S. and a B.S. in Physics from Northeastern University.
 
     Mr. Stewart has served as Corporate Vice President of MKS and General
Manager of Vacuum Products since November 1997. From October 1986 to November
1997, he was President of HPS Vacuum Products group, which MKS acquired in
October 1986. Mr. Stewart co-founded HPS in 1976. Mr. Stewart has an M.B.A. from
Northwestern University and a B.S. in Business Administration from the
University of Colorado. Mr. Stewart also serves on the board of directors of the
Janus Fund.
 
     Mr. Maher has served as Corporate Vice President of MKS and General Manager
of Measurement and Control Products since November 1997. From March 1997 through
November 1997, he served as Vice President of the Process Control
Instrumentation Group. Mr. Maher was a Vice President of Lam Research
Corporation from 1993 through 1996, and from 1980 through 1993, he was Executive
Vice President of Drytek Corporation, which was purchased by Lam Research
Corporation in 1993. Mr. Maher has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from
Northeastern University.
 
     Mr. Berlinghieri has served as Corporate Vice President, Customer Support
Operations of MKS since November 1995. From 1980 to November 1995, he served in
various management positions at MKS, including Manufacturing Manager, Production
& Inventory Control Manager, and Director of Customer
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
 
Support Operations. Mr. Berlinghieri is also Treasurer of the TQM-BASE Council,
Inc., a non-profit quality management consortium comprised of Boston-area
semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers.
 
     Mr. Chute has served as a director of MKS since 1974. Mr. Chute has been a
member of the law firm of Hill & Barlow, a professional corporation, since
November 1971.
 
     Mr. Robbins has served as a director of MKS since February 1996. Mr.
Robbins was Executive Vice President of Teradyne, Inc., a manufacturer of
electronic test systems and backplane connection systems used in the electronics
and telecommunications industries from March 1992 to May 1997, and its Chief
Financial Officer from February 1980 to May 1997. Mr. Robbins has served on the
board of directors of Teradyne, Inc. since March 1992 and was its Vice Chairman
from January 1996 to May 1997.
 
     Mr. Therrien has served as a director of MKS since February 1996. Mr.
Therrien has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Brooks Automation,
Inc., a manufacturer of semiconductor processing equipment, since 1989.
 
     Mr. Valente has served as a director of MKS since February 1996. Mr.
Valente has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Palomar Medical
Technologies, Inc., a company which designs, manufactures and markets cosmetic
lasers, since September 1997. He has been a director of Palomar Medical
Technologies, Inc. since February 1997 and was its President and Chief Executive
Officer from May 1997 to September 1997. Mr. Valente was a Senior Vice President
of Acquisitions, Mergers and Investments of EG&G, Inc. from 1991 until July
1995. Mr. Valente is also a director of Micrion Corporation.
 
     Executive officers of MKS are elected by the Board of Directors on an
annual basis and serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
There are no family relationships among any of the executive officers of MKS.
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
     The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Chute and Valente. The
Compensation Committee reviews and evaluates the salaries, supplemental
compensation and benefits of all officers of MKS, reviews general policy matters
relating to compensation and benefits of employees of MKS and makes
recommendations concerning these matters to the Board of Directors. The
Compensation Committee also administers MKS's stock option and stock purchase
plans. See "-- Stock Plans."
 
     The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Robbins and Valente. The Audit
Committee reviews with MKS's independent auditor the scope and timing of its
audit services, the auditor's report on MKS's financial statements following
completion of its audit and MKS's policies and procedures with respect to
internal accounting and financial controls. In addition, the Audit Committee
will make annual recommendations to the Board of Directors for the appointment
of independent auditors for the ensuing year.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
     Directors of MKS are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with
their attendance at Board of Directors and committee meetings. Directors who are
not employees of MKS are paid an annual fee of $10,000 and $1,000 for each Board
of Directors meeting they attend and $500 for each committee meeting they attend
which is not held on the same day as a Board of Directors meeting. Messrs.
Chute, Robbins, Therrien and Valente, MKS's four non-employee directors, have
each been granted options, under MKS's 1996 Director Stock Option Plan (under
which no further grants will be made), to purchase 8,592 shares of common stock
at a weighted average exercise price of $4.81 per share. Each has also been
granted options to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of
$14.40 per share under the 1997 Director Stock Option Plan.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
     The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Chute and
Valente. No member of the Compensation Committee was at any time an employee of
MKS. No executive officer of MKS serves as a member of the Board of Directors or
Compensation Committee of any other entity which has one or more executive
officers serving as a member of MKS's Board of Directors or Compensation
Committee.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following table sets forth information with respect to the compensation
of MKS's Chief Executive Officer and each of the four other most highly
compensated executive officers for the year ended December 31, 1998 (the "Named
Executive Officers").
 
                      SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      LONG-TERM
                                                                     COMPENSATION
                                                                        AWARDS
                                     ANNUAL COMPENSATION             ------------
                             ------------------------------------     SECURITIES
                                                     OTHER ANNUAL     UNDERLYING        ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION   SALARY      BONUS      COMPENSATION     OPTIONS(#)     COMPENSATION(1)
- ---------------------------  --------    --------    ------------    ------------    ---------------
<S>                          <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>
John R. Bertucci...........  $337,440          --            --              --          $12,264
  Chief Executive Officer
  and President
Ronald C. Weigner..........   164,257          --            --          60,000            8,000
  Vice President and Chief
  Financial Officer
Joseph A. Maher, Jr........   161,307          --            --          60,000            8,000
  Corporate Vice President
  and General Manager,
  Measurement and Control
  Products
William D. Stewart.........   173,893          --            --          60,000            8,000
  Corporate Vice President
  and General Manager,
  Vacuum Products
Leo Berlinghieri...........   152,559          --            --          60,000            3,200
  Corporate Vice President,
  Customer Support
  Operations
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes a premium of $4,264 paid on a life insurance policy and estimated
    payments of $8,000 paid into a 401(k) plan for Mr. Bertucci, and estimated
    payments paid into a 401(k) plan for Messrs. Weigner, Maher, Stewart and
    Berlinghieri.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
 
STOCK OPTION GRANTS
 
     The following table contains information concerning the grants of options
to purchase MKS's common stock made to each of the Named Executive Officers for
the year ended December 31, 1998. Stock options are generally granted at 100% of
the fair value of MKS's common stock as determined by the Board of Directors on
the date of grant. In reaching the determination of fair value at the time of
each grant, the Board of Directors considers a range of factors, including MKS's
current financial position, its recent revenues, results of operations and cash
flows, its assessment of MKS's competitive position in its markets and prospects
for the future, the status of MKS's product development and marketing efforts,
current valuations for comparable companies and the illiquidity of an investment
in MKS's common stock.
 
                             OPTION GRANTS IN 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
                              ---------------------------------------------------------   POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                               NUMBER OF                                                     ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
                              SECURITIES    PERCENT OF TOTAL                               STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
                              UNDERLYING    OPTIONS GRANTED    EXERCISE OR                        OPTION TERM(2)
                                OPTIONS       TO EMPLOYEES     BASE PRICE    EXPIRATION   ------------------------------
            NAME              GRANTED(1)     IN FISCAL YEAR     PER SHARE       DATE           5%               10%
            ----              -----------   ----------------   -----------   ----------   -------------    -------------
<S>                           <C>           <C>                <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>
John R. Bertucci............        --              --               --            --             --               --
Ronald C. Weigner...........    60,000            9.47%           $6.67        7/9/08       $251,684         $637,816
Joseph A. Maher, Jr. .......    60,000            9.47             6.67        7/9/08        251,684          637,816
William D. Stewart..........    60,000            9.47             6.67        7/9/08        251,684          637,816
Leo Berlinghieri............    60,000            9.47             6.67        7/9/08        251,684          637,816
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) These options become exercisable with respect to 20% of the shares granted
    on July 9, 1999 and with respect to the remainder of the shares on a
    quarterly basis during the following four years.
 
(2) Amounts represent hypothetical gains that could be achieved for the
    respective options if exercised at the end of the option term. These gains
    are based on assumed rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10%
    compounded annually from the date the respective options were granted to
    their expiration date. These numbers are calculated based on rules
    promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not reflect
    MKS's estimate of future stock price growth. Actual gains, if any, on stock
    option exercises and common stock are dependent on the timing of such
    exercise and the future performance of the common stock.
 
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
 
     The following table sets forth information concerning option exercises and
option holdings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 with respect to each
of the Named Executive Officers.
 
                      AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1998
                           AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                      UNDERLYING                 VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                 UNEXERCISED OPTIONS             IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
                                                     AT YEAR-END                    AT YEAR-END(1)
                                             ----------------------------    ----------------------------
                   NAME                      EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE    EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
                   ----                      -----------    -------------    -----------    -------------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>
John R. Bertucci...........................        --               --              --               --
Ronald C. Weigner..........................    75,961          110,639        $757,331       $  968,671
Joseph A. Maher, Jr. ......................    44,310          142,290         441,771        1,284,231
William D. Stewart.........................    75,961          110,639         757,331          968,671
Leo Berlinghieri...........................    75,961          110,639         757,331          968,671
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Values are based on the difference between the fair market value of the
    underlying shares at December 31, 1998 ($14.40 per share) and the exercise
    price of each option listed (between $4.43 and $6.67 per share).
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   50
 
STOCK PLANS
 
  1995 Stock Incentive Plan
 
     MKS's Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1995 Stock
Plan") provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock
options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and awards of restricted
stock and unrestricted stock. An aggregate of 3,750,000 shares of common stock
may be issued pursuant to the 1995 Stock Plan (subject to adjustment for certain
changes in MKS's capitalization). No award may be made under the 1995 Stock Plan
after November 30, 2005.
 
     The 1995 Stock Plan is administered by the Board of Directors and the
Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors has the authority to grant awards
under the 1995 Stock Plan and to accelerate, waive or amend certain provisions
of outstanding awards. The Board of Directors has authorized the Compensation
Committee to administer certain aspects of the 1995 Stock Plan and has
authorized the Chief Executive Officer of MKS to grant awards to non-executive
officer employees. The maximum number of shares represented by such awards may
not exceed 450,000 shares in the aggregate or 30,000 shares to any one employee.
 
     Incentive Stock Options and Nonstatutory Options.  Optionees receive the
right to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock at some time in
the future at an option price and subject to such terms and conditions as are
specified at the time of the grant. Incentive stock options and options that the
Board of Directors or Compensation Committee intends to qualify as
performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
may not be granted at an exercise price less than the fair market value of the
common stock on the date of grant (or less than 110% of the fair market value in
the case of incentive stock options granted to optionees holding 10% or more of
the voting stock of MKS). All other options may be granted at an exercise price
that may be less than, equal to or greater than the fair market value of the
common stock on the date of grant.
 
     Stock Appreciation Rights and Performance Shares.  A stock appreciation
right is based on the value of common stock and entitles the holder to receive
consideration to the extent that the fair market value on the date of exercise
of the shares of common stock underlying the right exceeds the fair market value
of the underlying shares on the date the right was granted. A performance share
award entitles the recipient to acquire shares of common stock upon the
attainment of specified performance goals.
 
     Restricted and Unrestricted Stock.  Restricted stock awards entitle
recipients to acquire shares of common stock, subject to the right of MKS to
repurchase all or part of such shares at their purchase price from the recipient
in the event that the conditions specified in the applicable stock award are not
satisfied prior to the end of the applicable restriction period established for
such award. MKS may also grant (or sell at a purchase price not less than 85% of
the fair market value on the date of such sale) to participants shares of common
stock free of any restrictions under the 1995 Stock Plan.
 
     All of the employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors of MKS
and its subsidiaries who are expected to contribute to MKS's future growth and
success are eligible to participate in the 1995 Stock Plan.
 
     Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code disallows a tax deduction to
public companies for certain compensation in excess of $1.0 million paid to a
company's chief executive officer or to any of the four other most highly
compensated executive officers. Certain compensation, including "performance-
based compensation," is not included in compensation subject to the $1.0 million
limitation. The 1995 Stock Plan limits to 1,350,000 the maximum number of shares
of common stock with respect to which awards may be granted to any employee in
any calendar year. This limitation is intended to preserve the tax deductions to
MKS that might otherwise be unavailable under Section 162(m) with respect to
certain awards.
 
     Prior to the date of this prospectus, MKS plans to grant options (to vest
20% after one year and 5% per quarter thereafter) to purchase approximately
350,000 shares of common stock to certain employees of MKS, at an exercise price
equal to the initial public offering price.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   51
 
  1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
     MKS's 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan") authorizes
the issuance of up to an aggregate of 450,000 shares of common stock to
participating employees. MKS will make one or more offerings to employees to
purchase common stock under the Purchase Plan. Offerings under the Purchase Plan
commence on June 1 and December 1 and terminate, respectively on November 30 and
May 31. During each offering, the maximum number of shares which may be
purchased by a participating employee is determined on the first day of this
offering period under a formula whereby 85% of the market value of a share of
common stock on the first day of this offering period is divided into an amount
equal to 10% of the employee's annualized compensation (or such lower percentage
as may be established by the Compensation Committee) for the immediately
preceding six-month period. An employee may elect to have up to 10% deducted
from his or her regular salary (or such lower percentage as may be established
by the Compensation Committee) for this purpose. The price at which an
employee's option is exercised is the lower of (1) 85% of the closing price of
the common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on the day that this offering
commences or (2) 85% of the closing price on the day that this offering
terminates.
 
     The Purchase Plan is administered by the Board of Directors and the
Compensation Committee. With certain exceptions, all eligible employees,
including directors and officers, regularly employed by MKS for at least six
months on the applicable offering commencement date are eligible to participate
in the Purchase Plan. The Purchase Plan is intended to qualify as an "employee
stock purchase plan" as defined in Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
  1997 Director Stock Option Plan
 
     MKS's 1997 Director Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Director Plan") authorizes
the issuance of up to an aggregate of 300,000 shares of common stock. The 1997
Director Plan is administered by MKS's Board of Directors. Options are granted
under the 1997 Director Plan only to directors of MKS who are not employees of
MKS. Under the 1997 Director Plan, prior to the date of this prospectus each
existing eligible director will receive an option to purchase 10,500 shares of
common stock at an exercise price equal to the initial public offering price and
future non-employee directors will receive an option to purchase 11,250 shares
of common stock upon their initial election to the Board of Directors. Each
initial option will vest over a three-year period in 12 equal quarterly
installments following the date of grant. On the date of each annual meeting of
the stockholders, options will be automatically granted to each eligible
director who has been in office for at least six months prior to the date of the
annual meeting of the stockholders. Each annual option will entitle the holder
to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock. Each annual option will become
exercisable on the day prior to the first annual meeting of stockholders
following the date of grant, or if no such meeting is held within 13 months
after the date of grant, on the 13-month anniversary of the date of grant. The
exercise price of all options granted under the 1997 Director Plan is equal to
the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Options granted
under the 1997 Director Plan terminate upon the earlier of three months after
the optionee ceases to be a director of MKS or ten years after the grant date.
In the event of a change in control of MKS, the vesting of all options then
outstanding would be accelerated in full and any restrictions on exercising
outstanding options would terminate.
 
     The Company's 1996 Director Stock Option Plan, under which options have
been granted to, and may still be exercised by, four non-employee directors of
MKS, has been terminated. See "-- Director Compensation."
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   52
 
  Employment Agreements
 
     MKS entered into an employment agreement with each of Messrs. Stewart,
Maher, Berlinghieri and Weigner.
 
   
     Each agreement sets a base salary for each employee which is reviewed
annually. In addition to a base salary, each employee is entitled, under MKS's
Management Incentive Program, to a bonus equal to a percentage of his base
salary if MKS attains specified financial goals during the year. Each employee
is also entitled to standard benefits including:
    
 
   
     - participation in a profit sharing and retirement savings plan
    
 
   
     - vacation days
    
 
   
     - life insurance
    
 
   
     - medical/dental insurance
    
 
   
     The remaining provisions of each agreement are also substantially the same.
    
 
     The term of employment for each is from month to month with termination:
 
     - upon the death of the employee
 
     - at the election of MKS if the employee fails or refuses to perform
 
     - at the election of MKS if the employee commits any acts not in MKS's best
       interest
 
     Payment by MKS upon termination depends on how employment is terminated:
 
     - if employment is terminated after the expiration of a 30 day notice
       period, MKS has no further obligation for compensation
 
     - if employment is terminated by death, MKS must pay the employee's estate
       the compensation owed to him at the end of the month of his death
 
     - if employment is terminated at the election of MKS, MKS must pay the
       employee through the last day of actual employment
 
     Each of the agreements contains non-competition provisions during the term
of employment and for the period one year after termination of employment. Under
these provisions, Messrs. Stewart, Maher, Berlinghieri and Weigner may not:
 
     - engage in any competitive business or activity
 
     - for the 12 months subsequent to termination, work for, employ, become a
       partner with, or cause to be employed any employee, officer or agent of
       MKS
 
     - for the 12 months subsequent to termination, give, sell or lease any
       competitive services or goods to any customer of MKS
 
     - have any financial interest in or be a director, officer, stockholder,
       partner, employee or consultant to any competitor of MKS
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   53
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
     Mr. Chute, a director of MKS, MKS's clerk, and a co-trustee of certain of
the Bertucci Family Trusts (see "Principal Stockholders") and Mr. Thomas H.
Belknap, a co-trustee of certain of the Bertucci Family trusts, are attorneys at
the law firm of Hill & Barlow, a professional corporation. Hill & Barlow has
provided legal services to MKS during the calendar year ended December 31, 1998
for which it was compensated by MKS in the aggregate amount of $183,000.
 
     Mr. Stewart, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Vacuum
Products, is the general partner of Aspen Industrial Park Partnership. On
October 12, 1989, MKS entered into a lease with Aspen, which has been
periodically extended, for certain facilities occupied by MKS's Vacuum Products
group in Boulder, Colorado. MKS currently pays Aspen approximately $350,000
annually to lease such facilities.
 
     MKS has been treated as an S corporation for federal income tax purposes
since July 1, 1987. As a result, MKS currently pays no federal, and certain
state, income tax and all of the earnings of MKS are subject to federal, and
certain state, income taxation directly at the stockholder level. MKS's S
corporation status will terminate upon the closing of this offering, at which
time MKS will become subject to corporate income taxation under Subchapter C of
the Internal Revenue Code. In 1997 and 1998, MKS distributed $12.4 million and
$6.2 million, respectively, of undistributed S corporation earnings to its
stockholders. As soon as practicable following the closing of this offering, MKS
intends to make a distribution to the holders of record on the day prior to the
closing of this offering in an amount equivalent to the accumulated adjustments
account. As of December 31, 1998, the outstanding balance of the accumulated
adjustments account was approximately $35.9 million and such balance is expected
to increase in the period from January 1, 1999 through the closing of this
offering. See "S Corporation and Termination of S Corporation Status."
 
     MKS believes that the transactions listed above were made on terms no less
favorable to the Company than could have been obtained from unaffiliated third
parties. Commencing on the effective date of this offering, all future
transactions between MKS and its officers, directors or other affiliates must
(1) be approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors and a
majority of the disinterested members of the Board; and (2) be on terms no less
favorable to MKS than could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   54
 
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of MKS's common stock as of December 31, 1998, and as adjusted to
reflect the sale of shares offered hereby, by (1) each of the directors of MKS,
(2) each of the Named Executive Officers, (3) each person known to MKS to own
beneficially more than 5% of MKS's common stock and (4) all directors and
executive officers as a group.
 
     Unless otherwise indicated, each person named in the table has sole voting
power and investment power or shares such power with his or her spouse with
respect to all shares of capital stock listed as owned by such person.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and includes voting or investment power with
respect to the securities. The number of shares of common stock outstanding used
in calculating the percentage for each listed person includes any shares the
individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of December 31, 1998.
 
     All of the shares being offered by the selling stockholders are owned by
trusts for the benefit of Mr. Bertucci and members of his family.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SHARES                              SHARES
                                               BENEFICIALLY OWNED      NUMBER      BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                PRIOR TO OFFERING        OF          AFTER OFFERING
                                              ---------------------    SHARES     ---------------------
          NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER              NUMBER      PERCENT    OFFERED      NUMBER      PERCENT
          ------------------------            ----------    -------    -------    ----------    -------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
John R. Bertucci............................  17,261,915(1)  95.6%     500,000    16,761,915     69.7%
Ronald C. Weigner...........................      82,291(2)     *           --        82,291        *
John J. Sullivan............................     614,010(3)   3.4           --       614,010      2.6
Joseph A. Maher, Jr.........................      44,310(2)     *           --        44,310        *
William D. Stewart..........................      82,291(2)     *           --        82,291        *
Leo Berlinghieri............................      82,291(2)     *           --        82,291        *
Richard S. Chute............................   2,766,852(4)  15.3      300,000     2,466,852     10.3
Owen W. Robbins.............................       8,027(2)     *           --         8,027        *
Robert J. Therrien..........................       8,027(2)     *           --         8,027        *
Louis P. Valente............................       8,027(2)     *           --         8,027        *
Thomas H. Belknap...........................   2,331,902(5)  12.9      200,000     2,131,902      8.9
All executive officers and directors as a
  group.....................................  18,199,216     99.0%     500,000    17,699,216     72.6%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 *  Less than 1% of outstanding common stock.
 
(1) Includes 6,046,208 shares held directly by Mr. Bertucci, 6,124,980 shares
    held directly by Mr. Bertucci's wife, and 5,090,727 shares held by Bertucci
    family trusts for which either Mr. or Mrs. Bertucci serves as a co-trustee.
 
(2) Comprised solely of options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 1998.
 
(3) Includes 316,500 shares held in a grantor retained annuity trust.
 
(4) Includes 2,758,825 shares held by certain of the Bertucci family trusts for
    which Mr. Chute serves as a co-trustee and 8,027 shares subject to options
    held by Mr. Chute exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 1998.
 
(5) Represents shares held by certain of the Bertucci family trusts for which
Mr. Belknap serves as a
     co-trustee.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   55
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The authorized capital stock of MKS will consist of 50,000,000 shares of
common stock, no par value per share, and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$.01 par value per share, after giving effect to the amendment and restatement
of MKS's Restated Articles of Organization which will be filed with the
Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts prior to the closing of
this offering.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     As of December 31, 1998, there were 18,053,167 shares of common stock
outstanding and held of record by twenty-three stockholders.
 
     Upon the closing of this offering, all holders of common stock shall be
entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of
stockholders and will not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, holders of
a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of
directors may elect all of the directors standing for election. Holders of
common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor,
subject to any preferential dividend rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of MKS, the holders of common
stock are entitled to receive ratably the net assets of MKS available after the
payment of all debts and other liabilities, subject to the prior rights of any
outstanding preferred stock. Holders of the common stock have no preemptive,
subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The outstanding shares of common
stock are, and the shares offered by MKS in this offering made by this
prospectus will be, when issued and paid for, fully paid and nonassessable. The
rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to,
and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any
series of preferred stock that MKS may designate and issue in the future. There
are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Articles of Organization authorize the Board of Directors, subject to
certain limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval,
from time to time to issue up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of preferred
stock in one or more series and to fix or alter the designations, preferences
and rights, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the
shares of each such series, including the number of shares constituting any such
series and the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting
rights, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption
price or prices and liquidation preferences thereof. The issuance of preferred
stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in
control of MKS. MKS has no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
 
MASSACHUSETTS LAW AND CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MKS'S RESTATED ARTICLES OF
ORGANIZATION AND BY-LAWS
 
     MKS intends to amend and restate its By-Laws prior to the closing of this
offering. The By-Laws will include a provision excluding MKS from the
applicability of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110D, entitled "Regulation
of Control Share Acquisitions." In general, this statute provides that any
stockholder of a corporation subject to this statute who acquires 20% or more of
the outstanding voting stock of a corporation may not vote such stock unless the
stockholders of the corporation so authorize. The Board of Directors will be
able to amend the By-Laws at any time to subject MKS to this statute
prospectively.
 
     Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 156B, Section 50A generally requires
that publicly-held Massachusetts corporations have a classified board of
directors consisting of three classes as nearly equal in size as possible,
unless the corporation elects to opt out of the statute's coverage. The By-Laws
will contain provisions which give effect to Section 50A.
 
     The By-Laws will require that nominations for the Board of Directors made
by a stockholder of a planned nomination must be given not less than 30 and not
more than 90 days prior to a scheduled meeting, provided that if less than 40
days' notice is given of the date of the meeting, a stockholder will
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   56
 
have ten days within which to give such notice. The stockholder's notice of
nomination must include particular information about the stockholder, the
nominee and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made. MKS may
require any proposed nominee to provide such additional information as is
reasonably required to determine the eligibility of the proposed nominee.
 
     The By-Laws will also require that a stockholder seeking to have any
business conducted at a meeting of stockholders give notice to MKS not less than
60 and not more than 90 days prior to the scheduled meeting, provided in certain
circumstances that a ten-day notice rule applies. The notice from the
stockholder will be required to describe the proposed business to be brought
before the meeting and include information about the stockholder making the
proposal, any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made, and any
other stockholder known to be supporting the proposal. The By-Laws will require
MKS to call a special stockholders meeting at the request of stockholders
holding at least 40% of the voting power of MKS.
 
     The Articles of Organization will provide that the directors and officers
of MKS shall be indemnified by MKS to the fullest extent authorized by
Massachusetts law, as it now exists or may in the future be amended, against all
expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred in connection with service for or
on behalf of MKS. In addition, the Articles of Organization will provide that
the directors of MKS will not be personally liable for monetary damages to MKS
for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, unless they violated their
duty of loyalty to MKS or its stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or
intentionally violated the law, which could include securities laws, authorized
illegal dividends or redemptions or derived an improper personal benefit from
their action as directors.
 
     The Articles of Organization will provide that any amendment to the
Articles of Organization, the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially
all of MKS's property and assets, or the merger or consolidation of MKS into or
with any corporation may be authorized by the approval of the holders of a
majority of the shares of each class of stock entitled to vote thereon, rather
than by two-thirds as otherwise provided by statute, provided that the
transactions have been authorized by a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors and the requirements of any other applicable provisions of the
Articles of Organization have been met.
 
     The Articles of Organization will contain a provision excluding MKS from
the applicability of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110F, entitled "Business
Combinations with Interested Shareholders." In general, Chapter 110F places
limitations on a Massachusetts corporation's ability to engage in business
combinations with certain stockholders for a period of three years, unless the
corporation elects to opt out of the statute's coverage by including such a
provision in its Articles of Organization.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
     The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the common stock is BankBoston, N.A.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   57
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the securities
of MKS. Upon completion of this offering, based upon the number of shares
outstanding at December 31, 1998, there will be        shares of common stock of
MKS outstanding assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment
option, and no options are exercised. Of these shares, the 6,500,000 shares sold
in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act, except that any shares purchased by
"affiliates" of MKS, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities
Act, may generally only be sold in compliance with the limitations of Rule 144
described below.
 
SALES OF RESTRICTED SHARES
 
     The outstanding shares of common stock not sold in this offering will be
deemed "restricted securities" under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Of these
shares, 17,553,165 are subject to 180-day lock-up agreements with the
representatives. Upon expiration of the lock-up agreements 180 days after the
date of this prospectus, all such shares will be available for sale in the
public market, subject to the provisions of Rule 144.
 
     Stockholders who are parties to the lock-up agreement have agreed that for
a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, they will not sell,
offer, contract or grant any option to sell, pledge, transfer, establish an open
put equivalent position or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock, any
options to purchase shares of common stock or any shares convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of common stock, owned directly by such persons or with
respect to which they have the power of disposition, without the prior written
consent of NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC.
 
     In general, under Rule 144, beginning 90 days after the effective date of
this prospectus, a stockholder who has beneficially owned his or her restricted
securities for at least one year will be entitled to sell, within any
three-month period, a limited number of such shares. The number of shares may
not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of common stock or
the average weekly trading volume in the common stock during the four preceding
calendar weeks. In addition, under Rule 144(k), if a period of at least two
years has elapsed since the date restricted securities were acquired from MKS, a
stockholder who is not an affiliate of MKS at the time of sale and has not been
an affiliate of MKS for at least three months prior to the sale will be entitled
to sell the shares immediately without restriction.
 
     Securities issued in reliance on Rule 701, such as shares of common stock
acquired upon exercise of certain options granted under MKS's stock plans, are
also restricted and, beginning 90 days after the effective date of this
prospectus, may be sold by stockholders other than affiliates of MKS subject
only to the manner of sale provisions of Rule 144 and by affiliates under Rule
144 without compliance with its one-year holding period requirement.
 
OPTIONS
 
     As of December 31, 1998 there were options outstanding to purchase an
aggregate of 2,132,575 shares of MKS's common stock, of which options to
purchase an aggregate of 804,701 shares were exercisable. Of these, 802,009
shares were subject to lock-up agreements. The option to purchase the remaining
2,692 shares has since expired. MKS intends to file registration statements on
Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares of common stock
issuable under each of the 1995 Stock Plan, Purchase Plan, the 1997 Director
Plan and the 1996 Director Stock Option Plan promptly following the consummation
of this offering. Shares issued pursuant to such plans shall be, after the
effective date of the Form S-8 registration statements, eligible for resale in
the public market without restriction, subject to Rule 144 limitations
applicable to affiliates and the lock-up agreements noted above, if applicable.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   58
 
   
                                  UNDERWRITING
    
 
   
     MKS is offering the shares of common stock described in this prospectus
through a number of underwriters. NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC,
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and Lehman Brothers Inc. are
the representatives of the underwriters. MKS and the selling stockholders have
entered into an underwriting agreement with the representatives. Subject to the
terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, MKS and the selling
stockholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and the underwriters have
each agreed to purchase, the number of shares of common stock listed next to its
name in the following table.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NUMBER OF
                        UNDERWRITER                            SHARES
                        -----------                           ---------
<S>                                                           <C>
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC.......................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.........
Lehman Brothers Inc. .......................................
                                                              ---------
          Total.............................................  6,500,000
                                                              =========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The underwriters initially will offer shares to the public at the price
specified on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters may allow to
some dealers a concession of not more than $      per share. The underwriters
also may allow, and any other dealers may reallow, a concession of not more than
$
per share to some other dealers. If all the shares are not sold at the initial
public offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the
other selling terms. The common stock is offered subject to a number of
conditions, including:
    
 
   
     - receipt and acceptance of our common stock by the underwriters
    
 
   
     - the right to reject orders in whole or in part
    
 
   
     MKS has granted an option to the underwriters to buy up to 975,000
additional shares of common stock. These additional shares would cover sales of
shares by the underwriters which exceed the number of shares specified in the
table above. The underwriters have 30 days to exercise this option. If the
underwriters exercise this option, they will each purchase additional shares
approximately in proportion to the amounts specified in the table above.
    
 
   
     MKS and all holders of its stock prior to this offering, as well as most
holders of stock options, have entered into lock-up agreements with the
underwriters. Under those agreements, MKS and those holders of stock and options
may not dispose of or hedge any MKS common stock or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for shares of MKS common stock. These restrictions will be in
effect for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. At any time
and without notice, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC may, in its sole
discretion, release all or some of the securities from these lock-up agreements.
    
 
   
     MKS and the selling stockholders will indemnify the underwriters against
some liabilities, including some liabilities under the Securities Act. If MKS is
unable to provide this indemnification, MKS and the selling stockholders will
contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of
those liabilities.
    
 
   
     In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell
shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include:
    
 
   
     - short sales
    
 
   
     - stabilizing transactions
    
 
   
     - purchases to cover positions created by short sales
    
 
   
     Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of
shares than they are required to purchase in this offering. Stabilizing
transactions consist of bids or purchases made for the purpose of
    
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   59
 
   
preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock while
this offering is in progress.
    
 
   
     The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This means that if the
representatives purchase shares in the open market in stabilizing transactions
or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that
sold those shares as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount
received by them.
    
 
   
     The underwriters may engage in activities that stabilize, maintain or
otherwise affect the price of the common stock, including:
    
 
   
     - over-allotment
    
 
   
     - stabilization
    
 
   
     - syndicate covering transactions
    
 
   
     - imposition of penalty bids
    
 
   
     As a result of these activities, the price of the common stock may be
higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the
underwriters commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time.
The underwriters may carry out these transactions on the Nasdaq National Market,
in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
    
 
   
     The underwriters do not expect sales to discretionary accounts to exceed 5%
of the total number of shares of common stock offered by this prospectus.
    
 
   
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the common
stock of MKS. The initial public offering price will be negotiated among MKS,
the selling stockholders and the underwriters. Among the factors to be
considered in such negotiations are:
    
 
   
     - the history of, and prospects for, MKS and the industry in which it
       competes
    
 
   
     - the past and present financial performance of MKS
    
 
   
     - an assessment of MKS's management
    
 
   
     - the present state of MKS's development
    
 
   
     - the prospects for future earnings of MKS
    
 
   
     - the prevailing market conditions of the applicable U.S. securities market
at the time of this offering
    
 
   
     - market valuations of publicly traded companies that MKS and the
       representatives believe to be comparable to MKS
    
 
   
     - other factors deemed relevant
    
 
   
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
    
 
     The validity of the common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for MKS
by Hale and Dorr LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. Certain legal matters in connection
with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Ropes & Gray,
Boston, Massachusetts.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of MKS Instruments, Inc. at December 31,
1997 and 1998 and the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998
included in this prospectus have been included herein in reliance on the report
of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given upon the authority
of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   60
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     MKS has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a registration
statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the common stock
offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration
statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration
statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. For further information
with respect to MKS and the common stock offered hereby, reference is made to
the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the
contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement are not necessarily complete, and in each instance
reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by
such reference. The registration statement (and all amendments, exhibits and
schedules thereto) may be inspected without charge at the principal office of
the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. and copies of all or
any part of which may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Judiciary Plaza, Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Securities and
Exchange Commission's regional offices located at Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and 7 World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can also
be obtained at prescribed rates by mail from the Public Reference Section of the
Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a website
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
     MKS intends to distribute to its stockholders annual reports containing
audited consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   61
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Report of Independent Accountants...........................  F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and
  1998......................................................  F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended
  December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998.........................  F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the
  Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998.............  F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
  December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998.........................  F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   62
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
  MKS Instruments, Inc.:
 
     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MKS Instruments,
Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1998 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
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 audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which 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,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
 
                                            PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
January 22, 1999, except for the
information in the first and second
paragraph of Note 13 as to which the date
is January 28, 1999 and February 24, 1999,
respectively
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   63
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                                            DECEMBER 31,    ----------------------
                                                                1997        ACTUAL      PRO FORMA
                                                            ------------    -------    -----------
                                                                                        (NOTE 2)
                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>        <C>
                                              ASSETS
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents............................    $  2,511      $11,188      $11,188
     Marketable equity securities.........................         614          538          538
     Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for
       doubtful accounts of $610 and $656 at December 31,
       1997 and 1998, respectively........................      32,439       20,674       20,674
     Inventories..........................................      29,963       24,464       24,464
     Deferred tax asset...................................         682          698          698
     Other current assets.................................       1,670          971          971
                                                              --------      -------      -------
          Total current assets............................      67,879       58,533       58,533
     Property, plant and equipment, net...................      33,976       32,725       32,725
     Other assets.........................................       4,681        4,974        4,974
                                                              --------      -------      -------
          Total assets....................................    $106,536      $96,232      $96,232
                                                              ========      =======      =======
 
                               LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
     Short-term borrowings................................    $ 10,721      $ 9,687      $ 9,687
     Current portion of long-term debt....................       2,070        2,058        2,058
     Current portion of capital lease obligations.........       1,061        1,074        1,074
     Accounts payable.....................................       7,433        3,677        3,677
     Accrued compensation.................................       7,501        3,985        3,985
     Other accrued expenses...............................       6,883        5,280        5,280
     Income taxes payable.................................       1,889        1,279        1,279
     Distribution payable.................................          --           --       35,926
                                                              --------      -------      -------
          Total current liabilities.......................      37,558       27,040       62,966
Long-term debt............................................      13,748       12,042       12,042
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations............       1,876        1,744        1,744
Deferred tax liability....................................         133          117          117
Other liabilities.........................................         373          463          463
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders' equity:
     Common Stock, Class A, no par value; 11,250,000
       shares authorized, 7,766,910 issued and
       outstanding........................................          40           40           40
     Common Stock, Class B (non voting) no par value;
       18,750,000 shares authorized; 10,286,255 and
       10,286,257 shares issued and outstanding at
       December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively...........          73           73           73
     Additional paid-in capital...........................          48           48           48
     Retained earnings....................................      51,443       52,479       16,553
     Accumulated other comprehensive income...............       1,244        2,186        2,186
                                                              --------      -------      -------
          Total stockholders' equity......................      52,848       54,826       18,900
                                                              --------      -------      -------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......    $106,536      $96,232      $96,232
                                                              ========      =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   64
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              --------------------------------
                                                                1996        1997        1998
                                                              --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales...................................................  $170,862    $188,080    $139,763
Cost of sales...............................................   102,008     107,606      83,784
                                                              --------    --------    --------
Gross profit................................................    68,854      80,474      55,979
Research and development....................................    14,195      14,673      12,137
Selling, general and administrative.........................    37,191      41,838      34,707
Restructuring...............................................     1,400          --          --
                                                              --------    --------    --------
Income from operations......................................    16,068      23,963       9,135
Interest expense............................................     2,378       2,132       1,483
Interest income.............................................        92         271         296
Other income (expense), net.................................      (479)        166         187
                                                              --------    --------    --------
Income before income taxes..................................    13,303      22,268       8,135
Provision for income taxes..................................       800       1,978         949
                                                              --------    --------    --------
Net income..................................................  $ 12,503    $ 20,290    $  7,186
                                                              ========    ========    ========
 
Historical net income per share:
     Basic..................................................  $   0.69    $   1.12    $   0.40
                                                              ========    ========    ========
     Diluted................................................  $   0.69    $   1.10    $   0.38
                                                              ========    ========    ========
Historical weighted average common shares outstanding:
     Basic..................................................    18,053      18,053      18,053
                                                              ========    ========    ========
     Diluted................................................    18,053      18,388      18,720
                                                              ========    ========    ========
Pro forma data (unaudited):
     Historical income before income taxes..................  $ 13,303    $ 22,268    $  8,135
     Pro forma provision for income taxes assuming C
       corporation tax......................................     5,055       8,462       3,091
                                                              --------    --------    --------
     Pro forma net income...................................  $  8,248    $ 13,806    $  5,044
                                                              ========    ========    ========
Pro forma net income per share:
     Basic..................................................  $   0.46    $   0.76    $   0.25
                                                              ========    ========    ========
     Diluted................................................  $   0.46    $   0.76    $   0.24
                                                              ========    ========    ========
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding:
     Basic..................................................    18,053      18,053      20,295
                                                              ========    ========    ========
     Diluted................................................    18,053      18,262      20,780
                                                              ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   65
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    COMMON STOCK
                                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                           CLASS A               CLASS B         ADDITIONAL
                                                      ------------------   -------------------    PAID-IN     RETAINED
                                                       SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT    CAPITAL     EARNINGS
                                                      ---------   ------   ----------   ------   ----------   --------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995.......................   7,766,910    $40     10,286,255    $73        $48       $45,550
Distributions to stockholders......................                                                           (14,500)
Comprehensive income:
    Net income.....................................                                                            12,503
    Other comprehensive income:
    Foreign currency translation adjustment........
    Unrealized loss on investments.................
    Comprehensive income...........................
                                                      ---------    ---     ----------    ---        ---       -------
Balance at December 31, 1996.......................   7,766,910     40     10,286,255     73         48        43,553
Distributions to stockholders......................                                                           (12,400)
Comprehensive income:
    Net income.....................................                                                            20,290
    Other comprehensive income:
    Foreign currency translation adjustment........
    Unrealized gain on investments.................
    Comprehensive income...........................
                                                      ---------    ---     ----------    ---        ---       -------
Balance at December 31, 1997.......................   7,766,910     40     10,286,255     73         48        51,443
Distributions to stockholders......................                                                            (6,150)
Issuance of common stock...........................                                 2
Comprehensive income:
    Net income.....................................                                                             7,186
    Other comprehensive income:
    Foreign currency translation adjustment........
    Unrealized loss on investments.................
    Comprehensive income...........................
                                                      ---------    ---     ----------    ---        ---       -------
Balance at December 31, 1998.......................   7,766,910    $40     10,286,257    $73        $48       $52,479
                                                      =========    ===     ==========    ===        ===       =======
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                      ACCUMULATED
                                                         OTHER                           TOTAL
                                                     COMPREHENSIVE   COMPREHENSIVE   STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                        INCOME          INCOME          EQUITY
                                                     -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995.......................     $2,681                         $ 48,392
Distributions to stockholders......................                                     (14,500)
Comprehensive income:
    Net income.....................................                     $12,503          12,503
    Other comprehensive income:
    Foreign currency translation adjustment........       (766)            (766)           (766)
    Unrealized loss on investments.................       (131)            (131)           (131)
                                                                        -------
    Comprehensive income...........................                     $11,606
                                                        ------          =======        --------
Balance at December 31, 1996.......................      1,784                           45,498
Distributions to stockholders......................                                     (12,400)
Comprehensive income:
    Net income.....................................                      20,290          20,290
    Other comprehensive income:
    Foreign currency translation adjustment........       (786)            (786)           (786)
    Unrealized gain on investments.................        246              246             246
                                                                        -------
    Comprehensive income...........................                     $19,750
                                                        ------          =======        --------
Balance at December 31, 1997.......................      1,244                           52,848
Distributions to stockholders......................                                      (6,150)
Issuance of common stock...........................
Comprehensive income:
    Net income.....................................                       7,186           7,186
    Other comprehensive income:
    Foreign currency translation adjustment........        992              992             992
    Unrealized loss on investments.................        (50)             (50)            (50)
                                                                        -------
    Comprehensive income...........................                     $ 8,128
                                                        ------          =======        --------
Balance at December 31, 1998.......................     $2,186                         $ 54,826
                                                        ======                         ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   66
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------------
                                                                1996       1997       1998
                                                              --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income.............................................  $ 12,503   $ 20,290   $  7,186
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
       provided by operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization of property, plant, and
          equipment.........................................     5,920      5,712      6,242
       Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment....        --        552         48
       Deferred taxes.......................................      (277)      (145)       (32)
       Provision for doubtful accounts......................       (20)       258        253
       Forward exchange contract loss (gain) realized.......       302        132     (1,211)
       Stock option compensation............................        --         95         --
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
          (Increase) decrease in trade accounts
            receivable......................................     6,119    (12,509)    12,908
          (Increase) decrease in inventories................     4,145     (5,930)     6,479
          (Increase) decrease in other current assets.......     3,239     (1,261)       554
          Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation.......      (220)     2,386     (3,516)
          Increase (decrease) in other accrued expenses.....    (1,520)     3,312     (1,602)
          Increase (decrease) in accounts payable...........    (4,221)     2,638     (3,682)
          Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable.......       331      1,283       (647)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
     Net cash provided by operating activities..............    26,301     16,813     22,980
                                                              --------   --------   --------
     Cash flows from investing activities:
       Purchases of property, plant and equipment...........    (9,417)    (3,269)    (3,137)
       Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
          equipment.........................................        --        203         60
       Increase in other assets.............................      (443)      (123)      (270)
       Cash received (used) to settle forward exchange
          contracts.........................................      (302)      (132)     1,211
                                                              --------   --------   --------
     Net cash used in investing activities..................   (10,162)    (3,321)    (2,136)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
     Cash flows from financing activities:
       Net (payments) borrowings on demand notes payable....       224     (1,875)        --
       Proceeds from short-term borrowings..................    11,025     24,110     15,242
       Payments on short-term borrowings....................    (9,628)   (22,938)   (17,569)
       Proceeds from long-term debt.........................       400         --         --
       Principal payments on long-term debt.................    (2,093)    (2,217)    (2,057)
       Cash distributions to stockholders...................   (14,500)   (12,400)    (6,150)
       Principal payments under capital lease obligations...      (982)      (870)    (1,257)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
     Net cash used in financing activities..................   (15,554)   (16,190)   (11,791)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
     Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
       equivalents..........................................      (420)     1,394       (376)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
     Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.......       165     (1,304)     8,677
     Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.......     3,650      3,815      2,511
                                                              --------   --------   --------
     Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.............  $  3,815   $  2,511   $ 11,188
                                                              ========   ========   ========
     Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
       Cash paid during the period for:
          Interest..........................................  $  2,363   $  2,030   $  1,526
                                                              ========   ========   ========
          Income taxes......................................  $    770   $  1,078   $  1,608
                                                              ========   ========   ========
       Noncash transactions during the period:
          Equipment acquired under capital leases...........  $  2,074   $    145   $  1,138
                                                              ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   67
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS:
 
     MKS Instruments, Inc. (the "Company") is a worldwide developer,
manufacturer, and supplier of instruments and components that are used to
measure, control and analyze gases in semiconductor manufacturing and similar
industrial manufacturing processes. The Company's products include pressure and
flow measurement and control instruments; vacuum gauges, valves and components;
and gas analysis instruments. The Company is subject to risks common to
companies in the semiconductor industry including, but not limited to, the
highly cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry leading to recurring
periods of over supply, development by the Company or its competitors of new
technological innovations, dependence on key personnel and the protection of
proprietary technology.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company has reflected the
approximately 77.5% owned foreign subsidiaries as wholly-owned subsidiaries
pursuant to common control accounting. Upon the closing of this offering for
which these financial statements are being prepared, the shares of the foreign
subsidiaries owned directly by the ultimate stockholders will be contributed to
the Company.
 
PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET PRESENTATION (UNAUDITED)
 
     The Company intends to distribute the balance of its accumulated and
undistributed S corporation earnings from the proceeds of this offering for
which this registration statement is being prepared. The unaudited pro forma
balance sheet has been prepared assuming an estimated $35,926,000 distribution
was payable as of December 31, 1998. The remaining balance in retained earnings
represents accumulated earnings prior to the Company converting from a C
corporation to an S corporation in 1987, accumulated income in overseas
subsidiaries and differences between book and tax accumulated income.
 
   
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA (UNAUDITED) NET INCOME PER SHARE
    
 
     The Company computes basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 ("SFAS 128") "Earnings
per Share." SFAS 128 requires both basic earnings per share, which is based on
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, and diluted earnings
per share, which is based on the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding and all dilutive potential common equivalent shares outstanding. The
dilutive effect of options is determined under the treasury stock method using
the average market price for the period. Common equivalent shares are included
in the per share calculations where the effect of their inclusion would be
dilutive.
 
   
     Historical net income per share is not meaningful based upon the Company's
planned conversion from an S corporation to a C corporation upon the closing of
this offering for which these financial statements have been prepared.
Historical net income has been adjusted for the pro forma provision for income
taxes calculated assuming the Company was subject to income taxation as a C
corporation, at a pro forma tax rate of 38.0%. In accordance with a regulation
of the Securities and Exchange Commission, pro forma net income per share has
been presented for the year ended December 31, 1998 to reflect the effect of the
assumed issuance of 2,242,272 shares of common stock of the Company necessary to
be sold at the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price in order
to fund the intended distribution of the accumulated and undistributed S
corporation earnings as of January 1, 1998.
    
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   68
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
     The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted pro forma and
historical net income per share:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1996                     1997                     1998
                                        ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------
                                        PRO FORMA   HISTORICAL   PRO FORMA   HISTORICAL   PRO FORMA   HISTORICAL
                                        ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
Net income............................   $ 8,248     $12,503      $13,806     $20,290      $ 5,044     $ 7,186
Shares used in net income per common
  share -- basic......................    18,053      18,053       18,053      18,053       20,295      18,053
Effect of dilutive securities:
     Employee and director stock
       options........................        --          --          209         335          485         667
                                         -------     -------      -------     -------      -------     -------
Shares used in net income per common
  share -- diluted....................    18,053      18,053       18,262      18,388       20,780      18,720
                                         =======     =======      =======     =======      =======     =======
Net income per common share --
  basic...............................   $  0.46     $  0.69      $  0.76     $  1.12      $  0.25     $  0.40
                                         =======     =======      =======     =======      =======     =======
Net income per common share --
  diluted.............................   $  0.46     $  0.69      $  0.76     $  1.10      $  0.24     $  0.38
                                         =======     =======      =======     =======      =======     =======
</TABLE>
    
 
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
 
     The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the
applicable local currency. For those subsidiaries, assets and liabilities are
translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense
accounts are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing for the year.
The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other
comprehensive income in consolidated stockholders' equity.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
     The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment. The Company accrues for
anticipated returns and warranty costs upon shipment.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or
less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash
equivalents consist of money market instruments.
 
INVESTMENTS
 
     The appropriate classification of investments in debt and equity securities
is determined at the time of purchase. Debt securities that the Company has both
the intent and ability to hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost. Debt
securities that the Company does not have the intent and ability to hold to
maturity or equity securities are classified either as "available-for-sale" or
as "trading" and are carried at fair value. Marketable equity securities are
carried at fair value and classified either as available-for-sale or trading.
Unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale are
included in accumulated other comprehensive income in consolidated stockholders'
equity. Unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as trading are
reported in earnings.
 
INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
on the first-in, first-out method.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   69
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Equipment acquired under
capital leases is recorded at the present value of the minimum lease payments
required during the lease period. Expenditures for major renewals and
betterments that extend the useful lives of property, plant and equipment are
capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related
accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain
or loss is recognized in earnings.
 
     Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of 20 years for buildings and three to five years for machinery and
equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease
term or the estimated useful life of the lease.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
     Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
     In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" which provides guidance on the
accounting for the costs of software developed or obtained for internal use. SOP
98-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The
Company does not expect the SOP 98-1 to have a material impact on its financial
position or results of operations.
 
     In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 requires that all derivative
instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the
fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other
comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of
a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. The statement
is effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after June
15, 1999. The Company has not yet determined the impact that the adoption SFAS
No. 133 will have on its financial position or results of operations.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
RECLASSIFICATION OF PRIOR YEAR BALANCES
 
     Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated
financial statements to conform to the current presentation.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   70
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
3.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT:
 
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK MANAGEMENT
 
     The Company uses forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased
options in an effort to reduce its exposure to currency fluctuations on future
U.S. dollar cash flows derived from foreign currency denominated sales
associated with the intercompany purchases of inventory. The Company has entered
into forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased options to hedge a
portion of its probable anticipated, but not firmly committed transactions. The
anticipated transactions whose risks are being hedged are the intercompany
purchases of inventory by the foreign subsidiaries from the U.S. parent for
resale in their local currency. The time period of the anticipated transactions
that are hedged generally approximate one year. The Company has also used
forward exchange contracts to hedge firm commitments. Market value gains and
losses on forward exchange contracts are recognized immediately in earnings
unless a firm commitment exists. Market value gains and premiums on local
currency purchased options on probable anticipated transactions and market value
gains and losses on forward exchange contracts hedging firm commitments are
recognized when the hedged transaction occurs. These contracts, which relate
primarily to Japanese and European currencies generally have terms of twelve
months or less. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial
instruments for trading purposes.
 
     Realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward exchange contracts and
local currency purchased options that qualify for hedge accounting are
recognized in earnings in the same period as the underlying hedged item.
Realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward exchange contracts and local
currency purchased option contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting are
recognized immediately in earnings. Forward exchange contracts receive hedge
accounting on firmly committed transactions when they are designated as a hedge
of the designated currency exposure and are effective in minimizing such
exposure. Options receive hedge accounting on probable anticipated transactions
when they are designated as a hedge of the currency exposure and are effective
in minimizing such exposure. The cash flows resulting from forward exchange
contracts and local currency purchased options that qualify for hedge accounting
are classified in the statement of cash flows as part of cash flows from
operating activities. Cash flows resulting from forward exchange contracts and
local currency purchased options that do not qualify for hedge accounting are
classified in the statement of cash flows as investing activities.
 
     Forward exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling none, $9,800,000,
and $8,000,000 to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars, were outstanding
at December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively. Of such forward exchange
contracts $6,900,000 and $7,800,000 to exchange Japanese yen for U.S. dollars,
were outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively. The forward
exchange contracts with notional amounts outstanding at December 31, 1998
totaling $8,000,000 do not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly are
marked to market and recognized immediately in earnings. Local currency
purchased options with notional amounts totaling $3,722,000, $12,738,000, and
$10,221,000 to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars were outstanding at
December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively.
 
     Foreign exchange losses of $479,000, foreign exchange gains of $1,166,000
and foreign exchange losses of $168,000 on forward exchange contracts that did
not qualify for hedge accounting were recognized in earnings during 1996, 1997
and 1998, respectively, and are classified in Other income (expense), net. Gains
on forward exchange contracts that qualify for hedge accounting of $978,000 were
deferred and classified in other accrued expenses at December 31, 1996. Gains on
local currency purchased options deferred at December 31, 1996 that qualify for
hedge accounting of $200,000 were deferred in other accrued expenses. Gains on
forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased options that qualify
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   71
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
for hedge accounting are classified in cost of goods sold and totaled
$2,476,000, $1,178,000, and $310,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1997, and 1998, respectively.
 
     The fair value of forward exchange contracts at December 31, 1998,
determined by applying period end currency exchange rates to the notional
contract amounts, amounted to a loss of $349,000. The fair values of local
currency purchased options at December 31, 1997 and 1998 which were obtained
through dealer quotes were immaterial.
 
     The Company recorded a foreign exchange translation loss on intercompany
payables of $1,000,000 and a foreign exchange translation gain on intercompany
payables of $1,000,000 in Other income (expense), net in 1997 and 1998,
respectively. Foreign exchange translation gains and losses from unhedged
intercompany balances were not material in 1996.
 
     The market risk exposure from forward exchange contracts is assessed in
light of the underlying currency exposures and is controlled by the initiation
of additional or offsetting foreign currency contracts. The market risk exposure
from options is limited to the cost of such investments. Credit risk exposure
from forward exchange contracts and local currency purchased options are
minimized as these instruments are contracted with a major financial
institution. The Company monitors the credit worthiness of this financial
institution and full performance is anticipated.
 
INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT
 
     The Company utilizes an interest rate swap to fix the interest rate on
certain variable rate term loans in order to minimize the effect of changes in
interest rates on earnings. In 1998, the Company entered into a four-year
interest rate swap agreement on a declining notional amount basis which
coincides with the scheduled principal payments with a major financial
institution for the notional amount of $10,528,000 equal to the term loans
described in Note 6. Under the agreement, the Company pays a fixed rate of 5.85%
on the notional amount and receives LIBOR. The interest differential payable or
accruable on the swap agreement is recognized on an accrual basis as an
adjustment to interest expense. The criteria used to apply hedge accounting for
this interest rate swap is based upon management designating the swap as a hedge
against the variable rate debt combined with the terms of the swap matching the
underlying debt including the notional amount, the timing of the interest reset
dates, the indices used and the paydates. At December 31, 1998, the fair value
of this interest rate swap, which represents the amount the Company would
receive or pay to terminate the agreement, is a net payable of $151,000, based
on dealer quotes. The variable rate received on the swap at December 31, 1998
was 5.5%.
 
     The market risk exposure from the interest rate swap is assessed in light
of the underlying interest rate exposures. Credit risk exposure from the swap is
minimized as the agreement is with a major financial institution. The Company
monitors the credit worthiness of this financial institution and full
performance is anticipated.
 
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
     The Company's significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally
of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company
maintains cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions including the
bank it has borrowings with. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade
accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of geographically
dispersed customers. Credit is extended for all customers based on financial
condition and collateral is not required.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   72
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The fair value of the term loans, including the current portion,
approximates its carrying value given its variable rate interest provisions. The
fair value of mortgage notes is based on borrowing rates for similar instruments
and approximates its carrying value. For all other balance sheet financial
instruments, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short
period to maturity of these instruments.
 
4.  INVENTORIES:
 
     Inventories consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ------------------
                                                              1997       1998
                                                             -------    -------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
Raw material...............................................  $ 9,981    $ 7,544
Work in process............................................    7,241      5,718
Finished goods.............................................   12,741     11,202
                                                             -------    -------
                                                             $29,963    $24,464
                                                             =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
5.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
 
     Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ------------------
                                                              1997       1998
                                                             -------    -------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
Land.......................................................  $ 8,350    $ 8,834
Buildings..................................................   26,241     26,020
Machinery and equipment....................................   24,861     27,394
Furniture and fixtures.....................................    9,697     10,578
Leasehold improvements.....................................      882      1,814
                                                             -------    -------
                                                              70,031     74,640
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization............   36,055     41,915
                                                             -------    -------
                                                             $33,976    $32,725
                                                             =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
6.  DEBT:
 
CREDIT AGREEMENTS AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
 
     In February 1996, the Company entered into loan agreements with two banks,
which provide access to a revolving credit facility. These agreements have since
been amended. The revolving credit facility, as amended, provides for
uncollateralized borrowings up to $30,000,000, which expires on December 31,
1999. Interest on borrowings is payable quarterly at either the banks' base rate
or the LIBOR Rate, as defined in the agreement, at the Company's option. At
December 31, 1997 and 1998, the Company had no borrowings under this revolving
credit facility.
 
     Additionally, certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have lines of
credit and short-term borrowing arrangements with various financial institutions
which provide for aggregate borrowings as of December 31, 1998 of up to
$15,003,000, which generally expire and are renewed at six month intervals. At
December 31, 1997 and 1998, total borrowings outstanding under these
arrangements were $10,721,000, and $9,687,000, respectively, at interest rates
ranging from 1.3% to 1.6%, and 1.3% to 1.7%, respectively. Foreign short-term
borrowings are generally collateralized by certain trade accounts receivable and
are guaranteed by a domestic bank.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   73
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                               1997      1998
                                                              -------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Term loans..................................................  $12,194   $10,528
Mortgage notes..............................................    3,624     3,572
                                                              -------   -------
Total long-term debt........................................   15,818    14,100
Less: current portion.......................................    2,070     2,058
                                                              -------   -------
Long-term debt less current portion.........................  $13,748   $12,042
                                                              =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     On November 1, 1993, the Company entered into a term loan agreement with a
bank, which provided for borrowings of $10,000,000. Principal payments are
payable in equal monthly installments of $56,000 through October 1, 2000, with
the remaining principal payment due on November 1, 2000. The loan is
collateralized by certain land, buildings, and equipment. Interest is payable
monthly at either the bank's base rate, at a rate based on the long-term funds
rate, or at the LIBOR Rate, as defined in the agreement, at the Company's
option.
 
     On October 31, 1995, the Company also entered into a term loan agreement
with the same bank, which provided additional uncollateralized borrowings of
$7,000,000. Principal payments are payable in equal monthly installments of
$83,000 through June 1, 2002, with the remaining principal payment due on June
30, 2002. Interest is payable monthly at either the bank's base rate or at the
LIBOR Rate, as defined in the agreement, at the Company's option.
 
     At December 31, 1997 and 1998, the interest rates in effect for the term
loan borrowings were 6.975% and 7.131%, respectively.
 
     The terms of the revolving credit facility and term loan agreements, as
amended, contain, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining certain
levels of tangible net worth and other financial ratios. The agreement also
contains restrictions with respect to acquisitions. Under the most restrictive
covenant, the operating cash flow to debt service ratio for a fiscal quarter
shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.0. In the event of default of these covenants
or restrictions, any obligation then outstanding under the loan agreement shall
become payable upon demand by the bank. See Note 13 for subsequent event.
 
     The Company has loans outstanding from various foreign banks in the form of
mortgage notes at interest rates ranging from 2.0% to 6.2%. Principal and
interest are payable in monthly installments through 2010. The loans are
collateralized by mortgages on certain of the Company's foreign properties.
 
     Aggregate maturities of long-term debt over the next five years are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                AGGREGATE
                  YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,                      MATURITIES
                  ------------------------                      ----------
<S>                                                             <C>
     1999...................................................     $ 2,058
     2000...................................................       7,343
     2001...................................................       1,405
     2002...................................................       1,329
     2003...................................................         422
     Thereafter.............................................       1,543
                                                                 -------
                                                                 $14,100
                                                                 =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   74
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
7.  LEASE COMMITMENTS:
 
     The Company leases certain of its facilities and machinery and equipment
under capital and operating leases expiring in various years through 2002 and
thereafter. Generally, the facility leases require the Company to pay
maintenance, insurance and real estate taxes. Rental expense under operating
leases totaled $2,487,000, $2,478,000, and $2,388,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively.
 
     Minimum lease payments under operating and capital leases are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           CAPITAL
                                                                  OPERATING LEASES         LEASES
                                                              ------------------------    ---------
                  YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,                    REAL ESTATE    EQUIPMENT    EQUIPMENT
                  ------------------------                    -----------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>          <C>
     1999...................................................    $1,484         $437        $1,202
     2000...................................................       882          251           974
     2001...................................................       660          130           537
     2002...................................................       153           36           333
     2003...................................................        84           13           116
     Thereafter.............................................        51           42            --
                                                                ------         ----        ------
Total minimum lease payments................................    $3,314         $909        $3,162
                                                                ======         ====        ======
Less: amounts representing interest.........................                                  344
                                                                                           ------
Present value of minimum lease payments.....................                                2,818
Less: current portion.......................................                                1,074
                                                                                           ------
Long-term portion...........................................                               $1,744
                                                                                           ======
</TABLE>
 
8.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     The Company has two classes of common stock. Stockholders of Class A common
stock are entitled to voting rights with one vote for each share of common
stock. Stockholders of Class B common stock are not entitled to voting rights.
 
     Upon the closing of this offering for which this Registration Statement is
being prepared each outstanding share of Class A and Class B common stock of the
Company will be converted into an aggregate of 18,053,167 shares of common
stock.
 
STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
     On January 9, 1998, the stockholders of the Company approved the following:
(1) an increase in the number of shares that may be granted under the 1995 Stock
Incentive Plan to 3,750,000 shares of common stock; (2) the adoption of the 1997
Director Stock Option Plan pursuant to which options may be granted to purchase
up to an aggregate of 300,000 shares of common stock; (3) the adoption of the
1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan pursuant to which the Company may issue up to
an aggregate of 450,000 shares of common stock; and (4) that 3,750,000 shares,
300,000 shares, and 450,000 shares of common stock be reserved for issuance
under the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1997 Director Stock Option Plan, and
the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, respectively.
 
     The Company grants options to employees under the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "Plan") and to directors under the 1996 Director Stock Option Plan (the
"Director Plan").
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   75
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
     At December 31, 1998 options to purchase 1,651,793 shares of the Company's
common stock were reserved for issuance under the Plan. At December 31, 1998,
under the Director Plan, options to purchase 28,932 shares of common stock were
reserved for issuance. Stock options are granted at 100% of the fair value of
the Company's common stock as determined by the Board of Directors on the date
of grant. In reaching the determination of fair value at the time of each grant,
the Board of Directors considered a range of factors, including the Company's
current financial position, its recent revenues, results of operations and cash
flows, its assessment of the Company's competitive position in its markets and
prospects for the future, the status of the Company's product development and
marketing efforts, current valuations for comparable companies and the
illiquidity of an investment in the Company's common stock. Generally, stock
options under the Plan vest 20% after one year and 5% per quarter thereafter,
and expire 10 years after the grant date. Under the Director Plan, the options
granted in 1996 vest over three years and options granted in 1997 and later vest
at the earlier of (1) the next annual meeting, (2) 13 months from date of grant
or (3) the effective date of an acquisition as defined in the Director Plan.
 
     The following table presents the activity for options under the Plan.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEAR ENDED             YEAR ENDED             YEAR ENDED
                                        DECEMBER 31, 1996     DECEMBER 31, 1997       DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                       -------------------   --------------------   ---------------------
                                                  WEIGHTED               WEIGHTED                WEIGHTED
                                                  AVERAGE                AVERAGE                 AVERAGE
                                                  EXERCISE               EXERCISE                EXERCISE
                                       OPTIONS     PRICE      OPTIONS     PRICE      OPTIONS      PRICE
                                       --------   --------   ---------   --------   ----------   --------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
Outstanding -- beginning of period...   608,270    $11.06      810,442    $4.43      1,564,449    $4.50
Granted..............................   810,442      4.43      785,657     4.57        629,969     6.80
Exercised............................        --        --           --       --             (2)    4.43
Forfeited or Expired.................  (608,270)    11.06      (31,650)    4.43        (96,209)    4.43
                                       --------    ------    ---------    -----     ----------    -----
Outstanding -- end of period.........   810,442    $ 4.43    1,564,449    $4.50      2,098,207    $5.20
Exercisable at end of period.........   114,782    $ 4.43      476,451    $4.43        778,473    $4.46
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1998, Plan options included 1,436,588, 566,669, and 94,950
shares outstanding at exercise prices of $4.43, $6.67, and $8.00 per share. The
weighted average remaining contractual life of these options was 8.2 years.
 
     During 1996, 27,128 options were granted at an exercise price of $4.43 per
share under the Director Plan and were outstanding at December 31, 1996. Of
these options, 4,524 were exercisable at December 31, 1996. During 1997, options
for 3,620 shares were granted under the Director Plan at an exercise price of
$4.43 per share. Of these options, 30,748 were outstanding with 13,564
exercisable at the $4.43 per share price at December 31, 1997. During 1998,
options for 3,620 shares were granted under the Director Plan at an exercise
price of $8.00 per share. Of these options, 34,368 were outstanding with 26,228
exercisable at the $4.43 per share price at December 31, 1998.
 
     The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123), "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation." The Company has chosen to continue to account for
stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" and related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock
options is measured as the excess, if any, of the fair value of the Company's
stock at the date of grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the
stock.
 
     The disclosures required under SFAS No. 123 have been omitted as they are
not meaningful based upon the Company's planned conversion from an S corporation
to a C corporation upon the closing of this offering for which these financial
statements are being prepared. Had the fair value based method prescribed in
SFAS No. 123 been used to account for stock-based compensation cost, there would
have
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   76
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
been no change in pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share from
that reported based on the following assumptions: dividend yield of 8%, risk
free interest rate of 5.44% and an expected life of 8 years.
 
9.  INCOME TAXES:
 
     The Company has elected to be taxed as an S corporation for federal and
certain states income tax purposes and, as a result, is not subject to Federal
taxation but is subject to state taxation on income in certain states. The
stockholders are liable for individual Federal and certain state income taxes on
their allocated portions of the Company's taxable income.
 
     The components of income before income taxes and the historical related
provision for income taxes consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         ----------------------------
                                                          1996       1997       1998
                                                         -------    -------    ------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Income before income taxes:
  United States........................................  $11,953    $21,858    $6,169
  Foreign..............................................    1,350        410     1,966
                                                         -------    -------    ------
                                                          13,303     22,268     8,135
Current taxes:
  State................................................      285      1,331       197
  Foreign..............................................      792        792       784
                                                         -------    -------    ------
                                                           1,077      2,123       981
                                                         -------    -------    ------
Deferred taxes:
  State................................................     (156)       (72)      (39)
  Foreign..............................................     (121)       (73)        7
                                                         -------    -------    ------
                                                            (277)      (145)      (32)
                                                         -------    -------    ------
Provision for income taxes.............................  $   800    $ 1,978    $  949
                                                         =======    =======    ======
</TABLE>
 
     As the Company is not subject to Federal income taxes, a reconciliation of
the effective tax rate to the Federal statutory rate is not meaningful.
 
     At December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998 the components of the deferred tax
asset and deferred tax liability were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ------------------------
                                                           1996      1997      1998
                                                           ----      ----      ----
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>       <C>
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
  Inventories............................................  $234      $344      $265
  Intercompany profits...................................   160       214       152
  Compensation...........................................    72        77       127
  Investment booked under the equity method..............   (28)      (41)      (59)
  Other..................................................   (34)      (45)       96
                                                           ----      ----      ----
          Total..........................................  $404      $549      $581
                                                           ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   77
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
10.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
 
     The Company has a 401(k) profit-sharing plan for U.S. employees meeting
certain requirements in which eligible employees may contribute from 1% up to
12% of their compensation. The Company, at its discretion, may provide a
matching contribution which will generally match up to the first 2% of each
participant's compensation, plus 25% of the next 4% of compensation. At the
discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company may also make additional
contributions for the benefit of all eligible employees. The Company's
contributions are generally paid annually, and were $2,170,000 and $2,500,000
for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997. Approximately $1,400,000 has
been accrued as the estimated Company contribution for the year ended December
31, 1998 and is included in accrued compensation.
 
     The Company maintains a bonus plan which provides cash awards to key
employees, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors, based upon operating results and employee performance. Bonus expense
to key employees was none, $1,425,000, and none for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively.
 
11.  RESTRUCTURING:
 
     In 1996, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $1,400,000,
primarily related to reduction of personnel and the closure of facilities in
Phoenix, AZ and San Jose, CA. These charges include $425,000 of severance pay,
$710,000 of lease commitments, and $265,000 for the write-off of leasehold
improvements. The facilities closure concluded during 1997. The remaining
balance of approximately $126,000 for lease commitments is included in Other
accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheet at December 31, 1998.
 
12.  GEOGRAPHIC FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER:
 
     See Note 1 for a brief description of the Company's business. The Company
is organized around two similar product lines domestically and by geographic
locations internationally and has three reportable segments: North America, Far
East, and Europe. Net sales to unaffiliated customers are based on the location
in which the sale originated. Transfers between geographic areas are at
negotiated transfer prices and have been eliminated from consolidated net sales.
Income from operations consists of total net sales less operating expenses and
does not include either interest income, interest expense or income taxes. The
Company had one customer comprising 15%, 22% and 16% of net sales for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively. This data is presented in
accordance with SFAS 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information," which the Company has retroactively adopted for all
periods presented.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   78
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  (TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                        ------------------------------------------------
                                        NORTH AMERICA    FAR EAST    EUROPE      TOTAL
                                        -------------    --------    -------    --------
<S>                                     <C>              <C>         <C>        <C>
Net sales to unaffiliated customers...    $ 95,607       $23,902     $20,254    $139,763
Intersegment net sales................      26,657           290       1,015      27,962
Depreciation and amortization.........       5,627           210         405       6,242
Income from operations................       6,319         1,298       1,518       9,135
Segment assets........................      65,560        20,768       9,904      96,232
Long-lived assets.....................      28,960         5,655       3,084      37,699
Capital expenditures..................       2,635           179         323       3,137
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                         -----------------------------------------------
 
Net sales to unaffiliated customers...    $138,186       $31,559     $18,335    $188,080
Intersegment net sales................      35,429           225         749      36,403
Depreciation and amortization.........       5,096           259         357       5,712
Income from operations................      22,847           886         230      23,963
Segment assets........................      77,302        19,906       9,328     106,536
Long-lived assets.....................      30,738         4,904       3,015      38,657
Capital expenditures..................       2,899           128         242       3,269
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                         -----------------------------------------------
 
Net sales to unaffiliated customers...    $121,061       $31,066     $18,735    $170,862
Intersegment net sales................      34,100           199       1,426      35,725
Depreciation and amortization.........       5,145           388         387       5,920
Income from operations................      14,534           653         881      16,068
Segment assets........................      66,593        18,524       9,883      95,000
Long-lived assets.....................      33,402         5,554       3,551      42,507
Capital expenditures..................       8,332           208         877       9,417
</TABLE>
 
     Included in North America are the United States and Canada. Net sales to
unaffiliated customers from the United States were $119,423,000, $136,653,000
and $94,449,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively. Long-lived assets within the United States amounted to
$33,315,000, $30,667,000 and $28,902,000 at December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998,
respectively.
 
     Included in the Far East are Japan, Korea and Singapore. Included in Europe
are Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Net sales to unaffiliated customers
from Japan were $28,242,000, $28,184,000 and $21,153,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Long-lived assets within Japan
amounted to $5,141,000, $4,792,000 and $5,431,000 at December 31, 1996, 1997 and
1998, respectively.
 
13.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
 
     On January 28, 1999, the Company amended its revolving credit facility and
its term loan agreements described in Note 6. The amendments include revised
quarterly cash flow to debt service ratios. The most restrictive covenant is the
cash flow to debt service ratio of 1.25 to 1.0 in the fourth quarter of 1999 and
thereafter.
 
     On February 24, 1999 the Company effected a 3-for-2 stock split, in the
form of a stock dividend of its common stock and increased the number of
authorized shares of common stock to 30,000,000. Accordingly, all share data has
been restated to reflect the common stock split.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   79
 
                      [This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
<PAGE>   80
 
                      [This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
<PAGE>   81
INSIDE BACK COVER (PG.5):

The inside back cover graphically depicts MKS's message of being a worldwide
provider of process control solutions. It is produced in four-color process. In
the center of the page is a photo of the Earth, with the tag line "Providing
Solutions Around the Process, Around the World" wrapping around the photo. The
word "Solutions" is highlighted with slightly larger type size. The background
of the page is dark, with the MKS logo appearing at the top right, knocking out
to white. Photos of MKS's products surround the photo of the Earth and include
MKS Baratron Capacitance Manometers, a Throttling Poppet Valve, a Pressure
Controller, Mass Flow Controllers, an In-Situ Flow Verifier, a Direct Liquid
Injection Subsystem and a Residual Gas Analyzer.


<PAGE>   82
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                6,500,000 SHARES
 
                                      LOGO
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                            ------------------------
                                   Prospectus
                                          , 1999
                            ------------------------
 
                     NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
 
                          Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
 
                                Lehman Brothers
 
     Until             , 1999 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all
dealers effecting transactions in the common stock, whether or not participating
in this distribution, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in
addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as
underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   83
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     Estimated expenses payable in connection with the sale of the common stock
offered hereby are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
SEC Registration Fee........................................  $ 35,327
NASD Filing Fee.............................................  $ 12,708
Printing, Engraving and Mailing Expenses....................  $120,000
Nasdaq Listing Fee..........................................  $ 95,000
Legal Fees and Expenses.....................................  $150,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................  $150,000
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses..................................  $  7,500
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees...........................  $ 10,000
Miscellaneous...............................................  $ 19,465
                                                              --------
          Total.............................................  $600,000
                                                              ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
     The Company will bear all expenses shown above.
 
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Section 67 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General Laws provides that
a corporation may indemnify its directors and officers to the extent specified
in or authorized by (1) the articles of organization; (2) a by-law adopted by
the stockholders; or (3) a vote adopted by the holders of a majority of the
shares of stock entitled to vote on the election of directors. In all instances,
the extent to which a corporation provides indemnification to its directors and
officers under Section 67 is optional. In its Amended and Restated Articles of
Organization (the "Articles of Organization"), the Registrant has elected to
commit to provide indemnification to its directors and officers in specified
circumstances. Generally, Article 6 of the Registrant's Articles of Organization
provides that the Registrant shall indemnify directors and officers of the
Registrant against liabilities and expenses arising out of legal proceedings
brought against them by reason of their status as directors or officers or by
reason of their agreeing to serve, at the request of the Registrant, as a
director or officer with another organization. Under this provision, a director
or officer of the Registrant shall be indemnified by the Registrant for all
costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, liabilities and
amounts paid in settlement of such proceedings, even if he is not successful on
the merits, if he acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action
was in the best interests of the Registrant. The Board of Directors may
authorize advancing litigation expenses to a director or officer at his request
upon receipt of an undertaking by any such director of officer to repay such
expenses if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to
indemnification for such expenses.
 
     Article 6 of the Registrant's Articles of Organization eliminates the
personal liability of the Registrant's directors to the Registrant or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of a director's fiduciary duty,
except to the extent Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General Laws prohibits
the elimination or limitation of such liability.
 
     The Underwriting Agreement, a form of which is filed at Exhibit 1.1 to this
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), provides that
the underwriters are obligated under certain circumstances to indemnify
directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"). Reference is made to the form of Underwriting Agreement.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   84
 
     The Company has obtained directors and officers liability insurance for the
benefit of its directors and certain of its officers.
 
ITEM 15.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
     In the three years preceding the filing of this Registration Statement, the
Registrant sold 2 shares of its common stock for total proceeds of $6.64 to an
employee. The registrant awarded options to purchase 837,570 shares of common
stock at a weighted average exercise price of $4.43 per share and 789,277 shares
of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $4.57 per share, in 1996
and 1997, respectively, to employees and directors of the Company.
 
     In 1998, the registrant awarded options to purchase shares of common stock
to employees and directors of the Company on the dates, in the amounts, and at
the exercise price set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NUMBER OF        EXERCISE PRICE
DATE                                                          OPTIONS           PER SHARE
- ----                                                     -----------------    --------------
<S>                                                      <C>                  <C>
January 9, 1998........................................         3,620             $8.00
January 26, 1998.......................................        31,650             $8.00
March 31, 1998.........................................        31,650             $8.00
July 9, 1998...........................................       450,000             $6.67
November 10, 1998......................................       116,669             $6.67
</TABLE>
 
     The grant of options were exempt from registration under the Securities Act
by virtue of the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act or Rule 701
thereunder.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
     (a) Exhibits:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EX. NO.                           DESCRIPTION
  -------                           -----------
  <C>       <S>
     1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement
    +3.1    Restated Articles of Organization, as amended
    +3.2    Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Organization
    +3.3    By-Laws, as amended
    +3.4    Form of Amended and Restated By-Laws
    +4.1    Specimen certificate representing the common stock
     5.1    Opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP
   +10.1    Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Incentive Plan
   +10.2    1996 Amended and Restated 1996 Director Stock Option Plan
   +10.3    1997 Director Stock Option Plan
   +10.4    1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
   +10.5    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
            December 15, 1995 between Leo Berlinghieri and the
            Registrant
   +10.6    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
            December 15, 1995 between John J. Sullivan and the
            Registrant
   +10.7    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
            December 15, 1995 between Ronald C. Weigner and the
            Registrant
   +10.8    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
            December 15, 1995 between William D. Stewart and the
            Registrant
   +10.9    Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 1995, as last amended
            January 28, 1999, by and between the First National Bank of
            Boston and the Registrant
  +10.10    Lease Agreement dated as of October 12, 1989, as extended
            November 1, 1998, by and between Aspen Industrial Park
            Partnership and the Registrant
  +10.11    Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993, as last amended
            January 28, 1999, between the First National Bank of Boston
            and the Registrant
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   85
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EX. NO.                           DESCRIPTION
  -------                           -----------
  <C>       <S>
  +10.12    Lease dated as of September 21, 1995 by and between General
            American Life Insurance Company and the Registrant
  +10.13    Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1996, as last
            amended January 28, 1999, between BankBoston, N.A., Chemical
            Bank and the Registrant
  +10.14    Revolving Credit Note ($8,000,000) dated February 23, 1996
            between Chemical Bank, The First National Bank of Boston and
            the Registrant
  +10.15    Revolving Credit Note ($12,000,000) dated February 23, 1996
            between Chemical Bank, The First National Bank of Boston and
            the Registrant
  +10.16    Promissory Note dated as of August 1990 between Jefferson
            National Life Insurance Company and the Registrant
  **10.17   Comprehensive Supplier Agreement #982812 dated October 23,
            1998 by and between Applied Materials, Inc. and the
            Registrant
  **10.18   Management Incentive Program
  +10.19    Lease dated as of December 21, 1989, as last amended
            December 1996, between Walpole Park South II Trust and the
            Registrant
  +10.20    Lease dated as of January 1, 1996 between MiFuji Kanzai Co.
            Ltd. and the Registrant (covering Floor 5)
  +10.21    Lease dated as of April 21, 1997 between MiFuji Kanzai Co.
            Ltd. and the Registrant (covering Floors 1 and 2)
  +10.22    Split-Dollar Agreement dated as of September 12, 1991
            between the Registrant, John R. Bertucci and Claire R.
            Bertucci and Richard S. Chute, Trustees of the John R.
            Bertucci Insurance Trust of January 10, 1986
  +10.23    Split-Dollar Agreement dated as of September 12, 1991
            between the Registrant, John R. Bertucci and John R.
            Bertucci and Thomas H. Belknap, Trustees of the Claire R.
            Bertucci Insurance Trust of January 10, 1986
  *10.24    Form of Tax Indemnification and S Corporation Distribution
            Agreement
  +10.25    Employment Agreement dated March 7, 1997 between Joseph
            Maher and the Registrant
   10.26    Form of Contribution Agreement
   +21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant
    23.1    Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
    23.2    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
     +24    Power of Attorney (included on Page II-5)
     +27    Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 * To be filed by amendment.
** Confidential materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
 + Previously filed.
 
     (b) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
 
     Report of Independent Accountants on Schedule II -- Valuation and
Qualifying Accounts
 
     Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer and controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the questions whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   86
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
     (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of a
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of
prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
     (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offer
therein, and this offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby further undertakes to provide to the
underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements,
certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by
the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   87
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this amendment to the Registration Statement (File No.
333-71363) to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on this 15th
day of March, 1999.
    
 
                                          MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
   
                                          By:      /s/ MARK G. BORDEN
    
                                            ------------------------------------
   
                                                       MARK G. BORDEN
    
   
                                                      ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
    
   
    
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    SIGNATURES                                      TITLE                     DATE
                    ----------                                      -----                     ----
<C>                                                   <S>                                <C>
 
               /s/ JOHN R. BERTUCCI*                  Chairman of the Board of           March 15, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------   Directors, President and Chief
                 JOHN R. BERTUCCI                     Executive Officer (Principal
                                                      Executive Officer)
 
              /s/ RONALD C. WEIGNER*                  Vice President and Chief           March 15, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------   Financial Officer (Principal
                 RONALD C. WEIGNER                    Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
               /s/ RICHARD S. CHUTE*                  Director                           March 15, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 RICHARD S. CHUTE
 
               /s/ OWEN W. ROBBINS*                   Director                           March 15, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
                  OWEN W. ROBBINS
 
              /s/ ROBERT J. THERRIEN*                 Director                           March 15, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
                ROBERT J. THERRIEN
 
               /s/ LOUIS P. VALENTE*                  Director                           March 15, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 LOUIS P. VALENTE
 
*By: /s/ MARK G. BORDEN
- --------------------------------------------------
     MARK G. BORDEN
     ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   88
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
  of MKS Instruments, Inc.:
 
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report
dated January 22, 1999, except for the information in the first and second
paragraph of Note 13 as to which the date is January 28, 1999 and February 24,
1999, respectively, of MKS Instruments, Inc. also included an audit of the
consolidated financial statement schedule listed in Item 16(b) herein. In our
opinion, this consolidated financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction
with the related consolidated financial statements.
 
                                            PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
January 22, 1999
 
                                       S-1
<PAGE>   89
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
 
                             MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
 
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                BALANCE
                                                        BALANCE AT   PROVISION                  AT END
                                                        BEGINNING    CHARGED TO    ACCOUNTS       OF
                                                        OF PERIOD     EXPENSE     WRITTEN OFF   PERIOD
                                                        ----------   ----------   -----------   -------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.....................     $542          (20)          40        $482
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.....................     $482          258          130        $610
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.....................     $610          253          207        $656
</TABLE>
 
                                       S-2
<PAGE>   90
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SEQUENTIALLY
                                                                            NUMBERED
EX. NO.                           DESCRIPTION                                 PAGE
- -------                           -----------                             ------------
<C>       <S>                                                             <C>
   1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement
  +3.1    Restated Articles of Organization, as amended
  +3.2    Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Organization
  +3.3    By-Laws, as amended
  +3.4    Form of Amended and Restated By-Laws
  +4.1    Specimen certificate representing the common stock
   5.1    Opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP
 +10.1    Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Incentive Plan
 +10.2    1996 Amended and Restated 1996 Director Stock Option Plan
 +10.3    1997 Director Stock Option Plan
 +10.4    1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 +10.5    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
          December 15, 1995 between Leo Berlinghieri and the
          Registrant
 +10.6    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
          December 15, 1995 between John J. Sullivan and the
          Registrant
 +10.7    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
          December 15, 1995 between Ronald C. Weigner and the
          Registrant
 +10.8    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
          December 15, 1995 between William D. Stewart and the
          Registrant
 +10.9    Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 1995, as last amended
          January 28, 1999, by and between the First National Bank of
          Boston and the Registrant
+10.10    Lease Agreement dated as of October 12, 1989, as extended
          November 1, 1998, by and between Aspen Industrial Park
          Partnership and the Registrant
+10.11    Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 1993, as last amended
          January 28, 1999, between the First National Bank of Boston
          and the Registrant
+10.12    Lease dated as of September 21, 1995 by and between General
          American Life Insurance Company and the Registrant
+10.13    Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1996, as last
          amended January 28, 1999, between BankBoston, N.A., Chemical
          Bank and the Registrant
+10.14    Revolving Credit Note ($8,000,000) dated February 23, 1996
          between Chemical Bank, The First National Bank of Boston and
          the Registrant
+10.15    Revolving Credit Note ($12,000,000) dated February 23, 1996
          between Chemical Bank, The First National Bank of Boston and
          the Registrant
+10.16    Promissory Note dated as of August 1990 between Jefferson
          National Life Insurance Company and the Registrant
**10.17   Comprehensive Supplier Agreement #982812 dated October 23,
          1998 by and between Applied Materials, Inc. and the
          Registrant
**10.18   Management Incentive Program
+10.19    Lease dated as of December 21, 1989, as last amended
          December 1996, between Walpole Park South II Trust and the
          Registrant
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   91
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SEQUENTIALLY
                                                                            NUMBERED
EX. NO.                           DESCRIPTION                                 PAGE
- -------                           -----------                             ------------
<C>       <S>                                                             <C>
+10.20    Lease dated as of January 1, 1996 between MiFuji Kanzai Co.
          Ltd. and the Registrant (covering Floor 5)
+10.21    Lease dated as of April 21, 1997 between MiFuji Kanzai Co.
          Ltd. and the Registrant (covering Floors 1 and 2)
+10.22    Split-Dollar Agreement dated as of September 12, 1991
          between the Registrant, John R. Bertucci and Claire R.
          Bertucci and Richard S. Chute, Trustees of the John R.
          Bertucci Insurance Trust of January 10, 1986
+10.23    Split-Dollar Agreement dated as of September 12, 1991
          between the Registrant, John R. Bertucci and John R.
          Bertucci and Thomas H. Belknap, Trustees of the Claire R.
          Bertucci Insurance Trust of January 10, 1986
*10.24    Form of Tax Indemnification and S Corporation Distribution
          Agreement
+10.25    Employment Agreement dated March 7, 1997 between Joseph
          Maher and the Registrant
 10.26    Form of Contribution Agreement
 +21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant
  23.1    Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
  23.2    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
   +24    Power of Attorney (included on Page II-5)
   +27    Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 * To be filed by amendment.
** Confidential materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
 + Previously filed.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 1.1



                      NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
                           FORM UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
                            Draft of January 26, 1999
                                [Execution Copy]



                                6,500,000 Shares



                              MKS Instruments, Inc.



                                  Common Stock



                             Underwriting Agreement

                              dated March __, 1999



<PAGE>   2


                                6,500,000 Shares

                              MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                  Common Stock

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT


                                                               March ___, 1999

NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION
LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
600 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California  94111

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Introductory. MKS Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the
"Company), proposes to issue and sell to the several underwriters named in
Schedule A (the "Underwriters") an aggregate of 6,000,000 shares of its Common
Stock, no par value per share (the "Common Stock") and the stockholders of the
Company named in Schedule B hereto (the "Selling Stockholders") severally
propose to sell to the Underwriters an aggregate of 500,000 shares of Common
Stock, each Selling Stockholder selling the amount set forth opposite such
Selling Stockholder's name in Schedule B (the aggregate of 6,500,000 shares to
be sold by the Company and the Selling Stockholders is herein called the "Firm
Common Shares"). In addition, the Company has granted to the Underwriters an
option to purchase up to an additional 975,000 shares of Common Stock (the
aggregate of additional shares to be sold by the Company is herein called the
"Optional Common Shares"), as provided in Section 2. The Firm Common Shares and,
if and to the extent such option is exercised, the Optional Common Shares are
collectively called the "Common Shares". NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
("NMS"), Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and Lehman
Brothers, Inc. have agreed to act as representatives of the several Underwriters
(in such capacity, the "Representatives") in connection with the offering and
sale of the Common Shares.

     The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No.
333-71363), which contains a form of prospectus to be used in connection with
the public offering and sale of the Common Shares. Such registration statement,
as amended, including the financial statements, exhibits and schedules thereto,
in the form in which it was declared effective by the Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
(collectively, the "Securities Act"), including any information deemed to be a
part thereof at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A or Rule 434
under the Securities Act, is called the "Registration Statement". Any
registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the
Securities Act is called the "Rule 462(b) Registration


                                        1


<PAGE>   3


Statement", and from and after the date and time of filing of the Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement the term "Registration Statement" shall include the Rule
462(b) Registration Statement. Such prospectus, in the form first used by the
Underwriters to confirm sales of the Common Shares, is called the "Prospectus";
provided, however, if the Company has, with the consent of NMS, elected to rely
upon Rule 434 under the Securities Act, the term "Prospectus" shall mean the
Company's prospectus subject to completion (each, a "preliminary prospectus")
dated [___] (such preliminary prospectus is called the "Rule 434 preliminary
prospectus"), together with the applicable term sheet (the "Term Sheet")
prepared and filed by the Company with the Commission under Rules 434 and 424(b)
under the Securities Act and all references in this Agreement to the date of the
Prospectus shall mean the date of the Term Sheet. All references in this
Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement,
a preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or the Term Sheet, or any amendments or
supplements to any of the foregoing, shall include any copy thereof filed with
the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval
System ("EDGAR").

     Each of the Company and the Selling Stockholders hereby confirms its
agreements with the Underwriters as follows:

Section 1A. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby
represents, warrants and covenants to each Underwriter as follows:

     (a) Compliance with Registration Requirements. The Registration Statement
and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement have been declared effective by the
Commission under the Securities Act. The Company has complied to the
Commission's satisfaction with all requests of the Commission for additional or
supplemental information. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement is in effect
and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to
the best knowledge of the Company, are contemplated or threatened by the
Commission.

Each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus when filed complied in all
material respects with the Securities Act and, if filed by electronic
transmission pursuant to EDGAR (except as may be permitted by Regulation S-T
under the Securities Act), was textually identical to the copy thereof delivered
to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Common
Shares. Each of the Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became
effective and at all subsequent times up to and including the Closing Date,
complied and will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and
did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading. The Prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
as of its date and at all subsequent times up to and including the Closing Date,
did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The
representations and warranties set forth in the two immediately preceding
sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration
Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or any post-effective
amendment thereto, or the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto,
made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any
Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by the Representatives expressly
for use therein. There are no contracts or other documents required to be
described in the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration
Statement which have not been described or filed as required.


                                        2


<PAGE>   4


     (b) Offering Materials Furnished to Underwriters. The Company has delivered
to the Representatives one complete manually signed copy of the Registration
Statement and of each consent and certificate of experts filed as a part
thereof, and conformed copies of the Registration Statement (without exhibits)
and preliminary prospectuses and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, in
such quantities and at such places as the Representatives have reasonably
requested for each of the Underwriters.

     (c) Distribution of Offering Material By the Company. The Company has not
distributed and will not distribute, prior to the later of the Second Closing
Date (as defined below) and the completion of the Underwriters' distribution of
the Common Shares, any offering material in connection with the offering and
sale of the Common Shares other than a preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or
the Registration Statement.

     (d) The Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by, and is a valid and binding agreement of, the Company,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnification
hereunder may be limited by applicable law and except as the enforcement hereof
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other
similar laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors or by
general equitable principles.

     (e) Authorization of the Common Shares. The Common Shares to be purchased
by the Underwriters from the Company have been duly authorized for issuance and
sale pursuant to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company
pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

     (f) No Applicable Registration or Other Similar Rights. There are no
persons with registration or other similar rights to have any equity or debt
securities registered for sale under the Registration Statement or included in
the offering contemplated by this Agreement, except for such rights as have been
duly waived.

     (g) No Material Adverse Change. Except as otherwise disclosed in the
Prospectus, subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given
in the Prospectus: (i) there has been no material adverse change, or any
development that could reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse
change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business,
operations or prospects, whether or not arising from transactions in the
ordinary course of business, of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as
one entity (any such change is called a "Material Adverse Change"); (ii) the
Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity, have not incurred any
material liability or obligation, indirect, direct or contingent, not in the
ordinary course of business nor entered into any material transaction or
agreement not in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) there has been no
dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company or,
except for dividends paid to the Company or other subsidiaries, any of its
subsidiaries on any class of capital stock or repurchase or redemption by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries of any class of capital stock.

     (h) Independent Accountants. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who have expressed
their opinion with respect to the financial statements (which term as used in
this Agreement includes the related notes thereto) filed with the Commission as
a part of the Registration Statement and included in the Prospectus, are
independent public or certified public accountants as required by the Securities
Act.

   
                                        3


<PAGE>   5







     (i) Preparation of the Financial Statements. The financial statements filed
with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included in the
Prospectus present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and
its subsidiaries as of and at the dates indicated and the results of their
operations and cash flows for the periods specified. Such financial statements
and supporting schedules have been prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the
periods involved, except as may be expressly stated in the related notes
thereto. No other financial statements or supporting schedules are required to
be included in the Registration Statement. The financial data set forth in the
Prospectus under the captions "Prospectus Summary--Summary Consolidated
Financial Data", "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and "Capitalization"
fairly present the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with that
of the audited financial statements contained in the Registration Statement.

     (j) Incorporation and Good Standing of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has been duly incorporated and is
validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation and has corporate power and authority to own,
lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Prospectus and, in the case of the Company, to enter into and perform its
obligations under this Agreement. Each of the Company and each subsidiary is
duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good
standing in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required,
whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of
business, except for such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or to be
in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a
Material Adverse Change. All of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each
subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and
nonassessable and immediately prior to the sale of the Common Shares on the
First Closing Date shall be owned by the Company, directly or through
subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien,
encumbrance or claim. The Company does not own or control, directly or
indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity other than the
subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21.1 to the Registration Statement.

     (k) Capitalization and Other Capital Stock Matters. After giving effect to
the assumptions set forth in the Prospectus, (i) the authorized, issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Company as of December 31, 1998, was as set
forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Capitalization" (other than for
subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to employee benefit plans described in
the Prospectus or upon exercise of outstanding options described in the
Prospectus), (ii) the Common Stock (including the Common Shares) conforms in all
material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus. All of
the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (including the shares of
Common Stock owned by Selling Stockholders) have been duly authorized and
validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in
compliance with federal and state securities laws. None of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock were issued in violation of any preemptive rights, rights
of first refusal or other similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities
of the Company. There are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants,
preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other rights to purchase, or
equity or debt securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for,
any capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries other than those
accurately described in the Prospectus. The description of the Company's stock
option, stock bonus and other stock plans or arrangements, and the options or
other rights granted thereunder, set forth in the Prospectus accurately and
fairly presents the information required to be shown with respect to such plans,
arrangements, options and rights.

     (l) Stock Exchange Listing. The Common Shares have been approved for
listing on the Nasdaq National Market, subject only to official notice of
issuance.


                                        4


<PAGE>   6


     (m) Non-Contravention of Existing Instruments; No Further Authorizations or
Approvals Required. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in
violation of its charter or by-laws or is in default (or, with the giving of
notice or lapse of time, would be in default) ("Default") under any indenture,
mortgage, loan or credit agreement, note, contract, franchise, lease or other
instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by
which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject (each, an "Existing
Instrument"), except for such Defaults as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change. The Company's execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and by the Prospectus (i) have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action and will not result in any violation of the
provisions of the charter or by-laws of the Company or any subsidiary, (ii) will
not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or Default under, or result in the
creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or
assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, or require the
consent of any other part to, any Existing Instrument, except for such
conflicts, breaches, Defaults, liens, charges or encumbrances as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change and (iii)
will not result in any violation of any law, administrative regulation or
administrative or court decree applicable to the Company or any subsidiary. No
consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or filing
with, any court or other governmental or regulatory authority or agency, is
required for the Company's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Prospectus,
except such as have been obtained or made by the Company and are in full force
and effect under the Securities Act, applicable state securities or blue sky
laws and from the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD").

     (n) No Material Actions or Proceedings. There are no legal or governmental
actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best of the Company's
knowledge, threatened (i) against or affecting the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, (ii) which has as the subject thereof any officer or director of,
or property owned or leased by, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (iii)
relating to environmental or discrimination matters, where in any such case (A)
there is a reasonable possibility that such action, suit or proceeding might be
determined adversely to the Company or such subsidiary and (B) any such action,
suit or proceeding, if so determined adversely, would reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Change or adversely affect the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No material labor dispute with the
employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists or, to the best of
the Company's knowledge, is threatened or imminent.

     (o) Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and its subsidiaries own or
possess sufficient trademarks, trade names, patent rights, copyrights, licenses,
approvals, trade secrets and other similar rights (collectively, "Intellectual
Property Rights") reasonably necessary to conduct their businesses as now
conducted; and the expected expiration of any of such Intellectual Property
Rights would not result in a Material Adverse Change. Neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of infringement or conflict with
asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others, which infringement or conflict,
if the subject of an unfavorable decision, would result in a Material Adverse
Change.

     (p) All Necessary Permits, etc. The Company and each subsidiary possess
such valid and current certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the
appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to
conduct their respective businesses (other than any the absence of which would
not, singly or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change, and
neither the Company nor any subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings
relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such
certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in


                                        5


<PAGE>   7


the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding,
could result in a Material Adverse Change.

     (q) Title to Properties. The Company and each of its subsidiaries has good
and marketable title to all the properties and assets reflected as owned in the
financial statements referred to in Section (i) above (or elsewhere in the
Prospectus), in each case, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, free and clear
of any security interests, mortgages, liens, encumbrances, equities, claims and
other defects, except such as do not materially and adversely affect the value
of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed
to be made of such property by the Company or such subsidiary. The real
property, improvements, equipment and personal property held under lease by the
Company or any subsidiary are held under valid and enforceable leases, with such
exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made
or proposed to be made of such real property, improvements, equipment or
personal property by the Company or such subsidiary.

     (r) Tax Law Compliance. The Company and its subsidiaries have filed all
necessary federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns or have
properly requested extensions thereof and have paid all taxes required to be
paid by any of them and, if due and payable, any related or similar assessment,
fine or penalty levied against any of them except as may be being contested in
good faith and by appropriate proceedings. The Company has made adequate
charges, accruals and reserves in the applicable financial statements referred
to in Section 1(i) above in respect of all federal, state and foreign income and
franchise taxes for all periods as to which the tax liability of the Company or
any of its subsidiaries has not been finally determined.

     (s) Company Not an "Investment Company". The Company has been advised of
the rules and requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "Investment Company Act"). The Company is not, and after receipt of payment
for the Common Shares will not be, an "investment company" within the meaning of
Investment Company Act and will conduct its business in a manner so that it will
not become subject to the Investment Company Act.

     (t) Insurance. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is insured by
recognized and reputable institutions with policies in such amounts and with
such deductibles and covering such risks as the Company has reasonably deemed
adequate and customary for their businesses including, but not limited to,
policies covering real and personal property owned or leased by the Company and
its subsidiaries against theft, damage, destruction, and acts of vandalism. The
Company has no reason to believe that it or any subsidiary will not be able (i)
to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or
(ii) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary
or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would
not result in a Material Adverse Change. Neither of the Company nor any
subsidiary has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for
which it has applied.

     (u) No Price Stabilization or Manipulation. The Company has not taken and
will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might be
reasonably expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the
price of the Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of the Common Shares.

     (v) Related Party Transactions. There are no business relationships or
related-party transactions involving the Company or any subsidiary or any other
person required to be described in the Prospectus which have not been described
as required.


                                        6


<PAGE>   8


     (w) No Unlawful Contributions or Other Payments. Neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries nor, to the best of the Company's knowledge, any
employee or agent of the Company or any subsidiary, has made any contribution or
other payment to any official of, or candidate for, any federal, state or
foreign office in violation of any law or of the character required to be
disclosed in the Prospectus.

          Any certificate signed by an officer of the Company and delivered to 
the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed to be a
representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters
set forth therein.

Section 1B. Representations and Warranties of the Selling Stockholders. Each
Selling Stockholder represents, warrants and covenants to each Underwriter as
follows:

     (a) The Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and 
delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder and is a valid and binding
agreement of such Selling Stockholder, enforceable in accordance with its terms,
except as rights to indemnification hereunder may be limited by applicable law
and except as the enforcement hereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the
rights and remedies of creditors or by general equitable principles.

     (b) The Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney. Each of the (i) Custody
Agreement signed by such Selling Stockholder and [___], as custodian (the
"Custodian"), relating to the deposit of the Common Shares to be sold by such
Selling Stockholder (the "Custody Agreement") and (ii) Power of Attorney
appointing certain individuals named therein as such Selling Stockholder's
attorneys-in-fact (each, an "Attorney-in-Fact") to the extent set forth therein
relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Prospectus (the
"Power of Attorney"), of such Selling Stockholder has been duly executed and
delivered by such Selling Stockholder and is a valid and binding agreement of
such Selling Stockholder, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as
rights to indemnification thereunder may be limited by applicable law and except
as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the
rights and remedies of creditors or by general equitable principles.

     (c) Title to Common Shares to be Sold; All Authorizations Obtained. Such
Selling Stockholder has, and on the First Closing Date and the Second Closing
Date (as defined below) will have, good and valid title to all of the Common
Shares which may be sold by such Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement
on such date and the legal right and power, and all authorizations and approvals
required by law and under its trust agreement or other organizational documents
to enter into this Agreement and its Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney, to
sell, transfer and deliver all of the Common Shares which may be sold by such
Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement and to comply with its other
obligations hereunder and thereunder.

     (d) Delivery of the Common Shares to be Sold. Delivery of the Common Shares
which are sold by such Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement will pass
good and valid title to such Common Shares, free and clear of any security
interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or other claim.


                                        7


<PAGE>   9


     (e) Non-Contravention; No Further Authorizations or Approvals Required. The
execution and delivery by such Selling Stockholder of, and the performance by
such Selling Stockholder of its obligations under, this Agreement, the Custody
Agreement and the Power of Attorney will not contravene or conflict with, result
in a breach of, or constitute a Default under, or require the consent of any
other party to, the trust agreement of such Selling Stockholder or any other
agreement or instrument to which such Selling Stockholder is a party or by which
it is bound or under which it is entitled to any right or benefit, any provision
of applicable law or any judgment, order, decree or regulation applicable to
such Selling Stockholder of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency,
governmental body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Selling
Stockholder. No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or
registration or filing with, any court or other governmental authority or
agency, is required for the consummation by such Selling Stockholder of the
transactions contemplated in this Agreement, except such as have been obtained
or made and are in full force and effect under the Securities Act, applicable
state securities or blue sky laws and from the NASD.

     (f) No Registration or Other Similar Rights. Such Selling Stockholder does
not have any registration or other similar rights to have any equity or debt
securities registered for sale by the Company under the Registration Statement
or included in the offering contemplated by this Agreement, except for such
rights as are described in the Prospectus under "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale."

     (g) No Further Consents, etc. No consent, approval or waiver is required
under any instrument or agreement to which such Selling Stockholder is a party
or by which it is bound or under which it is entitled to any right or benefit,
in connection with the offering, sale or purchase by the Underwriters of any of
the Common Shares which may be sold by such Selling Stockholder under this
Agreement or the consummation by such Selling Stockholder of any of the other
transactions contemplated hereby.

     (h) Disclosure Made by Such Selling Stockholder in the Prospectus. All
information furnished by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder in writing
expressly for use in the Registration Statement and Prospectus is, and on the
First Closing Date and the Second Closing Date will be, true, correct, and
complete in all material respects, and does not, and on the First Closing Date
and the Second Closing Date will not, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make such information not
misleading. Such Selling Stockholder confirms as accurate the number of shares
of Common Stock set forth opposite such Selling Stockholder's name in Schedule B
to this Agreement (both prior to and after giving effect to the sale of the
Common Shares).

     (i) No Price Stabilization or Manipulation. Such Selling Stockholder has
not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or
that might be reasonably expected to cause or result in stabilization or
manipulation of the price of the Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale
of the Common Shares.

     (j) Confirmation of Company Representations and Warranties. Such Selling
Stockholder has no reason to believe that the representations and warranties of
the Company contained in Section 1A hereof are not true and correct, is familiar
with the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and has no knowledge of any
material fact, condition or information not disclosed in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus which has had or may have a Material Adverse Effect
and is not prompted to sell shares of Common Stock by any information concerning
the Company which is not set forth in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus.


                                        8


<PAGE>   10


     Any certificate signed by or on behalf of any Selling Stockholder and
delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be
deemed to be a representation and warranty by such Selling Stockholder to each
Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.

Section 2. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the Common Shares.

          The Firm Common Shares. Upon the terms set forth herein, (i) the
Company agrees to issue and sell to the several Underwriters an aggregate of
6,000,000 Firm Common Shares and (ii) the Selling Stockholders agree to sell to
the several Underwriters an aggregate of 500,000 Firm Common Shares, each
Selling Stockholder selling the number of Firm Common Shares set forth opposite
such Selling Stockholder's name on Schedule B. On the basis of the
representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the terms
but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Underwriters agree,
severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company and the Selling
Stockholders the respective number of Firm Common Shares set forth opposite
their names on Schedule A. The purchase price per Firm Common Share to be paid
by the several Underwriters to the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall be
$[___] per share.

          The First Closing Date. Delivery of certificates for the Firm Common
Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and payment therefor shall be made at
the offices of NMS, 600 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California (or such
other place as may be agreed to by the Company and the Representatives) at 6:00
a.m. San Francisco time, on [___], or such other time and date not later than
10:30 a.m. San Francisco time, on [___] as the Representatives shall designate
by notice to the Company (the time and date of such closing are called the
"First Closing Date"). The Company and the Selling Stockholders hereby
acknowledge that circumstances under which the Representatives may provide
notice to postpone the First Closing Date as originally scheduled include, but
are in no way limited to, any determination by the Company, the Selling
Stockholders or the Representatives to recirculate to the public copies of an
amended or supplemented Prospectus or a delay as contemplated by the provisions
of Section 10.

          The Optional Common Shares; the Second Closing Date. In addition, on
the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained,
and upon the terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Company
hereby grants an option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally and
not jointly, up to an aggregate of 975,000 Optional Common Shares from the
Company at the purchase price per share to be paid by the Underwriters for the
Firm Common Shares. The option granted hereunder is for use by the Underwriters
solely in covering any over-allotments in connection with the sale and
distribution of the Firm Common Shares. The option granted hereunder may be
exercised at any time (but not more than once) upon notice by the
Representatives to the Company, which notice may be given at any time within 30
days from the date of this Agreement. Such notice shall set forth (i) the
aggregate number of Optional Common Shares as to which the Underwriters are
exercising the option, (ii) the names and denominations in which the
certificates for the Optional Common Shares are to be registered and (iii) the
time, date and place at which such certificates will be delivered (which time
and date may be simultaneous with, but not earlier than, the First Closing Date;
and in such case the term "First Closing Date" shall refer to the time and date
of delivery of certificates for the Firm Common Shares and the Optional Common
Shares). Such time and date of delivery, if subsequent to the First Closing
Date, is called the "Second Closing Date" and shall be determined by the
Representatives and shall not be earlier than three nor later than five full
business days after delivery of such notice of exercise. If any Optional Common
Shares are to be purchased, (a) each Underwriter


                                        9


<PAGE>   11

agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Optional Common
Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the
Representatives may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total
number of Optional Common Shares to be purchased as the number of Firm Common
Shares set forth on Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to
the total number of Firm Common Shares and (b) the Company agrees to sell the
number of Optional Common Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate
fractional shares as the Representatives may determine) that bears the same
proportion to the total number of Optional Common Shares to be sold as the
number of Optional Common Shares to be sold by the Company as set forth in the
paragraph "Introductory" of this Agreement bears to the total number of Optional
Common Shares. The Representatives may cancel the option at any time prior to
its expiration by giving written notice of such cancellation to the Company.

          Public Offering of the Common Shares. The Representatives hereby
advise the Company and the Selling Stockholders that the Underwriters intend to
offer for sale to the public, as described in the Prospectus, their respective
portions of the Common Shares as soon after this Agreement has been executed and
the Registration Statement has been declared effective as the Representatives,
in their sole judgment, have determined is advisable and practicable.

          Payment for the Common Shares. Payment for the Common Shares. Payment
for the Common Shares to be sold by the Company shall be made at the First
Closing Date (and, if applicable, at the Second Closing Date) by wire transfer
of immediately available funds to the order of the Company. Payment for the
Common Shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders shall be made at the First
Closing Date by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the order of the
Custodian.

          It is understood that the Representatives have been authorized, for
their own account and the accounts of the several Underwriters, to accept
delivery of and receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the
Firm Common Shares and any Optional Common Shares the Underwriters have agreed
to purchase. NMS, individually and not as the Representatives of the
Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment for any Common
Shares to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds shall not have been
received by the Representatives by the First Closing Date or the Second Closing
Date, as the case may be, for the account of such Underwriter, but any such
payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from any of its obligations under
this Agreement.

          Each Selling Stockholder hereby agrees that (i) it will pay all stock
transfer taxes, stamp duties and other similar taxes, if any, payable upon the
sale or delivery of the Common Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder to
the several Underwriters, or otherwise in connection with the performance of
such Selling Stockholder's obligations hereunder and (ii) the Custodian is
authorized to deduct for such payment any such amounts from the proceeds to such
Selling Stockholder hereunder and to hold such amounts for the account of such
Selling Stockholder with the Custodian under the Custody Agreement.

          Delivery of the Common Shares. The Company and the Selling
Stockholders shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Representatives for
the accounts of the several Underwriters certificates for the Firm Common Shares
to be sold by them at the First Closing Date, against the irrevocable release of
a wire transfer of immediately available funds for the amount of the purchase
price therefor. The Company shall also deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the
Representatives for the accounts of the several Underwriters, certificates for
the Optional Common Shares the Underwriters have agreed to purchase from it on
the First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be,


                                       10


<PAGE>   12


against the irrevocable release of a wire transfer of immediately available
funds for the amount of the purchase price therefor. The certificates for the
Common Shares shall be in definitive form and registered in such names and
denominations as the Representatives shall have requested at least two full
business days prior to the First Closing Date (or the Second Closing Date, as
the case may be) and shall be made available for inspection on the business day
preceding the First Closing Date (or the Second Closing Date, as the case may
be) at a location in New York City as the Representatives may designate. Time
shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and place specified in this
Agreement is a further condition to the obligations of the Underwriters.

          Delivery of Prospectus to the Underwriters. Not later than 12:00 p.m.
on the second business day following the date the Common Shares are released by
the Underwriters for sale to the public, the Company shall deliver or cause to
be delivered copies of the Prospectus in such quantities and at such places as
the Representatives shall request.

Section 3A. Additional Covenants of the Company. The Company further covenants
and agrees with each Underwriter as follows:

     (a) Representatives' Review of Proposed Amendments and Supplements. During
such period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later of the First
Closing Date or such date, as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters,
the Prospectus is no longer required by law to be delivered in connection with
sales by an Underwriter or dealer (the "Prospectus Delivery Period"), prior to
amending or supplementing the Registration Statement (including any registration
statement filed under Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act) or the Prospectus,
the Company shall furnish to the Representatives for review a copy of each such
proposed amendment or supplement, and the Company shall not file any such
proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object.

     (b) Securities Act Compliance. After the date of this Agreement, the
Company shall promptly advise the Representatives in writing (i) of the receipt
of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from,
the Commission, (ii) of the time and date of any filing of any post-effective
amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to any
preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, (iii) of the time and date that any
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective and
(iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment
thereto or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus, or of any proceedings to remove, suspend or
terminate from listing or quotation the Common Stock from any securities
exchange upon which it is listed for trading or included or designated for
quotation, or of the threatening or initiation of any proceedings for any of
such purposes. If the Commission shall enter any such stop order at any time,
the Company will use its best efforts to obtain the lifting of such order at the
earliest possible moment. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply
with the provisions of Rules 424(b), 430A and 434, as applicable, under the
Securities Act and will use its reasonable efforts to confirm that any filings
made by the Company under such Rule 424(b) were received in a timely manner by
the Commission.

     (c) Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus and Other Securities Act
Matters. If, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, any event shall occur or
condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the
Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading,
or if in the opinion of


                                       11


<PAGE>   13


the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters it is otherwise necessary to
amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with law, the Company agrees to
promptly prepare (subject to Section 3A(a) hereof), file with the Commission and
furnish at its own expense to the Underwriters and to dealers, amendments or
supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so
amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the
Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus,
as amended or supplemented, will comply with law.

     (d) Copies of any Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus. The Company
agrees to furnish the Representatives, without charge, during the Prospectus
Delivery Period, as many copies of the Prospectus and any amendments and
supplements thereto as the Representatives may request.

     (e) Blue Sky Compliance. The Company shall cooperate with the
Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters to qualify or register the
Common Shares for sale under (or obtain exemptions from the application of) the
state securities or blue sky laws or Canadian provincial Securities laws of
those jurisdictions designated by the Representatives, shall comply with such
laws and shall continue such qualifications, registrations and exemptions in
effect so long as required for the distribution of the Common Shares. The
Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to take any
action that would subject it to general service of process in any such
jurisdiction where it is not presently qualified or where it would be subject to
taxation as a foreign corporation. The Company will advise the Representatives
promptly of the suspension of the qualification or registration of (or any such
exemption relating to) the Common Shares for offering, sale or trading in any
jurisdiction or any initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose,
and in the event of the issuance of any order suspending such qualification,
registration or exemption, the Company shall use its best efforts to obtain the
withdrawal thereof at the earliest possible moment.

     (f) Use of Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the sale
of the Common Shares sold by it in the manner described under the caption "Use
of Proceeds" in the Prospectus.

     (g) Transfer Agent. The Company shall engage and maintain, at its expense,
a registrar and transfer agent for the Common Stock.

     (h) Earnings Statement. As soon as practicable, the Company will make
generally available to its security holders and to the Representatives an
earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering the twelve-month period
ending [March 31, 2000] that satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the
Securities Act.

     (i) Periodic Reporting Obligations. During the Prospectus Delivery Period
the Company shall file, on a timely basis, with the Commission and the Nasdaq
National Market all reports and documents required to be filed under the
Exchange Act.

     (j) Agreement Not To Offer or Sell Additional Securities. During the period
of 180 days following the date of the Prospectus, the Company will not, without
the prior written consent of NMS (which consent may be withheld at the sole
discretion of NMS), directly or indirectly, sell, offer, contract or grant any
option to sell, pledge, transfer or establish an open "put equivalent position"
within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act, or otherwise dispose
of or transfer, or announce the offering of, or file any registration statement
under the Securities Act in respect of, any shares of Common Stock, options or
warrants to acquire shares of the Common Stock or securities exchangeable


                                       12


<PAGE>   14


or exercisable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock (other than as
contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the Common Shares); provided,
however, that the Company may issue shares of its Common Stock or options to
purchase its Common Stock, or Common Stock upon exercise of options, pursuant to
any stock option, stock bonus or other stock plan or arrangement described in
the Prospectus, (ii) file one or more Registration Statements on Form S-8, and
(iii) issue shares in connection with any acquisition if recipients agree in
writing not to sell, offer, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such shares
during such 180 day period without the prior written consent of NMS (which
consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of the NMS).

     (k) Future Reports to the Representatives. During the period of five years
hereafter the Company will furnish to the Representatives at [600 Montgomery
Street, San Francisco, CA 94111] [9 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10022] [Two
International Place, Boston, MA 02110] Attention:[ ]: (i) as soon as practicable
after the end of each fiscal year, copies of the Annual Report of the Company
containing the balance sheet of the Company as of the close of such fiscal year
and statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then
ended and the opinion thereon of the Company's independent public or certified
public accountants; (ii) as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, copies
of each proxy statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other report filed by the Company with the
Commission, the NASD or any securities exchange; and (iii) as soon as available,
copies of any report or communication of the Company mailed generally to holders
of its capital stock.

Section 3B. Covenants of the Selling Stockholders. Each Selling Stockholder
further covenants and agrees with each Underwriter:

     (a) Agreement Not to Offer or Sell Additional Securities. Such Selling
Stockholder will not, without the prior written consent of NMS (which consent
may be withheld in its sole discretion), directly or indirectly, sell, offer,
contract or grant any option to sell (including without limitation any short
sale), pledge, transfer, establish an open "put equivalent position" within the
meaning of Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act, or otherwise dispose of any
shares of Common Stock, options or warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock,
or securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into shares of
Common Stock currently or hereafter owned either of record or beneficially (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by the
undersigned, or publicly announce the undersigned's intention to do any of the
foregoing, for a period commencing on the date hereof and continuing through the
close of trading on the date 180 days after the date of the Prospectus.

     (b) Delivery of Forms W-8 and W-9 . To deliver to the Representative prior
to the First Closing Date a properly completed and executed United States
Treasury Department Form W-8 (if the Selling Stockholder is a non-United States
person) or Form W-9 (if the Selling Stockholder is a United States Person).

Section 4. Payment of Expenses. The Company agrees to pay all costs, fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its obligations
hereunder and in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including
without limitation (i) all expenses incident to the issuance and delivery of the
Common Shares (including all printing and engraving costs), (ii) all fees and
expenses of the registrar and transfer agent of the Common Stock, (iii) all
necessary issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the issuance
and sale of the Common Shares to the Underwriters, (iv) all fees and


                                       13


<PAGE>   15


expenses of the Company's counsel, independent public or certified public
accountants and other advisors, (v) all costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the preparation, printing, filing, shipping and distribution of
the Registration Statement (including financial statements, exhibits, schedules,
consents and certificates of experts), each preliminary prospectus and the
Prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and this Agreement, (vi)
all filing fees, attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by the Company or the
Underwriters in connection with qualifying or registering (or obtaining
exemptions from the qualification or registration of) all or any part of the
Common Shares for offer and sale under the state securities or blue sky laws or
the provincial securities laws of Canada, and, if requested by the
Representatives, preparing and printing a "Blue Sky Survey" or memorandum, and
any supplements thereto, advising the Underwriters of such qualifications,
registrations and exemptions, subject to a maximum fee of $7,500 (vii) the
filing fees incident to, and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the
Underwriters in connection with, the NASD's review and approval of the
Underwriters' participation in the offering and distribution of the Common
Shares, (viii) the fees and expenses associated with [listing] the Common Shares
on the Nasdaq National Market, and (ix) all other fees, costs and expenses
referred to in Item 13 of Part II of the Registration Statement. Except as
provided in this Section 4, Section 6, Section 8 and Section 9 hereof, the
Underwriters shall pay their own expenses, including the fees and disbursements
of their counsel.

          The Selling Stockholders further agree with each Underwriter to pay
(directly or by reimbursement) all fees and expenses incident to the performance
of their obligations under this Agreement which are not otherwise specifically
provided for herein, including but not limited to (i) fees and expenses of
counsel and other advisors for such Selling Stockholders, (ii) fees and expenses
of the Custodian and (iii) expenses and taxes incident to the sale and delivery
of the Common Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholders to the Underwriters
hereunder (which taxes, if any, may be deducted by the Custodian under the
provisions of Section 2 of this Agreement).

          This Section 4 shall not affect or modify any separate, valid
agreement relating to the allocation of payment of expenses between the Company,
on the one hand, and the Selling Stockholders, on the other hand.

Section 5. Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligations of
the several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Common Shares as provided
herein on the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional Common
Shares, the Second Closing Date, shall be subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties on the part of the Company and the Selling
Stockholders set forth in Sections 1A and 1B hereof as of the date hereof and as
of the First Closing Date as though then made and, with respect to the Optional
Common Shares, as of the Second Closing Date as though then made, to the timely
performance by the Company and the Selling Stockholders of their covenants and
other obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional conditions:

     (a) Accountants' Comfort Letter. On the date hereof, the Representatives
shall have received from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public or
certified public accountants for the Company, a letter dated the date hereof
addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance satisfactory to the
Representatives, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily
included in accountant's "comfort letters" to underwriters, delivered according
to Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72 (or any successor bulletin), with
respect to the audited and unaudited financial statements and certain financial
information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and the
Representatives shall have received an additional [___] conformed copies of such
accountants' letter for each of the several Underwriters).


                                       14


<PAGE>   16


     (b) Compliance with Registration Requirements; No Stop Order; No Objection
from NASD. For the period from and after effectiveness of this Agreement and
prior to the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional Common Shares,
the Second Closing Date:

          (i) the Company shall have filed the Prospectus with the Commission
(including the information required by Rule 430A under the Securities Act) in
the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) under the
Securities Act; or the Company shall have filed a post-effective amendment to
the Registration Statement containing the information required by such Rule
430A, and such post-effective amendment shall have become effective; or, if the
Company elected to rely upon Rule 434 under the Securities Act and obtained the
Representatives' consent thereto, the Company shall have filed a Term Sheet with
the Commission in the manner and within the time period required by such Rule
424(b);

          (ii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or any post-effective
amendment to the Registration Statement, shall be in effect and no proceedings
for such purpose shall have been instituted or threatened by the Commission; and

          (iii) the NASD shall have raised no objection to the fairness and
reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.

     (c) No Material Adverse Change or Ratings Agency Change. For the period
from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to the First Closing Date
and, with respect to the Optional Common Shares, the Second Closing Date:

          (i) in the judgment of the Representatives there shall not have
occurred any Material Adverse Change; and

          (ii) there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any
notice have been given of any intended or potential downgrading or of any review
for a possible change that does not indicate the direction of the possible
change, in the rating accorded any securities of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" as
such term is defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act.

     (d) Opinion of Counsel for the Company. On each of the First Closing Date
and the Second Closing Date the Representatives shall have received the
favorable opinion of Hale and Dorr, counsel for the Company, dated as of such
Closing Date, reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives with respect to the
matters set forth in Exhibit A-1 attached hereto. On each of the First Closing
Date and the Second Closing Date the Representatives shall have received the
favorable opinion of Hill & Barlow, counsel for the Company, dated as of such
Closing Date, reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives with respect to the
matters set forth in Exhibit A-2 attached hereto. In each case, the
Representatives shall have received an additional [___] conformed copies of such
counsel's legal opinions for each of the several Underwriters.

     (e) Opinion of Counsel for the Underwriters. On each of the First Closing
Date and the Second Closing Date the Representatives shall have received the
favorable opinion of Ropes & Gray, counsel for the Underwriters, dated as of
such Closing Date, with respect to the matters set forth in


                                       15


<PAGE>   17


paragraphs (i), (viii), (ix) and the next-to-last paragraph of Exhibit A-1 (and
the Representatives shall have received an additional [___] conformed copies of
such counsel's legal opinion for each of the several Underwriters).

     (f) Officers' Certificate. On each of the First Closing Date and the Second
Closing Date the Representatives shall have received a written certificate
executed by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President of
the Company and the Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer of the
Company, dated as of such Closing Date, to the effect set forth in subsections
(b)(ii) and (c)(ii) of this Section 5, and further to the effect that:

          (i) for the period from and after the date of this Agreement and prior
to such Closing Date, there has not occurred any Material Adverse Change;

          (ii) the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company set
forth in Section 1A of this Agreement are true and correct with the same force
and effect as though expressly made on and as of such Closing Date; and

          (iii) the Company has complied with all the agreements and satisfied
all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such
Closing Date.

     (g) Bring-down Comfort Letter. On each of the First Closing Date and the
Second Closing Date the Representatives shall have received from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public or certified public accountants
for the Company, a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to
the Representatives, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the
letter furnished by them pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 5, except
that the specified date referred to therein for the carrying out of procedures
shall be no more than three business days prior to the First Closing Date or
Second Closing Date, as the case may be (and the Representatives shall have
received an additional [___] conformed copies of such accountants' letter for
each of the several Underwriters).

     (h) Lock-Up Agreement from Stockholders and Optionholders of the Company.
On the date hereof, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives an
agreement in the form of Exhibit B hereto from those stockholders and
optionholders of the Company as agreed among the Company and the
Representatives, and such agreement shall be in full force and effect on each of
the First Closing Date and the Second Closing Date.

     (i) Opinion of Counsel for the Selling Stockholders. On the First Closing
Date the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion of [___],
counsel for the Selling Stockholders, dated as of such Closing Date, the form of
which is attached as Exhibit A-3 (and the Representatives shall have received an
additional [___] conformed copies of such counsel's legal opinion for each of
the several Underwriters).

     (j) Selling Stockholders' Certificate. On the First Closing Date the
Representatives shall received a written certificate executed by each Selling
Stockholder, dated as of such Closing Date, to the effect that:

          (i) the representations, warranties and covenants of such Selling
Stockholder set forth in Section 1B of this Agreement are true and correct with
the same force and effect as though expressly made by such Selling Stockholder
on and as of such Closing Date; and


                                       16


<PAGE>   18


          (ii) such Selling Stockholder has complied with all the agreements and
satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or
prior to such Closing Date.

     (k) Selling Stockholders' Documents. On the date hereof, the Company and
the Selling Stockholders shall have furnished for review by the Representatives
copies of the Powers of Attorney and Custody Agreements executed by each of the
Selling Stockholders and such further information, certificates and documents as
the Representatives may reasonably request.

     (l) Additional Documents. On or before each of the First Closing Date and
the Second Closing Date, the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters
shall have received such information, documents and opinions as they may
reasonably require for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance
and sale of the Common Shares as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence
the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction
of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained.

     If any condition specified in this Section 5 is not satisfied when and as
required to be satisfied, this Agreement may be terminated by the
Representatives by notice to the Company and the Selling Stockholders at any
time on or prior to the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional
Common Shares, at any time prior to the Second Closing Date, which termination
shall be without liability on the part of any party to any other party, except
that Section 4, Section 6, Section 8 and Section 9 shall at all times be
effective and shall survive such termination.

Section 6. Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses. If this Agreement is
terminated by the Representatives pursuant to Section 5, Section 7, or Section
11 (iv) or 11(v), or if the sale to the Underwriters of the Common Shares on the
First Closing Date is not consummated because of any refusal, inability or
failure on the part of the Company or the Selling Stockholders to perform any
agreement herein or to comply with any provision hereof, the Company agrees to
reimburse the Representatives and the other Underwriters (or such Underwriters
as have terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves), severally, upon
demand for all out-of-pocket expenses that shall have been reasonably incurred
by the Representatives and the Underwriters in connection with the proposed
purchase and the offering and sale of the Common Shares, including but not
limited to fees and disbursements of counsel, printing expenses, travel
expenses, postage, facsimile and telephone charges.

Section 7.  Effectiveness of this Agreement.

          This Agreement shall not become effective until the later of (i) the
execution of this Agreement by the parties hereto and (ii) notification by the
Commission to the Company or the Representatives of the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement under the Securities Act.

          Prior to such effectiveness, this Agreement may be terminated by any
party by notice to each of the other parties hereto, and any such termination
shall be without liability on the part of (a) the Company or the Selling
Stockholders to any Underwriter, except that the Company and the Selling
Stockholders shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Representatives
and the Underwriters pursuant to Sections 4 and 6 hereof, (b) of any Underwriter
to the Company or the Selling Stockholders, or (c) of any party hereto to any
other party except that the provisions of Section 8 and Section 9 shall at all
times be effective and shall survive such termination.


                                       17


<PAGE>   19


Section 8. Indemnification.

        (a) Indemnification of the Underwriters. (1) The Company agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its officers and employees, and
each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act against any loss, claim, damage, liability
or expense, as incurred, to which such Underwriter or such controlling person
may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal
or state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including
in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the
written consent of the Company), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability
or expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of
or is based (i) upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment
thereto, including any information deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to Rule
430A or Rule 434 under the Securities Act, or the omission or alleged omission
therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading; or (ii) upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the
omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading; or (iii) in whole or in part upon any inaccuracy in
the representations and warranties of the Company or the Selling Stockholders
contained herein; or (iv) in whole or in part upon any failure of the Company
or the Selling Stockholders to perform their obligations hereunder or under
law; or (v) any act or failure to act or any alleged act or failure to act by
any Underwriter in connection with, or relating in any manner to, the Common
Stock or the offering contemplated hereby, and which is included as part of or
referred to in any loss, claim, damage, liability or action arising out of or
based upon any matter covered by clause (i) or (ii) above, provided that the
Company and the Selling Stockholders shall not be liable under this clause (v)
to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction shall have determined by a
final judgment that such loss, claim, damage, liability or action resulted
directly from any such acts or failures to act undertaken or omitted to be
taken by such Underwriter through its bad faith or willful misconduct; and to
reimburse each Underwriter and each such controlling person for any and all
expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by NMS) as
such expenses are reasonably incurred by such Underwriter or such controlling
person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or
paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided,
however, that the foregoing indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss,
claim, damage, liability or expense to the extent, but only to the extent,
arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with
written information furnished to the Company by the Representatives expressly
for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the
Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto); and provided, further,
that with respect to any preliminary prospectus, the foregoing indemnity
agreement shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter from whom the
person asserting any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense purchased Common
Shares, or any person controlling such Underwriter, if copies of the Prospectus
were timely delivered to the Underwriter pursuant to Section 2 and a copy of
the Prospectus (as then amended or supplemented if the Company shall have
furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) was not sent or given by or on
behalf of such Underwriter to such person, if required by law so to have been
delivered, at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of the Common
Shares to such person, and if the Prospectus (as so amended or supplemented)
would have cured the defect giving rise to such loss, claim, damage, liability
or expense. The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 8(a) shall be in
addition to any liabilities that the Company and the Selling Stockholders may
otherwise have.

     (2) Each of the Selling Stockholders, severally and not jointly, agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its officers and employees, and
each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act against any loss, claim, damage, liability
or expense, as incurred, to which such Underwriter or such controlling person
may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal
or state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including
in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written
consent of the Company), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or
expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or
is based (i) upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment thereto,
including any information deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to Rule 430A or
Rule 434 under the Securities Act, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom
of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading but only to the extent that such untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made
in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company or
the Underwriters by such Selling Stockholder, directly or indirectly through
such Selling Stockholder's representatives, for use in the preparation of the
Registration Statement or such amendment or supplement; or (ii) upon any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading but only to the extent
that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished
to the Company or the Underwriters by such Selling Stockholder, directly or
through such Selling Stockholders representatives for use in the preparation of
such Prospectus or such amendment or supplement; or (iii) in whole or in part
upon any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of such Selling
Stockholder contained herein; or (iv) in whole or in part upon any failure of
such Selling Stockholder to perform its obligations hereunder or under law; or
(v) any act or failure to act or any alleged act or failure to act by any
Underwriter in connection with, or relating in any manner to, the Common Stock
or the offering contemplated hereby, and which is included as part of or
referred to in any loss, claim, damage, liability or action arising out of or
based upon any matter covered by clause (i) or (ii) above, provided that such
Selling Stockholder shall not be liable under this clause (v) to the extent that
a court of competent jurisdiction shall have determined by a final judgment that
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action resulted directly from any such
acts or failures to act undertaken or omitted to be taken by such Underwriter
through its bad faith or willful misconduct; and to reimburse each Underwriter
and each such controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees
and disbursements of counsel chosen my NMS) as such expenses are reasonably
incurred by such Underwriter or such controlling person in connection with
investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim,
damage, liability, expense or action; provided, however, that the foregoing
indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, claim, damage, liability or
expense to the extent, but only to the extent, arising out of or based upon any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to
the Company by the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration
Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or
supplement thereto); and provided, further, that with respect to any preliminary
prospectus, the foregoing indemnity agreement shall not inure to the benefit of
any Underwriter from whom the person asserting any loss, claim, damage,
liability or expense purchased Common Shares, or any person controlling such
Underwriter, if copies of the Prospectus were timely delivered to the
Underwriter pursuant to Section 2 and a copy of the Prospectus (as then amended
or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or
supplements thereto) was not sent or given by or on behalf of such Underwriter
to such person, if required by law so to have been delivered, at or prior to the
written confirmation of the sale of the Common Shares to such person, and if the
Prospectus (as so amended or supplemented) would have cured the defect giving
rise to such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense. The indemnity agreement
set forth in this Section 8(a) shall be in addition to any liabilities that the
Selling Stockholders may otherwise have.


                                       18


<PAGE>   20


     (b) Indemnification of the Company, its Directors and Officers. Each
Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed the
Registration Statement, the Selling Stockholders and each person, if any, who
controls the Company or a selling stockholder within the meaning of the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any loss, claim, damage, liability
or expense, as incurred, to which the Company, or any such director, officer,
Selling Stockholder or controlling person may become subject, under the
Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state statutory law or
regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any
litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of such
Underwriter), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or
actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based upon
any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any
amendment or supplement thereto), or arises out of or is based upon the omission
or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case
to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration
Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus (or any amendment or
supplement thereto), in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to the Company by the Representatives expressly for use therein; and
to reimburse the Company, or any such director, officer, Selling Stockholder or
controlling person for any legal and other expense reasonably incurred by the
Company, or any such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim,
damage, liability, expense or action. Each of the Company and the Selling
Stockholders hereby acknowledges that the only information that the Underwriters
have furnished to the Company expressly for use in the Registration Statement,
any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto) are the statements set forth under the caption "Underwriting" in the
Prospectus; and the Underwriters confirm that such statements are correct. The
indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 8(b) shall be in addition to any
liabilities that each Underwriter may otherwise have.

     (c) Notifications and Other Indemnification Procedures. Promptly after
receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 8 of notice of the
commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect
thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party under this Section 8, notify
the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof, but the omission
so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from any liability which
it may have to any indemnified party for contribution or otherwise than under
the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 8 or to the extent it is not
prejudiced as a proximate result of such failure. In case any such action is
brought against any indemnified party and such indemnified party seeks or
intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying party, the indemnifying party
will be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it shall elect,
jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by written
notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid
notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel
reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided, however, if the
defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded
that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party and
the indemnified party in conducting the defense of any such action or that there
may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are
different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the
indemnified party or parties shall have the


                                       19


<PAGE>   21


right to select separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to otherwise
participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party or
parties. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified
party of such indemnifying party's election so to assume the defense of such
action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party
will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 8 for any legal
or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection
with the defense thereof unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed
separate counsel in accordance with the proviso in the preceding sentence (it
being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for
the expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel),
approved by the indemnifying party (NMS in the case of Section 8(b) and Section
9), representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such action) or (ii)
the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the
indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time
after notice of commencement of the action, in each of which cases the fees and
expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying party.

     (d) Settlements. The indemnifying party under this Section 8 shall not be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written
consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for
the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party
against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of such
settlement or judgment. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written
consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement, compromise or consent
to the entry of judgment in any pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding
in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and
indemnity was or could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party,
unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release
of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject
matter of such action, suit or proceeding.

     (e) Limitation on Liability of Selling Stockholders. The liability of each
Selling Stockholder under the representations, warranties and agreements
contained herein and under the indemnity and contribution agreements contained
in the provisions of this Section 8 shall be limited to an amount equal to the
aggregate initial public offering price of all Shares sold by such Selling
Stockholder to the Underwriters minus the amount of the underwriting discount
paid thereon to the Underwriters by such Selling Stockholder. The Company and
such Selling Stockholders may agree, as among themselves and without limiting
the rights of the Underwriters under this Agreement, as to the respective amount
of such liability for which they each shall be responsible.

Section 9. Contribution.

     If the indemnification provided for in Section 8 is for any reason held to
be unavailable to or otherwise insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified
party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses
referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the
aggregate amount paid or payable by such indemnified party, as incurred, as a
result of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to
therein (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by the Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand,
and the Underwriters, on the other hand, from the offering of the Common Shares
pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i)
above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate
to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but
also the relative fault of the Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one
hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the statements
or omissions or inaccuracies in the representations and warranties herein which
resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as
any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by
the Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Underwriters,
on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the Common Shares pursuant
to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective


                                       20


<PAGE>   22


proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Common Shares
pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company
and the Selling Stockholders, and the total underwriting discount received by
the Underwriters, in each case as set forth on the front cover page of the
Prospectus (or, if Rule 434 under the Securities Act is used, the corresponding
location on the Term Sheet) bear to the aggregate initial public offering price
of the Common Shares as set forth on such cover. The relative fault of the
Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on
the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether
any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or
alleged omission to state a material fact or any such inaccurate or alleged
inaccurate representation or warranty relates to information supplied by the
Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, or the Underwriters, on
the other hand, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

          The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses,
claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to
include, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 8(c), any legal or
other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with
investigating or defending any action or claim. The provisions set forth in
Section 8(c) with respect to notice of commencement of any action shall apply if
a claim for contribution is to be made under this Section 9; provided, however,
that no additional notice shall be required with respect to any action for which
notice has been given under Section 8(c) for purposes of indemnification.

          The Company, the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters agree that
it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9
were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as
one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not
take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 9.

          Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9, no Underwriter shall
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting commissions
received by such Underwriter in connection with the Common Shares underwritten
by it and distributed to the public. No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute
pursuant to this Section 9 are several, and not joint, in proportion to their
respective underwriting commitments as set forth opposite their names in
Schedule A. For purposes of this Section 9, each officer and employee of an
Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to
contribution as such Underwriter, and each director of the Company, each officer
of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, each selling stockholder
and each person, if any, who controls the Company or a selling stockholder with
the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act shall have the same
rights to contribution as the Company.

Section 10. Default of One or More of the Several Underwriters. If, on the First
Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of
the several Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Common Shares that it
or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number
of Common Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but
failed or refused to purchase does not exceed 10% of the aggregate number of the
Common Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be
obligated, severally, in the proportions that the number of Firm Common Shares
set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule A bears to the aggregate
number of Firm Common Shares set forth opposite the names of all such
non-defaulting


                                       21


<PAGE>   23


Underwriters, or in such other proportions as may be specified by the
Representatives with the consent of the non-defaulting Underwriters, to purchase
the Common Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but
failed or refused to purchase on such date. If, on the First Closing Date or the
Second Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the Underwriters
shall fail or refuse to purchase Common Shares and the aggregate number of
Common Shares with respect to which such default occurs exceeds 10% of the
aggregate number of Common Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements
satisfactory to the Representatives and the Company for the purchase of such
Common Shares are not made within 48 hours after such default, this Agreement
shall terminate without liability of any party to any other party except that
the provisions of Section 4, Section 8 and Section 9 shall at all times be
effective and shall survive such termination. In any such case either the
Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the First
Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, but in no event for
longer than seven days in order that the required changes, if any, to the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements
may be effected.

          As used in this Agreement, the term "Underwriter" shall be deemed to
include any person substituted for a defaulting Underwriter under this Section
10. Any action taken under this Section 10 shall not relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under
this Agreement.

Section 11. Termination of this Agreement. Prior to the First Closing Date this
Agreement may be terminated by the Representatives by notice given to the
Company if at any time (i) trading or quotation in any of the Company's
securities shall have been suspended or limited by the Commission or by the
Nasdaq Stock Market, or trading in securities generally on either the Nasdaq
Stock Market or the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or
limited, or minimum or maximum prices shall have been generally established on
any of such stock exchanges by the Commission or the NASD; (ii) a general
banking moratorium shall have been declared by any of federal, New York or
California authorities; (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or
escalation of national or international hostilities or any crisis or calamity,
or any change in the United States or international financial markets, or any
substantial change or development involving a prospective substantial change in
United States' or international political, financial or economic conditions, as
in the judgment of the Representatives is material and adverse and makes it
impracticable to market the Common Shares in the manner and on the terms
described in the Prospectus or to enforce contracts for the sale of securities;
(iv) in the judgment of the Representatives there shall have occurred any
Material Adverse Change; or (v) the Company shall have sustained a loss by
strike, fire, flood, earthquake, accident or other calamity of such character as
in the reasonable judgment of the Representatives may interfere materially with
the conduct of the business and operations of the Company regardless of whether
or not such loss shall have been insured. Any termination pursuant to this
Section 11 shall be without liability on the part of (a) the Company or the
Selling Stockholders to any Underwriter, except that the Company and the Selling
Stockholders shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Representatives
and the Underwriters pursuant to Sections 4 and 6 hereof, (b) any Underwriter to
the Company or the Selling Stockholders, or (c) of any party hereto to any other
party except that the provisions of Section 8 and Section 9 shall at all times
be effective and shall survive such termination.

Section 12. Representations and Indemnities to Survive Delivery. The respective
indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the
Company, of its officers, of the Selling Stockholders and of the several
Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full
force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any
Underwriter or the Company or any of its or their partners, officers or
directors or any controlling person, or the


                                       22


<PAGE>   24


Selling Stockholders, as the case may be, and will survive delivery of and
payment for the Common Shares sold hereunder and any termination of this
Agreement.

Section 13. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
mailed, hand delivered or telecopied and confirmed to the parties hereto as
follows:

If to the Representatives:

NationsBanc Montgomery Securities, Inc.
600 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California 94111
Facsimile:  415-249-5558
Attention:  Richard A. Smith

   with copies to:

NationsBanc Montgomery Securities, Inc.
600 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California  94111
Facsimile:  (415) 249-5553
Attention:  David A. Baylor, Esq.

         and

Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Facsimile: (617) 951-7050
Attention: David C. Chapin

If to the Company:

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Six Shattuck Road
Andover, MA 01810
Facsimile:  (978) 975-2350
Attention:  President

         with a copy to:

Hale and Dorr
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

Facsimile: (617) 526-5000
Attention: Mark G. Borden

If to the Selling Stockholders:


                                       23


<PAGE>   25


[Custodian]
[address]
Facsimile: [_________________]
Attention: [__________________]

Section 14. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto, including any substitute Underwriters pursuant
to Section 10 hereof, and to the benefit of the employees, officers and
directors and controlling persons referred to in Section 8 and Section 9, and in
each case their respective successors, and no other person will have any right
or obligation hereunder. The term "successors" shall not include any purchaser
of the Common Shares as such from any of the Underwriters merely by reason of
such purchase.

Section 15. Partial Unenforceability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity
or enforceability of any other Section, paragraph or provision hereof. If any
Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined
to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such minor
changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and
enforceable.

Section 16. (a) Governing Law Provisions. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE.

Section 17. Failure of One or More of the Selling Stockholders to Sell and
Deliver Common Shares. If one or more of the Selling Stockholders shall fail to
sell and deliver to the Underwriters the Common Shares to be sold and delivered
by such Selling Stockholders at the First Closing Date pursuant to this
Agreement, then the Underwriters may at their option, by written notice from the
Representatives to the Company and the Selling Stockholders, either (i)
terminate this Agreement without any liability on the part of any Underwriter
or, except as provided in Sections 4, 6, 8 and 9 hereof, the Company or the
Selling Stockholders, or (ii) purchase the shares which the Company and other
Selling Stockholders have agreed to sell and deliver in accordance with the
terms hereof. If one or more of the Selling Stockholders shall fail to sell and
deliver to the Underwriters the Common Shares to be sold and delivered by such
Selling Stockholders pursuant to this Agreement at the First Closing Date, then
the Underwriters shall have the right, by written notice from the
Representatives to the Company and the Selling Stockholders, to postpone the
First Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days in order that the
required changes, if any, to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or
any other documents or arrangements may be effected.

Section 18. General Provisions. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior written or oral and
all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations with
respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, with the same effect
as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. This
Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing by all of the parties
hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived unless waived
in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit. The Table of
Contents and the Section headings herein are for the convenience of the parties
only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.


                                       24


<PAGE>   26


          Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that it is a sophisticated
business person who was adequately represented by counsel during negotiations
regarding the provisions hereof, including, without limitation, the
indemnification provisions of Section 8 and the contribution provisions of
Section 9, and is fully informed regarding said provisions. Each of the parties
hereto further acknowledges that the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereto
fairly allocate the risks in light of the ability of the parties to investigate
the Company, its affairs and its business in order to assure that adequate
disclosure has been made in the Registration Statement, any preliminary
prospectus and the Prospectus (and any amendments and supplements thereto), as
required by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.

     If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement,
kindly sign and return to the Company the enclosed copies hereof, whereupon this
instrument, along with all counterparts hereof, shall become a binding agreement
in accordance with its terms.

                                Very truly yours,

                                MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

                                By:__________________________
                                         President

                                [Selling Stockholders]

                                By:__________________________
                                         Attorney-in Fact

     The foregoing Underwriting Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted by
the Representatives in San Francisco, California as of the date first above
written.

NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION
LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.

Acting as Representatives of the 
several Underwriters named in 
the attached Schedule A.

By NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC


By:________________________
   Title


                                       25


<PAGE>   27


                                   SCHEDULE A

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                Underwriters                                        Number of Firm Common Shares to be Purchased
                ------------                                        --------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                 <C> 
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
Lehman Brothers Inc.
</TABLE>


                                       26


<PAGE>   28


                                   SCHEDULE B
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             Number of Optional Common
                                Number of Firm Common    Shares to be Sold (if Maximum
                                  Shares to be Sold            Option is Exercised)
                                ---------------------    -----------------------------

<S>                                   <C>                          <C>    
The Company                           6,000,000                    975,000

Claire R. Bertucci CBS
Retained Annuity Trust of 1998          50,000                        0

Claire R. Bertucci JCB
Retained Annuity Trust of 1998          50,000                        0

John R. Bertucci CBS Retained
Annuity Trust of 1998                   50,000                        0

John R. Bertucci Family
Retained Annuity Trust of 1998          50,000                        0

John R. Bertucci JCB Retained
Annuity Trust of 1998                   50,000                        0

Claire R. Bertucci CBS
Retained Annuity Trust of 1997          50,000                        0

Claire R. Bertucci JCB
Retained Annuity Trust of 1997          50,000                        0

John R. Bertucci CBS Retained
Annuity Trust of 1997                   50,000                        0

John R. Bertucci Family
Retained Annuity Trust of 1997          50,000                        0

John R. Bertucci JCB Retained
Annuity Trust of 1997                   50,000                        0
</TABLE>


                                       27


<PAGE>   29


                                   EXHIBIT A-1

The final opinion in draft form should be attached as Exhibit A-1 at the time
this Agreement is executed.

          Opinion of counsel for the Company to be delivered pursuant to Section
5(d) of the Underwriting Agreement.

          References to the Prospectus in this Exhibit A include any supplements
thereto at the Closing Date.

          (i) The Company is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

          (ii) The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the
Company (including the Common Stock) conform as to legal matters in all material
respects to the descriptions thereof set forth [or incorporated by reference] in
the Prospectus. All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly
authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable. The form of
certificate used to evidence the Common Stock is in due and proper form and
complies with all applicable requirements of the charter and by-laws of the
Company and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

          (iii) The Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by the Company.

          (iv) The Common Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters from the
Company have been duly authorized for issuance and sale pursuant to the
Underwriting Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to
the Underwriting Agreement against payment of the consideration set forth
therein, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

          (v) Based upon the advice of the staff of the SEC, each of the
Registration Statement and the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, if any, has
been declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act. To the
knowledge of such counsel, (A) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of
either of the Registration Statement or the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement,
if any, has been issued under the Securities Act and (B) no proceedings for such
purpose have been instituted or are pending or have been threatened by the
Commission. Any required filing of the Prospectus and any supplement thereto
pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act has been made in the manner and
within the time period required by such Rule 424(b).

          (vi) The Registration Statement, including any Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement, the Prospectus, and each amendment or supplement to the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as of their respective effective or
issue dates (other than the financial statements and supporting schedules
included therein or in exhibits to or excluded from the Registration Statement,
as to which no opinion need be rendered) comply as to form in all material
respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act.


                                       28


<PAGE>   30


          (vii) The Common Shares have been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq
National Market.

          (viii) The statements (i) in the Prospectus under the caption
"Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and (ii) in Item 14 and Item 15 of the
Registration Statement, insofar as such statements constitute matters of law or
legal conclusions, has been reviewed by such counsel and are correct, in all
material respects.

          (ix) To the knowledge of such counsel, there are no legal or
governmental actions, suits or proceedings pending or overtly threatened which
are required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, other than those
disclosed therein.

          (x) To the knowledge of such counsel, there are no agreements other
than as listed in Exhibit A thereto, required by the Securities Act to be
described to in the Registration Statement or to be filed as exhibits thereto
other than those described to therein or filed or incorporated by reference as
exhibits thereto as is required.

          (xi) No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or
registration or filing with, any court or other governmental authority or
agency, is required for the Company's execution, delivery and performance of the
Underwriting Agreement and The Company's consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby and by the Prospectus, except as required under the
Securities Act, applicable state securities or blue sky laws and from the NASD.

          (xii) The execution and delivery of the Underwriting Agreement by the
Company and the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder (other
than performance by the Company of its obligations under the indemnification and
contribution sections of the Underwriting Agreement, as to which no opinion need
be rendered) (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on
the part of the Company; (ii) will not result in any violation of the provisions
of the charter or by-laws of the Company or any subsidiary; (iii) will not
constitute a breach of, or default under, or result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the
Company pursuant to any of the agreements listed on Exhibit A thereto filed as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement; or (iv) to the knowledge of such
counsel, will not result in any violation of any United States, Federal or
Massachusetts state law, administrative regulation or administrative or court
decree applicable to the Company (other than state securities laws). 

          (xiii) The Company is not, and after receipt of payment for the Common
Shares as herein contemplated and the application of the net proceeds therefrom
as described in the Prospectus will not be, an "investment company" within the
meaning of Investment Company Act.

In addition, such counsel shall state that they have participated in conferences
with officers and other representatives of the Company, representatives of the
independent public or certified public accountants for the Company and with
representatives of the Underwriters at which the contents of the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus, and any supplements or amendments thereto, and
related matters were discussed and, while the limitations inherent in the
independent verification of factual matters and the character of determinations
involved in the registration process are such that such counsel is not passing
upon and does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or
fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus (other than as specified above), and any supplements or amendments
thereto, subject to and on the basis of the foregoing, no facts have come to
their attention which has caused them to believe that either the Registration
Statement or any amendments thereto, at the time the Registration Statement or
such amendments became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state a


                                       29


<PAGE>   31


material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading or that the Prospectus, as of its date or at the First
Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, contained an untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need
express no belief as to the financial statements or schedules or notes thereto
or other financial or statistical information, or information regarding the
Underwriters or the method of distribution of Common Shares included in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any amendments or supplements
thereto).

        In rendering such opinion, such counsel may (A) state that they  render
no opinion as to matters involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction
other than the General Corporation Law statute of the State of Delaware, laws
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the federal law of the United States,
and (B) rely as to matters of fact, to the extent they deem reasonable, on
certificates of responsible officers of the Company and public officials.


                                       31


<PAGE>   32


                                   EXHIBIT A-2

The final opinion in draft form should be attached as Exhibit A-2 at the time
this Agreement is executed.

          Opinion of counsel for the Company to be delivered pursuant to Section
5(d) of the Underwriting Agreement.

          References to the Prospectus in this Exhibit A include any supplements
thereto at the Closing Date.

          (xiv) The Company has been duly incorporated.

          (xv) The Company has corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under the Underwriting
Agreement.

          (xvi) The Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to
transact business and is in good standing in each United States jurisdiction in
which such qualification is required by reason of the ownership or leasing of
property, except for such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or to be
in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a
Material Adverse Change.

          (xvii) Each significant subsidiary incorporated (as defined in Rule 
405 under the Securities Act) in the United States has been duly incorporated
and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation, has corporate power and authority to own,
lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Prospectus and, to the best knowledge of such counsel, is duly qualified as a
foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each United
States jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason
of the ownership or leasing of property , except for such jurisdictions where
the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not, individually or
in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change.

          (xviii) All of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each such
significant subsidiary incorporated in the United States has been duly
authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and non-assessable and is owned by
the Company, directly or through subsidiaries, to such counsel's knowledge, free
and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or any
pending or threatened claim.

          (xix) No stockholder of the Company or any other person has any
preemptive right, right of first refusal or other similar right to subscribe for
or purchase securities of the Company arising (i) by operation of the charter or
by-laws of the Company or (ii) to the best knowledge of such counsel, otherwise.

          (xx) Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, to the knowledge of such
counsel, there are no persons with registration or other similar rights to have
any equity or debt securities registered for sale under the Registration
Statement or included in the offering contemplated by the Underwriting
Agreement, except for such rights as have been duly waived.


                                       32


<PAGE>   33


          (xxi) To the knowledge of such counsel, the Company is not in
violation of its charter or by-laws, except for such violations as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters
involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts or the federal law of the United States, to the extent they deem
proper and specified in such opinion, upon the opinion (which shall be dated the
First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be
satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriters, shall expressly state
that the Underwriters may rely on such opinion as if it were addressed to them
and shall be furnished to the Representatives) of other counsel of good standing
whom they believe to be reliable and who are satisfactory to counsel for the
Underwriters; provided, however, that such counsel shall further state that they
believe that they and the Underwriters are justified in relying upon such
opinion of other counsel, and (B) as to matters of fact, to the extent they deem
proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the Company and public
officials.


                                       33


<PAGE>   34


                                   EXHIBIT A-3

The final opinion in draft form should be attached as Exhibit A-3 at the time
this Agreement is executed.

          The opinion of such counsel pursuant to Section 5(i) shall be rendered
to the Representatives at the request of the Company and shall so state therein.
References to the Prospectus in this Exhibit A-3 include any supplements thereto
at the Closing Date.

     (i) The Underwriting Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by or
on behalf of, and is a valid and binding agreement of, such Selling Stockholder,
enforceable in accordance with its terms.

     (ii) The execution and delivery by such Selling Stockholder of, and the
performance by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations under, the
Underwriting Agreement and its Custody Agreement and its Power of Attorney will
not contravene or conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default
under the trust agreement of such Selling Stockholder, or, to the best of such
counsel's knowledge, violate or contravene any provision of applicable law or
regulation, or violate, result in a breach of or constitute a default under the
terms of any other agreement or instrument to which such Selling Stockholder is
a party or by which it is bound, or any judgment, order or decree applicable to
such Selling Stockholder of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency,
governmental body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Selling
Stockholder.

     (iii) To the knowledge of such counsel, immediately prior to the date 
hereof, such Selling Stockholder is the sole registered owner of all of the
Common Shares which may be sold by such Selling Stockholder under the
Underwriting Agreement and has the legal right and power, and all authorizations
and approvals required under its trust agreement to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and its Custody Agreement and its Power of Attorney, to sell, transfer
and deliver all of the Common Shares which may sold by such Selling Stockholder
under the Underwriting Agreement and to comply with its other obligations under
the Underwriting Agreement, its Custody Agreement and its Power of Attorney.

     (iv) Each of the Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney of such Selling
Stockholder has been duly executed and delivered by such Selling Stockholder and
is a valid and binding agreement of such Selling Stockholder, enforceable in
accordance with its terms.

     (v) Assuming that the Underwriters purchase the Common Shares which are
sold by such Selling Stockholder pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement for
value, in good faith and without notice of any adverse claim within the meaning
of Section 8-302 of the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, the delivery of
such Common Shares pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement will, to the knowledge
of such counsel, pass good and valid title to such Common Shares, free and clear
of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lieu encumbrance or other claim.

     (vi) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, no consent, approval,
authorization or other order of, or registration or filing with, any court or
governmental authority or agency, is required for the consummation by such
Selling Stockholder of the transactions contemplated in the Underwriting
Agreement, except as required under the Securities Act, applicable state
securities or blue sky laws, and from the NASD.


                                       34


<PAGE>   35


          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters
involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts or the federal law of the United States, to the extent they deem
proper and specified in such opinion, upon the opinion (which shall be dated the
First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be
satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriters, shall expressly state
that the Underwriters may rely on such opinion as if it were addressed to them
and shall be furnished to the Representative) of other counsel of good standing
whom they believe to be reliable and who are satisfactory to counsel for the
Underwriters; provided, however, that such counsel shall further state that they
believe that they and the Underwriters are justified in relying upon such
opinion of other counsel, and (B) as to matters of fact, to the extent they deem
proper, on certificates of the Selling Stockholders and public officials


                                       35


<PAGE>   36


                                    EXHIBIT B

                                                             ___________, 1999

NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
Paine Webber

    As Representatives of the Several Underwriters
c/o NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
600 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California 94111

RE:      MKS Instruments Inc. (the "Company")

Ladies & Gentlemen:

The undersigned is an owner of record or beneficially of certain shares of
Common Stock of the Company ("Common Stock") or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock. The Company proposes to carry out
a public offering of Common Stock (the "Offering") for which you will act as the
representatives of the underwriters. The undersigned recognizes that the
Offering will be of benefit to the undersigned and will benefit the Company [by,
among other things, raising additional capital for its operations]. The
undersigned acknowledges that you and the other underwriters are relying on the
representations and agreements of the undersigned contained in this letter in
carrying out the Offering and in entering into underwriting arrangements with
the Company with respect to the Offering.

In consideration of the foregoing, the undersigned hereby agrees that the
undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of NMS (which consent
may be withheld in its sole discretion), directly or indirectly, sell, offer,
contract or grant any option to sell (including without limitation any short
sale), pledge, transfer, establish an open "put equivalent position" within the
meaning of Rule 16a-1(h) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise
dispose of any shares of Common Stock, options or warrants to acquire shares of
Common Stock, or securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into
shares of Common Stock currently or hereafter owned either of record or
beneficially (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended) by the undersigned, or publicly announce the undersigned's intention to
do any of the foregoing, for a period commencing on the date hereof and
continuing through the close of trading on the date 180 days after the date of
the Prospectus. The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop
transfer instructions with the Company's transfer agent and registrar against
the transfer of shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock held by the undersigned except in
compliance with the foregoing restrictions.

With respect to the Offering only, the undersigned waives any registration
rights relating to registration under the Securities Act of any Common Stock
owned either of record or beneficially by the undersigned, including any rights
to receive notice of the Offering.

This agreement is irrevocable and will be binding on the undersigned and the
respective successors, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns of the
undersigned.


                                        1


<PAGE>   37


Printed Name of Holder

By:
    Signature

Printed Name of Person Signing 
(and indicate capacity of person signing if
signing as custodian, trustee, or on behalf 
of an entity)


                                        1



<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                                HALE AND DORR LLP
                               Counsellors at Law
                                 60 State Street
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02109
                        (617) 526-6000 FAX (617) 526-5000

                                                                 March 15, 1999



MKS Instruments, Inc.
Six Shattuck Road
Andover, MA  01810


                  Re:      Registration Statement on Form S-1

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         This opinion is furnished to you in connection with a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-71363) (the "Registration Statement") filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for the registration
of 7,475,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value per share (the "Shares"), of
MKS Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Company"), of which (i)
up to 6,000,000 Shares will be issued and sold by the Company, (ii) 500,000
Shares will be sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling
Stockholders") and (iii) up to 975,000 Shares may be sold upon exercise of an
over-allotment option granted by the Company.

         The Shares are to be sold by the Company pursuant to an underwriting
agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") to be entered into by and among the
Company and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, Donaldson, Lufkin, Jenrette
and Lehman Brothers, as representatives of the several underwriters named in the
Underwriting Agreement, the form of which has been filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the
Registration Statement.

     We are acting as counsel for the Company in connection with the issue and
sale by the Company of the Shares. We have examined signed copies of the
Registration Statement as filed with the Commission. We have also examined and
relied upon the Underwriting Agreement, minutes of meetings of the stockholders
and the Board of Directors of the Company as provided to us by the Company,
stock record books of the Company as provided to us by the Company, the Articles
of Organization and By-Laws of the Company, each as restated and/or amended to
date, and such other documents and certificates as we have deemed necessary for
purposes of rendering the opinions hereinafter set forth.
<PAGE>   2
MKS Instruments, Inc.
March 15, 1999
Page 2

         In our examination of the foregoing documents, we have assumed the
genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us
as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to
us as copies, the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents and the
legal competence of all signatories to such documents.

         We express no opinion herein as to the laws of any state or
jurisdiction other than the state laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and
the federal laws of the United States of America. To the extent that any other 
laws govern the matters as to which we are opining herein, we have assumed that 
such laws are identical to the state laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
and we are expressing no opinion herein as to whether such assumption is 
reasonable or correct.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that (i)
the Shares to be issued and sold by the Company have been duly authorized for
issuance and, when such Shares are issued and paid for in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the Shares will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and (ii) the Shares to be sold by the
Selling Stockholders have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully
paid and non assessable.

         It is understood that this opinion is to be used only in connection
with the offer and sale of the Shares while the Registration Statement is in
effect.

         Please note that we are opining only as to the matters expressly set
forth herein, and no opinion should be inferred as to any other matters. This 
opinion is based upon currently existing statutes, rules, regulations and 
judicial decisions, and we disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change 
in any of these sources of law or subsequent legal or factual developments 
which might affect any matters or opinions set forth herein.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement in accordance with the requirements of
Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act and to the use of our
name therein and in the related Prospectus under the caption "Legal Matters." In
giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the
rules and regulations of the Commission.

                                                              Very truly yours,


                                                              HALE AND DORR LLP


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.17


          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                    COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLIER AGREEMENT #982812

This Agreement dated October 23,1998 is by and between Applied Materials, Inc.,
("Applied"), a Delaware corporation, having its place of business in Santa
Clara, California and Austin, Texas and MKS Instruments, (MKS), a Massachusetts
corporation, having its place of business in Andover, Massachusetts.

The parties agree as follows:

Definitions

The following capitalized terms will have the following meanings:

A.       "Applied" means Applied Materials, Inc., including all of its domestic
and international divisions and subsidiaries.

B.       MKS means MKS Instruments, including all of its divisions and
subsidiaries (except HPS).

C        "Item" or "items" means the good(s) or service(s) that MKS is to
provide to Applied wider this Agreement, including all Applied Materials
purchase orders and related agreements that are governed by this CSA, as
specified from time to time by Applied and set forth in Attachment 1 and any
amendments to Attachment 1.

D.       "Applied's Standard Terms and Conditions of Purchase" means the terms
and conditions contained in Exhibit 1 to this Agreement.

E.       "Additional Provisions" means all requirements contained in this
Comprehensive Supplier Agreement.

F.       "Agreement" means this Comprehensive Supplier Agreement and/or the
Applied's Purchase Order, and other Exhibits or Attachments to the Comprehensive
Supplier Agreement and/or Purchase Order together with any Nondisclosure
Agreement defined below as "NDA".

G.       "Comprehensive Supplier Agreement" means the Comprehensive Supplier
Agreement No.982812, including Exhibit 1, the Applied Terms and Conditions of
Purchase.

H.       "NDA" means any and all Nondisclosure Agreement(s) between Applied and
MKS and any specific Nondisclosure Agreement that may be attached to this
Agreement.

I.       "Will" or "shall" have the same meaning and are used to convey an
affirmative duty or obligation (i.e., a requirement).

J.       "Release," or "release" means individual purchase orders, spot buys,
pick cards or other orders for items issued by Applied to MKS under this
Agreement

K.       "Proprietary Information" means the Proprietary Information, as that
term is defined by the NDA, of Applied.

L.       "Confidential Information" means the Confidential Information, as that
term is defined by the NDA, of Applied.




<PAGE>   2


1.       SCOPE

1.1      INTENTION/DESCRIPTION OF COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLIER AGREEMENT PRINCIPLES

         This Comprehensive Supplier Agreement ("CSA") serves as a tool to
         manage the items Applied purchases from MKS as well as sub-assemblies
         MKS processes for Applied. Attachment 1 lists the items covered by this
         Agreement. Any modifications to this document will include a current
         list of the items covered by this CSA.

         This Agreement defines the relationship and requirements between
         Applied and MKS to ensure a consistent supply of material that meets
         Applied's specifications. Decisions regarding future purchases from MKS
         will be based upon MKS' performance under this CSA as stated in Section
         6, and their achievement toward Applied's business objectives, e.g.
         Hoshin goals.

1.2      MKS DETAILS


         MKS Instruments        Account Manager: John Kranik
         Six Shattuck Road      Sales Manager: Jeff Peters:
         Andover. MA 01810      Customer Service Representative: Barbara Guthrie
         Phone: (978)975-2350   Engineering Manager: Joe Maher
         Fax: (978)975-0093

1.3      ENTIRE AGREEMENT

         This CSA, including the Applied Standard Terms and Conditions of
         Purchase (Exhibit 1) and any other Exhibits or Attachments which are
         incorporated by reference into this CSA, together with any NDA sets
         forth the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the
         subject matter of this CSA and supersedes all prior agreements,
         understandings, negotiations and discussions between the parties as to
         the subject matter. No amendment to or modification of this CSA will be
         binding unless in writing and signed by a duly authorized
         representative of both parties. In the event of any conflict between
         the terms of the CSA and the terms of the Exhibits and Attachments, the
         order of precedence shall be given first to the CSA, followed by the
         Applied Standard Terms and Conditions of Purchase, drawings,
         specifications or other technical documents.

         The following lists all of the Exhibits and Attachments referenced in
         this agreement:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exhibit/Attachment                 Revision                    Release Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                            <C>                      <C>
   Exhibit 1                      no revision                    10/23/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 1                             A                    10/23/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 2                   no revision                    10/15/97
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 3                   no revision
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 4                   no revision                    any example - 
                                                             will be in contract
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       -2-


<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exhibit/Attachment                 Revision                    Release Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                            <C>                           <C>
   Attachment 5                             A                    4/27/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 6                             K                    6/15/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 7                   no revision
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 8                           n/a
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 9                           n/a
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 10                  no revision
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 11                  no revision
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 12                  no revision
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 13                  no revision
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 14                          n/a
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 15                          n/a
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 16                  no revision
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Attachment 17                  no revision                    8/27/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


1.4      ITEMS COVERED

         In general, all Items supplied to Applied by MKS will be covered by
         this agreement. The list of Items covered by this CSA is shown in
         Attachment 1. New Items may be added to Attachment 1 upon mutual
         agreement between Applied and MKS. Items may be removed by Applied from
         Attachment 1 from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. MKS
         may recommend or Applied may implement removal for the following
         reasons without limitations:

         a.       Specification changes that MKS is unable to comply with
         b.       Quality or delivery default
         c.       Obsolete Items
         d.       Outsourcing of the parent assembly

1.5      DURATION OF AGREEMENT

         This Agreement commences on and as of the date of the latter of the two
         signatures shown in Section 9, Effective Date, when each party has
         executed and delivered one or more counterparts of this CSA to the
         other (the "Effective Date") and will remain in effect through October
         23, 2000 (the "Initial Term"). Provided that MKS has complied with all
         contract requirements and



                                       -3-


<PAGE>   4


         specifically those requirements identified in section 6.0 (Performance
         Management), both parties may mutually agree to expand the term of the
         agreement up to 24 months from the conclusion of the initial term. Any
         extension of this agreement will be subject to all terms and conditions
         of this agreement.

1.6      RESPONSIBILITIES

         1.6.1    Applied Responsibilities

         Applied agrees to:

         -        Provide demand signals to MKS as defined in section 2.5.1;
         -        Provide updated twenty-six week rolling forecasts to MKS;
         -        Measure inventory levels and scoring compliance to
                  days-of-supply metric as stated in Section 6;
         -        Receive and inspect Items from MKS and measuring quality for
                  quality metric as stated in Section 6;
         -        Notify MKS of any discrepancies;
         -        Provide suggestions on how MKS can improve its operation of
                  this agreement;
         -        Make recommendations as to how MKS might reduce costs and
                  improve the quality of Items purchased from MKS;
         -        Respond to any of MKS' inquiries;
         -        Identity, in conjunction with MKS, possible solutions to
                  resolve any exceptions that might arise;
         -        Write and record action plans to resolve exceptions;
         -        Provide MKS with MKS performance reports;
         -        Meet with MKS quarterly to review its performance;

         1.6.2    MKS Responsibilities

         MKS agrees to fully perform all requirements of this Agreement MKS
         obligations include but are not limited to:

         -        Produce high quality and high reliability Items;
         -        Deliver Items on time to Applied;
         -        Respond in a timely manner to any of Applied's inquiries and
                  requests;
         -        Continuously improve MKS' operations to better serve Applied's
                  needs and support Applied's business objectives, e.g. Hoshin
                  goals;
         -        Work with Applied to improve operation of this agreement;
         -        Work with Applied to reduce costs and improve the quality for
                  all Items MKS produces for Applied;
         -        Review regularly the updated forecasts to adjust MKS operation
                  for changes in Applied's plans;
         -        Work with Applied to resolve any exceptions that may arise;
         -        Complete any tasks assigned to resolve exceptions on time;
         -        Meet with Applied quarterly to review performance;
         -        Monitor and report to Applied the finished goods inventory
                  levels of the Items listed in Attachment 1 of this Agreement.

2.       LOGISTICS FRAMEWORK

2.1      OPERATION OF CSA



                                       -4-


<PAGE>   5


         2.1.1    Operating calendar & holidays

         This CSA operates by Applied fiscal year calendar, shown in Attachment
         2. Recognized holidays are those holidays shown on Applied fiscal year
         calendar. Should any discrepancies between the operating calendars of
         Applied and MKS arise, MKS must make provisions so that Applied's
         operations are unaffected.

         2.1.2    Flowchart of day to day operations (Reserved)

         2.1.3    Forecasts

         MKS' production of Items will be guided by Applied's most current 26
         week rolling forecast, as provided by Applied to MKS on a weekly basis
         ("Applied's Forecast"). MKS will plan, manufacture, and stock inventory
         to meet Applied's forecast. MKS will keep each of Applied's forecasts
         for audit purposes for a minimum of six (6) months and may be asked to
         present this document for verification of authorized inventory levels.
         Applied's forecast is Proprietary Information to be used only by MKS to
         meet its obligations to Applied under this Agreement.

         2.1.4    Releases

         Applied may require a part or Items on an accelerated basis, either in
         addition to or in place of Items forecast for release or scheduled for
         delivery at a later date. If feasible, as determined by Applied and
         MKS, such Items will be provided by MKS to meet Applied's requirements.
         Unless otherwise agreed to by Applied, such accelerated deliveries will
         not affect the delivery schedule of any Items currently allocated for
         forecast requirements. Lead times for each accelerated release will be
         agreed upon by both parties. If MKS and Applied are unable to agree on
         delivery schedule or other terms affecting Items for accelerated
         delivery, Applied shall have the right to purchase or procure affected
         Items from other persons, without obligation to MKS.

         2.1.5    Delivery Guidelines

                  2.1.5.1  General Delivery

                  MKS will exercise all efforts to meet Applied's delivery
                  requirements on time. Shipments to Applied by MKS will be
                  delivered in the right quantities ordered by Applied.

                  For part orders issued via a separate purchase order form
                  ("Spot Buy"), deliveries will be accepted on the requested
                  date or up to 2 days before the requested date. For Spot Buy
                  purchases for spares, deliveries will be accepted on the
                  requested date or up to two days before the requested date.

         2.1.6    Replenishment Approach

         MKS will be expected to supply Items using one or more of the following
         replenishment approaches:

         -        Bus Route

         -        Spot Buy

         The replenishment methodology to be used for a particular Items are
         defined on Attachment 1. Specific delivery mechanics are outlined on
         Attachment 3.



                                       -5-


<PAGE>   6


         2.1.7    Electronic Commerce

         MKS is required to communicate with Applied using EDI ANSI X.l2
         standards and encouraged to use either GElS or EDICT software.

         2.1.8    Changes to Logistics

         Applied may on occasion change any aspect of any logistics requirement.
         Applied will expect MKS to accommodate these changes to the best of its
         ability. MKS will be given at least three weeks notification prior to
         the change being implemented. Applied will then consider all claims for
         pricing adjustment due to the change in the logistics framework if made
         within the three week notification period.

2.2      SERVICE LEVELS

         2.2.1    Inventory Levels

         MKS, if involved in supporting lean manufacturing, is expected to have
         Finished Goods Inventory ("FGI") of the Items on Attachment 1 in order
         to manage demand fluctuations. MKS will maintain a minimum FGI of 4
         weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks of each Item, for each Item identified
         in Attachment 1 as requiring FGI, to meet Applied's needs based on the
         most recent rolling forecast (see Attachment 4 for example of
         forecast). After MKS exhibits ability to decrease cycle times, both
         parties will agree to lower FGI requirements.

         MKS may present a claim for "non-purchase" for payment of inventory
         manufactured in response to a valid Applied purchase order, or an
         authorized demand signal, as explained in Section 2.5.1, if Applied has
         not taken delivery of the FGI within 6 months from date of manufacture.
         This claim must be made within thirty (30) days from the end of the 6
         months time frame. Applied is not responsible for payment to MKS for
         FGI built without a valid Applied purchase order, an authorized demand
         signal (as explained in Section 2.5.1), or Applied's Forecast (as
         explained in Section 2.1.3).

         Applied will not hold any financial responsibility for FGI consisting
         of "off-the-shelf" Items that MKS is able to sell to other customers.

         2.2.1.1  WIP Tracking

         MKS is expected to monitor, track, and report their Work-In-Process
         ("WIP") inventory (dollars). In the future, Applied will implement
         regular reporting mechanisms which MKS will be expected to participate
         in.

         2.2.1.2  Excess and Obsolete Items

         Applied will not be responsible for excess and obsolete parts other
         than to the amounts specified above in Section 2.2.1, and in any event
         MKS must make all efforts to mitigate claims for "non- purchase".

         In the event that MKS desires to submit a claim for reimbursement of
         costs associated with obsolete Applied unique build-to-print parts, MKS
         shall submit its claim to Applied's authorized purchasing
         representative within 90 days from the date Applied designated the part
         as obsolete. MKS' claim proposal shall be submitted in accordance with
         Section 26, Termination for Convenience, of Applied's Standard Terms
         and Conditions of Purchase.



                                       -6-


<PAGE>   7

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.
                         

         MKS agrees to physically dispose of the excess and obsolete parts as
         directed by Applied's authorized purchasing representative. Parts that
         are to be delivered to Applied's facilities must be delivered in
         accordance with the requirements of this Agreement and/or any
         supplemental instructions provided by Applied's authorized purchasing
         representative. With regard to Applied unique build-to-print parts, in
         lieu of delivery to Applied, Applied may elect to request MKS to
         destroy or otherwise scrap these parts such that these parts are
         non-functional MKS agrees to destroy or otherwise scrap these parts in
         a manner that is satisfactory to Applied and to provide Applied with a
         certification of destruction and/or evidence that the parts have been
         properly disposed of.

         2.2.2    Response Requirements

         Responses to the following types of inquiries are expected within the
         time periods in the tables below.

         2.2.2.1  MKS Response Time

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquiry Type                           MKS Response Time                  MKS Contact
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                    <C> 
Lead-time                               1 business day                          Master Planner
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical                               1 business day                  Manufacturing Engineer
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quotations                              1 business day         Customer Service Representative
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quality                                 1 business day                        Quality Engineer
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price/invoice                           1 business day         Customer Service Representative
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Component failure & field safety               3 hours                        Quality Engineer
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Problems                        1 business day                         Account Manager
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         2.2.2.2  Applied Response Time

<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquiry Type                           MKS Response Time                  MKS Contact
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                    <C> 
Lead-time                               1 business day            MKS Account Team Lead/Member
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical                               1 business day            MKS Account Team Lead/Member
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quality                                 1 business day            MKS Account Team Lead/Member
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price/invoice                           1 business day            MKS Account Team Lead/Member
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

         2.2.3    Flexibility Requirements

         MKS is expected to perform regular capacity planning and to demonstrate
         reasonable upside/downside manufacturing flexibility in case of demand
         volume changes at Applied. For Bus Route Items, MKS shall be capable of
         manufacturing to unplanned sustained increases/decreases in demand
         above/below Applied's forecast as defined below. For Spot Buy Items,
         MKS allows the following increases/decreases to Purchase Order
         Quantities above/below the quantities originally requested:


         Weeks until Delivery Date     [**]     [**]    [**]    [**]    [**]

         Flexibility +/-               [**]     [**]    [**]    [**]    [**]





                                     -7-

<PAGE>   8

         2.2.4    On-site support requirements

         As determined by Applied, MKS may be asked to provide logistics,
         quality engineering, and new product development support on-site at
         Applied's facilities. At the appropriate juncture, Applied will require
         MKS to execute the On-site Representative Agreement prior to issuing a
         building badge to MKS' representatives.

         2.2.5    Global Support

         For the Items listed in Attachment 1, and all other Items that MKS
         provides to Applied, MKS will provide support globally for Applied and
         Applied's customers.

         Technical assistance and product support services shall be provided at
         no additional charge during normal business hours. MKS must have an
         established and deployed global service capability. The required
         support services must be available globally, however, MKS may utilize a
         MKS distributor, or other -fled entity designated by MKS to meet this
         requirement MKS is expected to use best efforts to provide a resolution
         to requests for assistance.

         2.2.6    Turn-around time for Repairs

         MKS will supply Applied with repair Items under warranty within [**]
         business days from receipt of product. The [**] day cycle is not
         guaranteed if Applied ships repair Items in unreasonable batch sizes.
         MKS will supply Applied with repair Items not under warranty within
         [**] business days from receipt of product.

2.3      INFORMATION

         2.3.1    Applied Planning Systems

         MKS may be given electronic access to Applied's planning data. This
         access, if granted, should only be used to facilitate production and
         delivery of Items to support Applied's requirements. MKS' access to,
         and utilization of, Applied's planning data is subject to the
         confidentiality terms of this Agreement and any NDA.

         2.3.3    Applied New Product Plans

         MKS will on occasion and at Applied's discretion, be invited to forums
         in which Applied's new product plans are shared. Any Applied new
         product plans provided to MKS is subject to the confidentiality
         provisions of this Agreement and any NDA.

2.4      PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION

         2.4.1    Packaging and Shipment

         MKS will have all Items packaged "ready for use" in accordance with
         Applied's packaging specification (Attachment 6). MKS will mark and
         identify every item in compliance with Applied's part identification
         specifications and requirements (reference Attachment 6).



                                       -8-


<PAGE>   9


         2.4.2    Bar Coding

         All shipments should be bar coded to Applied's specifications
         (Attachment 5).

         2.4.3    Transportation Mode

         Items will be transported, FOB Origin, Freight Collect in accordance
         with Attachment A of Applied's Corporate Transportation Routing Guide
         which is provided in Attachment 7.

2.5      PAYMENT

         2.5.1    Demand Signal

         BUS ROUTE

         Each day by 10:00 a.m., Applied sends via EDI transmission an order
         sheet to MS containing Applied's material requirements information.
         This information is organized at the part-number level and represents
         Applied's daily purchase from MKS. This EDI transmission constitutes an
         authorized demand signal.

         SPOT BUY

         As needed, Applied sends via fax an order sheet to MKS containing
         Applied's material requirements information. This information is
         organized at the part number level and represents an Applied purchase
         from MKS. This fax constitutes an authorized demand signal.

         2.5.2    Invoices

         Invoices shall contain the following information: purchase order
         number, item number, description of goods, sizes, quantities, unit
         prices, and extended totals in addition to any other information
         requested. Applied's payment of invoice does not represent
         unconditional acceptance of items and will be subject to adjustment for
         errors, shortages, or defects. Applied may at any time set off any
         amount owed by Applied to MKS against any amount owed by MKS or any of
         its affiliated companies to Applied.

         All invoices must be sent directly to Accounts Payable in Austin:

                  Accounts Payable
                  Applied Materials
                  9700 US Highway 290 East M/S 4500 
                  Austin, TX 78724-1199

         2.5.3    Cash Discounts

         Payment will be made net thirty (30) days from receipt of:

         a.       invoice, in form and substance acceptable to Applied, or

         b.       delivery and acceptance of the invoiced Item(s), whichever is
                  later.



                                       -9-


<PAGE>   10

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


If payment is made within ten (10) days of the later of either (a) or (b) above,
Applied may [**] from the invoice total as a prompt payment discount.

2.6      DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN

         MKS is expected to develop and provide to Applied, upon request,
         reasonable information describing (provide evidence of a disaster
         recovery plan that includes emergency back up capacity and appropriate
         record protection and recovery. Furthermore, MKS represents that its
         information systems are year 2000 compatible and hereby grants Applied
         the right to verity MKS' internal processes for ensuring compliance
         with this provision. MKS agrees to include this same requirement in its
         purchase orders to its supply base and to provide reasonable efforts to
         verity its supply base is compliant with the requirements herein.

2.7      MANAGING EXCEPTIONS

         2.7.1    Identifying constraints

         MKS is responsible for anticipating inability to perform its
         obligations and limitations on manufacturing, delivery and other
         performance to meeting CSA objectives, informing Applied when those
         constraints occur, and initiating action plans to resolve the
         Constraints might typically include, but not be limited to:

         a.       Consumption over forecast

         b.       Consumption under forecast

         c.       Quality problems

         d.       Capacity/production problems

         e.       Secondary supplier supply-chain management problems

         f.       Other business issues

         2.7.2    Process for Exceptions

         Applied will work with MKS to determine the impact of an exception and
         approve and execute or disapprove the action plans in accordance with
         Section 24, Changes, of Applied's Standard Terms and Conditions of
         Purchase. MKS will notify the MKS Account Team Lead as soon as
         exceptions are identified.

3.       QUALITY FRAMEWORK

3.1      SUPPLIER NON-CONFORMANCES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION

         MKS' quality must meet all applicable Applied specifications as stated
         elsewhere in the Agreement (including all technical specifications and
         detailed drawings). MKS is required to replace or repair defective
         Items at MKS' expense in a timely manner. MKS are required to use the
         most expeditious manner possible to affect the corrections including
         the use of overnight delivery



                                      -10-


<PAGE>   11

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


         services for shipment of Items; at Applied's request, in certain
         circumstances, MKS may be asked to provide new Items in lieu of
         repairing a part to ensure immediate corrective action.

         MKS will be notified of defects with a corrective action form,
         Attachment 10, to which they are expected to respond appropriately. A
         corrective action process to resolve non-conformances will be
         documented and used. In addition, MKS will participate in continuous
         improvement plans and programs as defined by Applied and MKS.

         Should MKS fail to conform to the specifications established in this
         Agreement, Applied may purchase comparable items in the open market as
         necessary to meet its requirements. Applied may at its option charge
         MKS with any reasonable cost differential between the contract price
         and the price paid in the open market. This cost may include premium
         costs for expedited delivery, administrative costs incurred to process
         replacement purchase orders.

3.2      APPLIED NON-CONFORMANCES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION

         Applied will return Items at Applied's expense that do not conform to
         Applied's requirements due to Applied errors. These Items will be
         returned for potential rework. Applied and MKS will agree in advance on
         "standard" repair costs (labor, Items and freight) on items not covered
         under warranty; the standard repair costs will be identified in the
         Items list (Attachment 1B).

         To the extent that a "standard" repair cost has not been established,
         MKS will assess rework costs and timing and inform Applied before work
         is performed. The parties agree that MKS will inform Applied if the
         total price charged for repairing a part will exceed 40% of the current
         purchase price stated in Attachment 1.

         MKS agrees to repair and return all Items within [**] business days
         from receipt of damaged Item. Applied shall have the right to designate
         certain Items for "Same Day" or "24 Hour" repair turnaround. Any
         premium charges for "Same Day" or "24 Hour" repair turnaround will not
         exceed [**] per Item.

         Prior to return of repaired items to Applied, MKS will mark Items with
         Applied's part number, serial number, RMA number, purchase order
         number, range and gas (ff applicable). Applied shall bear the risk of
         loss or damage during transit of Items whether or not the Items meets
         warranty requirements.

         In addition, as stated below in the quality assurance section, a
         corrective action process to resolve non-conformance(s) will be
         documented and used.

3.3      QUALITY ASSURANCE

         All Items purchased under this CSA will be subject to inspection and
         test by Applied at appropriate time and place, including the period of
         manufacture and anytime prior to final acceptance. If inspection or
         test is made by Applied on MKS' premises, MKS will provide all
         reasonable facilities and assistance for the safety and convenience of
         Applied's inspectors at no charge to Applied. No preliminary inspection
         or test shall constitute acceptance. Records of all inspection work
         shall be kept complete and available to Applied during the performance
         of this order and for such further period as Applied may determine.




                                      -11-


<PAGE>   12


         Certificate of Conformance (COC): MKS agrees to certify that Items have
         passed all production acceptance tests and configuration requirements
         and provide a "Certificate of Conformance" (see Attachment 16) and a
         Calibration Data Report that will be included with each product during
         shipment.

         With regard to repair services, MKS shall maintain documentation
         evidencing that all test inspections have been performed. The
         documentation shall indicate the nature and number of observations
         made, the quantities approved and rejected as well as the nature of the
         corrective action take MKS' service centers shall be responsible for
         submitting this data for Applied's review of the delivery summaries.
         The data shall be submitted monthly not later than five days after the
         close of each of Applied's fiscal months to Applied's Contract
         Specialist and Applied's IBSS Repairs Purchasing Group.

         At Applied's request, MKS will provide a certificate and/or a copy of
         the final inspection records showing compliance to applicable
         specifications, contract requirements and any other required documents
         stipulated in Applied's repair authorization. MKS also agrees to
         provide Applied with copies of its current procedures relative to
         repairs, range change and warranty repairs.

         Through MKS' internal Quality Service organization, MKS will track and
         maintain its internal manufacturing reject rate by percentage of
         assemblies, and/or part per million ("TPM"). Trend reporting and
         corrective actions shall be furnished to Applied as requested by
         Applied Purchasing or Quality representatives. MKS will provide quality
         data in the format, as shown in Attachment 11, and as received by
         Applied MKS may also be required to provide reasonable additional data
         to support qualification and certification programs.

3.4      WARRANTY

         MKS warrants that all Items delivered to Applied will be free from
         defects in workmanship, material, and manufacture; will comply with the
         requirements of this Agreement, and, where design is MKS'
         responsibility, will be free from defects in design. All services will
         be performed in a competent, professional and workmanlike manner, free
         from defects and in accordance with best professional practices or the
         like. MKS FURTHER WARRANTS ALL ITEMS PURCHASED OR REPAIRED WILL BE OF
         MERCHANTABLE QUALITY AND WILL BE FIT AND SUITABLE FOR THE PURPOSE
         INTENDED BY APPLIED. THESE WARRANTIES ARE IN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER
         WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND WILL SURVIVE ANY
         DELIVERY, INSPECTION, ACCEPTANCE, OR PAYMENT BY APPLIED. If any Items
         delivered by MKS do not meet the warranties specified herein or
         otherwise applicable, Applied may, at its option:

         (i)      require MKS to correct at no cost to Applied any defective or
                  non-conforming Items by repair or replacement, or

         (ii)     return such defective or non-conforming Item at MKS' expense
                  to MKS and recover from MKS the order price thereof, or

         (iii)    correct the defective or non-conforming Item itself or through
                  a mutually approved third party and charge MKS with the cost
                  of such correction

         (iv)     cancel the balance of the undelivered non-conforming Item
                  and/or this CSA in accordance with Section 25, Termination for
                  Default, of Applied's standard Terms and Conditions of
                  Purchase.




                                      -12-


<PAGE>   13

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


         All warranties will run to Applied and to its customers. Applied's
         approval of MKS' material or design will not relieve MKS of the
         warranties established in this agreement. In addition, if Applied
         waives any drawing or specification requirement for one or more of thE
         goods, it will not constitute a waiver of all requirements for the
         remaining goods to be delivered unless stated by Applied in writing.

3.5      OTHER QUALITY PROGRAMS

         3.5.1    MKS' Quality System

         MKS' quality system must be in compliance with ISO 9000. If MKS is not
         currently ISO 9000 certified, MKS must provide their documented plans
         to achieve certification with a tune that is mutually agreeable to both
         parties. MKS also agrees to participate in the SSQA development and
         implementation plan.

         3.5.2    MKS' Process Quality

         Applied Materials requirements and workmanship standards shall be
         integrated into MKS' processes and identified accordingly. MKS shall
         identify the critical processes effecting the product quality and
         develop a validated list of the critical processes by discussing with
         Applied Materials. All data generated as a result of the critical
         manufacturing processes shall be collected, processed and used for
         process control and continuous improvement Evidence of process control
         of critical processes is a requirement and the presence of control
         charts and statistical process control is required. Processes not
         exhibiting a Cpk of 1.33 will require a formal corrective action plan
         to achieve the required process control. The critical manufacturing
         processes on pressure transducers, flow products and electronic
         products are:

                  [**]

                  [**]

                  [**]

                  [**]

                  [**]

         3.5.3    Part quality containment and corrective action

         When Applied Materials identifies a product non-conformance on a piece
         part and requests MKS to implement containment action on the part
         failure, MKS shall respond within [**] with a documented containment
         plan and shall have implemented the plan. MKS shall provide follow up
         to this containment plan with a closed loop corrective action
         identifying the root cause, a permanent fix and tune line to implement
         the corrective action. Applied Materials may perform a follow up audit
         to verify the effective implementation of the corrective action and
         approve the closure of the corrective action.

         Applied Materials may develop or request MKS to develop Inspection
         Standard Sheets on identified part numbers for deployment in MKS'
         operation. ISS's will be deployed in final



                                      -13-


<PAGE>   14

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


         inspection, completed and records maintained as part of MKS' quality
         system. Template will be provided by Applied Materials supplier quality
         organization.

         3.5.4    MKS Audits

         Applied Materials will conduct the following audits, as required, to
         ensure a high level of quality of parts and assemblies purchased from
         MKS.

         3.5.4.1  Source Inspection

         Applied Materials may conduct source inspection at MKS' site at any
         time. Performance of source inspection does not waive MKS
         responsibility for any defects that might subsequently be identified by
         Applied Materials or its customers.

         3.5.4.2  Piece part audits

         Piece part audits may be performed at MKS' site or at Applied
         Materials. MKS shall identify the failure and respond commitment to
         contain the part failure with in [**] from notification. MKS shall also
         perform the root cause analysis of the failure for containment and
         corrective action. MKS shall agree to inform Applied Materials about
         the root cause, corrective action, its implementation plan and schedule
         with in the time period agreed upon.

         3.5.4.3  Process audits

         When a systemic failure trend is observed in the piece part or assembly
         supplied, Applied Materials or MKS shall identify the process which are
         causing the failure and audit the processes at MKS' site. Any
         deficiencies or opportunities for improvements identified from the
         audit will be discussed with MKS and a closed loop corrective action
         will be established, specifying the correction action required with a
         specified timeline for implementation. MKS shall agree to work on the
         corrective action and provide closure to all deficiencies within the
         time period agreed upon.

         3.5.4.4  System assessment

         Applied Materials, at any time may decide to perform a quality system
         audit at MKS' site. Any deficiencies or opportunities for improvements
         identified from the audit will be discussed with MKS and a closed loop
         corrective action will be established, specifying the corrective action
         required with a specified timeline for implementation. MKS shall agree
         to work on the corrective action and provide closure to all
         deficiencies within the time period agreed upon.

         3.5.5    MKS' control over their subcontractors

         MKS shall demonstrate control over the selection of subtier suppliers
         and maintain a controlled Approved Suppliers List that is supported by
         on site audits and completed corrective actions prior to selection and
         periodically to ensure the highest quality of procured parts and
         assemblies. MKS is required to provide Applied Materials with a quality
         plan for



                                      -14-


<PAGE>   15


         the selection, control and maintenance of subtier suppliers and will
         include periodic testing performed by MKS to ensure compliance to
         Applied Materials specifications. Quality records of MKS' subtier
         suppliers shall be made available, upon request, to Applied Materials
         for review.

         3.5.6    MKS communication

         MKS agrees to send a report on their quality performance on either a
         weekly or monthly basis the frequency and content of which is to be
         mutually agreed to between the quality engineering representatives from
         each party. Applied's quality engineer may schedule a periodic meeting
         with the MKS representative managing the quality to discuss the
         contents of MKS' quality report, parts containment, closed loop
         corrective action, audit findings or any other issues related to
         quality. MKS agrees to develop, with the help and approval of Applied
         Materials, a pro-active quality road map to improve their part quality
         to meet the Applied Materials quality goals. And the status of the
         effectiveness of the implementation plan will be monitored by MKS and
         reviewed with Applied Materials on a periodic basis.

         3.5.7    Formal Quality Plan

         A formal quality plan will be developed jointly by MKS and Applied
         Materials and will contain part and process specific requirements
         identified to ensure the manufacture of high quality parts. MKS will
         conform to all requirements of the plan. Periodic assessments of the
         quality plan will be performed by the Applied supplier quality engineer
         to ensure conformance to all requirements. The completed plan will be
         an attachment to this contract.

         3.5.8    Pro-active Action Plans

         MKS is advised to work with Applied Materials in a pro-active way on
         the following.

                  1.       Work with the Quality Engineers on the manufacturing
                           floor to receive the DMR parts as soon as possible.

                  2.       Work with the WMO/PBG buyers in reversing the PPMs
                           from MKS fault to Applied Materials' fault in
                           applicable cases.

4.       PRICING FRAMEWORK

4.1      PRICING BY PART NUMBER

         The pricing for the Items are shown in Attachments 1A (part numbers)
         and 1B (service and repair). Any modifications to these must be made in
         accordance with Section 7 of this Agreement. MKS commits to on-going
         cost improvement during the period of this Agreement in accordance with
         Section 6.

         At the time of the Agreement Effective Date, the remaining balance of
         undelivered items on all open purchase orders will be revised to the
         agreement price.

         Specific circumstances may result in a review of the agreement terms,
         including prices. These include, but are not limited to:



                                      -15-


<PAGE>   16

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


         a.       Volume increases resulting in an increase in agreement value
                  of over [**] (subsequent to completion of negotiations on the
                  existing prices);

         b.       Addition of Items to the agreement increasing the value of the
                  Agreement over [**]

         c.       Cost reductions(savings over and above those committed in the
                  MKS performance plan.;

         d.       Price reductions in accordance with Section 6,[**], of
                  Applied's standard Terms and Conditions of Purchase.

4.2      COOPERATIVE PRICING MODELS/FORMULAS

         SEE ATTACHMENT 1

4.3      VOLUME

         MKS will be provided a range of potential volume that may be purchased.
         Applied does not commit to buy a specific volume of a part number from
         a MKS. Applied does not limit its ability to buy the same part number
         from multiple sources.

4.4      EXPORT PRICING

         MKS should quote Applied in unit prices based upon delivery FCA Free
         carrier. MKS is expected to prepare the export paperwork and be the
         exporter of record. MKS must utilize Applied's preferred carriers to
         arrange the export of the goods. Applied will pay the freight charges
         based on Applied's rates with its preferred carriers. Applied will be
         responsible for importing the goods into the destination country.

4.5      CURRENCY

         All prices are quoted in US dollars; prices for foreign manufactured
         Items will not be adjusted to reflect changes in the exchange rate. MKS
         is encouraged to obtain any necessary currency exchange protection it
         deems appropriate.

         Notwithstanding the agreement to quote product in U.S. Dollars, the
         parties agree that any Applied entity operating in the same country as
         MKS's manufacturing plant or sales and service depots may issue orders
         for MKS's products using the local currency for the purposes of
         effecting payment. The prices will be converted to local currency as
         follows:

         PARTS MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES:

         The U.S. Dollar prices in Attachment 1 will be converted to local
         currency, on a quarterly basis, using the official exchange rate listed
         in Bloomberg(TM) or Olsen(TM) publications. The exchange rate shall be
         the mid point between the bid and ask price listed at the close of the
         following days: January 2nd, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st.



                                      -16-


<PAGE>   17

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.



         PARTS MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN THE UNITED STATES:

         The various packaging, shipping, export and import costs associated
         with parts manufactured exclusively within the United States and
         offered for sale outside the United States will be paid by MKS as part
         of its normal operating expenses. In consideration for said costs,
         Applied agrees that MKS may increase the U.S. Dollar prices in
         Attachment 1 by not more than [**] prior to converting the U.S. price
         to the local currency price using the official exchange rate listed in
         Bloomberg(TM) or OIsen(TM) publications. The exchange rate shall be the
         mid point between the bid and ask price listed at the close of the
         following days: January 2nd, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st.

4.6      PROTOTYPES

         MKS is committed to price all Items consistent with contract prices.

         MKS agrees to provide prototype Items priced considering the total
         value of Applied's business with MKS. This may be accomplished in
         several ways, including:

         a.       a specific number of prototype Items may be provided free of
                  charge

         b.       Items may be priced at production levels

4.7      ADVANCES FOR RAW MATERIALS

         Applied does not provide advance payments for the purchase of raw
         materials.

5.       TECHNICAL FRAMEWORK

5.1      ENGINEERING CHANGE ORDERS

         Applied may change its drawings, design, and specifications at any time
         in accordance with Section 25, Changes, of Applied's Standard Terms and
         Conditions of Purchase. Applied Supplier Engineer will review with MKS
         all proposed Engineering Change Orders (ECO's) that impact the form,
         fit, or function of Items. Applied will, in writing, provide approved
         ECO's (refer to Attachment 12) and state the effective dates of all
         changes. Unless otherwise notified, Applied Receiving Inspection will
         inspect to the latest revision in effect at the time of receipt

         MKS may request engineering changes via a MKS Problem Sheet (refer to
         Attachment 13). This form should be submitted to Applied Supplier
         Engineer. Changes shall not be implemented by MKS until written
         permission to proceed is given by Applied's authorized purchasing
         representative and the agreement is modified accordingly. Applied will
         consider claims for adjustment in the terms of this Agreement if made
         before the implementation of the changes.

5.2      TOOLING

         Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, special dies, tools, patterns
         and drawings used in the manufacture of Items shall be furnished by and
         at the expense of, MKS.



                                      -17-


<PAGE>   18


5.3      DESIGN CHANGES AND RESOLUTION

         For the term of this Agreement, MKS will not make changes to the design
         of any part that may alter form, fit, function or a significant
         manufacturing process without a documented engineering change request
         and prior written approval from Applied's authorized purchasing
         representative and the agreement is modified accordingly.

         If Applied's design changes impact the pricing, delivery, lead-time, or
         other terms and conditions of this Agreement, and agreement upon
         alternate terms cannot be reached with MKS, then Applied may remove the
         subject Items from this Agreement without affecting the remaining
         Items.

5.4      PROCESS CHANGES AND RESOLUTION

         MKS is expected to inform Applied of process and MKS changes to include
         changes in specifications, manufacturing locations, even when
         specifications are met. MKS must receive written approval in writing
         from Applied before implementing changes. MKS must use the specified
         Applied "approved" list of secondary process suppliers, where
         designated. The use of Applied approved secondary process suppliers
         does not relieve MKS of the responsibility for management of the
         subtier supplier and for ensuring the quality of parts received.

5.5      SUBCONTRACTING

         MKS shall not subcontract for completed or substantially completed
         components and processes supplied to Applied without prior written
         approval of Applied. MKS will ensure that all subcontractors to MKS
         that have access (directly or indirectly) to Applied specifications
         must be covered by a NDA that is similar in form and substance to
         Applied's NDA.

5.6      FIRST ARTICLES

         A new Item, Item with revised drawings, or other changes as delineated
         above, must have a first article evaluated and accepted by Applied (a
         "First Article"). An Item will not be authorized for deliveries until
         acceptance of the First Article by Applied. MKS will maintain First
         Article qualifications/evidence data file with content as defined by
         Applied for the specific part. First Article data is to be made
         available to Applied upon request and shall be retained by MKS during
         the performance of this Agreement or subsequent agreements.

5.7      OUTSOURCING

         Applied may at its discretion elect to outsource an assembly or module
         to a third party ("Subassembler") and if the selected assembly or
         module includes any Item under this CSA (an "affected Item"), Applied
         will advise MKS of the Subassembler, unless precluded from doing so by
         confidentiality or other requirements. MKS understands that the
         selection and responsibility for sourcing any affected Items will
         generally be the responsibility of the Subassembler. If MKS is not
         selected as the source for an affected Item, any affected items or
         applicable quantities of affected Items may, at Applied's discretion,
         be removed from this Agreement.

5.8      PRODUCT SUPPORT

         MKS agrees to provide Items, and technical and service support to
         Applied for all of the Items for a minimum of ten years from the date
         of final shipment of a part to Applied.


                                      -18-


<PAGE>   19

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


         Alternatively, the parties may agree to establish a product support
         period less than ten years provided that MKS agrees to grant to Applied
         a non-exclusive license to make, have made, use, sell, and support the
         Items in a form and on terms acceptable to Applied.

5.9      COMMODITY SPECIFIC ISSUES

         Reserved

5.10     TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP

         Reserved

6.       PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

6.1      SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE PLAN

         As part of this Comprehensive Supplier Agreement, Applied and MKS agree
         to jointly develop a Supplier Performance Plan. Attachment 15 outlines
         the performance plan.

6.2      SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

         6.2.1    Metrics and Targets

         MKS agrees to target the operational performance targets defined below.
         Performance targets for FY2000 are listed. Intermediate performance
         targets are established in the Supplier Performance Management Plan.
         The following defines how Applied and MKS will measure performance
         metrics:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                FY 1999 End      FY 2000 End
        Measure              Definition                Calculation                Target            Target
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                      <C>                             <C>               <C> 
Quality ppm               Number of quality         Quantity of parts with
                          discrepancies             recorded DMR                   [**]              [**]
                          detected prior to         occurrences provided
                          shipping a completed      by the supplier over
                          system to an end          the prior 13-week
                          customer, expressed       period, divided by the
                          as parts per million      total quantity of parts
                                                    received from that
                                                    supplier over the same
                                                    period, multiplied by
                                                    1 million
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplier Fault DMRs       Number of DMR             Number of DMR                  [**]              [**]
                          transactions for part     occurrences recorded
                          quality discrepancies     against the supplier
                          detected in-house         accumulated over the
                          prior to system           prior 13-week period
                          installation in the
                          field
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                      -19-


<PAGE>   20

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                FY 1999 End      FY 2000 End
        Measure              Definition                Calculation                Target            Target
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                      <C>                             <C>               <C> 
Late Delivery ppm         Number of parts           Quantity of parts
                          delivered later than      received one day or            [**]              [**]
                          the agreed upon           more after the commit
                          commit date               date, accumulated for
                                                    each supplier over a rolling
                                                    13-week period, divided by
                                                    the total quantity of parts
                                                    received over the same
                                                    period, multiplied by 1
                                                    million
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Early Delivery ppm        Number of parts           Quantity of parts
                          received three or         received three or more         [**]              [**]
                          more days before the      days before the
                          commit date               commit date,
                                                    accumulated over a rolling
                                                    13-week period, divided by
                                                    the total quantity of parts
                                                    received over the same
                                                    period, multiplied by 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Lead Time
of Production Parts
(Order Fulfillment
Cycle Time)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source Cycle Time         Average of the total      The average of the
(supplier reported)       times, from               number of days                 [**]              [**]
                          placement of an           between order date
                          order through receipt     and receipt date for all
                          at Applied Materials,     production parts
                          of parts supplied to      recorded for the
                          volume production         supplier, based on
                          (including                Austin volume
                          transportation time)      production activity.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make Cycle Time           Total cycle time to       Elapsed time, as
(supplier reported)       source all materials      determined through             [**]              [**]
                          required to produce       process audits and
                          an order, based on        supplier
                          contracted parts          self-assessments
                          supplied to volume
                          production
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                     -20-



<PAGE>   21

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                FY 1999 End      FY 2000 End
        Measure              Definition                Calculation                Target            Target
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                      <C>                             <C>               <C> 
Cost Reduction            Total production time     Elapsed time, as
                          required to fulfill an    determined through             [**]              [**]
                          order, including          process audits and
                          manufacturing order       supplier
                          release and build         self-assessments
                          time, based on
                          contracted parts
                          supplied to volume
                          production
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Percentage difference     Calculated for each
                          between the average       contract by the SAT,           [**]              [**]
                          unit price paid for       using the method
                          materials in the prior    accepted by the SMO
                          year and price paid       commodity group
                          in the current year       (see Attachment 17)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


7.       AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS

         This CSA may be revised by the mutual consent of Applied and MKS.
         Revisions to this CSA must be in writing, signed by both Applied and
         MKS duly authorized representatives, traced by revision numbers and
         attached to this original agreement. A change to one attachment of this
         agreement will constitute a revision level change. The master copy of
         this CSA and any revisions are to be maintained by Applied.

         Updates to Section 2.2, Service levels, and changes may be communicated
         via memos sent by mail, fax or e-mail.

8.       GLOSSARY

         TBD



9.       ACCEPTANCE

         Accepted:


/s/ Michael Berkaw                             /s/ Leo Berlinghieri
- ---------------------------------              ---------------------------------
Applied Materials, Inc.                        MKS
Michael Berkaw                                 Leo Berlinghieri
Contract Specialist                            VP of Customer Service
Chemical Delivery SMO                          MKS Instruments

Date: 10/22/98                                 10/22/98




                                      -21-


<PAGE>   22
                                    EXHIBIT 1


               APPLIED MATERIALS TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE

1        Acceptance

         The terms and conditions stated in these Applied Materials Standard
         Terms and Conditions of Purchase become the agreement between the
         parties covering the purchase of the goods or services (collectively
         referred to as "Items") ordered in the Purchase Agreement/Comprehensive
         Supplier Agreement/Basic Supplier Agreement of which these Terms and
         Conditions are a part when this Agreement is accepted by acknowledgment
         or commencement of performance. This Agreement can be accepted only in
         these terms and conditions. Additional or different terms proposed by
         Supplier will not be applicable unless accepted in writing by the
         Buyer. No change, modification, or revision of this Agreement will be
         effective unless in writing and signed by duly authorized
         representative of Buyer.

2.       Confidential and Proprietary Information

         Supplier will observe and is bound by the terms and conditions of any
         and all Non- Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) executed by Supplier with or
         for the benefit of Buyer, whether now or hereafter in effect. In
         addition, all schematics, drawings, specifications and manuals, and all
         other technical and business information provided to Supplier by Buyer
         during the term of, or in connection with the negotiation, performance
         or enforcement of this Agreement shall be deemed included in the
         definition (subject to any applicable exclusions therefrom) of
         "Proprietary Information" for purposes of this Agreement.

         Supplier may use Buyer's Proprietary Information only for the purpose
         of providing Items, parts or components of Items or services to Buyer.
         Supplier will not discuss and further will not use any of Buyer's
         Proprietary Information, directly or indirectly, for any other purpose
         including, without limitation, (a) developing, designing,
         manufacturing, refurbishing, selling or offering for sale parts or
         components of Items or parts, or providing services, for or to any
         party other than Buyer, and (b) assisting any third party, in any
         manner, to perform any of the activities described herein. All
         Proprietary Information shall (a) be clearly marked by Supplier as
         Buyer's property and segregated when not in use, and (b) be returned to
         Buyer promptly upon request.

         Supplier acknowledges and agrees that Buyer would suffer irreparable
         harm for which monetary damages would be an inadequate remedy if
         Supplier were to breach its obligations under this provision. Supplier
         further acknowledges and agrees that equitable relief, including
         injunctive relief, would be appropriate to protect Buyer's rights and
         interests if such a breach were to arise, or threatened, or were
         asserted.

         Supplier will use reasonable efforts to notify Buyer of any third party
         requests to engage in any of the activities prohibited by this Article.

3.       Intellectual Property

         Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to grant to Supplier any
         license or other right under any of Buyer's intellectual property
         (including, without limitation, Buyer's patents, copyrights, trade and
         service marks, trade secrets, and Proprietary Information) for
         Supplier's own benefit or to provide or offer Items to any party other
         than Buyer.



                                       -1-


<PAGE>   23


         All Items supplied by Supplier and the sale of Items by Supplier and,
         as applicable, use thereof by Buyer or its subsequent purchasers or
         transferees will be free from liability for or claim by any persons of
         royalties, patent rights, copyright, trademark, mechanics' liens or
         other encumbrances, and trade secrets or confidential or proprietary
         intellectual property rights (collectively "rights" and
         "encumbrances"), and Supplier shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless
         Buyer against all claims, demands, costs and actions for actual or
         alleged infringements of patent, copyright, trademark or trade secret
         rights or other rights and encumbrances in the use, sale or re-sale of
         any Item which are valid at the time of or after the effective date of
         this Agreement; except to the extent that the infringement was
         unavoidably caused by Supplier's compliance with a detailed design
         furnished and required by Buyer or by Buyer's non-compliance with
         Supplier's prior written advice or warning of a possible and likely
         infringement

         At the request of Buyer, Supplier will provide to Buyer the most
         current and complete specifications and drawings (the "Drawings") for
         each Item manufactured or produced for Buyer that is based on Buyer's
         design or Drawings showing the complete specifications and design for
         the Item as manufactured or produced by Supplier. All Drawings are the
         sole property of Buyer.

         Upon termination of this Agreement, Supplier will return all Applied
         Proprietary Information and documentation to Buyer. Notwithstanding
         this requirement, Supplier may request Buyer approval to destroy any
         Proprietary Information of Buyer that has become obsolete or outdated
         (e.g., financial projections, forecasts, et cetera); provided that
         Supplier certifies to Buyer the destruction of such Proprietary
         Information.

4.       Patent License

         Supplier, as part consideration for this Agreement and without further
         cost to Buyer, hereby grants to Buyer an irrevocable, non-exclusive,
         paid-up world-wide right and license to make, have made, use, and sell
         any inventions derivative works, improvements, enhancements, or
         intellectual property (the "Inventions"') made by or for Supplier in
         the performance of this Agreement. Supplier shall cause any employee,
         consultant, contractor or other persons who provides work for hire to
         Supplier to assign to Supplier for licensing as above of any such
         inventions. In addition, Buyer shall be entitled to license Buyer's
         customers to use such inventions during the operation of Buyer's
         products.

5.       Press Releases/Public Disclosure Not Authorized

         Supplier will not, without the prior written approval of Buyer, issue
         any press releases, advertising, publicity, public statements or in any
         way engage in any other form of public disclosure that indicates the
         terms of this Agreement, Buyer's relationship with Supplier or implies
         any endorsement by Buyer of Supplier or Supplier's products or
         services. Supplier further agrees not to use, without the prior written
         consent of Buyer, the name or trademarks (including, but not limited to
         Buyer's corporate symbol). Any requests under this Section must be made
         in writing and submitted to the parties designated by Buyer for the
         review and authorization of such matters.




                                       -2-


<PAGE>   24

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


6.       [**]

         Supplier does not presently sell or offer any Item that is similar in
         form, fit or function to any Item to any third party for prices and
         terms and conditions of sale (including, without limitation,
         warranties, services or other benefits) (collectively, "Benefits") [**]
         to Buyer in this Agreement. If during the term of this Agreement,[**]
         for any Item than those available to Buyer under this Agreement (a
         "Third Party Arrangement"), Supplier will notify Buyer [**], Supplier
         will notify Buyer [**] and this Agreement will be deemed [**]. However,
         Buyer, at its option, may [**]. If any [**], Supplier will [**] that
         Buyer [**] from the effective date [**] shall be [**] of the effective
         date [**]. In no event shall Supplier quote prices to Buyer that would
         be unlawfully discriminatory under any applicable law.

7.       Duty Drawback

         Supplier will provide Buyer with U.S. Customs entry data, including
         information and receipts for duties paid directly or indirectly on all
         Items that are either imported or contain imported parts or components,
         that Buyer determines is necessary for Buyer to qualify for duty
         drawback ("Duty Drawback Information"). This data will be provided to
         Buyer within fifteen (15) days after each calendar quarter (or fiscal
         year quarter of Buyer, and be accompanied by a completed Certificate of
         Delivery of Imported Merchandise or Certificate of Manufacture and
         Delivery of Imported Merchandise (Customs Form 331) as promulgated
         pursuant to 19 CFR 191.

8.       ODC Elimination

         In the event Supplier's goods are manufactured with or contain Class I
         ODCs as defined under Section 602 of the Federal Clean Air Act (42 USE
         Section 7671 a) and implementing regulations, or if Supplier suspects
         that such a condition exists, Supplier shall notify Buyer prior to
         performing any work against this Agreement. Buyer reserves the right
         to: (a) terminate all Agreements for such goods without penalties, (b)
         to return any and all goods delivered which are found to contain or
         have been manufactured with Class I ODCs, or (c) to terminate any
         outstanding Agreements for such goods without penalties. Supplier shall
         reimburse Buyer all monies paid to Supplier and all additional costs
         incurred by Buyer in purchasing and returning such goods.

9.       Compliance With Laws

         Supplier warrants that no law, rule, or ordinance of the United States,
         a state, any other governmental agency, or that of any country has been
         violated in supplying the goods or services ordered herein.

10.      Equal Employment Opportunity

         Supplier represents and warrants that it is in compliance with
         Executive Agreement 11246, any amending or supplementing Executive
         Agreements, and implementing regulations unless exempted.



                                       -3-


<PAGE>   25


11.      Applicable Law, Consent to Jurisdiction, Venue

         This Agreement shall be governed by, be subject to, and be construed in
         accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, excluding
         conflicts of law rules. The parties agree that any suit arising out of
         this Agreement, for any claim or cause of action, whether in contract,
         in tort, statutory, at law or in equity, shall exclusively be brought
         in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
         California or in the Superior or Municipal Courts of Santa Clara
         County, California, or in the United States District Court for the
         Western District of Texas, Austin Division, or the Texas State District
         Courts of Travis County, Texas, provided that such court has
         jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action. Each party agrees
         that each of the named courts shall have personal jurisdiction over it
         and consents to such jurisdiction. Supplier further agrees that venue
         of any suit arising out of this Agreement is proper and appropriate in
         any of the courts identified above; Supplier consents to such venue
         therein as Buyer selects and to any transfer of venue that Buyer may
         seek to any of such courts, without respect to the initial forum.

         With respect to transactions to which the 1980 United Nations
         Convention of Contracts for the International Sale of Goods would
         otherwise apply, the rights and obligations of the parties under the
         Agreement, including these terms and conditions, shall not be governed
         by the provisions of the 1980 United Nations Convention of Contracts
         for the International Sale of Goods; instead' applicable laws of the
         State of California, including the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted
         therein (but exclusive of such 1980 United Nations Convention) shall
         govern.

12.      Notice of Labor Disputes

         Whenever an actual or potential labor dispute, or any government
         embargoes, regulatory or tribunal proceedings relating thereto is
         delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this
         Agreement, Supplier will immediately notify Buyer of such dispute and
         furnish all relevant details regardless of whether said dispute arose
         directly, or indirectly, as a result of an actual or potential dispute
         within the Supplier's subtier supply base or its own operations.

13.      Taxes

         Unless otherwise specified, the agreed prices include all applicable
         federal, state, and local taxes. All such taxes shall be stated
         separately on Supplier's invoice.

14.      Responsibility for Goods; Risk of Loss

         Notwithstanding any prior inspections, Supplier shall bear all risks of
         loss, damage, or destruction to the Items called for hereunder until
         final acceptance by Buyer at Buyer's facility(s) delivery destination
         specified in the Agreement, which risk of loss shall not be altered by
         statement of any at F.O.B. point here. These Supplier responsibilities
         remain with respect to any Items rejected by Buyer provided, however,
         that in either case, Buyer shall be responsible for any loss occasioned
         by the gross negligence of its employees acting within the scope of
         their employment. Items are not accepted by reason of any preliminary
         inspection or test, at any location.

15.      Insurance

         A.       Supplier shall maintain (i) comprehensive general liability
                  insurance covering bodily injury, property damage, contractual
                  liability, products liability and completed operations, (ii)
                  Workers Compensation and employer's liability insurance, and
                  (iii) auto




                                       -4-


<PAGE>   26


                  insurance, in such amounts as are necessary to insure against
                  the risks to Supplier's operations.

         B.       Minimally, Supplier will obtain and keep in force, insurance
                  of the types and in the amounts set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Insurance                             Minimum Limits of Liability 
                  ---------                             --------------------------- 
                 <S>                                   <C>    
                  Worker's Compensation                 Statutory                   
                  Employer's Liability                  $1,000,000                  
                  Automobile Liability                  $1,000,000 per occurrence   
                  Comprehensive General Liability       $1,000,000 per occurrence   
                     (including Products Liability)                                 
                                                                                    
                  Umbrella/Excess Liability             $1,000,000 per occurrence   
</TABLE>
                         

         All policies must be primary and non-contributing, and shall include
         Buyer as an additional insured. Supplier also waives all rights of
         subrogation. Supplier will also require and verify that each of its
         subcontractors carry at least the same insurance coverage and minimum
         limits or insurance as Supplier carries under this Agreement. Supplier
         shall notify Buyer at least thirty (30) days prior to the cancellation
         of or implementation of any material change in the foregoing policy
         coverage that would affect the Buyer's interests. Upon request,
         Supplier shall furnish to Buyer as evidence of insurance a certificate
         of insurance stating that the coverage would not be canceled or
         materially altered without thirty (30) days prior notice to the Buyer.

16.      Change of Control

         Supplier will notify Buyer immediately of any change of control or
         change (including any change in person or persons with power to direct
         or cause the direction of management or policies of Seller) or any
         change (35% or more) in the ownership of Supplier, or of any materially
         adverse change in Supplier's financial condition or in the operation of
         Supplier's business, including, but not limited to, Supplier's net
         worth, assets, production capacity, properties, obligations or
         liabilities (fixed or contingent) (collectively, a "change of
         control").

17.      Assignments

         A.       No right or obligation under this Agreement shall be assigned
                  by Supplier without the prior written consent of Buyer, and
                  any purported assignment without such consent shall be void.

         B.       Buyer may assign this Agreement in whole or part at any time
                  if such assignment is considered necessary by Buyer in
                  connection with a sale of Buyer's assets, or a transfer of any
                  of its contracts or obligations under such contracts, or a
                  transfer to a third party of manufacturing activities
                  previously conducted by Buyer.

18.      Gratuities



                                      -5-


<PAGE>   27


         Supplier warrants that it has not offered or given and will not offer
         or give any gratuity to induce this or any other agreement. Upon
         Buyer's written request, an officer of Supplier shall certify in
         writing that Supplier has complied with and continues to comply with
         this Section. Any breach of this warranty shall be a material breach of
         each and every agreement and contract between Buyer and Supplier.

19.      Insolvency

         The insolvency of Supplier, the filing of a voluntary or involuntary
         petition for relief by or against Supplier under any bankruptcy,
         insolvency or like law, or the making of an assignment for the benefit
         of creditors, by Supplier, shall be a material breach hereof and
         default.

20.      Waiver

         In the event Buyer fails to insist on performance of any of the terms
         and conditions, or fails to exercise any of its rights or privileges
         hereunder, such failure shall not constitute a waiver of such terms,
         conditions, rights or privileges.

21.      Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

         In no event shall Buyer be liable for any special, indirect,
         incidental, consequential, or contingent damages (the foregoing being
         collectively called "Damages"), whether or not Buyer has been advised
         of the possibility of such damages, for any reason. Buyer excludes and
         Supplier waives any liability of Buyer for any "Damages", as so
         defined.

22.      Indemnity by Supplier

         Supplier shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Buyer from and
         against, and shall solely and exclusively bear and pay, any and all
         claims, suits, losses, penalties, damages (whether actual, punitive,
         consequential or otherwise) and all liabilities and the associated
         costs and expenses (including attorney's fees, expert's fees, and costs
         of investigation (all of the foregoing being collectively called
         "Indemnified Liabilities"), caused in whole or in part by Supplier's
         breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, or in whole or in
         any part by any negligent, grossly negligent or intentional acts,
         errors or omissions by Supplier, its employees, officers, agents or
         representatives in the performance of this Agreement or that are for,
         that are in the nature of, or that arise under, strict liability or
         products liability with respect to or in connection with the Items. The
         indemnity by Supplier in favor of Buyer shall extend to Buyer, its
         officers, directors, agents, and representatives and shall include and
         is intended to include Indemnified Liabilities which arise from or are
         caused by, in whole or in part, the concurrent negligence, including
         negligence or gross negligence of Supplier but shall not extend to
         Indemnified Liabilities to the extent such are caused by the negligence
         or willful misconduct of Buyer. Supplier assumes no liability under
         this warranty for system failures, personal injury or property damage
         resulting from improper operation, improper maintenance, abuse or
         modifications from the original product specifications or configuration
         on the part of Buyer, it's customers, agents and other third parties.

23.      Force Majeure

         A failure by either party to perform due to causes beyond the control
         and without the fault or negligence of the party is deemed excusable
         during the period in which the cause of the failure persists. Such
         causes may include, but not be limited to, acts of God or the public



                                       -6-


<PAGE>   28


         enemy, acts of the Government in either sovereign or contractual
         capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, strikes, freight embargoes and
         unusually severe weather. If the failure to perform is caused by the
         default of a subcontractor, and such default arises out of causes
         beyond the control of both the Supplier and subcontractor, and without
         the fault or negligence of either of them, the Supplier will not be
         liable for any excess cost for failure to perform, unless the supplies
         or services to be furnished by the subcontractor were obtainable from
         other sources in sufficient time to permit the Supplier to meet the
         required delivery releases. When Supplier becomes aware of any
         potential force majeure condition as described in this Agreement,
         Supplier shall immediately notify Buyer of the condition and provide
         relevant details.

24.      Changes

         Buyer may at anytime, by a written order and without notice to sureties
         or assignees, suspend performance hereunder, increase or decrease the
         Agreement quantities, or make changes within the general scope of this
         Agreement in any one or more of the following:

         (a)      applicable drawings, designs, or specification;

         (b)      method of shipment or packing, and/or;

         (c)      place and date of delivery;

         (d)      place and date of inspection or acceptance.

         If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of or
         time required for performance of the Agreement, an equitable adjustment
         shall be made in the Agreement price or delivery schedule, or both, and
         the Agreement shall be modified in writing accordingly. No claim by
         Supplier for adjustment hereunder shall be valid unless asserted within
         thirty (30) days from the date of receipt by Supplier of the
         notification of change, provided, however, that such period may be
         extended upon the written approval of Buyer. However, nothing in this
         clause shall excuse Supplier from proceeding with the Agreement as
         changed or amended.

25.      Termination for Default

         (a)      Buyer may, by notice, terminate this Agreement in whole or in
                  part (i) if Supplier fails to deliver goods or services on
                  agreed delivery schedules or any installments thereof strictly
                  within the time specified; (ii) if Supplier fails to replace
                  or correct defective goods or services; (iii) if Supplier
                  fails to comply strictly with any provision of, or repudiates
                  this agreement, or (iv) Supplier defaults under, or any event
                  or condition stated to be a default occurs under, any
                  provision of the Agreement, including these Applied Materials
                  Standard Terms and Conditions of Purchase.

         (b)      In the event of termination pursuant to this Section:

                  (i)      Supplier shall continue to supply any portion of the
                           Items contracted for under this Agreement that are
                           not terminated;

                  (ii)     Supplier shall be liable for additional costs, if
                           any, for the purchase of such similar goods and
                           services to cover such default;

                  (iii)    At Buyer's request Supplier will transfer title and
                           deliver to Buyer (1) any completed goods, (2) any
                           partially completed goods and (3) all unique



                                       -7-


<PAGE>   29


                           materials. Prices for partially completed goods and
                           unique materials so accepted shall be negotiated.
                           However, such prices shall not exceed the Agreement
                           price per item.

         (c)      Buyer's rights and remedies herein or otherwise stated in this
                  Agreement, any Purchase Order, Comprehensive Supplier
                  Agreement or Basic Supplier Agreement are in addition to and
                  shall not limit or preclude resort to any other rights and
                  remedies provided by law or in equity. Termination under this
                  Agreement shall constitute "cancellation" under the Uniform 
                  Commercial Code.

26.      Termination for convenience

         (a)      Buyer may terminate, for convenience, work under this
                  Agreement in whole or in part, at any time by written or
                  electronic notice. Upon any such termination Supplier shall,
                  to the extent and at the time specified by Buyer, stop all
                  work on this Agreement, place no further orders hereunder,
                  terminate work outstanding hereunder, assign to Buyer all
                  Supplier's interests under terminated subcontracts and
                  Agreements, settle all claims thereunder after obtaining
                  Buyer's approval, protect all property in which Buyer has or
                  may acquire an interest, and transfer title and make delivery
                  to Buyer of all Items, materials, work in process, or other
                  things held or acquired by Supplier in connection with the
                  terminated portion of this Agreement. Supplier shall proceed
                  promptly to comply with Buyer's directions respecting each of
                  the foregoing without awaiting settlement or payment of its
                  termination claim.

         (b)      Within six (6) months from such termination, Supplier may
                  submit to Buyer its written claim for termination charges, in
                  the form and with supporting data and detail prescribed by
                  Buyer. Failure to submit such claim within the prescribed time
                  frame and with such items shall constitute a waiver of all
                  claims and a release of all Buyer's liability arising out of
                  such termination.

         (c)      The parties may agree upon the amount to be paid Supplier for
                  such termination. If they fail to agree, Buyer shall pay
                  Supplier the amount due for Items delivered prior to
                  termination and in addition thereto but without duplication,
                  shall pay the following amounts:

                  (i)      The contract price for all Items completed in
                           accordance with this Agreement and not previously
                           paid for;

                  (ii)     The actual costs for work in process incurred by
                           Supplier which are properly allocable or
                           apportionable under Generally Accepted Accounting
                           Principles (GAAP) to the terminated portion of this
                           Agreement and a sum constituting a fair and
                           reasonable profit on such costs. The Supplier agrees
                           to keep true, complete, and accurate records in
                           compliance with GAAP for the purpose of determining
                           allocability of Suppliers costs under this agreement.
                           Such records shall contain sufficient detail to
                           permit a determination of the accuracy of the costs;
                           Independent nationally recognized accountants (the
                           "Auditor") designated by Buyer and reasonably
                           acceptable to Supplier shall have the right, at
                           Buyer's expense and upon reasonable notice, to
                           conduct audits of all of the relevant books and
                           records of Supplier in order to determine the
                           accuracy and allocability of costs submitted by
                           Supplier to Buyer under this provision.



                                       -8-


<PAGE>   30


                  (iii)    The reasonable costs of Supplier in making settlement
                           hereunder and in protecting Items to which Buyer has
                           or may acquire an interest.

         (d)      Payments made under subparagraphs (c)(i) and (c)(ii) shall not
                  exceed the aggregate price specified in this Agreement, less
                  payment otherwise made or to be made. Buyer shall have no
                  obligation to pay for Items lost, damaged, stolen or destroyed
                  prior to delivery to Buyer.

         (e)      The foregoing paragraphs (a) to (d) inclusive, shall be
                  applicable only to a termination for Buyer's convenience and
                  shall not affect or impair any right of Buyer to terminate
                  this Agreement for Supplier's default in the performance
                  hereof.




                                       -9-


<PAGE>   31

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A
                                  FIXED PRICING


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  PART NO                  PART DESCRIPTION                              UNIT PRICE
  -------                  ----------------                              ----------
 <S>             <C>                                                     <C>

 0010-00744      HE PRESSURE CONTROL (20SCCM) ASSY                       $     [**]

 0010-13150      ASSY, IHC CAMBER D $ SHC (20SCCM)                       $     [**]

 0010-13152      ASSY, IHC CHAMBERD D & SHC (50 SCCM)                    $     [**]

 0010-35404      IHC ASSY, 5200 MCVD CENTURA                             $     [**]

 0010-35650      ASSY, INDEPENDENT HELIUM CONTROL                        $     [**]

 0010-40240      IHC ASSY,5300 W/RSTR                                    $     [**]

 0010-76952      ASSY, IHC CHAMBER A, B, AND C, (50 SCCM)                $     [**]

 0190-18037      ASSEMBLY, DUAL IHC                                      $     [**]

 0224-01921      XDCR, MKS, 0-100 PSI 1/4FVCR 12-32VDC 15P-D 5RA         $     [**]

 0224-42759      XDUCER, PRESSUER -MKS 850 5RA     G223                  $     [**]

 0225-10104      1 TORR VCR MONOMETER                                    $     [**]

 0225-10105      100 TR VCR MONOMETER                                    $     [**]

 0225-33295      XDCR, PRESS 0-10TORR, 1/2 VCR                           $     [**]

 0226-09052      45D BARATRON W/VCR FTG, 10 TORR     10948-1             $     [**]

 0226-10754      EXDCR PRESSURE 0-10TORR, 1/2 VCR     0222-              $     [**]

 0226-40111      TRANSDUCER,THRU TUBE,MKS TYPE 852,F-F,BENDIX            $     [**]

 0226-41024      CABLE METER XDCR 0-100PSI 15PIN-D 27IN.L                $     [**]

 0226-41187      XDCR PRESS 0-100 PSIG 1/4 VCR F/F 13-32VDC 10RA         $     [**]

 0226-41188      METER XDCR 3-1/2 LCD 0-100 PSIG 13-32VDC 15 PIN-D       $     [**]

05-88029-00      CABLE SHLD W/RT ANG CON                                 $     [**]

                                                                         ----------

</TABLE>


1CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98

                                       -1-


<PAGE>   32

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A
                                  FIXED PRICING


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  PART NO                  PART DESCRIPTION                             UNIT PRICE
  -------                  ----------------                             ----------
<S>             <C>                                                     <C>

0620-01022      CABLE ASSY 12 COND 22AWG SHIELDED MUTLI-COLOR           $     [**]
                
0620-02563      CABLE ASSY SENSOR HEAD - BARATRON                       $     [**]

0690-01954      BRKT SENSOR HEAD MTG                                    $     [**]

1040-01092      METER XDCR 3-1/2LCD 0-60PSI 12-32VCD 15PIN-D            $     [**]

1350-01005      XDCR PRESS 1TORR 8VCO-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C            $     [**]
                
1350-01011      XDCR PRESS 0-10 TORR VCO D CONNECTOR                    $     [**]

1350-01016      XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8VCO-F +/-15VDC @ 250 MA 45C          $     [**]

1350-01019      XDCR PRESS 0-10TORR 8 VCR WIRE STRIP CONN SP            $     [**]
                
1350-01021      XDCR PRESS 100MTORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C         $     [**]
                
1350-01025      XDCR PRESS 100TORR 8VCR-F +/-14VDC @ 250MA 45C          $     [**]
                
1350-01035      XDCR PRESS 0-100 TORR VCR D CONN                        $     [**]

1350-01036      XDCR PRESS 0-1 TORR VCR D CONNECTOR                     $     [**]

1350-01045      XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C           $     [**]
                
1350-01051      XDCR PRESS BARATRON, HEATED 10 TORR                     $     [**]

1350-01052      XDCR PRESS BARATRON, HEATED 100 TORR                    $     [**]

1350-01055      XDCR PRESS 10 TORR CAJON 8 VCR FEMALE FTG .12%          $     [**]
                
1350-01072      XDCR PRESS 1000TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C         $     [**]

                                                                        ----------
</TABLE>
                    

2CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -2-


<PAGE>   33

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A
                                  FIXED PRICING


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  PART NO                  PART DESCRIPTION                              UNIT PRICE
  -------                  ----------------                              ----------
 <S>             <C>                                                     <C>



1350-01075       XDCR PRESS 0-100TORR SHRT 8FVCR TERM-STRIP +/-15V       $     [**]
                 
1350-01078       XDCR PRESS 0-250PSIA 1/4VCR-M/M 0-10VDC 6'PIGTAIL       $     [**]
                 
1350-01079       XDCR PRESS 2TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45DED-C        $     [**]
                 
1350-01083       XDCRPRESS 0-60PSIA 1/4VCR-M 12-32VDC 50DEGC 10RA        $     [**]
                 
1350-01086       XDCR PRESS 0-1000TORR 1/4VCR-M 12-32VDC 50C 10RA        $     [**]
                 
1350-01089       XDCR PRESS 100MTORR 1/8FVCR .25%ACC 100C 15-PDSUB       $     [**]
                 
1350-01092       XDCR PRESS 1TORR 1/2FVCR .12%ACC 45DEG-C 15P-DSUB       $     [**]
                 
1350-01098       XDCR PRESS 1TOR 1/2FVCR .25%ACC 100C 150-DSUB           $     [**]
                 
1350-01101       XDCR PRESS 2-100TORR 1/2VCR-F .5%ACC +/-15VDC           $     [**]
                 
1350-01102       XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8FVCR DCONN +/-15VDC@35MA .93"L       $     [**]
                 
1350-01121       XDCR PRESS 0-20TORR 45C 15VDC 15P D-CONN 1/2"VCO        $     [**]
                 
1350-01143       XDCR PRESS 1TORR RF FLTR 8FVCR +/-15VDC@250MA 45C       $     [**]
                 
1400-01217       SNSR HEAD 1 TORR 1/4VCR W/ THERMAL BLANKER              $     [**]
                 
3030-01050       MFC  1159 50SCCM HE 1/4VCR VITON N/C 15P-DSUB SST       $     [**]
                 
                                                                         ----------  

</TABLE>


3CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -3-


<PAGE>   34

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A

                                  FIXED PRICING


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  PART NO                  PART DESCRIPTION                              UNIT PRICE
  -------                  ----------------                              ----------
 <S>             <C>                                                     <C>

3030-01172       MFC  1159 20SCCM HE 1/4VCR VITON N/C 9P-DSUB SST        $     [**]
                 
3870-01463       VALVE EXHAUST THROTTLE 1 3/8IDXKF40 W/KEMREZ ORING      $     [**]
                 
3870-02311       VALVE BUTTERFLY THROTTLE W/KF 40 FLANGE                 $     [**]

                                                                         ----------

</TABLE>


4CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -4-


<PAGE>   35


          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A

                                 AUSTIN BUSROUTE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PARTNO                         PARTDESC                                 UNITPRICE
 ------                         --------                                 ---------
 <S>             <C>                                                     <C>

0010-00744       HE PRESSURE CONTROL (20SCCM) ASSY                       $    [**]

0010-13150       ASSY, IHC CHAMBER D $ SHC (20SCCM)                      $    [**]

0010-13152       ASSY, IHC CHAMBER D & SHC (50SCCM)                      $    [**]

0010-35404       IHC ASSY,5200 MCVD CENTURA                              $    [**]

0010-35650       ASSY,INDEPENDENT HELIUM CONTROL                         $    [**]

0010-37643       ASSY,INDEPENDENT HELIUM CONTROL,DPS WOUT/FILTER         $    [**]
                 
0010-40240       ICH ASSY,5300 W/RSTR                                    $    [**]

0010-76952       ASSY, IHC CHAMBER A,B, AND C, (50 SCCM)                 $    [**]

0190-18037       ASSEMBLY, DUAL IHC                                      $    [**]

0620-02211       CABLE ASSY TRANSDUCER 27"LG 15P-D CONN                  $    [**]

1040-01093       METER XDCR 3.1/2 LCD 0-100 PSI 13032VDC 15PIN-D         $    [**]
                 
1350-01012       XDCR PRESS 0-100 TORR VCO D CONNECTION                  $    [**]

1350-01025       XDCR PRESS 100TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C          $    [**]
                 
1350-01026       XDCR PRESS 1TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C            $    [**]
                 
1350-01027       XDCR PRESS 0-1000 TORR W/FEM #8 VCO D CONN              $    [**]
                 
1350-01028       XDCR PRESS 2-1000 TORR CAJON 8 VCR FEM FTG              $    [**]

1350-01039       XDCR 0-10 TORR CAP MANO 1/2 VCR D-CONN                  $    [**]

1350-01045       XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C           $    [**]
                 
1350-01067       XDCR PRESS 100MTORR 45C 15VDC 8VCR FEM FTG VERTCL       $    [**]
                 
                                                                         ---------

</TABLE>


5CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -5-


<PAGE>   36

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A

                                 AUSTIN BUSROUTE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PARTNO                         PARTDESC                                 UNITPRICE
 ------                         --------                                 ---------
 <S>             <C>                                                     <C>

1350-01091       XDCR PRESS 100TORR 1/2FVCR .12%ACC 45C 15P-DSUB         $    [**]
                 
1350-01110       XDCR PRESSURE 100TORR 1/2FVCR 15P-DSUB W/OVERPRES       $    [**]
                 
1350-01121       XDCR PRESS 0-20TORR 45C 15VDC 15P D-CONN 1/2" VCO       $    [**]
                 
1350-01124       XDCR PRESS SPEC CALIBRTN 10/100MTORR 1/8FVCR 1%AC       $    [**]
                 
1350-01133       XDCR PRESS 0-100PSI 1/4VCR F/F 15P D 13-32VDC 10RA      $    [**]
                 
1350-01138       XDCR PRESS 0-10TORR 1/2VCR FEMALE 2SET POINTS           $    [**]
                 
1350-01141       XDCR PRESS 0-100TORR 0-10VDC OUT 1/4VCR 1% 9PD          $    [**]
                 
1350-01143       XDCR PRESS 1TORR RF FLTR 8FVCR +/-15VDC@250MA 45C       $    [**]
                 
1350-01212       XDCR PRESS 1TORR 1/2FVCR .12%ACC 45C HORIZ 15P-D        $    [**]
                 
3030-01113       MFC1159 50SCCM HE 1/4VCR VITON N/C 15P-DSUB SST         $    [**]
                 
3030-02284       MFC  1159 2SLM AR 1/4VCR VITON N/C 15P-DSUB SST         $    [**]
                 
3870-02373       VALVE EXH THROT 1-3/9ID X KF40 W/CHMRZ ORING 15P-D      $    [**]
                 
3920-01278       CNTRL PRESS 640 SER 10T 1/4VCR VITON CAJON MALE         $    [**]
                     
                                                                         ---------
</TABLE>



6CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -6-


<PAGE>   37

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A

                              SANTA CLARA BUSROUTE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PARTNO                         PARTDESC                                 UNITPRICE
 ------                         --------                                 ---------
 <S>             <C>                                                     <C>

0010-37643       ASSY,INDEPENDENT HELIUM CONTROL,DPS WOUT/FILTER         $    [**]
                 
0620-02211       CABLE ASSY TRANSDUCER 27"LG 15P-D CONN                  $    [**]

0720-03620       CONN ADPTR 15P-D TO 9P-HEX 1FT CABLE                    $    [**]

1040-01012       METER SENSOR 0-10VDC 50/60HZMULTI-RANGE                 $    [**]

1040-01092       METER XDCR 3-1/2LCD 0-60PSI 12-32VDC 15PIN-D            $    [**]

1040-01093       METER XDCR 3.1/2 LCD 0-100 PSI 13-32VDC 15PIN-D         $    [**]
                 
1270-01803       SW  PRESS FLOWTHRU -25TORR GUAGE SP 1/4MVCR 9P-D        $    [**]
                 
1350-01012       XDCR PRESS 0-100 TORR VCO D CONNECTOR                   $    [**]

1350-01026       XDCR PRESS 1TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C            $    [**]
                 
1350-01027       SDCR PRESS 0-1000 TORR W/FEM #8VCO D CONN               $    [**]
                 
1350-01028       XDCR PRESS 2-1000 TORR CAJON 8 VCR FEM FTG              $    [**]

1350-01035       XDCR PRESS 0-100 TORR VCR D CONN                        $    [**]

1350-01039       XDCR 0-10 TORR CAP MANO 1/2 VCR D-CONNN                 $    [**]

1350-01054       XDCR PRESS 1000MMHG 1/8FVCR .12%ACC 45C W/SET-PT        $    [**]
                 
1350-01055       XDCR PRESS 10 TORR CAJON 8 VCR FEMALE FTG .12%          $    [**]
                 
1350-01067       XDCR PRESS 100MTORR 45C 15VDC 8VCR FEM FTG VERTCL       $    [**]
                 
1350-01068       XDCR PRESS 1--,TPRR 45C 15VDC 9VCR FE, FTG HORIZT       $    [**]
                 
                                                                         ---------
</TABLE>
  


7CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -7-


<PAGE>   38

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A

                              SANTA CLARA BUSROUTE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PARTNO                         PARTDESC                                 UNITPRICE
 ------                         --------                                 ---------
 <S>             <C>                                                     <C>

  1350-01090     XDCR PRESS 10TORR 1/8FVCR .25%ACC 100C 15P-DSUB         $    [**]
                 
  1350-01093     XDCR PRESS 1000TORR 1/4FVCR +/-12-32V 0-10VDC 9PD       $    [**]
                 
  1350-01096     XDCR PRESS 10TORR 1/4VCR-F +/-14VDC 15P-D SET-PT        $    [**]
                 
  1350-01097     XDCR PRESS 10-100TORR 1/4VCR-F +/-15VDC 15P-D           $    [**]
                 
  1350-01103     XDCR PRESS 0-60PSIA 1/4VCR-F/F 15D 12-32VDC 10RA        $    [**]
                 
  1350-01124     XDCR PRESS SPEC CALIBRTN 10/100MTORR 1/8FVCR 1%AC       $    [**]
                 
  1350-01131     XDCRPRESS 1000 TORR 1/4VCR 1% 9PIN DSUB                 $    [**]

  1350-01133     XDCR PRESS 0-100PSI 1/4VCR F/F 15P D 13032VDC 10RA      $    [**]
                 
1350-0113893     XDCR PRESS 0-10TORR 1/2VCR FEMALE 2SET POINTS           $    [**]
             
  1350-01140     XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 35MA 50C            $    [**]
                 
  1350-01163     XDCR PRESS 10-100 TORR 1/4VCR-F +/-15VDC                $    [**]

  3030-01113     MFC1159 50SCCM HE 1/4VCR VITON N/C 15P-DSUB SST         $    [**]
                 
  3030-01172     MFC  1159 20SCCM HE 1/4VCR VITON N/C 9P-DSUB SST        $    [**]
                 
  3870-01470     VALVE THROTTLE TVC 100MM SMART NW50 W/CNTRL HITEMP      $    [**]
                 
  3870-01512     VALVE THROTTLE TVC 50MM SMART NW50 W/CNTRL HI-TEMP      $    [**]
                    
                                                                         ---------

</TABLE>


8CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -8-


<PAGE>   39

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1A

                              SANTA CLARA BUSROUTE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PARTNO                         PARTDESC                                 UNITPRICE
 ------                         --------                                 ---------
 <S>             <C>                                                     <C>


3870-01817       VALVE EXH THRTL NW160 8.9PDX5.879ID 2CTR-BORE-HOL       $    [**]
                    
3920-01278       CNTRL PRESS 640 SER 107 1/4VCR VITON CAJON MALE         $    [**]
                    
                                                                         ---------

</TABLE>




9CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -9-


<PAGE>   40
          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  ATTACHMENT 1B

                               SERVICE AND REPAIR

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   AMAT                                                                               CAL     REBUILD
  PARTNO                 ITEM DESCRIPTION                           MKS PARTNO       PRICE     PRICE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                                                  <C>               <C>      <C>

  010-00744    HE PRESSURE CONTROL (20SCCM) ASSY                    121002-G1         [**]      [**]

  010-13150    ASSY, IHC CHAMBER D $ SHC (20SCCM)                   121002-G2         [**]      [**]

011l0-13152    ASSY, IHC CHAMBER D & SHC (50 SCCM)                  1210-02-G4        [**]      [**]

  010-35404    IHC ASSY, 5200 MCVD CENTURA                          202407            [**]      [**]

  010-35650    ASSY, INDEPENDENT HELIUM CONTROL                     202258            [**]      [**]

  010-37643    ASSY, INDEPENDENT HELIUM CONTROL, DPS WOUT/FILTER    120657-G2         [**]      [**]
               
  010-40240    IHC ASSY, 5300 W/RSTR                                190094-G1         [**]      [**]

  010-76952    ASSY, IHC CHAMBER A, B, AND C 50 SCCM)               121002-G3         [**]      [**]
               
  190-18037    ASSEMBLY, DUAL IHC                                   202406            [**]      [**]

  224-01921    XDCR, MKS, 0-100 PSI 1/4FVCR 12-32VDC 15P-5RA        852B-13384        [**]      [**]
               
  224-42759    XDUCER, PRESSURE -MKS 850 5RA G223                   850A-12951        [**]      [**]

  225-10104    1 TORR VCR MONOMETER                                 127A-00001B       [**]      [**]

  225-10105    100 TR VCR MONOMETER                                 127A-00100B       [**]      [**]

  225-33295    XDCR, PRESS 0-10TO44,1/2VCR                          122BA-00010BB     [**]      [**]

  226-09052    45D BARATRON W/VCR FTG, 10 TORR 10948-1              127BA-00010BB     [**]      [**]
               
  226-10754    EXDCR PRESSURE 0-10TORR, 1/2VC 0222-                 127A-11356        [**]      [**]

  226-40111    TRANSDUCER, THRU TUBE, MKS TYPE 852, F-F, BENDIX     852B61PCJ4GH      [**]      [**]
               
  226-41024    CABLE METER XDCR O-100PSI 15PIN-D27IN.L              CB852-5-2.5       [**]      [**]
                
   
</TABLE>



1CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -1-


<PAGE>   41
          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                    <C>               <C>      <C>

 226-41187     XDCR PRESS 0-100 PSIG 1/4 VCR F/F 13-32VDC 10RA        842B12PCJ2GC      [**]     [**]
                
 226-41188     METER XDCR 3-1/2 LCD 0-100 PSIG 13-32VDC 15 PIN-D      LDM-A12PB2CC1     [**]     [**]
                
6-88029-00     CABLE SHLD W/RT ANG CON                                CB036-11075       [**]     [**]

 620-01022     CABLE ASSY 12 COND 22AWG SHIELDED MULTI-COLOR          CB036-11016       [**]     [**]
               
 620-02211     CABLE ASSY TRANSDUCER 27"LG 15P-D CONN                 CB852-5-2.5       [**]     [**]
               
 620-02563     CABLE ASSY SENSOR HEAD - BARATRON                      CB036-11016       [**]     [**]

 690-01954     BRKT SENSOR HEAD MTG                                                     [**]     [**]

 720-03620     CONN ADPTR 15P-D TO 9P-HEX 1FT CABLE                   CB6551-31-1       [**]     [**]

 040-01012     METER SENSOR 0-10VDC 50/60HZMULTI-RANGE                170M-6C           [**]     [**]
               
 040-01092     METER XDCR 3-1/2CD 0-60PSI 12-32VDC 15PIN-D            LDM-A61PA2CC1     [**]     [**]
               
 040-01093     METER XDCR 3.1/2 LCD 0-100 PSI 13-32VDC 15PIN-D        LDM-A12PA2CC1     [**]     [**]
               
 270-01803     SW PRESS FLOWTHRU -25 TORR GAUGE SP 1/4MVCR 9P-D       42A13DCH2AA025    [**]     [**]
               
 350-01005     XDCR PRESS 1TORR 8VCO-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C           127A-00001E       [**]     [**]
               
 350-01011     XDCR PRESS 0-10 TORR VCO D CONNECTOR                   122BA-00010EB     [**]     [**]
               
 350-01012     XDCR PRESS 0-100 TORR VCO D CONNECTOR                  122BA-0010EB      [**]     [**]
               
 350-01016     XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8VCO-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C          127AA-00010E      [**]     [**]
               
 350-01019     XDCR PRESS 0-10 TORR 8 VCR WIRE STRIP CONN SP          122A-116063       [**]     [**]
               
 350-01021     XDCR PRESS 100MTORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C        127AA-000.1B      [**]     [**]
               
 350-01025     XDCR PRESS 100TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C         127A-00100B       [**]     [**]
                
</TABLE>
  

2CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -2-


<PAGE>   42

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                    <C>               <C>      <C>

350-01026      XDCR PRESS 1TORR 8VCR-F +/- 15VDC @ 250MA 45C          127A-00001B       [**]     [**]
               
350-01027      XDCR PRESS 0-1000 TORR W/FEM #8 VCO D CONN             122BA-0100EB      [**]     [**]
               
350-01028      XDCR PRESS 2-1000 TORR CAJON 8 VCR FEM FTG             124AA010000BB     [**]     [**]
               
350-01035      XDCR PRESS 0-100 TORR VCR D CONN                       122BA-00100BB     [**]     [**]

350-01036      XDCR PRESS 0-1 TORR VCR D CONNECTOR                    122BA-00001BB     [**]     [**]

350-01039      XDCR 0-10 TORR CAP MANO1/2VCR D-CONN                   122B-11411        [**]     [**]
               
350-01045      XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8VCR-F +/-15 VDC @ 250MA 45C         127A-00010B       [**]     [**]
               
350-01051      XDCR PRESS BARATRON, HEATED 10 TORR                    621C11TBFHC       [**]     [**]

350-01052      XDCR PRESS BARATRON, HEATED 1000 TORR                  621C13TBFH        [**]     [**]
               
350-01054      XDCR PRESS 1000MMHG 1/8FVCR.12%ACC 45C W/SET-PT        624A13TBC         [**]     [**]
               
350-01055      XDCR 10 TORR CAJON 8 VCR FEMALE FTC.12%                627A11TBC         [**]     [**]
               
350-01067      XDCR PRESS 100MTORR 45C 15VDC 8VCR FEM FTG VERTCL      627A.1TBD         [**]     [**]
               
350-01068      XDCR PRESS 100MTORR 45C 15VDC 8VCR FEM FTG HORIZT      627A-11985        [**]     [**]
               
350-01072      XDCR PRESS 100OTORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45C        127AA-0100B       [**]     [**]
               
350-01075      XDCR PRESS 0-100TORR SHRT 8FVCR TERM-STRIP +/-15V      122A-11064        [**]     [**]
               
350-01078      XDCR PRESS 0-250PSIA 1/4VCR-M/M 0-10VDC 6"PIGTAIL                        [**]     [**]
               
350-01079      XDCR PRESS 2TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 250MA 45DED-C       127AA-00002B      [**]     [**]
               
350-01083      XDCR PRESS 0-60PSIA 1/4VCR-M 12-32VDC 50DECG 10RA      852B61PCA2NC      [**]     [**]
               
350-01086      XDCR PRESS 0-1000TORR 1/4 VCR-M12-32VDC 50C 10RA       852BA13TCA2NC     [**]     [**]

</TABLE>


 
3CSA 982812                                                            10/23/98
                                       -3-


<PAGE>   43

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                    <C>               <C>      <C>

350-01089      XDCR PRESS 100MTORR 1/8FVCR .25%ACC 100C 15P-DSUB      628A.1TBE         [**]     [**]
               
350-01090      XDCR PRESS 10TORR 1/8FVCR .25%ACC 100C 15P-DSUB        628A12TBC         [**]     [**]
               
350-01091      XDCR PRESS 100TORR 1/2FVCR .12%ACC 45C 15P-DSUB        627A12TBC         [**]     [**]
               
350-01092      XDCR PRESS 1TORR 1/2FVCR .12%ACC 45DEG-C 15P-DSUB      627A01TBC         [**]     [**]
               
350-01093      XDCR PRESS 1000TORR 1/4FVCR +/-12-32V 0-10VDC 9PD      751A-12772        [**]     [**]
               
350-01096      XDCR PRESS 10TORR 1/4VCR-F +/-15VDC 15P-D SET-PT       R750B11TCD2GC     [**]     [**]
               
350-01097      XDCR PRESS 10-100TORR 1/RVCR-F +/-15VDC 15P-D          CV7527A-01        [**]     [**]
               
350-01098      XDCR PRESS 1TOR 1/2FVCR .25%ACC 100C 15P-DSUB          628A01TBE         [**]     [**]
               
350-01101      XDCR PRESS 2-100TORR 1/2VCR-F .5%ACC +/-15VDC          124AA-00100BB     [**]     [**]
               
350-01102      XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8FVCR DCONN +/-15VDC@35MA .93"L      122B-12773        [**]     [**]
               
350-01103      XDCR PRESS 0-60PSIA 1/4VCR-F/F 15D 12-32VDC 15RA       852B61PCJ2GC      [**]     [**]
               
350-01110      XDCR PRESSURE 100TORR 1/2FVCR 15P-DSUB W/OVERPRE       624A-13092        [**]     [**]
               
350-01121      XDCR PRESS 0-20TORR 45C 15VDC 15P D-CONN 1/2"VCO       627A-13267        [**]     [**]
               
350-01124      XDCR PRESS SPEC CALIBRTN 10/100MTORR 1/8FVCR 1%AC      628A-13114        [**]     [**]
               
350-01131      XDCRPRESS 1000 TORR 1/4VCR 1% SPIN DSUB                750B13TCD2GA      [**]     [**]
               
350-01133      XDCR PRESS 0-100PSI 1/4VCR F/F 15P D 13-32VDC 10RA     852B12TCJ2GC      [**]     [**]
               
350-01138      XDCR PRESS 0-10TORR 1/2VCR FEMALE 2SET POINTS          625A-13127        [**]     [**]
               
350-01140      XDCR PRESS 10TORR 8VCR-F +/-15VDC @ 35MA 50C           626A11TBE         [**]     [**]

</TABLE>
               



4CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -4-


<PAGE>   44

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                    <C>               <C>      <C>

 350-01141     XDCR PRESS 0-100TORR 0-10VDC OUT 1/4VCR 1% 9PD         750B12TCD2GA      [**]     [**]
               
 350-01143     XDCR PRESS 1TORR RF FLTR 8FVCR +/-15VDC@250MA 45C      127A-13608        [**]     [**]
               
 350-01163     XDCR PRESS 10-100 TORR 1/4VCR-F +/-15VDC               CV7627A-05        [**]     [**]
               
 350-01212     XDCR PRESS 1TORR 1/2FVCR .125ACC 45C HORIZ 15P-D       627A-14974        [**]     [**]
               
 400-01217     SNSR HEAD 1 TORR 1/4VCR W/THERMAL BLANKER                                [**]     [**]
               
3030-01050     MFC 1159 50SCMM HE 1/4VCR VITON N/C 15P-DSUB SST       1159B-00059SV-S   [**]     [**]
               
3030-01113     MFC1159 50SCCM HE 1/4VCR VITON N/C 15[-DSUB SST        1159B-00050RV-sp  [**]     [**]
               
3030-01172     MFC 1159 20SCCM HE 1/4VCR VITON N/C 9[-DSUB SST        1159B-00020RV-S   [**]     [**]
               
3030-02284     MFC 1159 2SLM AR 1/4VCR VITON N/C 15P-DSUB SST         1159B-02000RV-S   [**]     [**]
               
3870-01463     VALVE EXHAUST THROTTLE 1 3/8DXKF40 W/KEMREZ ORING      253B-11203        [**]     [**]
               
3870-01470     VALVE THROTTLE TVC 100MM SMART NW50 W/CINTRL HITEM     153C-1-100-2      [**]     [**]
               
3870-01512     VALVE THROTTLE TVC 50MM SMART NW50 W/CNTRL HI-TEM      153C-2-50--2      [**]     [**]
               
3870-01817     VALVE EXH THRTL NW160 8.9ODX5.87691D 2CTR-BORE-HOL     653B-13071        [**]     [**]
               
3870-02311     VALVE BUTTERFLY THROTTLE W/KF 40 FLANGE                253B-02311        [**]     [**]
               
3870-02373     VALVE EXH THROT 1-3/81D X KF40 W/CHMRZ ORIGN 15P-D     253B-11203        [**]     [**]
               
3920-01278     CNTRL PRESS 640 SER 10T 1/4VCR VITON CAJON MALE        640A12TW1V12-S    [**]     [**]
               
</TABLE>




5CSA 982812                                                             10/23/98
                                       -5-


<PAGE>   45


                                  ATTACHMENT 2

                             APPLIED MATERIALS, Inc.

                         CORPORATE FISCAL CALENDAR 1998

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>

      M     T     W     T     F     S     S                M     T     W     T     F     S     S
     --------------------------------------               --------------------------------------
WK                              1ST QUARTER                                          3RD QUARTER    WK

     NOVEMBER                                             MAY                                         
 1   27    28    29    30    31     1     2               27    28    29    30     1     2     3    27
 2    3     4     5     6     7     8     9                4     5     6     7     8     9    10    28
 3   10    11    12    13    14    15    16               11    12    13    14    15    16    17    29
 4   17    18    19    20    21    22    23               18    19    20    21    22    23    24    30
 5   24    25    26   [27]  [28]   29    30                                                           
                                                                                                      
     DECEMBER                                             JUNE                                        
 6    1     2     3     4     5     6     7              [25]   26    27    28    29    30    31    31
 7    8     9    10    11    12    13    14                1     2     3     4     5     6     7    32
 8   15    16    17    18    19    20    21                8     9    10    11    12    13    14    33
 9   22    23    24   [25]  /26/   27    28               15    16    17    18    19    20    21    34
                                                                                                      
     JANUARY                                              JULY                                        
10  /29/  /30/  /31/   [1]   /2/    3     4               22    23    24    25    26    27    28    35
11    5     6     7     8     9    10    11               29    30     1     2    [3]    4     5    36
12   12    13    14    15    16    17    18                6     7     8     9    10    11    12    37 
13   19    20    21    22    23    24    25               13    14    15    16    17    18    19    38 
                                                          20    21    22    23    24    25    26    39 
     --------------------------------------               --------------------------------------
                                2ND QUARTER                                          4TH QUARTER     
                                                                                                      
     FEBRUARY                                             AUGUST                                         
14   26    27    28    29    30    31     1               27    28    29    30    31     1     2    40 
15    2     3     4     5     6     7     8                3     4     5     6     7     8     9    41 
16    9    10    11    12    13    14    15               10    11    12    13    14    15    16    42 
17  [16]   17    18    19    20    21    22               17    18    19    20    21    22    23    43 
                                                                                                      
     MARCH                                                SEPTEMBER                                      
18   23    24    25    26    27    28     1               24    25    26    27    28    29    30    44 
19    2     3     4     5     6     7     8               31     1     2     3     4     5     6    45 
20    9    10    11    12    13    14    15               [7]    8     9    10    11    12    13    46 
21   16    17    18    19    20    21    22               14    15    16    17    18    19    20    47 
                                                                                                      
     APRIL                                                OCTOBER                                        
22   23    24    25    26    27    28    29               21    22    23    24    25    26    27    48 
23   30    31     1     2     3     4     5               28    29    30     1     2     3     4    49 
24    6     7     8     9    10    11    12                5     6     7     8     9    10    11    50 
25   13    14    15    16    17    18    19               12    13    14    15    16    17    18    51 
26   20    21    22    23    24    25    26               19    20    21    22    23    24    25    52 
     --------------------------------------               --------------------------------------
                                                                                                         
     [ ] = HOLIDAYS                          / / = SHUTDOWN                          | | = HOLIDAYS
           (US ONLY)                               (US ONLY)                               (AMJ ONLY)

                                      APPLIED MATERIALS CONFIDENTIAL

</TABLE>



<PAGE>   46

                                  ATTACHMENT 3

                               DELIVERY MECHANICS


TYPE 1       PURCHASE ORDER (P.O) RELEASE

         Releases against this Agreement will be made by issuing purchase
         orders. Delivery dates shall refer to dates of receipt at Buyer's
         facility. Seller will not deliver items more than five (5) calendar
         days in advance of Buyer's required delivery dates without prior
         approval.

TYPE 5       JUST-IN-TIME/BUS ROUTE MECHANICS

A.       This Agreement authorizes Seller to create and maintain inventory,
         subject to the terms of this Agreement, for the Bus Route Program in
         accordance to and subject to Article 5 of the Master Purchase Order and
         Sales Agreement. Items to be included in the Bus Route Program are
         found in Attachment 1 of the Master Purchase Order and Sales Agreement.

B.       Buyer will notify Seller of requirements via facsimile or EDI
         transmission. (Requirements may be released twice a day, seven days
         week, no later than 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.).

C.       Seller will attach all "pick cards" to the requested material prior to
         shipment for easy identification by Buyer.

D.       Seller shall have all items ready for pick up by Buyer's truck within
         three hours of receipt of requirements. Or. Seller can deliver parts to
         Buyer by 9:00 a.m. for morning requirements and 6:00 p.m. for afternoon
         requirements.

E.       If the "pick card" requirement cannot be filled, Seller shall return to
         Buyer the pick card indicating a back order.

F.       For back ordered items Seller will receive a new "pick card" the
         following day which will have "Back Order" written on it. The Seller
         should attach the material to this "pick card" with a red dot which
         identifies the item as a filled back order to the Buyer.

G.       Seller will be paid based on Buyer's CMR Transaction Summary, and in
         accordance with the following, depending on Buyer's Bus Route location:

                  For Austin, Texas Bus Route:

                  THE END DATE OF EACH TRANSACTION WEEK WILL BE USED AS THE
                  INVOICE NUMBER FOR PAYMENT OF AUSTIN BUS ROUTE INVOICES, I.E.
                  FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1995 WOULD BE INVOICE #040195A.

                  For Santa Clara, California Bus Route:

                  THE PRINT DATE OF THE CMR TRANSACTION SUMMARY DOCUMENT WILL BE
                  USED AS THE INVOICE NUMBER FOR PAYMENT OF SANTA CLARA BUS
                  ROUTE INVOICES, I.E. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1995 WOULD BE INVOICE
                  #040195A.

H.       Seller will maintain records of all Items shipped to Buyer to verify
         against Buyer's weekly accumulated usage report which will be faxed to
         Seller each Monday morning.

I.       Buyer will make changes (quantity/price) to the transaction summary of
         discrepancies that occur and are validated. These changes/adjustments
         will be reflected on the transaction summary the following week for
         payment.

                  1.       If discrepancies in pricing or quantity are found,
                           SELLER will modify the report accordingly, and fax
                           the corrected copy to BUYER/PLANNER.

                  2.       If no discrepancies are found, no further action is
                           required by SELLER, and payment will be made
                           accordingly.

J.       Buyer shall make payment to Seller in accordance with the terms
         established in this agreement.



<PAGE>   47


                                  Attachment 4









               CONFIDENTIAL MATERIALS OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY

                   WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION





<PAGE>   48
  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

                                  Attachment 5

Title:  Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification     Rev.: B          Page 1 of 42
Part No. 0250-00098                                Date: 4/30/97



APPLIED MATERIALS


Packaging Specification

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Revision          Change ECO #            Originator/Approver         Date
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                <C>                            <C>                 <C>
  F                ECO #3684                      JKK

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

  G                ECO #A6452                     L.U.

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

  H                ECO #A6920                     L.U.

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

  J                ECO #24033                     Z.A.                10/16/96

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

  K                ECO #30186                     B.T.                4/30/97

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Information contained in this document is considered
confidential and proprietary and cannot be used in any                APPLIED MATERIALS
manner without the expressed written consent of Applied
Materials Inc.                                                        3050 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95054
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   49

Packaging Specification                                             Page 2 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                        4/30/97


  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<S>                                                  <C>
AMAT                                                 Applied Materials, Inc.

Amine-free                                           In reference to anti-static materials, amine-free
                                                     means those materials that do not contain
                                                     ethoxylated fatty amines, and most likely
                                                     contain ethoxylated fatty amides. Amine-free
                                                     materials do not cause crazing (cracking) damage
                                                     to polycarbonate based products.

Anti-static                                          The general term used to describe materials that
                                                     minimize charge buildup when rubbed against or
                                                     separated from themselves or other similar materials.

ASTM                                                 American Society for Testing and Materials

Conductive                                           Materials that have a surface resistivity [**].

Critical Surface Part                                Parts that have a finish that is functional (e.g.
                                                     process parts, reflective surfaces, valves, seals,
                                                     etc.) or cosmetic (i.e. AMAT Cosmetic
                                                     Specification 0250-01019, greater than Class
                                                     III-C) in nature and may be damaged by
                                                     abrasion and shock impacts.

Electrostatic Discharge                              (ESD) A transfer of electrostatic charge
                                                     between bodies at different electrostatic potentials
                                                     caused by direct contact or induced by
                                                     an electrostatic field.


Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive                    Device whose physical or electrical
                                                     characteristics are altered as a result of an
                                                     electrostatic discharge through or across the
                                                     surface of the part.

Electrostatic Shielding                              Materials that have surface resistivities [**].
</TABLE>



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   50


Packaging Specification                                             Page 3 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                  Rev. K                         4/30/97


  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                  <C>

ESD                                                  Electrostatic Discharge

ESDS                                                 Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive

Faraday Cage                                         An enclosure made of anti-static and
                                                     conductive materials to shield ESDS items
                                                     from electrostatic fields.

Fit For Use                                          Materials delivered to it's point of use ready
                                                     for consumption with minimal/ no detrashing.

IBSS                                                 Installed Base Support Services

IC                                                   Integrated Circuit

Insulative                                           Materials that have surface resistivities [**].

IPA                                                  Isopropyl alcohol

ISTA                                                 International Safe Transit Association

Kanban                                               The manufacturing line replenishment size. The KRO
                                                     is a multiple of this quantity.

Kgs.                                                 Kilograms

KRO                                                  Kanban Replenishment Order, the size of
                                                     order that suppliers will ship to Applied
                                                     Material's re-supply area

Lb.                                                  Pound

Lbs.                                                 Pounds

Lean Manufacturing                                   [**].

Mil.                                                 One thousandth of an inch (.001)

Ohms per square                                      Surface resistivity is expressed as
                                                     ohms per square. The term is used to describe the
                                                     resistance between two opposite sides of a square
                                                     and is independent of the size of the square or its
                                                     dimensional units.

Package                                              The packaging material together with the
                                                     product/part

Packaging                                            The material that contains the product/part
</TABLE>



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   51


Packaging Specification                                             Page 4 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                  Rev. K                         4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                  <C>
PCB                                                  Printed Circuit Board

PCBA                                                 Printed Circuit Board Assembly

Static Dissipative                                   Materials that have a surface resistivity [**].
</TABLE>



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   52


Packaging Specification                                             Page 5 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                       4/30/97

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUBJECT                                                                                                    PAGE NO.
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
1.   Preface......................................................................................................9
2.   Scope........................................................................................................9
3.   Standard Maintenance.........................................................................................9
4.   Applicable Documents........................................................................................10
     4.1      Applied Materials Specifications...................................................................10
     4.2      Third Party Specifications.........................................................................10
5.            Conformance Priority...............................................................................11
6.            Conversion Table...................................................................................12
7.            General Packaging Requirements.....................................................................13
     7.1.         General........................................................................................13
     7.2.     Package Performance................................................................................15
              7.2.1.                Vibration....................................................................15
              7.2.2.                Drops........................................................................16
              7.2.3.                Compression..................................................................16
              7.2.4.                Impacts......................................................................16
     7.3.     Handling Requirements .............................................................................17
     7.4.     Size & Weight Limitations..........................................................................18
     7.5.     Small Parts .......................................................................................21
     7.6.     Unitizing..........................................................................................24
     7.7.     Inter-Divisional Movements.........................................................................26
     7.8.     Labeling ..........................................................................................27
     7.9.     Cleanroom Packaging  ..............................................................................28
              7.9.1.                Cleaning ....................................................................28
              7.9.2.                Handling.....................................................................28
              7.9.3.                Packaging....................................................................28
              7.9.4.                Overboxing...................................................................28
              7.9.5.                Cleanroom Acceptable Materials...............................................28
     7.10.        Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Items........................................................29
     7.11.        Environmentally Sensitive Parts................................................................29
              7.11.1.               Desiccant....................................................................29
              7.11.2.               Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors...................................................30
              7.11.3.               Non-Reactive Gas Purge.......................................................30
              7.11.4.               Ultra Violet Light Degradation...............................................30
     7.12.        Kit Packaging..................................................................................31
     7.13.        Reusable Containers............................................................................31
     7.14.        Hazardous Materials............................................................................31
     7.15.        Lean Manufacturing Packaging...................................................................32
8.   MINIMUM COMMODITY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS....................................................................33
     8.1.     Ceramics, Quartz, Glass, Graphite..................................................................33
              8.1.1.                Material Requirements........................................................33
              8.1.2.                Packaging Requirements.......................................................33
</TABLE>

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   53


Packaging Specification                                             Page 6 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                       4/30/97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
              8.1.3.                Overboxing...................................................................33
              8.1.4.                Labeling Requirements........................................................33
     8.2      Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA's)..........................................................34
              8.2.1.                General Packaging Requirements...............................................34
              8.2.2.                Components, Integrated Circuits and Chips
                           Packaging Requirements................................................................35
              8.2.3.                Printed Circuit Boards Packaging Requirements................................36
              8.2.4.                Wrapping, Bagging, and Boxing Procedures.....................................36
     8.3      Process Gas Lines, Vent Lines and Differential Pumping Lines.......................................38
     8.4      UHV Lines (Vacuum Lines, Exhaust Lines, Fore Lines,
                Roughing Lines, Etc.)............................................................................38
     8.5      Tubing, Hoses, Wires, And Cables (Flexible)........................................................39
     8.6      Seals, Gaskets, O-Rings And Foam (Cure Dated Items)................................................40
              8.6.1.                Cure Dated Items.............................................................40
     8.7      Critical Surface Parts.............................................................................41
              8.7.1.                Packaging Requirements.......................................................41
     8.8      Assemblies.........................................................................................41
              8.8.1.                Assembly Packaging...........................................................41
              8.8.2.                IBSS Requirements for Stand Alone Vacuum
                           Pump Packaging........................................................................41
              8.8.3.                Stand Alone Vacuum Pump Packaging............................................42
              8.8.4.                Frame Assembly Packaging.....................................................42
     8.9.     Hardware (Screws, Bolts, Washers, Etc.)............................................................42
</TABLE>










                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   54


Packaging Specification                                             Page 7 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                       4/30/97





                              LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIGURE NO.         SUBJECT                                                                           PAGE NO.
<S>                <C>                                                                                     <C>
Figure 6.1.        Commodity Code Reference Table..........................................................12
Figure 7.1.        Drop Height.............................................................................16
Figure 7.2.        Handling Requirements...................................................................17
Figure 7.3.        Heavy Label.............................................................................18
Figure 7.4.        Size & Weight Limitations...............................................................19
Figure 7.5.        Regular Slotted Container Box Sealing...................................................20
Figure 7.6.        Small Parts Packaging Requirements......................................................23
Figure 7.7.        4-Way Strapping of Load.................................................................24
Figure 7.8.        2-Way Strapping of Load.................................................................25
Figure 7.9.        Four-Way And Girth Strapping Of Load....................................................25
Figure 7.10.       Incorrect, Load Not Squared Off.........................................................26
Figure 7.11.       Labeling Requirements...................................................................27
Figure 7.12.       Desiccant Chart.........................................................................30
Figure 8.1.        IC Tube Packaging.......................................................................35
Figure 8.2.        IC Conductive Foam Packaging............................................................36
Figure 8.3.        PCBA Packaging..........................................................................37
</TABLE>



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   55


Packaging Specification                                             Page 8 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                        4/30/97



1.        PREFACE

          This document provides packaging specifications for all shippers of
          parts to and from Applied Materials including internal shipments to
          the IBSS spares divisions. This specification is in conformance with
          all local, federal, and international rules and regulations governing
          the packaging and safe transportation of materials.

          Readers of this document who wish to submit comments, suggestions, or
          who have questions should contact Applied Materials; Corporate
          Packaging Engineering Department.

2.        SCOPE

          This specification provides the general and commodity specific
          requirements for packaging and packing materials to be used to ship
          parts, products, and materials to and from all Applied Materials
          manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution facilities.

3.        STANDARD MAINTENANCE

          The Corporate Packaging Engineering Department is responsible for
          maintaining and revising this document.








                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   56


Packaging Specification                                             Page 9 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                       4/30/97

4.        APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

          The following specifications are applicable documents and may be
          specifically referenced within this specification.

          4.1  Applied Materials Specifications

               0250-09954   AMAT Workmanship Standard

               0250-60124   Applied Materials Unit Package Marking and
                            Labeling Vendor Requirements Specification

               0250-70700   Lean Manufacturing Packaging Requirements

               0190-75034   Applied Materials Receiving Bar Code Specification

          4.2  Third Party Specifications

               ASTM D 1974 Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing,
               and Reinforcing Fiberboard Containers

               ASTM D 4169 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping
               Containers and Systems

               ASTM D 4727 Standard Specification for Corrugated and Solid
               Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes

               CFR 49 PARTS 106-180 Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Parts
               106-180

               EIA-541 Electronics Industries Association, Packaging Materials
               Standards for ESN Sensitive Items

               FED-STD-209 Federal Standard Airborne Particulate Cleanliness
               Classes in Cleanrooms and Clean Zones

               ISO 780 International Standards Organization, Packaging -
               Pictorial Marking for Handling of Goods

               ISTA Procedure 1/1A International Safe Transit Association, Pre-
               Shipment Test Procedures 
               JSCM 5322 Johnson Space Center, Contamination Control 
               Requirements


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   57


Packaging Specification                                            Page 10 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                     Rev. K                     4/30/97

               MIL-B-131 Military Specification Barrier Materials, Water
               Vaporproof, Greaseproof, Flexible, Heat Sealable

               MIL-B-26195 Military Specification Boxes, Wood-Cleated, Skidded,
               Load-Bearing Base

               MIL-B-81705 Military Specification Barrier Materials, Flexible,
               Electrostatic Protective, Heat Sealable

               MIL-D-3464 Military Specification Desiccants, Activated, Bagged,
               Packaging Use and Static Dehumidification

               MIL-P-116 Military Specification Preservation, Methods of

               PPP-B-601 Federal Specification Boxes, Wood, Cleated-Plywood

               PPP-B-621 Federal Specification Boxes, Wood, Nailed and
               Lock-Center

5.        CONFORMANCE PRIORITY

          The order of supercession is as follows: contracts, purchase orders,
          drawings, and/or specifications.

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   58


Packaging Specification                                            Page 11 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                       4/30/97

6.        CONVERSION TABLE

          This section is intended to help users determine the proper method of
          packaging for the part/product they are shipping. Readers of this
          document must read all sections to ensure compliance with the entire
          document.

The following table is intended to assist in the identification of the
appropriate packaging section.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CATEGORY                                       POSSIBLE AMAT PART            REFERENCED SECTION
                                               NUMBER PREFIXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                           <C>
General - all parts not referred to                                          Section 7. "General Packaging
elsewhere in this table.                                                     Requirements"
Quartz, glass, graphite, ceramic or lamps      0040-, 0200-                  Section 8.1 "Ceramics, Quartz, Glass,
                                                                             Graphite"
integrated circuits, print circuits or         0100-, 0300-                  Section 8.2 "Printed Circuit Board
printed circuit boards                                                       Assemblies (PCBAs)"
Tubing-rigid (gaslines, weldments)             0010-, 0040-, 0050-           Section 8.3 "Process Gas Lines, Vent
                                                                             Lines and Differential Pumping
                                                                             Lines"
Tubing-flexible (hoses, cables)                0010-, 0190-, 0140-, 3400-,   Section 8.5 "Tubing, Hoses, Wires
                                               0150-, 0226-, 0050-           and Cables"
Seals, gaskets, O-rings, foam                  0020-, 3700-                  Section 8.6 "Seals, Gaskets, O-Rings
                                                                             and Foam"
Critical surface parts                         0015-, 0020-, 0021-, 0030-,   Section 8.7 "Critical Surface Parts"
                                               0035-, 0040-
Heat exchangers, chillers, vacuum pumps        Pt. Nos. vary                 Section 8.8 "Assemblies"
General assemblies                             Pt. Nos. vary                 Section 8.8 "Assemblies"
Frames                                         0010-, 0015-, 0040-, 0240-    Section 8.8 "Assemblies"
Hardware                                       Pt. Nos. vary                 Section 8.9 "Hardware"
Electrostatic sensitive device                 Pt. Nos. vary                 Section 8.2 "Printed Circuit Board
                                                                             Assemblies"
Cleanroom item                                 Pt. Nos. vary                 Section 7.9 "Cleanroom Packaging"
Kits                                           0240-, 0242-                  Section 7.12 "Kit Packaging"
Hazardous material                             Pt. Nos. vary                 Section 7.14 "Hazardous Materials"
</TABLE>

                   Figure 6.1. Commodity Code Reference Table


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   59


Packaging Specification                                            Page 12 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97


7.        GENERAL PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS

          7.1. General

               This Applied Materials document does not eliminate or supersede
               any shipper's packaging responsibility. It is the shipper's
               obligation to make sure that the package and/or palletizing
               comply with all local, federal, and international laws and
               regulations. These rules and laws include transportation
               requirements and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials.

               The following are the minimum requirements that apply to all
               inbound and outbound shipments to and from Applied Materials:

               7.1.1.    It is the shipper's responsibility to determine the
                         method of packaging, consistent with these guidelines,
                         unless otherwise specifically instructed. Special
                         packaging requirements which conflict with this
                         specification shall take precedence.

               7.1.2.    IT IS THE SHIPPER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PACKAGE AND LOAD
                         PARTS IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO ENSURE DAMAGE FREE DELIVER
                         OF BOTH THE CONTAINER AND ITS CONTENTS.

               7.1.3.    Previously used containers are prohibited, unless
                         Applied Materials has approved and identified them as
                         reusable and acceptable.

               7.1.4.    Recyclability is of a major concern to Applied
                         Materials, therefore all packaging should allow for
                         easy segregation into their appropriate waste recycling
                         streams when at all possible.

               7.1.5.    All  items are to be packaged individually (1 per box)
                         except matched sets, bulk hardware items, kits, and
                         parts/products identified for use in lean
                         manufacturing. Exemptions from this requirement will be
                         granted on a part by part basis.

               7.1.6.    Matched sets and kits are to be packaged together.




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Packaging Specification                                            Page 13 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                     Rev. K                     4/30/97


               7.1.7.    Multiple parts that make one Applied Materials part
                         number must be identified as one set or one unit and
                         must be consolidated to prevent separation. (One set
                         per container.)

               7.1.8.    All parts must be clean (free of dust, corrosion,
                         shavings, contaminants, etc.) prior to packaging. It is
                         essential that cleanliness levels attained during parts
                         fabrication are not degrated by the packaging being
                         used.

               7.1.9.    All parts must be adequately separated to prevent
                         entanglement with one another.

               7.1.10.   All parts must be packaged to prevent shifting or
                         rubbing of contents, and when necessary, separated to
                         prevent damage.

               7.1.11.   Voids should be filled as required, however, use of
                         loose-fill dunnage ("peanuts", "popcorn") is
                         prohibited.

               7.1.12.   Packages should not be filled to the extent that they
                         bulge.

               7.1.13.   Protect all bagged items from punctures, abrasions, and
                         protrusions to prevent contamination of parts during
                         the handling and distribution cycle.

               7.1.14.   Heavier parts, and products should always be placed on
                         the bottom of the container.

               7.1.15.   Do not overload a container to the point where the
                         contents' weight exceeds the container's designed
                         capability.

               7.1.16.   Use proper labeling to mark packages such as "FRAGILE",
                         "HANDLE WITH CARE", "THIS END UP", "DO NOT STACK", as
                         required.

               7.1.17.   Package closure shall permit access to the contents for
                         inspection purposes without destroying the containers
                         usefulness (i.e. plastic bags shall be made so that
                         they can be opened and resealed a minimum of one time.)

               7.1.18.   Ensure that no package is unsafe to the environment or
                         personnel. (i.e., protruding staples, nails, loose
                         banding, etc.).

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<PAGE>   61


Packaging Specification                                            Page 14 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97



               7.1.19.   The use of staples is prohibited as a method of closure
                         of bags.

               7.1.20.   All pallets shall be the 4-way entry variety.

               7.1.21.   Overhang on pallets is not permitted.

               7.1.22.   When the center of gravity is not in the center of the
                         unit or utilized load, the location of the center of
                         gravity shall be marked on all 4 sides to help maintain
                         load stability during material handling.

               7.1.23.   All ground studs must be capped and all sharp corners
                         and knife edges protected to prevent damages to
                         personnel and/or other parts.

               7.1.24.   All packaging materials must be compatible with the
                         parts contained within the packaging. Packaging must
                         not adhere to parts, produce corrosion/oxidation, etc.

               7.1.25.   Same parts must be packaged consistently from shipment
                         to shipment, both in the containers used and quantity
                         of parts per container for a given part number.

               7.1.26.   All inbound and outbound shipments are subject to
                         inspection. Applied Materials reserves the right to
                         reject any shipment which is not in compliance with
                         these specifications, or to charge back to the supplier
                         any costs incurred from repackaging.


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   62


Packaging Specification                                            Page 15 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

          7.2. Package Performance

               Package performance is critical to maintaining part integrity
               during the distribution cycle. Applied Materials requires that
               the packaging shipped to and from Applied Materials be able to
               withstand the normal hazards seen during the distribution
               environment. Applied Materials [**].

               Applied Materials, Inc. has recognized ASTM D 4169, Standard
               Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and
               Systems, and ISTA Pre-Shipment Test Procedures I/1A as good
               methods for determining adequate product protection.

               The typical testing that occurs using these test procedures
               includes [**].

               The following describes the typical hazards that may be
               encountered during the distribution cycle. There are other
               hazards that a package may see during the distribution cycle, and
               these must also be accounted for. Distribution systems vary in
               their specific hazard elements and should be carefully studies by
               the shipper in order to determine the packaging necessary to
               deliver damage free goods to Applied Materials.

               7.2.1.    Vibration

                         Vibration is the one hazard element that will occur
                         during every transportation phase of a distribution
                         cycle. It is also the one element that is most
                         difficult to understand without performing product
                         vibration testing. Essentially, the package materials
                         that are chosen for a specific product should, ideally,
                         attenuate the forcing frequencies seen in the
                         distribution cycle which are close to or match the
                         natural frequencies the product may have.


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<PAGE>   63


Packaging Specification                                            Page 16 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97


               7.2.2.    Drops

               Drops are a common hazard element that may occur in the
          distribution cycle. Essentially a packaged product will see drop
          heights that correlate to the size and weight of the packaged product.
          The smaller the package typically the higher the drop height that may
          occur. The following table shows a packaged product weight with a
          corresponding maximum drop height that may occur during the
          distribution cycle:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   PACKAGE PRODUCT (WEIGHT)                               DROP HEIGHT (inches)
   ------------------------                               --------------------
           <S>                                                    <C>
            0 - 10                                                 42
           11 - 50                                                 36
           51 - 100                                                24
          101 - 250                                                18
            251 -                                                  12
       PALLETIZED LOADS                                             6
</TABLE>

                             Figure 7.1. Drop Height

                         The product should be adequately cushioned to prevent
                         damage from occurring at the drop height associated
                         with the packaged product weight.

               7.2.3.    Compression

                         There are two different types of compression, static
                         compression and dynamic compression. Static
                         comprehensive comes from warehousing and storage while
                         dynamic compression is due to compressive forces
                         incurred during transportation and material handling.

                         The package should prevent damage due to static
                         compression to the product when stacked 2 pallets high,
                         of if not a palletized item, to a height of 96 inches.
                         The package must also be able to withstand the dynamic
                         compressive forces, due to shock and vibration,
                         normally incident to the distribution environment when
                         stacked 2 pallets high, or if nor palletized, to a
                         height of 96 inches.

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   64


Packaging Specification                                            Page 17 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                     Rev. K                     4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


               7.2.4.    Impacts

                         Impacts can be regarded as horizontal shocks. These
                         impacts are common to the rail industry during rail
                         care coupling and in other environments during the
                         sorting of packages. The package should be designed to
                         withstand impacts normally incident to the distribution
                         environment. Special attention should be placed on
                         packages that are being shipped by small parcel
                         shippers. The small parcel environments are extremely
                         hazardous during the sorting process, and impacts to
                         the packaged product can come from any and all
                         directions.

          7.3. Handling Requirements

               All shipments to and from Applied Materials, Inc. must
               incorporate handling devices into their packagings as outlined in
               the following table. The following table shows the type of
               handling devices that must be incorporated into the packaging
               based on size and weight of the packaged product. The type of
               handling that the devices will need to facilitate is also noted.
               The size calculated by adding the length, width, and depth of the
               packaged product (L + W+D=size).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                   [**]                [**]                 [**]                [**]                 [**]
                   -------------       ------------------   ------------------  ------------------   -------------------
<S>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>
[**]               None Required       None Required        2 Person Handholds  2 Person Handholds   Pallet Jack or Lift
                                                            or Handles*         or Handles*          Truck Access
[**]               None Required       1 Person Handholds   2 Person Handholds  2 Person Handholds   Pallet Jack or Lift
                                       or Handles           or Handles*         or Handles*          Truck Access
[**]               None Required       1 Person Handholds   2 Person Handholds  2 Person Handholds   Pallet Jack or Lift
                                       or Handles           or Handles*         or Handles*          Truck Access
[**]               None Required       2 Person Handholds   2 Person Handholds  Pallet Jack or Lift  Pallet Jack or Lift
                                       or Handles           or Handles*         Truck Access         Truck Access
[**]               None Required       2 Person Handholds   Pallet Jack or Lift Pallet Jack or Lift  Pallet Jack or Lift
                                       or Handles           Truck Access        Truck Access         Truck Access
</TABLE>


               *All packages weighing [**] or greater must have heavy labels,
               part number 0060-76154, or equivalent, located on the top of the
               package.


                        Figure 7.2. Handling Requirements


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<PAGE>   65


Packaging Specification                                            Page 18 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97


  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

This illustration shows a figure attempting to lift a box. A line is drawn
through the picture and the word "HEAVY" is written twice to indicate that a
package affixed with this label if difficult to lift.


                             Figure 7.3. Heavy Label


          7.4. Size & Weight Limitations

               The following chart is a guidelines for determining the outer box
               style to be used for a specific shipment. The chart references
               size and weight to determine the box style required. The size is
               calculated by adding the length, width, and depth of the packaged
               product (L / W / D = size). This chart shows suggested outer
               container requirements. The product that is being shipped may
               require a stronger box to ensure that the product arrives damage
               free at its destination point.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     [**]                [**]                 [**]                [**]                 [**]
                     -------------       ------------         -------------       -------------        ---------------
<S>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>
[**]                 200#/32 ECT         275#/44 ECT          350#/51 ECT         350#/51 ECT          Wood Box
                     Singlewall          Singlewall           Doublewall          Doublewall           (PPP-B-621) if
                     Corrugated or       Corrugated or        Corrugated or       Corrugated or        weight exceeds
                     3mm Plastic         3mm Plastic          5mm Plastic         5mm Plastic          400 lbs. then
                     Corrugated          Corrugated           Corrugated          Corrugated           use Cleated
                     Containers          Containers           Containers          Containers           Plywood box
                                                                                  secured to a         (PPP-B-601)
                                                                                  pallet
[**]                 275#/44 ECT         275#/44 ECT          350#/51 ECT         350#/51 ECT          Wood Box
                     Singlewall          Singlewall           Doublewall          Doublewall           (PPP-B-621) if
                     Corrugated or       Corrugated or        Corrugated or       Corrugated or        weight exceeds
                     3mm Plastic         3mm Plastic          5mm Plastic         5mm Plastic          400 lbs. then
                     Corrugated          Corrugated           Corrugated          Corrugated           use Cleated
                     Containers          Containers           Containers.  If     Containers           Plywood box
                                                              length if greater   secured to a         (PPP-B-601)
                                                              than 40" then       pallet.  If length
                                                              use Wood Box        is greater than
                                                              (PPP-B-621)         40" then use
                                                                                  Wood Box
                                                                                  (PPP-B-621)
</TABLE>


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   66


Packaging Specification                                           Page 19 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                     4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>
[**]                 350#/51 ECT         350#/51 ECT          350#/51 ECT         Wood Box             Cleated
                     Doublewall          Doublewall           Doublewall          (PPP-B-621)          Plywood box
                     Corrugated or       Corrugated or        Corrugated or                            (PPP-B-601)
                     5mm Plastic         5mm Plastic          5mm Plastic
                     Corrugated          Corrugated           Corrugated
                     Containers.  If     Containers.  If      Containers.  If
                     length if greater   length if greater    length if greater
                     than 60" then       than 50" then        than 40" then
                     use Wood Box        use Wood Box         use Wood Box
                     (PPP-B-621)         (PPP-B-621)          (PPP-B-621)
[**]                 350#/51 ECT         350#/51 ECT          350#/51 ECT         Wood Box             Cleated
                     Doublewall          Doublewall           Doublewall          (PPP-B-621) If       Plywood box
                     Corrugated or       Corrugated or        Corrugated or       length is greater    (PPP-B-601)
                     5mm Plastic         5mm Plastic          5mm Plastic         then 90" then
                     Corrugated          Corrugated           Corrugated          use Cleated
                     Containers.  If     Containers.  If      Containers.  If     Plywood Box
                     length if greater   length if greater    length if greater   (PPP-B-601)
                     than 50" then       than 40" then        than 34" then
                     use Wood Box        use Wood Box         use Wood Box
                     (PPP-B-621) If      (PPP-B-621) If       (PPP-B-621) If
                     length is greater   length is greater    length is greater
                     than 90" then       than 90" then        than 90" then
                     use Cleated         use Cleated          use Cleated
                     Plywood Box         Plywood Box          Plywood Box
                     (PPP-B-601)         (PPP-B-601)          (PPP-B-601)
[**]                 Wood Box            Wood Box             Wood Box            Cleated              Cleated
                     (PPP-B-621).  If    (PPP-B-621).  If     (PPP-B-621).  If    Plywood Box          Plywood Box
                     length is greater   length is greater    length is greater   (PPP-B-601)          (PPP-B-601)
                     than 90" then       than 90" then        than 90" then
                     use Cleated         use Cleated          use Cleated
                     Plywood Box         Plywood Box          Plywood Box
                     (PPP-B-601)         (PPP-B-601)          (PPP-B-601)
</TABLE>


Note:  If the weight exceeds [**].



                      Figure 7.4. Size & Weight Limitations



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   67


Packaging Specification                                            Page 20 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                       4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


               7.4.1.    The following figure is a guideline for box sealing of
                         typical regular slotted container style boxes. The box
                         sealing that is used must perform adequately during its
                         intended distribution cycle.

     This figure is an illustration of 2 boxes, each of which is specifically
sealed according to its weight. The lighter box is sealed lengthwise across the
middle, while the heavier box, in addition to the previous marks, is also sealed
along each of its end edges and corners.


             Loads [**] or less                                 Loads over [**]


                Figure 7.5. Regular Slotted Container Box Sealing



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   68


Packaging Specification                                            Page 21 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97

          7.5. Small Parts

               This section describes the packaging requirements for small
               parts.

               7.5.1.    Small Parts that meet the commodity description and
                         size criteria listed below must be packaged as
                         indicated in this section. For all parts that do not
                         fall into these categories, refer to the commodity
                         sections in this manual for appropriate packaging
                         requirements.

               7.5.2.    If you are currently packaging or receiving parts from
                         your supplier packaged as 1-each, do not change current
                         packaging practices.

               7.5.3.    All small parts listed below that are sold in "sets"
                         must be packaged in individual sets (1-set per 1
                         package).

               7.5.4.    Refer to the following Charts for the part size and
                         commodity type for proper packaging requirements. All
                         Bags and Cartons must be properly identified with the
                         AMAT Part Number and Quantity.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Packaging Requirement (L=length, D=depth, W=width and Dia.=diameter)
                         --------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodity                Size                               Description                                            Quantity
                         Limitations                                                                               Breakdown
- -------------------      -----------                        -----------------------------------------              --------------
<S>                      <C>                                <C>                                                    <C>
Glass, ceramics,         L 1/2"-to-1"                       o        Bubble-bag 1-each or equivalent               bubble-bagged
Quartz, or Graphite      W 1/2"-to-1"                       o        Foam or bubble cushioning 1-each              1-each and
{See Cleanroom           D less than or equal to 1/4"       o        Bulk box                                      boxed in
packaging}                                                                                                         package
                                                                                                                   quantities per
                                                                                                                   Table-A.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         L less than or equal to 1/2"       o        Bag 1-each in a polyethylene bag or           bagged 1-each
                         W less than or equal to 1/2"                equivalent                                    and boxed in
                         D less than or equal to 1/4"       o        Bulk box                                      package
                                                                                                                   quantities per
                                                                                                                   Table-A.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Rods (Glass,            L less than or equal to 5"         o        Bag 1-each in a polyethylene bag or           Cushioned 1-
 Ceramics,               Dia. less than or equal to 1/2"             equivalent                                    each and
 Quartz){See                                                o        Bulk box                                      boxed in
 Cleanroom                                                                                                         package
 packaging}                                                                                                        quantities per
                                                                                                                   Table-A.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   69


Packaging Specification                                            Page 22 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                      <C>                                <C>                                                    <C>
Plastic (non-fragile)    L 1-1/2"-to- 5"                    o        Bag 1-each in a polyethylene bag or           bagged 1-each
                         W 1-1/2"-to- 5"                             equivalent                                    and 5
                         D 3/4"-to-1-                       o        Bulk box                                      packages max
                         1/4"                                                                                      per carton
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         L less than or equal to 1/2"       o        Bulk Bag                                      package in
                         W less than or equal to 1/2"       o        Bulk box                                      multiples of 25
                         D less than or equal to  3/4"                                                             maximum per
                                                                                                                   bag and 4 bags
                                                                                                                   max.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resistors, Diodes,       L less than or equal to  3"        o        Bulk Bag                                      Bagged in
Amplifiers,              W less than or equal to 3/8"       o        Bulk Box                                      quantities per
Transistors, or          D less than or equal to 3/8"                                                              Table - B and
Capacitors                                                                                                         a maximum of
                                                                                                                   5 bags per
                                                                                                                   carton
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-Rings (non-            Dia. 10"-to-13"                    o        Bag 1-each in polyethylene bag or             Bagged 1-each
cleanroom, non-                                                      equivalent                                    and packaged
critical)                                                   o        Bulk Box                                      in quantities
                                                                                                                   per Table-A
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Dia. 1-1/4"-to-                    o        Bulk Bag                                      Bagged in
                         10"                                o        1 Bag per Box                                 quantities per
                                                                                                                   Table-A and 1
                                                                                                                   bag per carton
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Dia. less than or equal to 1-1/4"  o        Bulk Bag                                      Bagged in
                                                            o        1 Bag per Box                                 quantities per
                                                                                                                   quantity
                                                                                                                   Table-B and 1
                                                                                                                   bag per ctn.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seals (non-lipseals,     Dia. less than or equal to 1-1/4"  o        See Cleanroom Section 7.9 - double -          bagged 1-each
non-barrier seals),                                                  bagged 1-each.                                and packaged
or Gaskets (clean                                           o        Bulk Box                                      in quantities
products)                                                                                                          per Table-A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fittings (Metal),        L less than or equal to 3"         o        Bag 1-each in a polyethylene bag or           Bagged 1-each
Pipes, Machined          W less than or equal to 2"                  equivalent                                    and 10 bags
Parts (Metal)            D less than or equal to 1-1/4"     o        Bulk Box                                      max per carton
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metal Parts (non-        L 2" -to-4"                        o        Bag 1-each                                    Bagged 1-each
fragile), shims,         W 2"-to-3"                         o        Bulk Box                                      and in
plates (Non-critical     D less than or equal to 3/8"                                                              quantities per
surfaces)                                                                                                          Table-A
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         L less than or equal to 2"         o        Bulk Bag                                      Bagged in
                         W less than or equal to 2"         o        1 Bag per Box                                 quantities per
                         D less than or equal to 3/8"                                                              Table B and 1
                                                                                                                   bag per carton
</TABLE>


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   70


Packaging Specification                                            Page 23 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                      <C>                                <C>                                                     <C>
Metal Parts (non-        L less than or equal to 2"         o        See Cleanroom Section 7.9 - double-bagged     Bagged 1-each
fragile), shims,         W less than or equal to 2"                  1-each                                        and packaged
plates (Non-critical     D less than or equal to 1/2"       o        Bulk Box                                      in quantities
surface)                                                                                                           per Table-A
(cleanroom)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuses                    L less than or equal to 2"         o        Note: Some fuses are already pre-packaged     Bag in
                         Dia. less than or equal to 1/2"             in custom containers (i.e. 5-packs), use      quantities per
                                                                     these containers if applicable and bulk box   Table-A and 1
                                                                     (25 maximum per box).                         bag per carton.

                                                                     - or -

                                                            o        Bulk Bag
                                                            o        Box 1 bag-each
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wires (rigid), or        L less than or equal to 7"         o        Bulk Pack in rigid Tubing or Backing to       Bulk Pack in
Graphite Tubing          Dia. less than or equal to 1/8"             prevent bending and/or snapping.              quantities per
                                                            o        Box 1-each, if not packaged in rigid tubing   Table-B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Springs                  L less than or equal to 3-1/2"     o        Bulk Bag in polyethylene bag or equivalent    Package in
                         Dia. less than or equal to 1"      o        Bulk Box                                      multiples of 5
                                                                                                                   maximum per
                                                                                                                   bag and
                                                                                                                   package in
                                                                                                                   quantities per
                                                                                                                   Table-A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bearings                 Dia. less than or equal to 1-1/4"  o        Bag 1-each                                    Bagged 1-each
                                                            o        Bulk Box                                      and package in
                                                                                                                   quantities per
                                                                                                                   Table-A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hardware                 All Hardware                       o        See Hardware Section 8.8                      See Hardware
                                                                                                                   Section 8.8
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   Quantity Table A                                            Quantity Table B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Order Quantity                Package (part or Bag)              Order Quantity              Package (part or bag)
                                     Quantity                                                      Quantity
- --------------                ---------------------              --------------           ------------------------
<S>                           <C>                                <C>                      <C>
1 -to- 100                    maximum 10 per pack                1 -to- 100               maximum 50 per pack
101 -to- 1000                 maximum 100 per pack               101 -to- 1000            maximum 500 per pack
</TABLE>

Directions: Package ordered quantities per the appropriate table above. Identify
the bulk packages with the quantities packaged. Left-over quantities should be
packaged and identified with the quantity packaged.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For Example:  Your order consists of 2037 same parts that reference Table-A
<S>              <C>                                                                    <C>
You should have: 20 packs in multiples of 100 quantity each.                            (Identified - 100 Qty. on each package)
                  3 packs in multiples of 10 quantity each.                             (Identified - 10 Qty. on each package)
                  1 pack of 7 quantity.                                                 (Identified - 7 Qty. on the package)
</TABLE>

                 Figure 7.6. Small Parts Packaging Requirements


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   71


Packaging Specification                                            Page 24 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                  Rev. K                        4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


     7.6. Unitizing

               All unitized loads must be secured pallet. The pallet must have
               4-way entry and must have sufficient strength to accommodate the
               load. All loads must be squared off.

               Securement to the pallet shall be made by the use of metal or
               plastic strapping of sufficient strength to adequately secure the
               load to the pallet and prevent load shifting during
               transportation. To help with load stability, the use of
               corrugated fiberboard tie sheets between the layers on the pallet
               is recommended. The product shall be protected from damage from
               the straps by the use of rigid plastic or paperboard edge
               protectors. 

               The strapping shall be a minimum of 2 straps in one direction and
               when appropriate, strapping shall be 2 or more straps in 2 or
               more directions in order to secure the load to the pallet. It is
               also acceptable to use stretch or shrink wrap in combination with
               strapping to secure the load to the pallet.

               Figures 7.7, 7.8, and 7.9 show proper load securement while
               Figure 7.10 shows inappropriate load securement. In Figure 7.10,
               the load should be separated into 2 separate squared off pallets
               or 1 squared off pallet and separately shipped boxes.

               This figure is an illustration of a proper load securement on a
               pallet. The load must be squared off on a 4-way entry pallet.
               Securement of the load is ensured by 2 pairs of straps that run
               through the pallet in opposite directions and intersect on the
               top and bottom of the load.

                       Figure 7.7 4-Way Strapping of Load

               This figure is an illustration of a proper load securement on a
               pallet. The load must be squared off on a 4 way entry pallet.
               Securement of the lead is ensured by 2 parallel straps that run
               through the pallet and across the perimeter of the load.

                       Figure 7.8. 2-Way Strapping Of Load

               This figure is an illustration of a proper load securement on a
               pallet. The load must be squared off on a 4 way entry pallet.
               Securement of the lead is ensured by 2 pairs of straps that run
               through the pallet in opposite directions and intersect on the
               top and bottom of the load. A 5th strap encompasses the
               perimeter, running perpendicular to the 2 pairs and intersecting
               each one on all four sides.

                Figure 7.9. Four-Way And Girth Strapping Of Load

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   72


Packaging Specification                                            Page 25 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                       4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

This figure is an illustration of improper load securement on a pallet. The load
is not squared off and therefore, is not stabilized for shipping.


                  Figure 7.10. Incorrect, Load Not Squared Off


     7.7. Inter-Divisional Movements

          All inter-divisional shipments between manufacturing and storage
          facilities in Austin, Texas and in Santa Clara, California must have
          the products packaging conform to the requirements of this
          specification except as noted in this section.

          7.7.1. All [**]. If applicable, [**]. Use caution [**].

          7.7.2. Verify that all documents pertaining to the shipment are
                 attached and identified as required by appropriate departments.

          7.7.3. All packages and subassemblies that are not on casters must not
                 be pushed, pulled, or moved without the proper equipment (i.e.
                 pallet jack, trolleys, carts, etc.)

          7.7.4. All parts, products, and assemblies moving between buildings
                 and divisions will require more than one person to handle
                 should be placed on a skid or require the use of appropriate
                 handling equipment. Refer to section 7.3 for handling
                 requirements.

     7.8. Labeling

          All shipments to Applied Materials, excluding those to IBSS, must be
          labeled in accordance with 0190-75034, Applied Materials Receiving Bar
          Code Specification, or its successor specification, as revised from
          time to time. All shipments to Applied Materials IBSS division and all
          shipments made directly to end users at the request of Applied
          Materials ("Requested Direct Shipments") must be labeled in accordance
          with 0250-60124, Applied Materials Unit Package Marking and Labeling
          Vendor Requirements Specification. To assist in the determination of
          labeling requirements, refer to the table to below.

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   73


Packaging Specification                                            Page 26 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                  Rev. K                        4/30/97

          Supplier shall not place any marks, telephone numbers or other
          information on packaging identifying supplier as the source of the
          items shipped. Exemptions from this requirement will be granted on a
          case by case basis.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Part Label (1)             Individually boxed (2)             Multiple Boxes Overpacked (3)
                                         ---------------------------------        -------------------------------
                                         Ship to IBSS         Ship to Mfg.        Individual           Outer
                     -----------------   ------------         ------------        ----------           ----------
<S>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>
Bagged,              N/A                 0250-60124           0190-75034          0250-60124           0190-75034
P/N visible
Bagged, P/N          0250-60124          0250-60124           0190-75034          0250-60124           0190-75034
not visible
Wrapped, P/N         N/A                 0250-60124           0190-75034          0250-60124           0190-75034
visible
Wrapped, P/N         0250-60124          0250-60124           0190-75034          0250-60124           0190-75034
not visible
No wrap, no          N/A                 0250-60124           0190-75034          0250-60124           0190-75034
bag, P/N
visible
</TABLE>

(1)  Individual part label to be placed on bag/wrap if part number is not
     visible through bag/wrap.

(2)  If shipping one part packaged individually.

(3)  If shipping several individually boxed parts consolidated in one outer
     container.









                       Figure 7.11. Labeling Requirements





                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   74


Packaging Specification                                            Page 27 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                  Rev. K                        4/30/97


     7.9. Cleanroom Packaging

          Clean packaging is required when communicated on part drawing,
          Purchase Order or Contract.

          7.9.1. Cleaning

          If cleaning is required, the method of cleaning will be specified on
          the drawing, purchase order, or contact

          7.9.2. Handling

               7.9.2.1. Once parts and assemblies have been cleaned, they can
                        only be handled with cleanroom approved gloves. See 0250
                        -70699, Cleanroom Approved Materials.

               7.9.2.2. Gloved hands that touch clean parts must not touch
                        anything else. Immediately replace a glove which has
                        touched an unclean surface, i.e., hair, clothing, bench,
                        etc.

          7.9.3. Packaging

               7.9.3.1. Verify that all parts are completely dry before
                        packaging.

               7.9.3.2. Painted, plated or finished surfaces must be protected
                        to prevent abrasion, nicks, scratches or dents.

               7.9.3.3. Sharp protrusions must be protected from puncturing
                        bags.

               7.9.3.4. The part shall be sealed in an inner bag, cushioned if
                        applicable, then sealed in an outer bag. Leave enough
                        room for one additional seal. Remove excess air prior to
                        sealing.

               7.9.3.5. Attached a label that states "PACKAGED IN CLASS XXXX
                        CLEANROOM" to the inner bag (replace XXXX with
                        appropriate class level. i.e., 100, 1000, 10,000). All
                        labeling must be placed on the inner bag. If it is not
                        visible through the outer bag, the labeling must be
                        placed on the outer bag also.



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   75


Packaging Specification                                            Page 28 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                       Rev. K                   4/30/97


          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

          7.9.4. Overboxing

          When plastic corrugate boxes are specified on the contract, purchase
          order or drawing, the part will only be required to be single bagged.
          The plastic corrugate box must be bagged and over boxed with a
          corrugated fiberboard box.

          7.9.5. Cleanroom Acceptable Materials

               Reference 0250-70699, Cleanroom Approved Materials.

     7.10. Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Items

          Electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive items have become a
          significant concern for most electronics companies. Related hazards
          include electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency
          interference (RFI). [**].

          All items susceptible to EMI, and RFI damage will need [**].

     7.11. Environmentally Sensitive Parts

          This section describes the packaging requirements for protecting
          parts/products against environmental hazards. The main environmental
          hazards are [**].

          [**].

          7.11.1. Desiccant

               Desiccants are typically the primary material used [**].

               [**].






                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   76

Packaging Specification                                            Page 29 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                      Rev. K                    4/30/97


          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RIGID BARRIER VOLUME (cubic            FLEXIBLE BARRIER AREA               DESICCANT UNITS REQUIRED
          inches)                         (square inches)
- ---------------------------            ---------------------               ------------------------
          <S>                                  <C>                                   <C>
           1,429                                 90                                   *
           2,857                                180                                   *
           4,286                                270                                   *
           5,714                                360                                   *
           7,143                                450                                   *
          14,286                                900                                   *
          28,571                              1,800                                   *
          57,143                              3,600                                   *
         114,286                              7,200                                   *
</TABLE>


                          Figure 7.12. Desiccant Chart


          7.11.2. Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors

               Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI's) are those products that emit a
               vapor that creates a very thin film barrier on a part/product
               that acts as a barrier between the part/product and water
               molecules. [**].

          7.11.3. Non-Reactive Gas Purge

               Purging the packaging with a non-reactive gas will [**].

          7.11.4. Ultra Violet Light Degradation

               Notwithstanding chemical additives [**].



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   77


Packaging Specification                                            Page 30 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97


     7.12. Kit Packaging

          Kit packaging is defined as the over-boxing of any two or more
          individual parts, assemblies, matched sets, or bulk hardware parts.
          The over-box must conform to all the requirements of the general
          packaging requirements of this specification.

          When kit packaging is specified, the individual parts, assemblies,
          matched sets, and bulk hardware items must be protected from each
          other by the use of blocking or cushioning. The individual parts,
          assemblies, matched sets, and hardware parts must have their
          respective packaging conform to all of the general and commodity
          specific requirements of this specification.

          The parts shall be over-boxed into a single box when at all possible.
          The over-box shall be appropriately sized to accommodate all parts in
          the kit.

          All voids in the over-box shall be filled with an appropriate dunnage
          to prevent shifting of the individually boxed parts. The individual
          parts shall be loaded into the over-box in such a manner as to prevent
          damage to fragile items (for example: a fragile item weighing 5 lbs.
          should not have a 50 lb. item placed on top of it).

     7.13. Reusable Containers

          When specified, reusable containers shall be used. Reusable containers
          are containers that will be used to facilitate the shipment of product
          from one facility to another and will then be forwarded back to the
          original shipper or a third party to be specified. Mark all reusable
          containers on a minimum of two adjacent sides with the following
          statement; "REUSABLE CONTAINER, RETURN TO (SHIPPER'S NAME)." Unless
          limited by space, all verbiage shall be two inches in height minimum.


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   78


Packaging Specification                                            Page 31 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                       4/30/97


     7.14. Hazardous Materials

          All materials that meet the definition of hazardous material as
          defined in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (CFR 49), must
          conform to all requirements of CFR 49 and the applicable regulations
          governing the mode of transportation, by which the material will be
          shipped, for shipments originating in or destined to the United States
          of America.

          CFR 49 specifies all of the required shipping paper documentation,
          marking, labeling, packaging, and performance tests required for a
          shipment of hazardous material. The following is a list of applicable
          documents, that have specific modal requirements:

                    o    International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
                         Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of
                         Dangerous Goods by Air

                    o    International Air Transport Association (IATA)
                         Dangerous Goods Regulations

                    o    International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code

                    o    United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of
                         Dangerous Goods

     7.15. Lean Manufacturing Packaging

          When parts are to be delivered Fit For Use in a Lean Manufacturing
          line at Applied Materials, packaging must meet the requirements of
          0250- 70700, Lean Manufacturing Packaging Requirements.


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   79


Packaging Specification                                            Page 32 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                     Rev. K                     4/30/97

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

8. MINIMUM COMMODITY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS

     8.1. Ceramics, Quartz, Glass, Graphite

          This section provides the method of packaging ceramics, quartz, glass
          and graphite for distribution.

          NOTE: THESE ITEMS ARE EXTREMELY FRAGILE AND SHOULD BE HANDLED WITH
          GREAT CARE TO PREVENT DAMAGE.

          [**].

          [**].

          [**].

          8.1.1. Materials Requirements

               See 0250-70699, Cleanroom Approved Materials.

          8.1.2. Packaging Requirements

               The part shall be sealed [**].

          8.1.3. Overboxing

               When plastic corrugate boxes are specified as the outer container
               on the contract, purchase order or drawing, [**].



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   80


Packaging Specification                                            Page 33 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


          8.1.4. Labeling Requirements

               The following are special labeling requirements in addition to
               those found in section 7.8.

               8.1.4.1. Labeling on the inner bag should read "PACKAGED IN CLASS
                        XXX CLEANROOM" (replace XXXX with appropriate class
                        level. i.e., 100, 1,000, 10,000).

               8.1.4.2. If labeling on the inner bag is not legible through the
                        outer bag, place the same label on the outer bag. Mark
                        the exterior of the carton with a "FRAGILE" label.

     8.2. Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA's)

          8.2.1. General Packaging Requirements

               8.2.1.1. For all ESDS parts [**].

               8.2.1.2. Sharp protrusions must be protected from puncturing
                        bags.

               8.2.1.3. Fragile parts must be cushioned.

               8.2.1.4. Desiccant may be specified [**].

               8.2.1.5. When a box is required, [**].

               8.2.1.6. Mark the unit carton according to the requirements of
                        section 7.8, Labeling.

               8.2.1.7. References Applied Materials Workmanship Standard
                        0250-09954 for specific handling requirements.

               8.2.1.8. The ideal method of packaging ESD sensitive parts and
                        assemblies is to [**].

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   81


Packaging Specification                                            Page 34 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                Rev. K                          4/30/97

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


          8.2.2. Components, Integrated Circuits and Chips Packaging
          Requirements

               8.2.2.1. Integrated circuits may be packaged [**]


               This figure is an illustration of the proper packaging of an
               integrated circuit.

                          Figure 8.1. IC Tube Packaging



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   82


Packaging Specification                                           Page 35 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                     4/30/97

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


               8.2.2.2. Integrated circuits may be placed [**].

               This figure is an illustration of an alternative means of
               protective packaging for an integrated circuit through the use of
               conductive foam.

                    Figure 8.2. IC Conductive Foam Packaging

               8.2.2.3. Bag parts individually [**].

               8.2.2.4. Place bagged part [**].

          8.2.3. Printed Circuit Boards Packaging Requirements

               Note: See workmanship Standard 0250-09954, ESD Control, for
               proper handling procedures.

               8.2.3.1. Bag parts [**].

               8.2.3.2. If the part has prongs or pins [**].

               8.2.3.3. Place bagged part [**].

          8.2.4. Wrapping, Bagging, and Boxing Procedures

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   83


Packaging Specification                                            Page 36 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


               8.2.4.1. See 0250-70699, Cleanroom Acceptable Materials, for
                        acceptable wrapping materials.

               8.2.4.2. The following is a list of bagging requirements:

                    All parts must be [**].

                    Bag opening shall be [**].



               This figure is an illustration of a properly closed and sealed
               package that has been tamper-proofed. 

                           Figure 8.3. PCBA Packaging


               8.2.4.3. If the bagged part [**].

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   84


Packaging Specification                                            Page 37 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                       4/30/97

               Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
               Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


          8.3. Process Gas Lines, Vent Lines and Differential Pumping Lines

               This section describes the requirements for packaging of process
               gas lines, vent lines and differential pumping lines.

               8.3.1. The gas lines shall be [**].

               8.3.2. [**].

                    8.3.2.1. [**].

                    8.3.2.2. [**].

                    8.3.2.3. [**].

                    8.3.2.4. Follow section 7.9, Cleanroom Packaging Procedures.

               8.3.3. Sealed bags [**].

               8.3.3. To help prevent possible damage [**].

     8.4. UHV Lines (Vacuum Lines, Exhaust Lines, Fore Lines, Roughing Lines,
          Etc.)

     This section describes the method of packaging vacuum lines, exhaust lines,
     and fore lines. [**].

          8.4.1. Protect all [**]. Follow cleanroom packaging requirements,
               section 7.9, as required.

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   85


Packaging Specification                                            Page 38 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                 Rev. K                         4/30/97

   Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


          8.4.2. Double bag [**].

          8.4.3. Sealed bags [**].

          8.4.4. Label the inside bag [**].

          8.4.5. Individually box [**].

     8.5. Tubing, Hoses, Wires, And Cables (Flexible)

          This section describes the method of packaging flexible tubing, wires,
          and cables. All flexible tubing, hoses, wires, and cables shall be
          packaged in such a manner as to prevent damage, taking special care to
          prevent kinking, bending, or crimping.

          8.5.1. Protect all [**].

          8.5.2. If the tubing, hose, wire, or cable is [**].

          8.5.3. If the tubing, hose, wire, or cable is [**].

          8.5.4. Each part shall [**].

          8.5.5. The single bagged part [**].

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   86


Packaging Specification                                            Page 39 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                    Rev. K                      4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


     8.6. Seals, Gaskets, O-Rings And Foam (Cure Dated Items)

          This section describes the packaging requirements for all seals,
          gaskets, o-rings, foams and natural rubber items that are cure dated.

          8.6.1. Cure Dated Items

          Note: Cure dated items are heat and light sensitive, care should be
          taken to protect these parts from these particular elements.

               8.6.1.1. Cure dated items must be [**].

               8.6.1.2. Cleanroom cure dated items must be packaged per the
                    following:

                    o These items shall be [**].

                    o [**] cleanroom bag shall be marked as follows: "PACKAGED
                    IN CLASS XXXX CLEANROOM" (replace XXXX with appropriate
                    class level. i.e., 100,1000, 10,000).

                    o The part [**]

               8.6.1.3. Cure dated items must be bagged.

               8.6.1.4. The exterior bag should contain the following special
                    information:

                    o [**]

                    o [**]

                    o [**]

               8.6.1.5. See Figure 0250-70699, Cleanroom Approved Materials, for
                    acceptable bagging materials.

               8.6.1.6. All seals with an outside diameter [**].

               8.6.1.7. Place the bagged item [**].

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   87


Packaging Specification                                            Page 40 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                       4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

     8.7. Critical Surface Parts

          This section describes the packaging requirements for all parts that
          have a finish that is functional or cosmetic in nature and may be
          damaged by abrasion and shock impacts.

          8.7.1. Packaging Requirements

               8.7.1.1. Wrap/cover [**].

               8.7.1.2. When applicable, [**].

               8.7.1.3. Wrap part [**].

               8.7.1.4. Place (1 each) [**].

     8.8. Assemblies

          This section describes the packaging requirements for assemblies, and
          pump assemblies.

          8.8.1. Assembly Packaging

               This section covers all assemblies such as Complex motors,
               Actuators, Modules, etc.

               8.8.1.1. Follow all the applicable requirements of section 7.,
                    General Packaging Requirements. [**].

          8.8.2. IBSS Requirements for Stand Alone Vacuum Pump Packaging

               This section covers all roughing and backing vacuum pumps
               shipping to IBSS.

               8.8.2.1. The unit must be properly [**].

               8.8.2.2. [**].



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   88


Packaging Specification                                            Page 41 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                       4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


               8.8.2.3. Bag shall [**].

               8.8.2.4. The unit must [**].

               8.8.2.5. The unit must [**].

               8.8.2.6. The cap should include: "Applied Materials Part Number",
                    Gross Weight (lbs. &kgs.), and Cube Size (inches &
                    centimeters). [**].

          8.8.3. Stand Alone Vacuum Pump Packaging

               8.8.3.1. [**].

               8.8.3.2. The unit must be [**].

               8.8.3.3. Wrap or cover [**].

          8.8.4. Frame Assembly Packaging

               8.8.4.1. Frames must be [**].

               8.8.4.2. Frames must be [**].

               8.8.4.3. Frames must be [**].

               8.8.4.4. [**].

     8.9. Hardware (Screws, Bolts, Washers, Etc.)

          This section describes the packaging requirements for all hardware
          items (nuts, bolts, screws, washers, etc.

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   89


Packaging Specification                                            Page 42 of 42
Part no. 0250-00098                   Rev. K                       4/30/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


          8.9.1. All parts must have [**].

          8.9.2. All silver-plated hardware shall [**].

          8.9.3. Place like parts (same part numbered items) into a bag. [**].

          8.9.4. Bulk items [**].

          8.9.5. Place the bag [**].

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   90
  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  Attachment 6


Title: Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification     Rev.: B        Page 1 of 17
Part No. 0190-75034                               Date: 07/15/97





APPLIED MATERIALS


Spot Buy Receiving Label
Specification





Revision       Change ECO #        Originator/Approver           Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   A                24447          A.Makeriv                     11-12-96

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



   B                               R.Stern                       07-15-97

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




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




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



Information contained in this           APPLIED MATERIALS
document is considered confidential     3050 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95054
and proprietary and cannot be used in
any manner without the expressed
written consent of Applied
Materials Inc.


<PAGE>   91



Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 2 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97


CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contents.......................................................................2
Purpose and Scope of this Specification........................................3
References.....................................................................3
Definitions....................................................................4
Bar Code Specifications........................................................7
Physical characteristics of label..............................................8
Overall Label Dimensions.......................................................9
(3S) Shipping Container Label.................................................10
(5S) Outerpack Label..........................................................14
Bar Code Labeling Requirements................................................17



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials



<PAGE>   92


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 3 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97


PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS SPECIFICATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The purpose of this specification is to communicate Applied Materials standard
practices and requirements for its suppliers to print and apply labels on
shipping containers.

This specification addresses only those shipping container labels used to
receive Spot Buy material at Applied Materials. Suppliers shall comply with a
different specification 0250-06387 Applied Materials Bus Route Receiving Label
Specification for their Bus Route material.

The standard practices and requirements of this document are Applied Materials
interpretation of the latest version of the following standards: Electronic
Industries Association Outer Shipping Container Bar Code Label Standard (EIA
556-A); product package Bar Code Label Standard (EIA 624, [PN 3133]); and the
American National Standards Data Application Identifiers for Material Handling
(ANSI/MH 10.8 M-1993), which is a Data Identifier guideline.

This specification is intended to be a building block for Applied Materials to
streamline its flow of materials. This specification is intended to be flexible
enough to accommodate change and facilitate innovations within our industry.

REFERENCES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


EIA 556-A Electronic Industries Association Outer Shipping Container Bar Code
Label
EIA 624, [PN 3133] Product Package Bar Code Label Standard
ANSI/MH 10.8 M-1993 American National Standards Data Application Identifiers for
Material Handling
0250-00098 Applied Materials Packaging Specification
0250-06387 Applied Materials Bus Route Receiving Label Specification



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   93


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 4 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.

DEFINITIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ALPHANUMERIC   The character set that contains letters, numbers, and usually
other characters such as punctuation marks.

AMAT      Applied Materials

BAR  The darker element of a bar code symbol.

BAR CODE  An array of parallel rectangular bars and spaces that represent an
individual letter, number, punctuation mark or other symbol.

BAR DENSITY CODE    The number of data characters that can be represented in a
linear unit of measure. Bar code density is often expressed in characters per
inch (CPI). CPI is a function of the "X" dimension, element width ratio, and
intercharacter gap.

BAR CODE SCANNER    A device user for machine reading of a bar code. Scanners
may employ hand held wands, fixed optical beams, moving laser beams, or
hand-held moving laser beams.

BAR HEIGHT     The bar dimension perpendicular to the bar width.  Also called
bar length.

BUS ROUTE A JIT delivery system from supplier to AMAT

CODE [**]

CUSTOMER PRODUCT ID      A combination of alphanumeric characters used by a
customer or buyer (i.e. applied Materials) to identify a product.

DATA FIELD     The specific portion or area of a label designated to contain
human readable, bar code, or graphic information

DATA IDENTIFIER     [**]

DEPTH OF FIELD The difference between the minimum and maximum horizontal
distance from the aperture of the bar code reader throughout which the bar code
can be read.

EIA  Electronic Industries Association, Engineering Dept., 2001 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW, Washington., DC 20006 Telephone (800) 854-7179

ELEMENT   In a bar code symbol, a single bar or space.

FACT Federation of Automated Coding Technologies, 634 Alpha Drive, Pittsburgh,
PA 15238-2802, Phone (412) 963-8588.


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   94


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 5 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


INTERCHARACTER GAP       The space between the last element of one character and
the first element of the adjacent character of a discrete bar code symbol.

INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER   A container which is overpacked into an oversized
container for consolidation upon shipping.

JIT DELIVERY SYSTEM      [**]

LABEL A card, strip of paper, etc. marked and attached to an object to indicate
its nature, contents, ownership, destination, etc.

LADDER MODE    Bar code oriented with respect to the longer side of a label.

MANDATORY DATA FIELD     A data field that must always contain data.

MASTER PACK A number of filled transport packages or other items that are held
together by one or more means such as a pallet, slip sheet, strapping,
interlocking, glue, shrink wrap, stretch wrap or net wrap to make them suitable
for transportation, stacking, and storage as a unit. Sometimes referred to as a
Unitized or Unite Load.

MAY  Used in this document, this word designates a suggested or acceptable
method of complying with a requirement.

MIXED LOAN LABEL A label or tag used to designate a pack or shipping container
or non-identical items.

MULTI ORDER LABEL A label or tag used to designate a pack or shipping container
of identical products which fulfills multiple AMAT orders.

MULTI ORDER/MIXED LOAD LABEL A label or tag used to designate a pack or shipping
container of non-identical products which fulfills multiple AMAT orders.

MUST Used in this document, this word designates a requirement.

OVERPACK  A container used to consolidate other packages for the shipping
process. Examples of this type are a pallet with shrink wrapping or an oversized
corrugated cardboard box.

PACKAGE OR SHIPPING CONTAINER      The package or shipping container is the
final container that is sufficiently strong to be used in commerce for packing
or storing and transporting products.

PICKET FENCE MODE Bar codes oriented with respect to the shorter side of a
label.

PO - Purchase Order - A document which legally binds a commitment for materials,
facilities, or services.



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   95


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 6 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


PRODUCT PACKAGE LABEL    The product package is the first tied, wrapped, or
bagged container applied to a single product or multiple thereof or group
identical products.

QUIET ZONE  A clear space, which precedes the start character of a bar code
symbol and follows the stop character. Sometimes called the "Clear Area".

REFLECTANCE    [**]

SHALL  Used in this document, this word designates a requirement

SHOULD    Used in this document, this word designates a standard practice that
is not required but is either desired by Applied Materials, recommended by
Applied Materials or both.

SHIPPING CONTAINER LABEL Label that identifies the contents and "ship-to"
address of a shipping pack.

SHIPPING PACK       A package, shipping container, or final container that is of
sufficient strength to be used in commerce for packing, storing, and
transporting products.

SINGLE LABEL A label or tag used to identify and summarize the total contents of
a package or shipping container.

SINGLE ORDER LABEL A transaction label or tag used to designate a package or
container of identical products resulting from a single order.

SPOT BUY       A purchase made for material on a one-time basis using a PO.

START AND STOP CHARACTERS Distinct characters or patterns used at the beginning
and end of each bar code symbol that provide initial timing references and
direction- of-read information to the decoding logic.

SUPPLIER OR MANUFACTURER ID CODE   A code that uniquely identifies a supplier or
manufacturer.

SUPPLIER OR MANUFACTURER PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION CODE        A combination of
alphanumeric characters used by a supplier or manufacturer to identify a product
(part number).

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   96


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 7 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


TRANSACTION IDENTIFICATION NUMBER       A combination of alphanumeric characters
assigned by the customer to the transaction.

UNIFORM CODE COUNCIL     An organization that assigns product and supplier or
manufacturer identification numbers. 8163 Old Yankee Road, Suite J, Dayton, Ohio
45458, Telephone (513) 435-3870

BAR CODE SPECIFICATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This figure is an illustration of a bar code and is surrounded by several
descriptions of its specifications,including: Data Identifier, Field Title,
Field Value, Bar code height, Leading quiet zone and Trailing quiet zone.

BAR CODE CHARACTERISTICS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


X dimension       [**]
(width of the
narrow line)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Symbology                [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Density                  [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Element                  [**]
Width Ratio              [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Orientation              [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Print Quality            [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Data                     [**]
Character Set            [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Human                    [**]
readable                 [**]
character
height
(mandatory)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quiet zones              [**]
(mandatory)              [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



continued on next page


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials


<PAGE>   97


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 8 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


BAR CODE SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Each bar code shall [**].
Each bar code shall [**].
Each bar code shall [**].
Each bar code shall [**].
The human readable text for a bar code shall [**].
The human readable information is [**].

Human readable text example:
[**]

Scanning the bar code that corresponds to this human readable information [**]
should result in the following:
[**]



Physical characteristics of label
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Label material      Label material shall [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Adhesive types      [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Recyclability       When possible, the label material and adhesive should [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Environmental       These labels are intended for indoor use and normal
considerations      transportation conditions.  Care should be taken to [**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   98


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 9 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


OVERALL LABEL DIMENSIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The illustrations below depict the acceptable dimensions for each field on a
label. The labels are not shown to scale. This depiction is known as Vertical or
"Picket Fence" orientation.


Legend
- ------
A = FROM
B = SHIP TO:
C = PACKAGE COUNT
D = PACKAGE WEIGHT
E = PKG ID:
F = AMAT ORDER NO:
G = AMAT PART NO:
H = QUANTITY
I = RESUPPLY LOCN:
J = DESCRIPTION
K = DIV. CODE
*when bar code is required
                              Drawing not to scale

                         PREFERRED           MINIMUM             MAXIMUM
         a               [**]                [**]                [**]
         b               [**]                [**]                [**]
         c               [**]                [**]                [**]
         d               [**]                [**]                [**]
         e               [**]                [**]                [**]
         f               [**]                [**]                [**]
         m               [**]                [**]                [**]


Bar codes shall be [**]

there are two types of labels described in this document: the (3S) shipping
Container Label and the (5S) Outerpack Label. The above dimensions apply to
both.

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials


<PAGE>   99


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 10 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


(3S) SHIPPING CONTAINER LABEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Function        This label is [**]


         Features        Recommended label size[**].


         Recyclability   Label material and adhesives should [**].


         Placement       Label should be placed [**].

                         Label shall [**].

                         Label shall [**].

                         Label shall [**].

                         Care shall [**].

                         Where parts are packaged in accordance with
                         0250-00098 Packaging Specification [**].




                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   100


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 11 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


(3S) SHIPPING CONTAINER LABEL (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minimum Required Bar Coded
Data Fields:

Data              Field Title               Definition
Identifier
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3(S)              PKG ID:                   This field value [**].

                                            The second segment shall [**].

                                            The supplier or manufacturer shall
[**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(K)               AMAT                      This field value [**].
                  ORDER NO:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(P)               AMAT PART                 This field value [**].
                  NO:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1P)                                        Supplier [**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Q)               QUANTITY:                 This field value [**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2Z)              RESUPPLY                  This field is [**].
                  LOCN:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*(p) AMAT Product ID shall be used for AMAT PART NO.
(1P) Is used for orders when AMAT's part number is not available.

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials


<PAGE>   101


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 12 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97



(3S) SHIPPING CONTAINER LABEL (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Minimum Required
Human Readable Only
Data Fields:



Field Title                Definition
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



FROM:               Shall be address from which the shipment was sent.

SHIP TO:            Shall be address to which the shipment is being sent.

DESCRIPTION:        Shall be AMAT description for material provided. this value
                    may be truncated if it does not fit in the space allowed.

DIV. CODE:          This field is reserved for use on Bus Route shipping
                    container labels. On a Spot Buy label, this field should
                    contain the field title only.

PACKAGE WEIGHT:     Should be the weight of the filled package the label is
                    attached to even pound integrators. Weights less than 1 lb
                    should be shown as 1 lb. May be hand written clearly with
                    permanent ink.

PACKAGE COUNT:      For Spot buy labels this field should indicate package
                    "1 of 1". The field indicates which one of several packages
                    this package is. The set of packages includes all those
                    covered by a single packing slip shipped to complete
                    delivery of a single part number on a single AMAT PO. For
                    Spot buys this should be only one shipping container or
                    master pack.


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   102


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 13 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97



(3S) SHIPPING CONTAINER LABEL (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Example:

                                        ----------------------------------------
See table above and on previous         FROM:                 SHIP TO:       
illustration page for data field        ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO       ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
definitions.                            ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO       ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
                                        ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO       ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
                                        ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO       ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
                                        ----------------------------------------




                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (3S) PKG ID: 12345678+12345
                                                                            
                                        [Illustration of bar code.]


                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (K) AMAT ORDER NO: 12345678+12345
                                                                           
                                        [Illustration of bar code.]

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (P) AMAT PART NO: 1234-12345     REV D
                                                                           
                                        [Illustration of bar code.]


                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (Q) QUANTITY: 9999
                                                                            
                                        [Illustration of bar code.]
                                        

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (2Z) RESUPPLY LOCN:


                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        DESCRIPTION:             DIV. CODE:
                                        WIDGET, EXTRA CLEAN

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        PACKAGE COUNT            PACKAGE WEIGHT
                                           1 OF 1                999 LBS
                                        ----------------------------------------


                                            VERTICAL FORMAT. (not to scale)



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   103


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 14 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

  Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


(5S) OUTERPACK LABEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Function          This label is [**]

The (5S) label shall be used for the following:
o    A single order number with multiple part numbers in an overpack container.
o    Multiple order numbers with a single part number in an overpack container.
o    Multiple order numbers with multiple part numbers in an overpack container.

Features            [**]


Recyclability       Label material and adhesives should [**]

Placement           Label should be placed [**]

                    Label shall be placed [**].

                    Label shall [**].

                    Care shall be taken [**].

                    Where parts are packaged in accordance with 0250-00098
                    Packaging Specification and do not have a suitable flat
                    surface, the bar coded shipping container label may be
                    placed on a card stock tag that is then tied or taped by a
                    string to the container.



                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials


<PAGE>   104


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 15 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97


(5S) OUTERPACK DESCRIPTION LABEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MINIMUM REQUIRED
BAR CODED
DATA FIELDS


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data           Field Title    Definition
Identifier
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5$)           PKG ID:        This field value shall contain two segments. The
                              first segment shall be the 8 digit AMAT supplier
                              identification number. This ID number must be
                              followed by a separator "+" (plus) character.

                              The second segment shall be a package
                              identification code. This package identification
                              code shall be unique for each of the supplier's
                              labels (not necessarily in sequential order) and
                              assigned by the supplier or manufacturer. A
                              supplier may provide a site code within this
                              segment to ensure uniqueness of the package
                              identification code for regional sourcing to AMAT.

                              The supplier or manufacturer shall avoid repeating
                              the exact package identification character
                              sequence within 365 day period. The human readable
                              interpretation of the bar code data shall not
                              contain the start or stop characters. This field
                              value shall be the AMAT Purchase Order Number
                              where the overpack container contains parts for
                              only one Purchase Order Number. This order
                              number shall be bar coded.
               -----------------------------------------------------------------

(K)            AMAT           This field value shall be the AMAT Purchase Order
               ORDER NO:      Number where the overpack container parts for only
                              one Purchase Order Number. This order number shall
                              be bar coded.

                              Where the overpack container contains parts for
                              more than one Purchase Order Number, the human
                              readable text shall include only the data
                              identifier and the field title. In such a case the
                              field value shall be the text "MULTI ORDER"
                              printed instead of a bar code. This MULTI ORDER
                              text shall be a minimum of 0.25 inches (6.5 mm)
                              high, and shall occupy the space where the bar
                              code would otherwise have been. This field value
                              shall be the AMAT Part Number where the overpack
                              container contains only one AMAT Part Number. This
                              part number shall be bar coded.
               -----------------------------------------------------------------
(P)            AMAT PART      This field value shall be the AMAT Part Number
               NO:            where the overpack container contains only one
                              AMAT Part Number. This part number shall be bar
                              coded.

                              Where the overpack container contains more than
                              one AMAT part number, the human readable text
                              shall include only the data identifer and the
                              field title. In such a case the field value shall
                              be the text "MIXED LOAD" printed instead of a bar
                              code. This MIXED LOAD text shall be a minimum of
                              0.25 inches (6.5mm) high, and shall occupy the
                              space where the bar code would otherwise have
                              been.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   105


Spot Buy Receiving Label Specification                           Page 16 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                          Rev. B              7/15/97

5S OUTERPACK LABEL DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MINIMUM REQUIRED
HUMAN READABLE ONLY
DATA FIELDS:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIELD TITLE                             DEFINITION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM:                                   Shall be [**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHIP TO:                                Shall be [**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIV. CODE:                              This field is [**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACKAGE WEIGHT:                         Should be the weight of [**]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACKAGE COUNT:                          [**].
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Examples:  See table above and on previous page for data field definitions.

- -----------------------------------     ----------------------------------------
FROM:               SHIP TO:            FROM:               SHIP TO:            
ABCDEFGJIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGJIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO     

- -----------------------------------     ----------------------------------------
(5S) PKG ID: 12345678+12345             (5S) PKG ID: 12345678+12345
[Illustration of bar code.]             [Illustration of bar code.]

- -----------------------------------     ----------------------------------------
(K) AMAT ORDER NO: 1234567              (K) AMAT ORDER NO:
[Illustration of bar code.]
                                                       MULTI ORDER
- -----------------------------------     ----------------------------------------
(K) AMAT PART NO:                       (K) AMAT PART NO:

          MIXED LOAD                                   MIXED LOAD
- -----------------------------------     ----------------------------------------
(Q) QUANTITY:                           (Q) QUANTITY:

- -----------------------------------     ----------------------------------------
(2Z) RESUPPLY LOCN:                     (2Z) RESUPPLY LOCN:

- -----------------------------------     ----------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION:        DIV. CODE:          DESCRIPTION:        DIV. CODE:

- -----------------------------------     ----------------------------------------
PACKAGE COUNT       PACKAGE WEIGHT      PACKAGE COUNT       PACKAGE WEIGHT

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


                        VERTICAL FORMAT. (not to scale)

                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials


<PAGE>   106


Spot Buying Receiving Label Specification                        Page 17 of 17
Part no. 0190-75034                               Rev. B         7/15/97


BAR CODE LABELING REQUIREMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each unique part number itemized on the AMAT purchase order must be packaged in
a separate shipping container of master pack with its own packing slip.

     o    Where there are multiple delivery dates for the lien item, this is
          required each time the part is shipped.
     o    In observing this requirement, the following rules shall apply:

     All packaging shall be in compliance with 0250-00098 Applied Materials
Packaging Specification.

If the quantity of the part can be placed in one shipping container, supplier
shall [**].

If multiple shipping containers are required for [**].

Supplier may [**].






This figure is an illustration of the proper labeling of multiple master packs
and/or multiple shipping containers into a single overpack container. Each
package within the outerpack container contains the necessary shipping (3S)
container label while the overpack container has the proper outerpack (5S)
labeling.




                   Confidential Property of Applied Materials

<PAGE>   107


                                  Attachment 7

             APPLIED MATERIALS CORPORATE ROUTING GUIDE ATTACHMENT A



TRANSPORTATION AND SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS

Applied Materials Corporate Traffic Department has established excellent pricing
and service programs with various transportation carriers. Using these approved
carrier programs, when Applied Materials is responsible for the freight charges,
will contribute to our freight cost reduction goals while continuing to provide
a high level of customer satisfaction. Everyone has a responsibility to control
and reduce unnecessary expenses.

Requirements for transportation and shipping are as follows:

- -        All freight collect shipments to Applied Materials must be routed via
         the appropriate Applied Materials approved carrier, see general routing
         instructions within the United States.

- -        An Applied Materials department of division number must be referenced
         on the carrier documentation.

- -        All shipments consigned to a third party at the direction of Applied
         Materials and Applied Materials is paying the freight charges must be
         routed by an approved Applied Materials carrier. All shipping
         documentation must indicate billing to third party (Applied Materials).

- -        For freight routed prepaid by third party, FOB origin, the third party
         will assume all risk in transit when approved Applied Materials carrier
         is used.

- -        Materials must be suitable packaged to withstand normal freight
         handling and movement while in transit.

- -        Multiple order shipping by the same carrier and service level, on the
         same day, must be consolidated into one shipment on one carrier
         document.

- -        Material for each purchase order must be packaged separately with it's
         own packing list.

- -        Packing lists must be attached to the outside surface of the package
         and visible from any position (do not hide from view if multiple
         packages are pelletized).

- -        When consolidating multiple purchase orders in one overpack carton, all
         inside orders must be attached to the overpack carton. Overpack carton
         must be clearly label to indicate multiple orders are packed inside.
         Each carton within the overpack must be clearly labeled.





<PAGE>   108


                                  Attachment 7







- -        DO NOT DECLARE VALUE or request insurance on any freight collect
         shipment or third party shipments where Applied Materials is paying the
         freight charges unless specifically authorized.


- -        Materials must be shipped in time to meet the due date shown on the
         purchase order. Materials will not be accepted/received earlier than
         three (3) days of the due date, unless specifically authorized.
         Materials shipped earlier will be refused and possibly returned at your
         expense.


- -        Only use air freight at the requested level of service when
         specifically instructed and authorized in writing by Applied Materials.


- -        Suppliers must specifically state or indicate Emergency/Overnight
         service on the airbill or truck bill of lading to ensure expedited
         delivery, and only when instructed and authorized in writing by Applied
         Materials.


- -        All shipping documents and package address labels must reference the
         complete purchase order number(s) for the material included in the
         package(s) and shipment. When freight codes are provided they must also
         show on all documents.


- -        Any question concerning third party billing or carrier recommendations
         anywhere within the United States should be addressed to Corporate
         Traffic Operations:



              Santa Clara, California                  (408) 235-6053

              Outside Santa Clara, California          Toll Free  1-888-TOO-SHIP
                                                                (1-888-866-7447)







<PAGE>   109


                                  ATTACHMENT 7

                        APPLIED MATERIALS - ROUTING GUIDE

                   GENERAL ROUTING INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN THE US

              COMMON CARRIER (LTL) TRANSPORTATION UP TO 7,500 LBS.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    WEIGHT             AMAT LOCATION OR SERVICE AREA                             CARRIER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>                                             <C>                                 
   1-100 lbs.                    All points.                          Federal Expres - Express Saver
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 100 lbs.            All interstate shipments.                          CF Motor Freight
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 100 lbs.             Intrastate AZ, CA, & OR                         Viking Freight System
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 100 lbs.    Intrastate Tx, except Augtin & Dallas area      Federal Express - Express Saver Freight
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1-50 lbs.               Austin & Dallas area                                Sonic Air
 Over 50 lbs.                                                        Federal Express - Express Saver
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 100 lbs.             Intrastate MA, NY, & PA                Federal Express - Express Saver Freight
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please provide 48 hour advance notice when your shipment is over 7,500 lbs., or
on shipments that require special equipment. This will enable sufficient tiem to
schedule the carrier that will provide the most economical and timely service.
Contact Corporate Traffic 1-888-TOO-SHIP (866-7447).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
               HIGH VALUE PRODUCTS, AIR RIDE OR PADDED VAN SERVICE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>
TWI Mayflower       Call traffic (408) 235-6053, for scheduling and transit 
                    time details.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<CAPTION>
        NEXT FLIGHT OUT, MESSENGER, AND/OR COURIER SERVICE WITHIN THE US
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>
All weights         Sonic Air call the local office, if no local office call 
                    1-800-528-6070
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<CAPTION>
                            AIR FREIGHT WITHIN THE US
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   WEIGHT                      SERVICE                           CARRIER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                                          <C>
 1 - 70 lbs.    Priority Overnight - 10:30 AM Next Day
                Priority Overnight - 3:00 PM Next Day        Federal Express
                 Economy Service - 4:30 PM Second Day
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 70 lbs.    Priority Overnight - 10:30 AM Next Day
                Standard Overnight - 4:00 PM Next Day
                     Two Day - 4:00 PM Second Day         Eagle USA Air Freight
                   Deferred Air - 3-5 day delivery
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<CAPTION>
          GENERAL ROUTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   WEIGHT                     SERVICE                            CARRIER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                                          <C>
 1 - 50 Kgs.                Regular Air                      Federal Express
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 All Weights     Next Flight Out or Courier Service     Schencker International*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 50 Kgs.        Regular Air or Consolidation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


* Shipments over 50 Kgs. to or from Japan must be routed via Nippon Express.





<PAGE>   110


                                  ATTACHMENT 7

                         TRANSIT TIMES FOR U.S. CARRIERS


SELECT CARRIER BY REFERING TO GUIDANCE PROVIDED ON PAGE ONE. USE TABLE BELOW TO
ENSURE TRANSIT TIME OF SERVICE MEETS DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 US TIMETABLE         SHIPMENT       SAME-DAY         1 DAY         2 DAYS         3 DAYS        4 DAYS       5 DAYS        6 DAYS
                        SIZE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
Sonicair Courier    All - see f.   Nationwide     Nationwide
Next Flight Out
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonicair Ground     All - see e.   50 miles of
Courier Local                      AMAT
                                   Sites
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Express     1-100 lbs,                    Up to 350      350 to        Over 1,000
Express Saver       see d.                        miles of       1,000 miles   miles of
                                                  origin         of origin     origin
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------        
Federal Express     Over 151                      Up to 350      350 to        Over 1,000
Express Saver       lbs., see d.                  miles of       1,000 miles   miles of                  Federal Express          
Freight                                           origin         of origin     origin           Express Saver Service commitment  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                 by 4:30 PM             
Viking Freight      Over 100                      All points in  CA to metro   Colorado             or by close of business.      
Sys.                lbs.                          CA ex          areas in      Springs, CO                                        
Between CA, AZ,                                   Calexico.      AZ, NV,                        
OR.                                               Reno, NV       OR,
                                                                 Denver, CO
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CF Motor Freight    Over 100                                                   AZ, ID,        CO, MT,      IL, IN, KS,   DC, DE,
Between Santa       lbs.                                                       NV, OR,        NM, UT       KY, LA,       FL, GA,
Clara and States                                                               WA                          MI, MN,       LA, MA,
                                                                                                           MO, ND,       MD, ME,
                                                                                                           NE, OH,       MS, NC,
                                                                                                           OK, SD,       NH, NJ,
                                                                                                           TN, WI,       NY, PA,
                                                                                                           WY            RI, SC,
                                                                                                                         TX, VA,
                                                                                                                         VT, WV
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CF Motor Freight    Over 100                                                   AR, LA,        AL, CO,      AZ, CT,
between Austin      lbs.                                                       NM, OK         FL, GA,      DC, DE,
and States                                                                                    IA, IL,      ID, MA,
                                                                                              IN, KS,      MD, ME,
                                                                                              KY, MI,      MN, MO,
                                                                                              MS, NC,      MT, ND,
                                                                                              SC, UT,      NE, NH,
                                                                                              WI, WY       NJ, NV,
                                                                                                           NY, OH,
                                                                                                           OR, PA,
                                                                                                           RI, SD,
                                                                                                           TN, VA,
                                                                                                           VT, WA,
                                                                                                           MV
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

a.       General guidelines call 1-888-TOSHIP for additional information.
b.       Viking Freight Systems use for all intrastate California LTL. Can be
         used for Western States Listed.
c.       Express Saver Freight Program should be used for all appropriate
         non-local intra Texas shipments.
d.       Express Saver program should be used for appropriate packages under 100
         lbs.
e.       Sonic Ground Courier Service can be used for sameday shipments in local
         area of AMAT sites in Santa Clara, Milpitas, Austin, Dallas, Phoenix,
         and Boston.
f.       Next Flight Out service is used for extremely urgent shipments. Check
         with carrier for delivery commitment. Consider Federal Express or Eagle
         if commitment is after 10:30 AM next day.



<PAGE>   111




                                  Attachment 8

                              Intentionally Omitted




<PAGE>   112









                                  Attachment 9

                              Intentionally Omitted




<PAGE>   113


                                  ATTACHMENT 10

                         Applied Materials Incorporated

                              PRELIMINARY QNRR FORM



SUPPLIER NAME: _________________________________  DATE: ________________________


P/N: ___________________________________________  SQE: _________________________



================================================================================
QNRR Number:
                                               _________________________________

================================================================================
Levels:  Please check one                      1.       Critical  [ ]
                                               2.       Major     [ ]
See Page 3 of 3 for level descriptions         3.       Minor     [ ]
================================================================================
Brief Description:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

================================================================================
*  This QNR requires corrective action         1.  CA Approved:  [ ]; 
   (CA).  Please return this form with             Applied Materials must sign 
   signature to within ________ working            page 2 of 3 to confirm 
   days.                                           approval.

                                               2.  CA Disapproved: [ ]; 
                                                   Explain below

                                                   Applied Materials Explain 
                                                   Briefly:
*  Applied Materials to review CA and           ________________________________
   Approve or Disapprove based on fact.         ________________________________
   Applied Materials must inform supplier       ________________________________
   by returning this form with status           ________________________________
   checked and explained within fourteen        ________________________________
   working days.                                ________________________________

================================================================================








<PAGE>   114


================================================================================
CA to correct Discrepancy:  Explain

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

================================================================================
Preventative Measures Described:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

================================================================================
Scheduled Completion Date:                 _____________________________________

Supplier Signature:                        _____________________________________

Applied Materials Approval Signature:      _____________________________________

================================================================================







<PAGE>   115


                                  ATTACHMENT 10

                         Applied Materials Incorporated

                           LEVELS OF CORRECTIVE ACTION


LEVEL                                   NATURE
- -----                                   ------

1.    CRITICAL                          HAZARDOUS TO HUMAN SAFETY; OR VITAL TO
                                        FUNCTIONALITY OF END PRODUCT THUS NON-
                                        CONFORMANCE IN MEETING THE REQUIRED
                                        SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACTUAL
                                        AGREEMENTS. EXAMPLES: IMPROPER HEAT
                                        TREATEMENT OF CERAMIC MECHNICAL MOTOR
                                        MECHANISM, INOPERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM,
                                        EXPLOSIVE COMPONENTS, ETC.

2.    MAJOR                             A NON-CONFORMANCE RELATED TO THE
                                        REQUIRED FUNCTIONALITY SPECIFICATIONS
                                        AND/OR NON-CONFORMANCE TO CONTRACTUAL
                                        AGREEMENTS. EXAMPLES: CHEMICAL
                                        REACTION (RUST), INOPERATIVE MECHANISM,
                                        PCBAS.

3.    MINOR                             A NON-CONFORMANCE TO THE FUNCTIONALITY
                                        OF PARTS/MECHANISMS WHICH ARE NOT
                                        SHOW STOPPERS. EXAMPLES: CHEMICAL
                                        REACTION (RUST), DENTS, SCRATCHES, LOOSE
                                        HINGE.




<PAGE>   116

                                  ATTACHMENT 12

<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>                     <C>                                               <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Applied Materials                                  ENGINEERING CHANGE NOTICE                         ECN No.
     COMMODITY:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             MODEL No.    CHARGE No.   CONTRACT No.       PROGRAM NAME                      Sheet 1 of
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          ECN             CLASS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            ---------------------------------
DATA ENTRY REQUIRED             REASON FOR CHANGE      ECP No.             Requester      TYPE    I [ ]      II [ ]   RCD [ ]
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doc [ ]   Bom [ ]   Part [ ]                                                             Routine  Incorporate
- -----------------------------                          -----------------------------------------  
DATA ENTRY REQUIRED                                    Customer Approval     Date         Urgent  Changes by
- -----------------------------                          -----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------
Doc [ ]   Bom [ ]   Part [ ]                                                           Emergency
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Parts Disposition Codes
                                                                           --------------------------------------------------------
           DOCUMENT(S) AFFECTED                       PART(S) AFFECTED     1.       Use part as is (no action)  

                                                                           2.       Rework part/build to change

                                                                           3.       Scrap part (do not use) 
   
                                                                           4.       See special instruction    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Change
                                                      Effectivity
Document   Current    New    L/U             Part     (S/N, Qty,
Number     Rev        Rev    Rev    TITLE    Number   Dates)               FP/RR             OPEN (OP)       Comp (CP) Cloased (CL)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Not Started   In Kitting  10 Mfg.  In Stock    Shipped
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

===================================================================================================================================

DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Project Engineer    Date    Mfg. Engineer   Date   Production Control    Date    ECN Checked by            Date
                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     
REQUIRED                                                                                             ------------------------------
                                                                                                     Incorporated by           Date
                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPROVALS           Quality Engineer    Date    Configuration   Date   Program Manager       Date
                                                                                                     Incorporation ck'd by     Date
                                                                                                     ------------------------------

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

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   117


                                  ATTACHMENT 13


APPLIED MATERIALS                               SUPPLIER PROBLEM SHEET  95-0957

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date         Vendor                        Originator              Telephone No.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Number                                Part Description


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contract/Spot Buy  (circle one)            Purchase Order No.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     PROBLEM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 APPLIED ACTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROBLEM     NAME                           DATE                       RETURN
WILL BE                                                            RESPONSE TO
RESOLVED                                                            ORIGINATOR
BY:                                                                 WITHIN 24
                                                                      HOURS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



<PAGE>   118






                                  Attachment 14

                              Intentionally Omitted




<PAGE>   119









                                  Attachment 15

                              Intentionally Omitted




<PAGE>   120



                                  Attachment 16



                           CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE



"I certify that on _________________________ the ____________________ furnished
the supplies or services called for under the Applied Materials' Purchase
Contract Number ________________________________ via _______________________ on
________________________________________________________ in accordance with all
applicable requirements. I further certify that the supplies or services are of
the quality specified and conform in all respects with the contract
requirements, including specifications, drawings, preservation, packaging,
packing, marking requirements and physical item identification (part number),
and are in the quantity shown on this or on the attached acceptance document."


Date of Execution:



Signature:

Name & Title:



********************************************


Instructions:

The _____ signed certificate shall be attached to or included on the top copy of
the inspection or receiving report provided to Applied Materials ar the time of
delivery. In addition, a copy of the signed completed certificate shall also be
maintained at the ______ facility and will be made available to Applied
Materials' representatives upon request.





<PAGE>   121

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                  Attachment 17





                                [**] CALCULATION






                                      [**]





<PAGE>   122

                             NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
                             Applied Materials, Inc.


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC., a Delaware corporation (including its subsidiaries,
"Applied"), having its principal offices in Santa Clara, California and MKS
Instruments, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation,("Recipient") having its
principal offices in Andover, Massachusetts, hereby agree as follows:

I.       IDENTIFICATION OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

         A.       Applied may disclose to Recipient the following types of
                  information: SEE ATTACHMENT 1.

         B.       The information described in A. above shall be deemed
                  "Confidential Information" if:

                  (1) in the case of a written disclosure, Applied affixes to
the document an appropriate legend, such as "Proprietary" or "Confidential", and

                  (2) in the case of an oral or visual disclosure, Applied makes
a contemporaneous oral statement or delivers to Recipient a written statement
within thirty (30) days to the effect that such disclosure is confidential or
the like.

         C.       "Confidential Information" does not include information that:
(1) becomes a matter of public knowledge through no fault of Recipient, (2) is
rightfully received by Recipient from a third party without restriction on
disclosure, (3) is independently developed by Recipient without the use of
Applied's Confidential Information or (4) is in the possession of Recipient
prior to its disclosure by Applied.

         D.       Each party's Nondisclosure Agreement ("NDA") Coordinator serve
as the principal contact for the disclosure or receipt of Confidential
Information. Applied's NDA Coordinator will be MICHAEL BERKLAW and Recipient's
NDA Coordinator will be LEO BERLINGHIERI.

II.      USE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

         Recipient shall use the Confidential Information only for the purpose
of (1) determining whether to enter into a transaction with Applied, (2)
purchasing or using products or services supplied by Applied or (3) providing
products or services to Applied. Absent a written agreement to the contrary, all
information generated or derived by Recipient in connection with any such
transaction or provisions of goods or services shall be deemed Confidential
Information for purposes of this Agreement.

III.     RESPONSIBILITIES OF RECIPIENT

         A.       Recipient agrees (1) to disclose Confidential Information only
to those of its employees who have a need to know such information, are informed
of its confidential nature and agree to comply with this Agreement, (2) not to
disclose Confidential Information to any third party, except pursuant to a
lawful judicial, administrative or governmental order after providing Applied an
opportunity to avoid or limit such disclosure, (3) to protect the Confidential
Information with at least the degree of care with which it protects its own
confidential information, but in no case with less than a reasonable degree of
care and (4) to notify Applied promptly of any breach of this Agreement.

         B.       Within thirty (30) days of a written request by Applied,
Recipient shall (1) destroy or return to Applied all documents received from
Applied that contain Confidential Information, all documents it may have created
that reveal or are based on any Confidential Information, and all copies of the
foregoing (except for one copy which may be kept by Recipient's legal department
or outside attorneys for archival purposes only), and (2) deliver to Applied a
certificate stating that Recipient has complied with such requests.

IV.      DISCLOSURE PERIOD AND CONFIDENTIALITY PERIOD

         A.       The period during which Applied may disclose Confidential
Information under this Agreement shall begin on the date of the first disclosure
of Confidential Information (which may be prior to the date of this Agreement)
and shall end on _______ (if no date is specified, the period shall end three
(3) years from the date this Agreement was signed). Either party may terminate
the Agreement by giving the other party ten (10) days' written notice.

         B.       The obligations set forth in Articles II and III shall (1)
termination five (5) years from the date of this Agreement and (2) survive the
termination or expiration of this Agreement.




<PAGE>   123


V.       MISCELLANEOUS

         A.       Recipient shall not acquire intellectual property rights from
Applied other than by a separate written agreement. Nothing in this Agreement
shall be deemed to create any obligation to disclose Confidential Information.
The Confidential Information is accepted "as is" by Recipient without any
warranty of noninfringement or of any other sort by Applied or any of Applied's
agents, advisers, consultants or contractors.

         B.       This Agreement does not create any partnership, joint venture
or agency between the parties.

         C.       Before exporting or reexporting any Confidential Information,
Recipient must comply with all applicable regulations of the U.S. Department of
Commerce Office of Export Administration and/or other applicable agencies.

         D.       This Agreement is the complete and exclusive statement of the
understanding between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications. It may be amended only
by a writing signed by both parties.

         E.       This Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced according to
the laws of the State of California (exclusive conflict of law rules).




APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.                        MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.      
                                               (Print Name of Recipient)


By: /s/ Joe Cestari                            By: /s/ Leo Berlinghieri
    -------------------------------------          -----------------------------
    Name (print) Joe Cestari                       Name (print) Leo Berlinghieri
    Title: Sr. Director-Chemical Delivery          Title: Corporate VP, Customer
           SMO Operations                                  Support

Date: 10/23/98                                 Date: 12-22-98        
                        
                                               Please circle one:     Customer  
                                                         Supplier     Consultant







<PAGE>   1

          Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
        Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.


                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18

                             PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL
                                   MEMORANDUM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


TO:
FROM:             George Manning
DATE:
SUBJECT:          1999 Management Incentive Program

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


The amount of bonus you may be eligible to earn under the Management Incentive
Program in 1999 will be dependent on the consolidated net income achieved by the
Corporation for calendar year 1999. Consolidated net income means the
consolidated net profits of the Corporation and its subsidiaries after payment
by the Corporation of bonuses to all employees of the Corporation, contributions
by the Corporation to the Retirement Plan on behalf of all employees of the
corporation (in the United States who are eligible to participate in the
Retirement Plan), and before payment by the Corporation of all income taxes.

If our consolidated net income for 1999 ends up less than ***********, you will
not earn a bonus. If the consolidated net income is ************ or greater, you
will earn a bonus in the amount shown on the attached table. However, in no
event can your bonus exceed 200% of your targeted bonus for 1999.

In order to receive a payout under this Plan, we must be successful in keeping
our non-direct employment at current levels and maintaining tight controls over
our spending. In addition, our 1999 net sales must meet or exceed our 1998 net
sales. For example, if our annual net sales for 1999 were approximately equal to
our annual net sales for 1998, you could receive approximately 10% of your
targeted bonus amount. If we were able to grow our net 1999 sales to
approximately *** more than our net 1998 sales, you could receive approximately
50% of your targeted bonus amount. And at *** growth over last year, with good
cost control measures in place, you could expect to receive your full targeted
bonus amount. The consolidated net income objectives are based on current
financial conditions. Significant changes in those conditions could cause our
net income objectives to be appropriately revised based on new circumstances.

In order to participate in this management Incentive Program, you must be
actively employed by MKS Instruments, Inc. as of December 31, 1999.

       THIS INFORMATION IS EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS
                  SUCH. YOU SHOULD NOT DIVULGE THIS INFORMATION
                   INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.


GM: 99-4200:jg
Attachments
                                     Six Shattuck Road, Andover, MA 01810
logo                                 Telephone (978) 975-2350 Fax (978) 975-3756
<PAGE>   2

CONFIDENTIAL MATERIALS OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND
                EXCHANGE COMMISSION. ASTERISKS DENOTE OMISSIONS.
                            PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

                        1999 MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM
                CALENDAR YEAR 1999 CONSOLIDATED NET PROFIT TABLE
                         (JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 1999)


         YOUR TARGET BONUS IS 40% OF YOUR 1999 BASE COMPENSATION, WHICH
            WILL BE FULLY ACHIEVED IF CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME BEFORE
                 TAXES REACHES ****M. AT ****M CONSOLIDATED NET
                   INCOME BEFORE TAXES, YOU WOULD RECEIVE 200%
                      OF YOUR TARGET BONUS, WHICH WOULD BE
                       80% OF YOUR 1999 BASE COMPENSATION.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Consolidated Net Income %*                          Percent of Target Bonus Earned
             --------------------------                          ------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>
                    < $********                                                0%
                    $**********                                               10%
                    $**********                                               25%
                    $**********                                               35%
                    $**********                                               50%
                    $**********                                               65%
                    $**********                                               75%
                    $**********                                               90%
                    $**********                                               100%
                    $**********                                               125%
                    $**********                                               150%
                    $**********                                               175%
                    >$*********                                               200%
</TABLE>

*Consolidated net income worldwide, before taxes.


        THIS INFORMATION IS EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL AND SHOULD BE TREATED
                AS SUCH. YOU SHOULD NOT DIVULGE THIS INFORMATION
                   INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.



<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.26

                             CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


         This CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is entered into as of
March ___, 1999 between MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC., a Massachusetts corporation (the
"Parent"), and the persons listed on SCHEDULE A attached hereto (individually a
"Stockholder" and collectively the "Stockholders"). Each of the Stockholders
owns shares of capital stock of MKS International, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation and a subsidiary of Parent ("MKS International") and/or MKS
Instruments France S.A. ("MKS France"). MKS International and MKS France are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Subsidiaries" and each individually
as a "Subsidiary."

         WHEREAS, the Parent has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with a firm commitment
underwritten public offering (the "IPO") of shares of its common stock, no par
value ("Common Stock");

         WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, the Parent will list its Common
Stock for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market System; and

         WHEREAS, the Stockholders and the Parent believe that, in order to
facilitate the IPO, the Subsidiaries, to the maximum extent allowed under 
applicable law, should be owned by the Parent;

         NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agree as follows:

         1.   CONTRIBUTION OF SHARES OF SUBSIDIARIES. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Contribution Agreement, each of the Stockholders hereby
agrees that, effective immediately prior to the closing of the IPO (the
"Closing"), all of his, her or its interest in all shares of the Subsidiaries
owned by him, her or it (the "Shares") shall be contributed, transferred,
conveyed, assigned and delivered to the Parent or its designee. At the Closing
each Stockholder shall deliver to the Parent certificates evidencing the Shares
owned by such Stockholder duly endorsed in blank or with stock powers duly
executed by such Stockholder.

         2.   FURTHER ASSURANCES. At any time and from time to time after the
Closing, at the Parent's request and without consideration, each of the
Stockholders shall promptly execute and deliver such instruments of
contribution, transfer, conveyance, assignment and confirmation, and take all
such other action as the Parent may reasonably request, more effectively to
transfer, convey and assign to the


<PAGE>   2
Parent or its designee, and to confirm the Parent's or its designee's title to,
all of the Shares owned by such Stockholder, and to assist the Parent in
exercising all rights with respect thereto and to carry out the purpose and
intent of this Agreement.



         3.   REPRESENTATIONS OF THE STOCKHOLDERS. Each Stockholder severally 
represents and warrants to the Parent as follows:

            (a) Except as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto, such 
Stockholder has good and marketable title to the Shares which are to be
transferred to the Parent by such Stockholder pursuant hereto, free and clear of
any and all covenants, conditions, restrictions, voting trust arrangements,
liens, charges, encumbrances, options and adverse claims or rights whatsoever.
SCHEDULE A attached hereto sets forth a true and correct description of all
Shares owned by such Stockholder.

            (b) Except as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto, such 
Stockholder has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and to transfer, convey and assign to the Parent at the Closing the Shares to be
contributed by such Stockholder hereunder and, upon consummation of the IPO, the
Parent or its designee will acquire from such Stockholder good and marketable
title to such Shares, free and clear of all covenants, conditions, restrictions,
voting trust arrangements, liens, charges, encumbrances, options and adverse
claims or rights whatsoever.

            (c) Except as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto, such 
Stockholder is not a party to, subject to or bound by any agreement or any
judgment, order, writ, prohibition, injunction or decree of any court or other
governmental body which would prevent the execution or delivery of this
Agreement by such Stockholder or the transfer, conveyance and assignment of the
Shares to be contributed by such Stockholder to the Parent or its designee
pursuant to the terms hereof.



                                        2
<PAGE>   3


         4.   MISCELLANEOUS.

         4.1  COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several 
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
counterparts collectively shall constitute an instrument representing the
Agreement between the parties hereto.

         4.2  CONSTRUCTION OF TERMS. Nothing herein expressed or implied is 
intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon or give any person, firm or
corporation, other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and
assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

         4.3  GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and the legal relations between the 
parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to
Massachusetts choice of law rules.

         4.4  AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION. This Agreement may be amended, 
modified or supplemented only by a written agreement executed by the parties.

         4.5  ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall 
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns, but neither this Agreement nor any
of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of
the Stockholders without the prior written consent of the Parent.

         4.6  INTERPRETATION. The section headings contained in this Agreement 
are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the
parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.

         4.7  SEVERABILITY. In the event that any one or more of the provisions 
of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any
respect, the same shall not in any respect affect the validity, legality or
enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement, and the parties shall use
their best efforts to replace such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions
with an enforceable provision approximating, to the extent possible, the
original intent of the parties.


                                        3
<PAGE>   4


         4.8  ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties hereto in respect to the subject matter contained
herein. There are no representations, promises, warranties, covenants, or
undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. This
Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and the understandings between the
parties with respect to such subject matter.

         4.9  NOTICES. All notices provided for in this Agreement shall be 
validly given if in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered mail,
postage prepaid

      if to the Parent, to:

      President
      MKS Instruments, Inc.
      6 Shattuck Road
      Andover, MA  01810

      copy to:
      Richard S. Chute
      Hill & Barlow
      One International Place
      Boston, MA  02110

      If to any Stockholder, to the address appearing under such Stockholder's 
name on Exhibit A attached hereto, or at such other address provided by such 
Stockholder in writing to the Parent.


         4.10 TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall terminate and be 
void, as if it never had been executed, if the Closing shall not have occurred 
on or before July 31, 1999


                                        4
<PAGE>   5


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

                                           MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.

     
                                           By:_________________________________
                                              Ronald C. Weigner, Vice President
                                              and Chief Financial Officer


                                           STOCKHOLDERS


                                           ___________________________________
                                           John R. Bertucci


                                           ___________________________________
                                           Claire R. Bertucci


                                           ___________________________________
                                           John J. Sullivan

                                           ___________________________________
                                           Richard S. Chute


                                           ___________________________________
                                           Bernard Martin


                                           Claire R. Bertucci Second Family 
                                           Trust of December 15, 1986 FBO 
                                           Carol B. Bertucci


                                           By:________________________________
                                                  John R. Bertucci, Trustee

                                           By:________________________________
                                                  Thomas H. Belknap, Trustee



                                        5
<PAGE>   6


                                             Claire R. Bertucci Second Family 
                                             Trust of December 15, 1986 FBO 
                                             Janet C. Bertucci


                                             By:________________________________
                                                    John R. Bertucci, Trustee

                                             By:________________________________
                                                   Thomas H. Belknap, Trustee

                                             John R. Bertucci Second Family 
                                             Trust of December 15, 1986 FBO 
                                             Carol B. Bertucci


                                             By:________________________________
                                                  Claire R. Bertucci, Trustee


                                             By:________________________________
                                                   Richard S. Chute, Trustee


                                             John R. Bertucci Second Family 
                                             Trust of December 15, 1986 FBO 
                                             Janet C. Bertucci


                                             By:________________________________
                                                   Claire R. Bertucci, Trustee

                                             By:________________________________
                                                   Richard S. Chute, Trustee



                                        6
<PAGE>   7





                                   SCHEDULE A

                                  STOCKHOLDERS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       MKS International        MKS France
                                                          Shares Owned         Shares Owned

<S>                                                          <C>                     <C>
John R. Bertucci                                              2,315.0                 5.0
  c/o MKS Instruments, Inc.
  6 Shattuck Road
  Andover, MA 01810

Claire R. Bertucci                                            2,205.0                 5.0
  c/o MKS Instruments, Inc.
  6 Shattuck Road
  Andover, MA 01810

Claire R. Bertucci Second Family Trust of                       233.5                   0
  December 15, 1986 f/b/o Carol B. Bertucci
  c/o Hill & Barlow
  One International Place
  Boston, MA 02110

Claire R. Bertucci Second Family Trust of                       233.5                   0
  December 15, 1986 f/b/o Janet C. Bertucci
  c/o Hill & Barlow
  One International Place
  Boston, MA 02110

John R. Bertucci Second Family Trust of                         233.5                   0
  December 15, 1986 f/b/o Carol B. Bertucci
  c/o Hill & Barlow
  One International Place
  Boston, MA 02110

John R. Bertucci Second Family Trust of                        233.5                   0
  December 15, 1986 f/b/o Janet C. Bertucci
  c/o Hill & Barlow
  One International Place
  Boston, MA 02110

John J. Sullivan                                               250.0                   0
  c/o MKS Instruments, Inc.
  6 Shattuck Road
  Andover, MA 01810

Richard Chute                                                      0                 4.0
  c/o Hill & Barlow
  One International Place
  Boston, MA 02110

Bernard Martin                                                     0                 5.0
  c/o MKS Instruments France s.a
  43, Rue du Commandant Rolland
  B.P. 41
  F-93352 le Bourget, Cedex                 
</TABLE>




                                        8
<PAGE>   8



                                   SCHEDULE B

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     We consent to the inclusion in this Amendment No. 2 to the registration
statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-71363) of our report dated January 22, 1999,
except for the information in the first and second paragraph of Note 13, as to
which the date of January 28, 1999 and February 24, 1999, respectively, on our
audit of the consolidated financial statements and our report dated January 22,
1999 on our audit of the financial statement schedule of MKS Instruments, Inc.
We also consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Experts" and
"Selected Consolidated Financial Data."
    
 
                                            /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
                                            PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
   
March 12, 1999
    


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